There’s a reason Alfred Hitchcock is still talked about with awe decades after his heyday. The man didn’t just make thrillers—he practically invented the rulebook for them. Whether it was turning everyday things into pure nightmares or diving deep into the minds of his characters, Hitchcock had a knack for making the audience squirm, lean in, and sometimes hold their breath. His movies weren’t just scary; they were clever, stylish, and often way ahead of their time.

His works redefined the way people thought about storytelling in film. Trying to pick only a handful of “must-watch” Alfred Hitchcock films is a bit like choosing the best slice of cake at a French patisserie. Why? Because it’s almost impossible. Still, twelve of his movies stand tall. While the range of his work is massive, here are twelve unforgettable gems that show why he remains the king of suspense.