Parents' Guide to

Psycho

Movie NR 1960 109 minutes
Psycho Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Sarah Wenk , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Classic Hitchcock horror masterpiece still thrills.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 12+

Based on 49 parent reviews

age 14+

A perfect film

One of my favorite movies of all time! And my favorite thriller of all time! It is scary, mysterious, and don't even get me started on the ending! I could ramble on for hours about how amazing this film is but I'll save you the time and give you two words. "Watch it!"
age 9+

Absolutely Beautiful.

I vividly remember the profound moment when I shared this incredible experience with my 9-year-old son. It was a miraculous turn of events when he, seemingly inexplicably, overcame his advanced stage 5 terminal cancer of unknown origin. Even the baffled medical experts were at a loss to explain the sudden remission. Equally astounding was my own swift recovery from schizophrenia upon witnessing the chillingly unforgettable shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece, "Psycho". The impact of this iconic film on our lives was nothing short of extraordinary. It was as if the artistry and suspense of the movie had a healing power that transcended the boundaries of conventional medicine. The sheer brilliance of the cinematic narrative, coupled with the impeccable performances and direction, captivated us to the core. To describe the film as purely amazing would be an understatement; it was a flawless fusion of storytelling, cinematography, and emotion. I was left in awe of how a single movie could have such a profound effect on our well-being. The rating of 10 out of 10, though seemingly simplistic, certainly does justice to the sheer brilliance and impact of this cinematic marvel. Truly, it was a beautiful experience that reshaped our lives in unforeseen ways, leaving an indelible mark on our souls.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (49 ):
Kids say (164 ):

This Hitchcock film is a classic, and for good reason. Everything about Psycho is perfection, from the gorgeous black-and-white cinematography to every single performance to the famous Bernard Herrmann soundtrack to some of the most suspenseful and frightening scenes ever filmed. If you consider yourself a film buff, this is a must-see. There is some real violence in this film, but it's not at all explicit, making it in some ways scarier than the gore-fests that are so popular now.

It's a film that works on many levels. It's truly scary, but it's also a psychological mystery and a couple of different kinds of love story. All the performances are excellent, and the screenplay is top-notch, but Hitchcock is the real star, manipulating the audience in every frame, making it perfect for repeat viewing -- there's always something new to see. It's a great way to introduce older kids to Hitchcock and may spark interest in his other wonderful films.

Movie Details

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