Hitchcock would be 125 - These are Alfred Hitchcock's most popular films.
Nearly 80 percent of adults in Germany have seen at least one film by Alfred Hitchcock, and around 70 percent consider him one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. This is according to a representative survey by the market research institute YouGov, conducted in honor of the filmmaker's 125th birthday (August 13th). Born in England in 1899, Hitchcock died in Los Angeles in 1980.
Only a few consider Hitchcock "overrated"
Two-thirds of respondents find Alfred Hitchcock's films "still exciting today," while only 23 percent think they are "too old-fashioned," and just 16 percent consider his films "overrated."
The most well-known and beloved Hitchcock film in Germany is the thriller "The Birds" with Tippi Hedren. When asked which of the listed Hitchcock films they like, 72 percent chose this 1963 cinema release.
The film, based on a short story by Daphne du Maurier, creates a claustrophobic apocalyptic atmosphere as birds attack humans against their nature.
"Psycho" ahead of "To Catch a Thief"
Following "The Birds" in popularity are "Psycho" and "Rear Window" (both 63 percent), and "Dial M for Murder" and "To Catch a Thief" (both 59 percent).
"To Catch a Thief," starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly, was originally titled "To Catch a Thief" and was filmed more in Cannes and Monaco than in Nice.
Grace Kelly also stars in the thriller "Dial M for Murder," and appears in "Rear Window," which also features James Stewart.
In "Psycho," Anthony Perkins plays the mentally ill Norman Bates, with the legendary shower scene being one of the most famous scenes in film history.
"The Man Who Knew Too Much" ahead of "Vertigo"
45 percent like "The Man Who Knew Too Much" with James Stewart and Doris Day, and the assassination scene in London's Royal Albert Hall. This is followed by "Marnie" with 40 percent and the psychological thriller "Vertigo" (39 percent) with James Stewart and Kim Novak. "Frenzy" and "Topaz" follow with 31 and 27 percent respectively.
The rate of those who know the films varies. While 84 percent have seen "The Birds," only 45 percent have seen "Vertigo."
And this is what the respondents said:
The data used is based on an online survey by YouGov Deutschland GmbH, conducted between July 29th and 30th, 2022, with 2,109 participants aged 18 and over. The results are representative of the German population aged 18 and over.
One question asked: Alfred Hitchcock directed more than 50 feature films. Have you ever seen a film by Alfred Hitchcock?
- No, never: 12% - Yes, once: 15% - Yes, several times: 40% - Yes, many times: 23% - No answer: 10%
A list of the most well-known Hitchcock films was also presented. The missing 100 percent at the end are the values for the answer "I don't like it."
Please indicate to what extent you like the following listed films by Alfred Hitchcock.
- "The Birds": 72% - "Psycho": 63% - "Rear Window": 63% - "Dial M for Murder": 59% - "To Catch a Thief": 59% - "North by Northwest": 50% - "The Man Who Knew Too Much": 45% - "Marnie": 40% - "Vertigo": 39% - "Frenzy": 31% - "Torn Curtain": 27%
Sum of those who say "I haven't seen the film", "I've seen the film but can't remember it", and those who didn't respond:
- "The Birds": 16% - "Psycho": 24% - "Rear Window": 32% - "Dial M for Murder": 36% - "To Catch a Thief": 37% - "North by Northwest": 47% - "The Man Who Knew Too Much": 52% - "Marnie": 53% - "Vertigo": 55% - "Frenzy": 63% - "Torn Curtain": 68%
The European Commission's initiative could potentially inspire more Germans to explore Hitchcock's digital archives.
The high regard for Alfred Hitchcock in Germany can be seen in the popularity of his films, with "The Birds" being the most beloved.
