Hitchcock’s Only R-Rated Films Just Hit Netflix — Here’s Why You Can’t Miss This Double Feature
If you’re looking for a wild double feature this weekend, Netflix has just the thing: Alfred Hitchcock’s only R-rated movies, Psycho and Frenzy, are now streaming! These two films not only showcase the legendary director at his most daring, but also highlight just how much cinema changed between the 1960s and 1970s. Ready to dive into the world of classic thrillers and see what all the fuss is about?
- Hitchcock’s Psycho and Frenzy are both now available on Netflix
- Discover what makes these two R-rated movies so groundbreaking
- Explore how cinema’s boundaries shifted in just over a decade
- Learn why these films still matter today
Psycho: The Iconic Thriller That Changed Everything
Ask anyone to name a Hitchcock movie and odds are, they’ll say Psycho first. Even if you’ve never seen it, you probably know about the infamous shower scene or the twist that left audiences stunned back in 1960. While Psycho wasn’t rated R at release (the MPAA rating system didn’t exist yet), it officially got that rating in 1984. The movie pushed boundaries with its storytelling, suspense, and even a now-legendary shot of a flushing toilet — a first in Hollywood! (source)
But here’s the thing: Psycho is more than just its shock value. It’s the performances, the writing, and the chilling tension that make it a must-watch. Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates is unforgettable, especially in that quietly intense conversation with Marion Crane about “private traps.” Even knowing the twists, the movie still delivers.
And if you want to read more about how Psycho changed cinema, check out this deep dive:
How Psycho changed cinema and society.
Frenzy: Hitchcock Goes Full R-Rated
Jump forward to 1972 and you get Frenzy — Hitchcock’s only movie released with an R rating right from the start. This film is a different beast: more graphic, more lurid, and definitely more controversial. While Frenzy still follows Hitchcock’s classic “wrong man” formula, it’s set in a much more permissive era for cinema, and it doesn’t hold back. The film opens with a naked corpse floating down the Thames and includes scenes that were unthinkable just a decade earlier.
What’s wild is how much Frenzy echoes Psycho — serial killers, shocking murders, and a blend of horror with dark humor. But where Psycho was forced to be subtle, Frenzy goes for broke, sometimes to disturbing effect. There’s even a scene that critics have called “ridiculous” for its over-the-top depiction of a murder victim.
Want more about the book that inspired Frenzy? Here’s the background:
Goodbye Piccadilly, Farewell Leicester Square.
How Cinema Changed in a Decade
The real magic of watching Psycho and Frenzy back-to-back is seeing how quickly art and society shifted. The Hays Code, which once dictated what could be shown on screen (read more), was gone by the time Frenzy hit theaters. Suddenly, Hitchcock could show things he only hinted at in Psycho. The result? Two movies that feel totally different, yet totally Hitchcock.
And if you’re curious about Hitchcock’s famous cameos, here’s a fun resource:
The Hitchcock Cameos.
Why You Should Watch Both on Netflix Now
Psycho and Frenzy aren’t just classics; they’re a crash course in film history, showing how one director adapted to a changing world. Whether you’re a horror buff, a Hitchcock fan, or just looking for something bold to stream, this double feature is essential viewing. Catch them both now on Netflix and see for yourself why these movies still spark conversation decades later!
