Psycho is too scary for young kids and many older kids, but older kids who don't mind getting a little scared will love this one. One of Alfred Hitchcock's best movies - a gripping, classy horror movie. Completely perfect from beginning to end.
Psycho
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Horror masterpiece definitely isn't for young kids.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 15 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Psycho was written by Sarah Wenk
Parents need to know that this is one of the scariest movies ever made, even though it's far less explicit than a lot of what's in theaters now. Still, this is a frightening movie, and judgment should be used about which children will enjoy it and which will find it disturbing. The famous shower scene never shows the knife touching flesh, but it's still terrifying. There are also several very frightening scenes involving a corpse. On a less scary note, a character steals money from her boss' client, and a couple is shown post-sex, though they are clothed. That said, this is a classic of filmmaking, one of the most influential and respected films ever made. It's terrifying and brilliant, and families with older children can enjoy the scares together.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about Hitchcock's style and techniques, and the way he uses the camera and lighting to tell the story. It's fun to go back over the film and look for clues to the ending, too.
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More on Psycho
What’s the Story?
In this Hitchcock classic, Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) steals money from her boss' client and skips town. She drives for hours, then, exhausted and nervous, stops in a remote area at the Bates Motel, run by Norman Bates (a delightfully creepy Anthony Perkins). Norman is cheerful, but he's nervous and hiding something. He invites Marion to share some dinner with him and mentions his overbearing mother (whose silhouette is seen in a window of the big looming house that sits on the hill just above the motel). Norman's hobby is taxidermy, and he also happens to have in his possession the extra key to Marion's room. ...
Is It Any Good?
PSYCHO is a classic, and for good reason. Everything about this film 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. Anyone who considers themselves a film buff must see this one. 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
Studio: Universal Studios, Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Run time: 109 minutes
Theatrical release: 8/2/1960, DVD release: 9/2/2003
MPAA Rating: NR
Run time: 109 minutes
Theatrical release: 8/2/1960, DVD release: 9/2/2003
MPAA Rating: NR
Our Members Say
See all 37 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
Classic horror!
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I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
one of the best movies of all times
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
Psycho
All I have to say is... MASTERPIECE! Alfred Hitchcock = God.
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I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Amazing thriller, but extemely scary!
It is not extremely bloody, but just right.This is by far the scariest movie I have ever seen. It is so real, and could easily happen. I do not see why this site says for 15+, although it is only PG.
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Negative role models
Awesome!
It is considered a horror movie, but the scariest part is the shower scene, which is not that scary, if at all scary. (I can't even see why it is rated r.) Nevertheless, though, it is my favorite movie ever.
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
A Great Movie to watch at a friend's house
This is a good classic scary movie to watch at a friend's house or on Halloween night. It is thrilling, spooky, and somewhat disturbing because of Hitchcock's filming technique, the script, lighting, etc. The woman in the movie who is killed during the famous shower murder scene exposes her bra at least three times. The beginning of the movie shows she and her lover waking up after intercourse. Violence is unexpectedly absent during the movie. I definitely suggest it.
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
Classic horror must see
First off, i have a hard time calling this a horror because there arent many scary scenes. God knows how the movie got an R rating. There is virtually no gory violence shown like in movies like Halloween or SAW. It is a kid safe horror movie that may even bore some viewers. Watch it and post what you think...
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I rate this title off for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Negative role models
This movie is awesome, and sooo scary despite the lack of gore. Not for kids, but teens will love it.
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Negative role models
Not Scary At All!!!
It wont be scary as long as you tell your kids that the blod is actuly Hersheys syrup. ( it is! )
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Lives in Ohio -
I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
#1
The #1 movie in history. This was the beginning of cult classic slasher. Before Jason Voorhees(Friday the 13th), Freddy Kruger(A Nightmare on Elm Street), Leatherface(The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), Chucky(Child's Play), and Michael Myers(Halloween). I LOVED THE SHOWER SCENE.
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I rate this title on for age 15 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
aaawwweeesssooommmeee!
If there was a word powerful enough to discribe how scary this movie was, I'd use it. Excellent, brilliant, and thoughtful.
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I rate this title off for age 15 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
HORRIBLE
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I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
13 year olds can handle it.
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I rate this title on for age 16 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
This classic Hitchock horror is a masterpiece. And in the beginning there is clearly a post-sex moment, but other than that and the few mildly violent scenes, and just the creepy feeling you get from Norman Bates from the first momnet with him to the last, this movie is a must see for thrill seeking teens and tweens!
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I rate this title on for age 14 and give it
Psycho is a classic that should be remembered from this day on.
I just finished watching Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho and I must say it's very impressive. The acting was phenomenal and the movie was like an adult version of Nancy Drew. While the content hear is very mild, I recommend this to mature teens or adults. Younger children and teenagers will find this boring because they are used to buckets of blood or excessive nudity. Adults will be entertained between the dialogue and the movie will be easy for them to follow. For sexual content, there is a sex scene but it's not explicit and it doesn't last long either. A woman changes her clothes in two scenes but we only see her bra. A woman is seen taking a shower, but we don't see any actual nudity. For violence, there are actually only two murders and they are implied. Minimal blood is shown in one of the murders. For profanity, there is rarely any swearing. A few mild obscenities but no swearing is heard. I recommend Psycho to children or adults that are mature enough to take a smart, well-made thriller.
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I rate this title pause for age 16 and give it
=[
im sorry but i dont like this at all.i dont really see what ur beniffitting from this cuz it doesnt teach ur kids anything.i say this is a waste of money.
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I rate this title on for age 14 and give it
One of Hitchcock's weakest films
It's not as amusing or thrilling as his previous works. A must-see only because of its reputation.
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
One of my Favorite Films of All Time
Perfect for any horror fan. Parents won't have to worry about sex, language, or gore, but keep in mind the film is very scary. This is probably okay for kids 13 and up.
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