Tools for this page
Print

Psycho

(1960, Rated NR, Thriller, Starring Vera Miles, Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Horror masterpiece definitely isn't for young kids.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 15 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    One character has some major mother issues, and the other ones aren't innocent, either.
  • Violence:

    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.
  • Sex:

    Sex goes hand in hand with violence, although nothing revealing is shown. A couple is shown post-sex, though they are clothed.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Psycho

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.

Read our full review by Sarah Wenk

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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.

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Psycho?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 34 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    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.

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Negative message
    • 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.

  3. I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0

    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.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 3.0

    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...

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title off for age 12 and give it 4.0
    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.

  6. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0
    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! )

  7. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0

  8. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Negative message

    #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.

  9. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Negative message

    aaawwweeesssooommmeee!

    If there was a word powerful enough to discribe how scary this movie was, I'd use it. Excellent, brilliant, and thoughtful.

  10. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title off for age 15 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    HORRIBLE

  11. I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 3.0

    13 year olds can handle it.

  12. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 16 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message

  13. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    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!

  14. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0

    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.

  15. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give it 4.0

    =[

    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.

  16. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 3.0

    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.

  17. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Alabama
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  18. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

  19. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in New Hampshire
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Classic...

    My father was watching this on a Saturday in January. I don't know WHY he let me watch it, but it was good. I like old Horror movies...the new ones are incredibly violent, not that I've seen any of them. This is not as good as "the Spiral Staircase", which I think was a Hitchcock movie. The shower scene kinda freaked me out, and I never would've guessed what would happen in the end...Mr. Hitchcock is an excellent film maker. We watched one of his movies last night called "Rope", which was about the dangers of the liberal point of view(that you are superior to everyone else). Basically, the 2 main characters killed a guy, thinking they were superior to him and he was useless, but they eventually got caught. Seeing as we're Republicans, it's a very good lesson for us. Anyway, Psyco was good, though not recommended for kids under 12. I can handle it, though.

  20. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0

    Classic

    This is the best horror film of all time. And it's not even that violent! Theres a few scenes including the classic shower scene and the death on stairs scene that may frighten little kids.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Must See TV

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Game of the Week

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Virtual Chinese New Year with perfectly designed games.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name