Common Sense Media Review
Iconic Hitchcock movie still thrills; sex, suspense, blood.
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Psycho
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 48 parent reviews
Parents say that this classic film, while not graphically violent by today’s standards, contains themes and scenes that might be disturbing for younger viewers, particularly due to its intense atmosphere and moments of implied violence. Many believe it suitable for teenagers, praising its craftsmanship and ability to build suspense, though some parents recommend caution for sensitive children or those under 13.
- classic film
- suitable for teens
- intense atmosphere
- suggest caution
- limited violence
- masterful craftsmanship
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 175 kid reviews
Kids say the film is a classic that blends suspense and horror but isn't as violent as many contemporary movies, making it suitable for tweens and up. While the iconic shower scene is noted for its intensity, most viewers agree the film's true terror lies in its psychological depth rather than graphic violence.
- suitable for tweens
- minimal violence
- psychological depth
- classic suspense
- iconic scene
- appropriate for kids
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In PSYCHO, Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) steals money from her boss' client and skips town. She drives for hours and then, exhausted and nervous, stops in a remote area at the Bates Motel, run by Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). Norman is cheerful, but he's also 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?
This Hitchcock film is a classic, and for good reason. So much of Psycho is perfection, from the gorgeous black-and-white cinematography to the performances to the famous Bernard Herrmann soundtrack. Even today, the movie has some of the most suspenseful and thrilling scenes you'll ever see. There's some real violence in this film, but it's not at all explicit, making it in some ways scarier than modern gore-fests.
The film works on many levels. It has a jump scare or two, but more than that, it's a psychological mystery with themes of love—romantic and familial—threaded throughout. The screenplay is top-notch, but Hitchcock is the real star, manipulating viewers in every frame, making Psycho ripe for repeat viewing. There's always something new to see. Though it does carry some markers of its time, with transphobic images and a portrayal of mental illness that's become stereotypical over time, it's still a great way to introduce older kids to Hitchcock. Families can hold discussions around Psycho's legacy (both the good and the bad), and the viewing may spark interest in his other genre-defining films.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Hitchcock's directorial style and how he uses the camera and lighting to tell the story. What film techniques did you notice while watching Psycho for the first time? In a rewatch, do you notice any clues to the ending you missed the first time?
Much of the violence in this movie is implied rather than shown, unlike so many horror movies that have been released since Psycho. Does implied violence seem scarier to you than graphic violence? Why, or why not?
Why do you think this movie is considered a "classic"? Which aspects of the film hold up today, and which parts feel outdated, if any?
How is mental illness portrayed in the media? Does Psycho follow those trends? Did it perhaps even start some of those stereotypes? Do you know people living with mental illnesses in real life? How do the film's "disturbed" characters compare?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 16, 1960
- On DVD or streaming : September 2, 2003
- Cast : Anthony Perkins , Janet Leigh , Vera Miles
- Director : Alfred Hitchcock
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , History
- Run time : 109 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : March 14, 2026
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