Alfred Hitchcock’s films continue to shape pop culture, movies, and TV shows, even decades after his passing. He was a rare director who truly changed cinema forever. His impact is still visible today through countless references and homages. Let’s dive into 10 memorable pop culture nods that keep his groundbreaking work alive and thrilling new generations.
10. Scream: “We All Go a Little Mad Sometimes”
It’s always great to see a ’90s slasher classic like Scream pay tribute to an even more iconic Hitchcock film. Wes Craven’s blockbuster hit is full of nods to scary movies. So, it’s fitting that Hitchcock’s masterpiece, Psycho, makes an appearance.
When Billy Loomis, a major horror movie fan, reveals he’s one of the killers, he says, “We all go a little mad sometimes.” This famous line was first spoken by Norman Bates, the unforgettable villain from Psycho. What’s more, Billy’s last name is Loomis. This is the same last name as Sam Loomis, the boyfriend of Norman Bates’s first victim, Marion Crane. That’s certainly no accident! It suggests Bates might have been an inspiration for Billy’s character, who loved horror films and was clearly deeply troubled.
9. Family Guy: “North By North Quahog”
The title of Family Guy’s season 3 opener, “North By North Quahog,” immediately signals a Hitchcock reference. In this episode, Peter steals a script from Mel Gibson’s hotel room. This leads to a chase scene done in the style of North By Northwest. Viewers even get a shot-for-shot remake of the famous crop duster scene.
Later, Peter rescues Lois from Mel Gibson’s house, perfectly mirroring the Mount Rushmore scene from North By Northwest. It’s also worth noting that Seth MacFarlane, the show’s creator, once did a Psycho-themed Oscars promo. So, it’s no surprise his show includes several tributes to Hitchcock throughout its run.
8. Horrible Bosses: Strangers on a Train
The plot of Horrible Bosses shares a clear connection with Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train. The movie even points this out. When the characters played by Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis decide to murder their bosses, they consult a “murder consultant” named Motherf—r Jones, played by Jamie Foxx.
Mr. Jones suggests they each kill another’s boss. This way, the police won’t find a motive, and they’ll all have solid alibis. Jason Sudeikis’s character immediately notes that this is just like the plot of Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train. Funnily, Charlie Day’s character then says that movie stars Danny DeVito. He’s actually thinking of Throw Momma from the Train, which is a parody of Hitchcock’s film. So, he was partly right! The movie’s plot is clearly inspired by Hitchcock and cleverly acknowledges it.
7. The (Not So Great) Hitchcock Remakes
Many directors have tried to honor Hitchcock’s films by creating their own versions. However, very few have truly succeeded. The 2020 Netflix remake of the 1940 classic Rebecca, for example, received a disappointing 41% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics widely agreed it offered nothing new and couldn’t escape the shadow of the original.
We often prefer to forget the nearly shot-for-shot 1998 Psycho remake starring Vince Vaughn. While the 2007 modern take on Rear Window, titled Disturbia, was reasonably well-received, it didn’t quite reach Hitchcock’s level of brilliance. On the other hand, one of the highest-rated Hitchcock “remakes” is actually a parody: Mel Brooks’s High Anxiety. This film hilariously spoofs several Hitchcock movies, including Vertigo, Spellbound, and Psycho. Perhaps the lesson is to avoid direct remakes unless they bring a truly fresh perspective.
6. That ’70s Show: Hitchcock Halloween Episode
If you’re a Hitchcock enthusiast, you’ll love the Halloween-themed episode of That ’70s Show. The entire fourth episode of season three, “Too Old to Trick or Treat, Too Young to Die,” is a funny and light-hearted tribute to Hitchcock’s films.
The episode starts with Fez breaking his leg and ending up in a wheelchair. Much like James Stewart in Rear Window, he uses binoculars to spy on his neighbors and suspects one of them might have murdered his wife. The episode also spoofs Hitchcock’s The Birds, with Kitty struggling to feed a neighbor’s rather unfriendly birds. There’s a nod to Vertigo when Eric develops a fear of heights after nearly falling from a roof. Viewers also get a hilarious reenactment of the famous shower scene from Psycho by Michael and Laurie, and a funny parody of the crop duster scene from North by Northwest.
5. The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror Hitchcock Spoof
Fans of The Simpsons know the show loves a good movie reference, often adding a fresh and funny twist. Over the years, the show has made numerous Hitchcock references, spoofing films like Vertigo, Psycho, Strangers on a Train, North by Northwest, The Birds, and Rear Window.
One of their most notable Hitchcock-themed episodes is Treehouse of Horror XX. This Halloween special features at least five Hitchcock movie references. It even includes a silhouette of Homer, reminiscent of Hitchcock’s TV series Alfred Hitchcock Presents. The Simpsons also cleverly incorporated Hitchcock’s famous cameo appearance in this episode. Hitchcock was known for appearing in over 38 of his own films, a tradition the show playfully continued.
4. Bates Motel: Norman Bates Origin Story
A key lesson from the Psycho spinoff show, Bates Motel, is to be wary of anyone who enjoys taxidermy or staying alone in a secluded motel. The character of Norman Bates became so iconic that 53 years after Psycho’s release, A&E Network created an entire series exploring his backstory.
The show was highly successful. It even featured Rihanna in a guest role, playing the famous character Marion Crane. Bates Motel also re-created the notorious shower scene—with its own unique twist. The series delved into the strange and deeply unsettling relationship between Norman and his mother, Norma. Viewers meet a relatively normal teenage Norman at the start of the series and watch his transformation into the psycho who captivated audiences.
3. Psycho Shower Scene: The Spoofs
Even those who haven’t seen the original 1960 film Psycho are likely familiar with THE shower scene. The shadowy figure behind the curtain, the knife slowly rising, and the unforgettable, screeching musical score—it’s one of the most famous scenes in movie history. Its violence was highly controversial at the time.
It’s no wonder this is Hitchcock’s most spoofed scene. Even Jamie Lee Curtis, whose mother, Janet Leigh, played the victim Marion Crane, has re-enacted it. From cartoons like Looney Tunes to comedies such as High Anxiety and modern series like Bates Motel, countless parodies exist, solidifying its place in cinematic lore.
2. The Beatles: “Eleanor Rigby” Inspired by Psycho Score
Yes, you read that correctly. Many people don’t realize that the dark and edgy strings in the popular Beatles song “Eleanor Rigby” were inspired by the Psycho musical score, known for its almost piercing sound. It’s important to note that the song’s lyrics weren’t inspired by Psycho, but the melody and instrumentals were.
In an interview, George Martin, the Beatles’ producer, revealed that when Paul McCartney suggested using strings for “Eleanor Rigby,” Martin drew inspiration from Hitchcock’s famous score. If you listen to the song, the connection becomes quite clear. “Eleanor Rigby” is a notably darker tune compared to other famous Beatles songs, so it makes sense that its powerful instrumentals were influenced by one of horror’s greatest soundtracks.
1. James Bond: North by Northwest Influence on Bond Franchise
Perhaps one of the least known but most significant pop culture influences of Hitchcock’s movies was on the James Bond franchise, one of the biggest film series of all time. Some refer to North by Northwest as the “first James Bond film,” even though it isn’t officially part of the series. Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond books, even wanted Cary Grant, the star of North by Northwest, to play Bond in the first film. Grant was offered the 007 role after his performance in Hitchcock’s movie but ultimately turned it down.
If you watch North by Northwest, which was released before any Bond film, its major influence on the iconic spy movies is evident. Grant played a suave, well-dressed, charming hero who evades danger in beautiful and exotic locations. This spy thriller had all the elements you see in Bond films: suspense, espionage, a formidable villain, and a mysterious, beautiful woman accompanying the hero. It’s no surprise that subsequent Bond movies followed this successful formula.
Alfred Hitchcock’s genius didn’t just define an era of filmmaking; it continues to echo through our favorite movies and shows. These homages, whether blatant or subtle, are a testament to his lasting power as the Master of Suspense. His ability to thrill, scare, and captivate remains unmatched, ensuring his work will be celebrated for generations to come.
What are your favorite Hitchcock homages in pop culture? Did we miss any? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
