Best Alfred Hitchcock Films, Ranked - MovieWeb
Best Alfred Hitchcock Films, Ranked · 12 Frenzy (1972) · 11 Marnie (1964) · 10 The 39 Steps (1935) · 9 The Birds (1963) · 8 To Catch a Thief (1955).
The Birds
At times hilariously goofy, romantic, and most of all, terrifying, <anchor>The Birds</anchor> will stand the test of time despite the clunk of its special effects because of how convincingly terrifying the attacks become. Hitchcock is a director who was known for his bluntness and brutality but no director of his stature was willing to put every character in danger, including school children, like Hitchcock was. The Birds is a testament to horror films with an iconic performance from the legendary Tippi Hedren.
The Birds (1963) | MovieWeb
The Birds (1963) \| MovieWeb

# MovieWeb

Menu

[![MovieWeb logo](/public/build/images/mw-logo-full-colored-light.svg?v=3.0)](/)

Sign in now

Close

- NewsSubmenu  - [New Trailers](/trailers/)
  - [Movie News](/movie-news/)
  - [TV News](/tv-news/)
  - [Marvel News](/mcu-news/)
  - [DC News](/tag/dcu-news/)
- GenresSubmenu  - [Action](/tag/action/)
  - [Comedy](/tag/comedy/)
  - [Fantasy](/tag/fantasy/)
  - [Horror](/tag/horror/)
  - [Sci-Fi](/tag/sci-fi/)
  - [Westerns](/tag/western/)
- What To WatchSubmenu  - [Apple TV+](/tag/apple-tv-plus/)
  - [Criterion Collection](/tag/criterion-collection/)
  - [Disney+](/tag/disney-plus/)
  - [Hulu](/tag/hulu/)
  - [Max](/tag/hbo-max/)
  - [Netflix](/tag/netflix/)
  - [Paramount+](/tag/paramount-plus/)
  - [Prime Video](/tag/prime-video/)
  - [Shudder](/tag/shudder/)
  - [Tubi](/tag/tubi/)
- [Franchise Database](/fc/movies/) Submenu  - [DC Movies](/fc/movies/dc/)
  - [Indiana Jones](/fc/movies/indiana-jones/)
  - [James Bond](/fc/movies/007---james-bond/)
  - [Jurassic Park](/fc/movies/jurassic-park/)
  - [Marvel Movies](/fc/movies/marvel/)
  - [Star Wars Movies](/fc/movies/star-wars/)
  - [Studio Ghibli](/fc/movies/studio-ghibli/)
- [Videos](/videos/)
- [Threads](/threads/)
- MoreSubmenu  - [Movie Database By Year](/movies/2024/)
  - [Features](/features/)
  - [Movie Lists](/movie-lists)
  - [TV Lists](/tv-lists/)
  - [Interviews](/celebrity-interviews/)
  - [Reviews](/movie-reviews/)

- Sign in
- [Newsletter](/page/newsletter/)

Trending[2024 Movie Release Calendar](/movies/2024/#2024-08)[New To Streaming](/best-new-movies-watch-streaming-now/)[What To Watch](/what-to-watch/)[Best Movies In Theaters](/best-movies-right-now-in-theaters/)[New in September](/september-2024/)

Close

# The Birds (1963)

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

close

Please verify your email address.

Send confirmation email

close

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

[Manage Your List](/profile/following/)

Follow

Followed

Follow with Notifications

Follow

Unfollow

A wealthy San Francisco socialite pursues a potential boyfriend to a small Northern California town that slowly takes a turn for the bizarre when birds of all kinds suddenly begin to attack people.

\+ See More


![The Brids](https://static1.moviewebimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mv5bmtaxnda1odc5mdleqtjeqwpwz15bbwu4mdg2mda4otex-_v1_.jpg)

##### The Birds

PG-13

Horror

Drama

Mystery

**Release Date**
March 29, 1963


**Director**[Alfred Hitchcock](/person/alfred-hitchcock/)

**Cast**



Rod Taylor
, Tippi Hedren
, Jessica Tandy
, Suzanne Pleshette
, Veronica Cartwright




**Runtime**


1hr 59min




**Main Genre**[Horror](/tag/horror/)

**Studio**


Alfred J. Hitchcock Productions




**Writers**



Daphne Du Maurier
, Evan Hunter




## Summary

Melanie Daniels is the modern rich socialite, part of the jet-set who always gets what she wants. When lawyer Mitch Brenner sees her in a pet shop, he plays something of a practical joke on her, and she decides to return the favor. She drives about an hour north of San Francisco to Bodega Bay, where Mitch spends the weekends with his mother Lydia and younger sister Cathy. Soon after her arrival, however, the birds in the area begin to act strangely. A seagull attacks Melanie as she is crossing the bay in a small boat, and then, Lydia finds her neighbor dead, obviously the victim of a bird attack. Soon, birds in the hundreds and thousands are attacking anyone they find out of doors. There is no explanation as to why this might be happening, and as the birds continue their vicious attacks, survival becomes the priority.


Expand

## latest

[![grizzly1976](https://static1.moviewebimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/grizzly1976.jpeg)](/wild-animal-movies-best-scary/)

##### [10 Wild Animal Movies That Will Keep You Out of the Woods Forever](/wild-animal-movies-best-scary/ "10 Wild Animal Movies That Will Keep You Out of the Woods Forever")

[jaws](/jaws/ "jaws")

From killer sharks to massive boars, here are 10 movies about dangerous beasts that will keep viewers under the safety of their blankets.

By [Artie Ghosh](/author/aritra-ghosh/ "Posts by Artie Ghosh")

Dec 15, 2021

[![The Birds Remake Gets Director Diederik Van Rooijen](https://static1.moviewebimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/article/6hwJIuFTDa729qlwJQdBLcooMz802Q.jpg)](/the-birds-remake-gets-director-diederik-van-rooijen/)

##### [The Birds Remake Gets Director Diederik Van Rooijen](/the-birds-remake-gets-director-diederik-van-rooijen/ "The Birds Remake Gets Director Diederik Van Rooijen")

[Casting News](/casting-news/ "Casting News")

Michael Bay is producing this update of the seminal 1963 Alfred Hitchcock horror classic about a small California town that is attacked by birds.

By [Brian Gallagher](/author/brian-gallagher/ "Posts by Brian Gallagher")

Feb 28, 2014

[![The Omen](https://static1.moviewebimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/article-content/AMWm3NpFMJHtiUYEZthJOb68JntaZk.jpg)](/10-essential-classics-you-must-see-before-watching-the-visitor/)

##### [10 Essential Classics You Must See Before Watching The Visitor](/10-essential-classics-you-must-see-before-watching-the-visitor/ "10 Essential Classics You Must See Before Watching The Visitor")

[Quentin Tarantino](/person/quentin-tarantino/ "Quentin Tarantino")

Drafthouse Films releases a remastered version of the lost classic this November. Delve into its influences, from Star Wars to The Birds.

By [B. Alan Orange](/author/b-alan-orange/ "Posts by B. Alan Orange")

Nov 8, 2013

[![The Visitor Halloween Re-Release Poster](https://static1.moviewebimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/article/JClUrJR51t5fkFOJhofkBkRsK3SzEA.jpg)](/the-visitor-halloween-re-release-poster/)

##### [The Visitor Halloween Re-Release Poster](/the-visitor-halloween-re-release-poster/ "The Visitor Halloween Re-Release Poster")

[Movie News](/movie-news/ "Movie News")

Drafthouse Films presents the remastered, uncut thriller from 1979. See the classic as it was meant to be seen this Halloween.

By [B. Alan Orange](/author/b-alan-orange/ "Posts by B. Alan Orange")

Oct 9, 2013

[![The Stooge Concept Art Teases 3 Roger Rabbit Shorts with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck](https://static1.moviewebimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/article/XQDzrCqXWb9ueoZijnjuGSUYNDzaJe.jpg)](/the-stooge-concept-art-teases-3-roger-rabbit-shorts-with-mickey-mouse-and-donald-duck/)

##### [The Stooge Concept Art Teases 3 Roger Rabbit Shorts with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck](/the-stooge-concept-art-teases-3-roger-rabbit-shorts-with-mickey-mouse-and-donald-duck/ "The Stooge Concept Art Teases 3 Roger Rabbit Shorts with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck")

[Movie News](/movie-news/ "Movie News")

All 3 animated shorts are parodies of Alfred Hitchcock movies that will utilize various Disney characters including Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.

By [B. Alan Orange](/author/b-alan-orange/ "Posts by B. Alan Orange")

Apr 22, 2013

[![Dark Skies International Quad Poster](https://static1.moviewebimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/article/s3keaK2EtIu4MM42GfaP9QUFgkP5sG.jpg)](/dark-skies-international-quad-poster/)

##### [Dark Skies International Quad Poster](/dark-skies-international-quad-poster/ "Dark Skies International Quad Poster")

[Movie News](/movie-news/ "Movie News")

A strange flock of birds attack a quaint suburban home in this poster for director Scott Stewart's thriller.

By [Brian Gallagher](/author/brian-gallagher/ "Posts by Brian Gallagher")

Feb 13, 2013

[![Hitchcock Trailer](https://static1.moviewebimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/article/9Tykm6KKmFrUUSrl8CM24uDOuGPAGF.jpg)](/hitchcock-trailer/)

##### [Hitchcock Trailer](/hitchcock-trailer/ "Hitchcock Trailer")

Anthony Hopkins stars in this upcoming biopic that follows the life and loves of Alfred Hitchcock, in theaters November 23rd.

By [B. Alan Orange](/author/b-alan-orange/ "Posts by B. Alan Orange")

Oct 10, 2012

[![The Girl Trailer](https://static1.moviewebimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/article/zAYWPiB35FIk29traoGnBKlYsf045x.jpg)](/the-girl-trailer/)

##### [The Girl Trailer](/the-girl-trailer/ "The Girl Trailer")

Toby Jones and Sienna Miller star as Alfred Hitchcock and Tippi Hedren in this upcoming HBO Films biopic.

By [Brian Gallagher](/author/brian-gallagher/ "Posts by Brian Gallagher")

Aug 25, 2012

[![Universal Pictures 100th Anniversary Logo](https://static1.moviewebimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/article-content/tGECFANuEOEYGv46z2QjVLP8ERXmkY.jpg)](/universal-pictures-celebrates-100th-anniversary-with-restoration-of-13-classic-films/)

##### [Universal Pictures Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Restoration of 13 Classic Films](/universal-pictures-celebrates-100th-anniversary-with-restoration-of-13-classic-films/ "Universal Pictures Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Restoration of 13 Classic Films")

[jaws](/jaws/ "jaws")

The studio has unveiled a new logo, with classic films such as Jaws and E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial getting fully restored

By [Brian Gallagher](/author/brian-gallagher/ "Posts by Brian Gallagher")

Jan 10, 2012

[![MW](https://static1.moviewebimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mw.png)](/hyde-park-on-the-hudson-begins-principal-photography/)

##### [Hyde Park on the Hudson Begins Principal Photography](/hyde-park-on-the-hudson-begins-principal-photography/ "Hyde Park on the Hudson Begins Principal Photography")

[Bill Murray](/person/bill-murray/ "Bill Murray")

Bill Murray stars as President Franklin Roosevelt in this drama about the King and Queen of England's historic visit to America in 1939.

By [Brian Gallagher](/author/brian-gallagher/ "Posts by Brian Gallagher")

Jul 28, 2011

[![MW](https://static1.moviewebimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mw.png)](/severin-films-believes-in-birdemic-shock-and-terror/)

##### [Severin Films Believes in Birdemic: Shock and Terror](/severin-films-believes-in-birdemic-shock-and-terror/ "Severin Films Believes in Birdemic: Shock and Terror")

[Casting News](/casting-news/ "Casting News")

This a new romantic thriller from James Nguyen.

By [Evan Jacobs](/author/evan-jacobs/ "Posts by Evan Jacobs")

Feb 5, 2010

[![MW](https://static1.moviewebimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mw.png)](/naomi-watts-to-star-in-universals-the-birds-remake/)

##### [Naomi Watts to Star in Universal's the Birds Remake](/naomi-watts-to-star-in-universals-the-birds-remake/ "Naomi Watts to Star in Universal's the Birds Remake")

[Casino Royale (2006)](/movie/casino-royale-2006/ "Casino Royale (2006)")

Casino Royale's Martin Campbell in negotiations to direct.

By [MW Staff](/page/about/ "Posts by MW Staff")

Oct 18, 2007

[![MW](https://static1.moviewebimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mw.png)](/exclusive-jonathan-king-has-a-bloody-good-time-with-black-sheep/)

##### [Jonathan King Has a Bloody Good Time with Black Sheep \[Exclusive\]](/exclusive-jonathan-king-has-a-bloody-good-time-with-black-sheep/ "Jonathan King Has a Bloody Good Time with Black Sheep [Exclusive]")

[Dawn of the Dead (2004)](/movie/dawn-of-the-dead/ "Dawn of the Dead (2004)")

The director has made the ultimate, when animals attack, horror film!

By [Evan Jacobs](/author/evan-jacobs/ "Posts by Evan Jacobs")

Jun 15, 2007

[![MW](https://static1.moviewebimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mw.png)](/jim-carrey-virginia-madsen-and-joel-schumacher-count-to-the-number-23/)

##### [Jim Carrey, Virginia Madsen and Joel Schumacher Count to The Number 23](/jim-carrey-virginia-madsen-and-joel-schumacher-count-to-the-number-23/ "Jim Carrey, Virginia Madsen and Joel Schumacher Count to The Number 23")

[batman forever (1995)](/movie/batman-forever/ "batman forever (1995)")

The trio talk about their latest thriller.

By [MW Staff](/page/about/ "Posts by MW Staff")

Feb 19, 2007

[![MW](https://static1.moviewebimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mw.png)](/andrew-form-and-brad-fuller-on-friday-the-13th-and-more/)

##### [Andrew Form and Brad Fuller On Friday the 13th and More](/andrew-form-and-brad-fuller-on-friday-the-13th-and-more/ "Andrew Form and Brad Fuller On Friday the 13th and More")

[Friday the 13th](/friday-the-13th/ "Friday the 13th")

The horror/thriller producers talk about their future projects.

By [MW Staff](/page/about/ "Posts by MW Staff")

Jan 7, 2007

[![MW](https://static1.moviewebimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mw.png)](/universal-signs-platinum-dunes-to-a-2-year-deal/)

##### [Universal Signs Platinum Dunes to a 2-Year Deal](/universal-signs-platinum-dunes-to-a-2-year-deal/ "Universal Signs Platinum Dunes to a 2-Year Deal")

[Amityville Horror (1979)](/movie/the-amityville-horror/ "Amityville Horror (1979)")

Will develop remakes of the films The Hitcher, Near Dark and The Birds.

By [MW Staff](/page/about/ "Posts by MW Staff")

Oct 6, 2006

[![MW](https://static1.moviewebimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/mw.png)](/universal-remakes-the-birds/)

##### [Universal remakes The Birds](/universal-remakes-the-birds/ "Universal remakes The Birds")

[Amityville Horror (1979)](/movie/the-amityville-horror/ "Amityville Horror (1979)")

...revamping the Alfred Hitchcock classic

By [Brian B.](/author/brian-b/ "Posts by Brian B.")

Apr 26, 2005

[![MovieWeb logo](/public/build/images/mw-logo-symbol-white.svg?v=2.4)](/)

- [Join Our Team](/work-with-us/)
- [Our Audience](/page/advertise/)
- [About Us](/page/about/)
- [Press & Events](/page/press-events/)
- [Contact Us](/contact/)

- Follow Us

[![Valnet Logo](/public/build/images/valnet-logo-icon-white.svg?v=2.4)](https://www.valnetinc.com/en/)

- [Advertising](https://www.valnetinc.com/en/advertising)
- [Careers](https://www.valnetinc.com/en/careers)
- [Terms](https://www.valnetinc.com/en/terms-of-use)
- [Privacy](https://www.valnetinc.com/en/privacy-policy)
- [Policies](https://www.valnetinc.com/en/editorial-integrity)

[MovieWeb](/) is part of the
[Valnet Publishing Group](https://www.valnetinc.com/en/)

Copyright © 2024 Valnet Inc.