Time Out Names Alfred Hitchcock's 'North by Northwest' the Best Thriller Ever
As a movie genre designed to get your heart pounding, thrillers include some of the most beloved films, including The Silence of the Lambs, Psycho, Taxi Driver, Seven, and Rear Window. While all those films are iconic for good reason, Alfred Hitchcock's legendary North by Northwest has recently beaten them all to be named the greatest thriller ever.
Who Named 'North by Northwest' the 'Best Thriller Movie of All Time'
In February 2026, the widely respected digital publication Time Out updated its ranking of the greatest thrillers in movie history. The outlet named the iconic Alfred Hitchcock film North by Northwest as the "best thriller movie of all time." Released in 1959 and starring Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint, the film was immediately respected and won three Oscars. Still, it has become even more celebrated over time.
The ultimate film about someone being in the wrong place at the wrong time, North by Northwest focuses on an ad executive who is mistaken for a ruthless spy. Facing mortal danger, he goes on the run with a gorgeous woman as the story unfolds across the Midwest, Chicago, New York, and even Mount Rushmore. Beautifully shot, the movie is packed with memorable visuals, with the most famous example being the shot of Cary Grant running from a crop duster.
Time Out described North by Northwest as "more exhilarating, sexier, or packed with iconic moments" than any other thriller ever made. While that is a huge compliment, it is far from the only time that the movie's greatness has been pointed out. Another extremely impressive accolade the film has received is when it was named the 45th "best film of all time" by the British Film Institute.
The Top 25: Time Out's List of the "Best Thriller Movies of All Time"
- No. 25 Blue Velvet (1986)
- No. 24 The Big Sleep (1946)
- No. 23 Rififi (1955)
- No. 22 The Killing (1956)
- No. 21 The Conversation (1974)
- No. 20 LA Confidential (1997)
- No. 19 The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
- No. 18 Seven (1995)
- No. 17 Taxi Driver (1976)
- No. 16 Mulholland Drive (2001)
- No. 15 Vertigo (1958)
- No. 14 The Fugitive (1993)
- No. 13 Kiss Me Deadly (1955)
- No. 12 Zodiac (2007)
- No. 11 Double Indemnity (1944)
- No. 10 Les Diaboliques (1955)
- No. 9 The Maltese Falcon (1941)
- No. 8 The 39 Steps (1935)
- No. 7 The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
- No. 6 Touch of Evil (1958)
- No. 5 Reservoir Dogs (1992)
- No. 4 The Third Man (1949)
- No. 3 Chinatown (1974)
- No. 2 M (1931)
- No. 1 North by Northwest (1959)
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This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 6, 2026 at 12:01 PM.