National Alfred Hitchcock Day (March 12)

ByClare Brown Updated on
Hollywood Walk of Fame star with ALFRED HITCHCOCK inscription.

National Alfred Hitchcock Day on March 12 is a fun excuse to revisit some of the most famous suspense films ever made.

Known as the Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock shaped modern thrillers with his slow tension, unexpected twists, and unforgettable scenes.

From eerie soundtracks to shocking plot turns, his movies are still watched and talked about decades later.

It’s one of those special holidays in March that film lovers actually love celebrating.

When is the Holiday?

It’s observed every year on March 12. The date isn’t tied directly to his birth or death, which adds to the mystery, but it’s become a recognized day among film fans and movie historians.

Who Invented the Holiday?

There’s no official founder.

Like many pop-culture holidays, it seems to have grown naturally from fan communities, film schools, and classic movie lovers who wanted a day to spotlight Hitchcock’s impact.

Black and white portrait of film director Alfred Hitchcock in a suit.

A Bit of History

Hitchcock was born in London in 1899 and began his career in silent films before becoming one of Hollywood’s most successful directors.

Across more than 50 years of filmmaking, he pushed suspense into new territory, blending everyday settings with psychological fear and unexpected twists.

Movies like Psycho, Rear Window, and Rebecca changed how thrillers were made and are still studied in film schools today.

Original movie poster for Alfred Hitchcock’s Blackmail.

Top 5 Facts About the Holiday

  1. Hitchcock’s first American film, Rebecca (1940), won Best Picture. Despite his many acclaimed films, it was the only one to take home the Academy Award for Best Picture.
  2. He directed the first British “talkie.” Hitchcock’s 1929 film Blackmail was the first British movie to feature synchronized dialogue, showcasing his innovative approach to storytelling.
  3. He was knighted… sort of. Hitchcock was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1980, but he passed away before he could officially receive the honor.
  4. Hitchcock had a fear of the police. He once revealed that his deep-rooted fear of law enforcement stemmed from a childhood punishment when his father sent him to the local police station as a lesson.
  5. His personal favorite film was Shadow of a Doubt (1943). Although fans debate his greatest work, Hitchcock often cited this psychological thriller as the one he was most proud of.
Alfred Hitchcock holding a clapperboard on the set of the film Psycho.

Coloring Page

This Alfred Hitchcock coloring page lets kids and film fans celebrate the Master of Suspense while learning about a legendary movie director.

National Alfred Hitchcock Day Coloring Page
Alfred Hitchcock Coloring Sheet

Activities to Celebrate the Day

Set aside some time to watch a few of Hitchcock’s most famous films, starting with the early classics and working your way into his later thrillers. It’s fun to spot the tension-building moments he became known for, especially the slow reveals and unexpected twists.

You could turn it into a casual trivia night, quizzing friends or family on memorable scenes, surprise endings, or even his quick cameo appearances in many of his movies.

For a quieter celebration, reading about how he planned shots and built suspense gives you a new appreciation for just how carefully his films were crafted.

Or lean into the atmosphere with a themed movie night, adding vintage-style snacks, dim lighting, and a cozy setup that feels straight out of an old cinema.

Vintage movie poster for Alfred Hitchcock’s film Vertigo featuring James Stewart and Kim Novak.

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Links to Resources

  • Hitchcock: The Ultimate Collection. A must-have for any Hitchcock fan, this collection features some of his greatest films, including Psycho, The Birds, Rear Window, and more, along with bonus features that provide behind-the-scenes insights.
  • Who Was Alfred Hitchcock?. This engaging biography from the popular Who Was? book series offers a kid-friendly introduction to Hitchcock’s life, career, and the impact he had on the world of cinema.
  • Alfred Hitchcock’s Ghostly Gallery Book. A collection of eerie and suspenseful short stories selected by Hitchcock himself, perfect for fans who enjoy a touch of the macabre with their reading.
Blue historical plaque marking the former home of film director Alfred Hitchcock, covered with ivy.

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National Alfred Hitchcock Day March 12