10 Movies and Shows Similar to Family Plot (1976)

Description: Like 'Family Plot', 'Dial M for Murder' is a crime thriller with a focus on plotting and deception. Both films feature intricate plans that go awry, showcasing Hitchcock's love for clever, twisty narratives. The confined settings in both movies heighten the tension and focus the audience's attention on the characters' interactions.

Fact: The film was originally shot in 3D, though most audiences saw it in 2D. Grace Kelly's performance in the film helped establish her as a major star. Hitchcock considered remaking the film in color later in his career.

Description: Like 'Family Plot', 'Rear Window' is a Hitchcock thriller that blends suspense with elements of dark humor. Both films involve ordinary people getting entangled in criminal activities, showcasing Hitchcock's signature storytelling style where the mundane meets the sinister. The visual aesthetics in both films are meticulously crafted to build tension and engage the audience.

Fact: 'Rear Window' was shot entirely on a single set, which was one of the largest ever built at Paramount Studios at the time. James Stewart, the lead actor, was suffering from severe back pain during filming, which limited his mobility and added to his character's frustration. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Director for Hitchcock.

Description: 'Vertigo' shares with 'Family Plot' a focus on psychological complexity and obsession, hallmarks of Hitchcock's later works. Both films explore themes of deception and identity, with characters who are not what they seem. The visual style in 'Vertigo', particularly the use of color and camera techniques to convey disorientation, is reminiscent of the clever cinematography in 'Family Plot'.

Fact: 'Vertigo' was initially a box office disappointment but is now considered one of Hitchcock's masterpieces. The film's famous dolly zoom effect, used to simulate vertigo, was invented specifically for this movie. Kim Novak, who played the female lead, was not Hitchcock's first choice for the role.

Description: This film, like 'Family Plot', is a blend of thriller and comedy, featuring mistaken identity and a protagonist caught in a web of intrigue. Both films showcase Hitchcock's ability to balance suspense with lighter moments, creating an engaging and entertaining narrative. The iconic set pieces in 'North by Northwest' are similar to the memorable sequences in 'Family Plot'.

Fact: The crop-duster scene, where Cary Grant is attacked by a plane, was filmed over several weeks with no dialogue. The film's screenplay went through numerous revisions, with contributions from several writers. The Mount Rushmore finale was controversial and had to be approved by the National Park Service.

Description: 'Psycho' and 'Family Plot' both delve into the darker aspects of human nature, with crime and psychological manipulation at their cores. Hitchcock's use of suspense and surprise in 'Psycho' is mirrored in 'Family Plot', where the audience is kept guessing until the end. The films also share a focus on flawed, complex characters.

Fact: 'Psycho' was made on a very low budget and shot in black and white to save money. The shower scene, one of the most famous in cinema history, took seven days to film. Hitchcock bought the rights to the novel anonymously to keep the plot twists secret.

Description: Both 'The Birds' and 'Family Plot' feature ordinary settings disrupted by inexplicable events, creating a sense of unease and suspense. Hitchcock's mastery of building tension is evident in both films, with 'The Birds' using natural elements to evoke fear, while 'Family Plot' relies on human deceit. The films also share a focus on strong female characters.

Fact: The bird attacks were created using a combination of real birds, mechanical birds, and optical effects. Tippi Hedren, the lead actress, was actually injured by a bird during filming. The film's eerie sound effects were created using an electronic instrument called the Mixtur-Trautonium.

Description: 'Marnie' and 'Family Plot' both explore themes of deception and psychological trauma, with complex female protagonists at their centers. Hitchcock's nuanced portrayal of these characters and their motivations is a key similarity. The films also share a visual richness, with careful attention to color and composition.

Fact: Sean Connery, fresh from his success as James Bond, was cast against type as the male lead. The film was criticized upon release for its portrayal of mental illness and sexuality. Hitchcock originally wanted Grace Kelly to come out of retirement to play Marnie.

Description: Like 'Family Plot', 'Torn Curtain' is a thriller with elements of espionage and intrigue. Both films feature protagonists who must navigate dangerous situations using their wits. Hitchcock's signature suspense techniques are on full display in both movies, with tight pacing and unexpected twists.

Fact: The film marked the end of Hitchcock's collaboration with composer Bernard Herrmann. Paul Newman and Julie Andrews, the leads, were not Hitchcock's first choices. The famous farmhouse killing scene was unusually violent for a Hitchcock film.

Description: 'Topaz' and 'Family Plot' both involve intricate plots with multiple characters and shifting allegiances. Hitchcock's storytelling in both films is dense and requires audience attention to follow the twists. The films also share a Cold War-era sensibility, with espionage and political intrigue playing key roles.

Fact: 'Topaz' was based on a real-life espionage scandal. The film had multiple endings shot, as Hitchcock was unsure which one worked best. It was one of Hitchcock's least successful films commercially.

Description: 'Frenzy' and 'Family Plot' are both later Hitchcock films that return to his roots in crime and suspense. Both movies feature dark humor and a focus on the criminal underworld. The films also share a more modern, gritty visual style compared to Hitchcock's earlier works.

Fact: 'Frenzy' was Hitchcock's first British film in over 20 years. The film features one of Hitchcock's most gruesome murder scenes. It was a return to form for Hitchcock after a series of less successful films.