A Beginner’s Guide to the Psycho Franchise

The Fantasy Review‘s beginner’s guide to the Psycho Franchise.

Overview

The Psycho franchise is a series of horror movies that explores the story of Norman Bates, a motel owner with a dark past. Get ready for some great twists, suspenseful atmosphere, and scenes with one of the most interesting and iconic psychopaths in horror.

Which Movies to Watch First

It’s probably best to start with the first movie, Psycho (1960) and watch the rest of the movies in release date order. You won’t want to be spoiled on major twists in the narrative. Once you have seen all the movies, then watch Bates Motel, which is a prequel TV show to the original movie.

If you want to watch the TV show first, that’s alright and a pretty good way to start with the franchise too.

Movies & TV (Release Date Order)

Movies

1. Psycho (1960)
2. Psycho II (1983)
3. Psycho III (1986)
4. Bates Motel (1987)
5. Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990)
6. Psycho (1998)

TV

1. Bates Motel Season 1 (2013)
2. Bates Motel Season 2 (2014)
3. Bates Motel Season 3 (2015)
4. Bates Motel Season 4 (2016)
5. Bates Motel Season 5 (2017)

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