The following contains spoilers for Drop, now playing in theatersDrop is a modern successor to the types of thrillers that Alfred Hitchcock perfected during his career, making these classic entries from that director’s filmography must-watches for fans of the Christopher Landon film. Drop focuses on a widowed mother going on her first date since the death of her husband, only to have the evening derailed by a mysterious person whokeeps sending her demands in a bid to have her kill her date. A тιԍнт thriller with a sense of humor and a big heart, Drop‘s characters often feel like modern riffs on the archetypes explored by Alfred Hitchcock.
Drop, which takes direct inspiration from films like Red Eye, also seems to line up with the work of Alfred Hitchcock, whose commitment to inventive settings, clever villains, and intricate mysteries still generates fans decades since his death. Fans of Drop will love plenty of the entries in Htichcock’s filmography, but these five classic Hitchcock films would be perfect to revisit if you loved Drop and want more of that kind of movie.
Rear Window
Starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly, and Thelma Ritter
One of Alfred Hitchcock’s best films and a clear inspiration for the type of genre fusion that Drop represents, Rear Window remains one of Hollywood’s best thrillers. The film stars James Stewart as L.B. Jefferies, a pH๏τographer who is recovering from an injury in his apartment. Similar to the casual people watching that takes up part of Christopher Landon’s Drop, this gains a suspicious edge when he begins to suspect one of his neighbors of murder.
Similar to Drop, the limited perspective and cramped setting accentuate the danger faced by the protagonist. Their lack of available options only adds to the tension as the film builds to a deceptively action-packed finale. Rear Window remains influential decades after it debuted and is a must-watch for Drop fans.
Notorious
Starring Ingrid Bergman, Cary Grant, Claude Rains
At the core of Drop is a romantic story about Violet and Henry finding a connection even amid the drama surrounding their personal lives. It’s a deceptively important part of the film, as it ensures the audience can suspend some of their disbelief because of the chemistry of the couple. This kind of mature but hopeful romantic element can also be found in one of Hitchcock’s most critically acclaimed films, Notorious.
The film focuses on a government agent and the daughter of a war criminal’s efforts to infiltrate a hidden cabal of Nazis. However, their blossoming romance complicates matters when she’s ordered to seduce one of the targets. A rich romance against the backdrop of a post-war thriller, Notorious‘s tonal balance will feel familiar to fans of Drop who are looking for similar mature romances.
The 39 Steps
Starring Robert Donat, Madeleine Carroll, and Godfrey Tearle
One of Hitchcock’s earlier films, The 39 Steps is an exciting adventure movie that shares a core story element with Drop. Both movies focus on an unfortunate innocent caught in a web of lies, intrigue, and murder. Violet’s relatable reaction and ultimately rebellious spirit match that of Richard Hannay, a simple man who ends up entangled in the тιтular spy organization’s machinations.
Both films even build to an exciting and tense climax, with The 39 Steps and Drop having a similar clever approach to tricking the villains into exposing themselves.
Both films have a sly sense of humor, which helps break up the drama as the protagonists are forced to carry out the demands of their captors. While The 39 Steps gets to be more action-packed and globetrotting, the sense of unease that permeates it can be felt in the similar approach to tension in Drop. Both films even build to an exciting and tense climax, with The 39 Steps and Drop having a similar clever approach to tricking the villains into exposing themselves.
Shadow Of A Doubt
Starring Teresa Wright, Joseph Cotten, and Macdonald Carey
One of the best parts of Drop is Richard’s turn from genial enough bachelor to gleefully cruel killer. The reveal that he’s the mastermind behind the mental torture and manipulation of Violet leads to a darkly compelling performance. On a certain level, Reed Diamond’s turn feels reminiscent of Joseph Cotten’s performance as Charlie in Shadow of a Doubt.
Often cited as arguably Alfred Hitchcock’s finest film, Shadow of a Doubt‘s most famous fans include legendary film critic Roger Ebert and playwright David Mamet.
Charlie is the central antagonist of Shadow of a Doubt. A seemingly charming young bachelor, Shadow of a Doubt turns on the reveal that Charlie is actually a vicious murderer who steadily turns his attention to his niece when she figures out his true darkness. That turn is subtly driving the entire film, similar to the way Richard’s development completely changes and impacts Drop.
Sabotage
Starring Sylvia Sidney, Oskar Homolka, and John Loder
The central tension of Drop is predicated on the danger posed to Violet’s family, including her son Toby. In this sense, Drop has a direct connection with one of Hitchcock’s most infamous films, Sabotage. The film famously shocked audiences when it debuted by not only putting a child character in danger but going a step further by killing him as the major turn in the film’s narrative.
The movie’s exploration of flawed characters in difficult situations is reminiscent of the way Drop leaves the true nature of Violet’s relationship with her deceased husband initially ambiguous. Both movies also explore the complex nature of relationships, especially when the husband proves to be a darker person than they believed. This tense, suspenseful build in Sabotage is a refinement of the approach that director Christopher Landon brings to Drop.
