12: THE BIRDS (1963)

THE BIRDS remains one of Hitchcock’s most iconic films, thanks in large part to a few memorable moments and its strong hook. Much like with Psycho, Hitchcock took the pulpier fare of Roger Corman movies and other high concept, independent horror of the 1950s and brought his expertise and clout in order to introduce such thrills to wider audiences. While certainly a flawed film, especially in its slow and sometimes inconsequential first third, once the bird sh*t starts hitting the fan the film becomes pretty undeniable. Hitchcock is unsurprisingly adept and ratcheting up the the tension, but the visceral horror was relatively new for the master of suspense. The many subsequent pretenders are a testament to The Birds’ longevity and the elemental charm of a ‘nature fights back’ story. For an evening of animals taking the power back, follow up the 1963 classic with Saul Bass’ 1974 film PHASE IV, which sees super-intelligent ants taking on the scientists that have invaded their habitat.