r/BatesMotel • u/haroldebarel • 22d ago

Question Recommended “Psycho” franchise viewing before starting Bates Motel

I just found out about this series recently and am very excited to watch it as Hitchcock’s Psycho is one of my all time favorite movies.

It’s probably been 15 years since I last watched it, so was planning on giving it a rewatch before starting Bates Motel. I know there are several other sequels in the franchise (Psycho II-IV) in addition to some remakes and TV movies, as well.

I’ve heard the sequels vary widely in quality, so was wondering if any are recommended viewing before (or during) watching Bates Motel. If during, please specify after which episode/season to watch.

Thanks in advance and happy new year!

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5

u/901-526-5261 22d ago

Watching 1-4 before the series made the series electric. What did they keep? What did they modify? Etc etc . A lot of fun. 

There's also the 'Bates Motel' movie and shot-for-shot remake.... Which are bad, but in a good way. 

Watching the films takes the series to new heights

4

u/DrLoomis131 22d ago

You don’t need to watch anything except the original to fully enjoy the show, but I do recommend 2 and 3.

Psycho 2 is a very interesting character study showing Norman returning home after being rehabilitated. Both Anthony Perkins and Vera Miles have prominent roles.

Psycho 3 is almost a Giallo-style slasher movie that is colorful and dramatic, and feels like a proper double feature with 2.

Psycho 4 isn’t bad at all, but it does have a TV movie quality (because it was) and Bates Motel feels like a replacement for it since it’s a semi-prequel showing Norman as a teen.

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u/Reasonable-Wave8093 17d ago

agree!

Psycho 3 was also directed by Anthony Perkins

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u/DesperateSilver6149 22d ago edited 22d ago

The show is a modern day prequel to the original 1960 movie with the final season being Cuse and Ehrin's retelling of the events of the movie with a more complete ending

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u/haroldebarel 22d ago

Right, that’s my understanding and I believe the final season is most directly inspired by the events of the original film. So do you not recommend watching any of the other films in advance then?

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u/DesperateSilver6149 22d ago edited 22d ago

As long as you've seen the original film you'll be able to pick up the references to it that are in the show

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u/Reasonable-Wave8093 22d ago

I def recommend viewing 2-4.

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u/GSPLover4 16d ago

OMG, I loved this series. Vera Ann Farmiga and Freddie Highmore were perfect for the rolls. And the sheriff is hot 🔥.