Alfred Hitchcock may be best remembered for his 1950s Hollywood triumphs like Vertigo, Rear Window, and North by Northwest, but his genius was already in full bloom decades earlier. One of his finest British films, 1935's The 39 Steps, is now available to stream for free on JustWatch TV, a brand-new platform currently in beta that officially launches this October.
Based on John Buchan's novel, The 39 Steps stars Robert Donat as Richard Hannay, an ordinary man who becomes the target of a murder investigation and finds himself caught in a web of espionage. The film's wrong-man premise became a hallmark of Hitchcock's later work and continues to influence thrillers today. In fact, the upcoming Jason Statham action movie Mutiny shares a strikingly similar setup: a man on the run, desperate to clear his name while unraveling a criminal conspiracy.
The film holds a Certified Fresh 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critical consensus praising its twists and turns as a sign of the dazzling heights Hitchcock would later reach. Its impact on popular culture is immense. Legendary screenwriter Robert Towne once remarked, "It's not much of an exaggeration to say that all contemporary escapist entertainment begins with The 39 Steps." Orson Welles was also a devoted fan, calling it a "masterpiece."
For those looking to explore more of Hitchcock's influence, consider our list of top Netflix thrillers or delve into the most suspenseful thrillers since 2000. And if you're a fan of Jason Statham, don't miss our piece on Guy Ritchie's wildest Statham thriller.
JustWatch TV is still in its beta phase, but the free streaming service is set to launch fully in October. This makes now the perfect time to revisit a classic that paved the way for so many of the movies we love today. Stay tuned for more updates on streaming availability and classic films.
