I confess...

Hitchcock certainly wasn't the most influential filmmaker of all time, but then, I don't know if anyone could claim that label.

I don't rate any of his films highly (poor scripts throughout) except for his visuals. I think he was a great visual artist, and that that's what gives each of his films a unique and outstanding identity.

Kurosawa. Far far more influential than Hitchcock. Very different subject matter and styles though.
Films of note - Yojimbo, 7 Samurai (origins of Magnificent 7), Ran, Kagemusha

*Infinitely re-watchable (don't quote me on that...)