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Joy Ride

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Joy Ride

R

Released Oct 5, 2001

1h 36m

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

74%

Tomatometer

116 Reviews

66%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

It's summer break and college freshman Lewis Thomas (Paul Walker) has decided to embark on a cross-country road trip to pick up the girl of his dreams, Venna (Leelee Sobieski). But Lewis' romantic hopes hit a detour when he stops on the way to rescue his older brother, Fuller (Steve Zahn), who goads him into playing a practical joke on a lonely trucker, over a CB radio. Now, that trucker, an unseen and terrifying force known only by his CB handle, Rusty Nail, wants the last laugh and revenge.

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Critics Consensus

A well-constructed B-movie thriller, Joy Ride keeps up the necessary level of tension and chills. Critics also liked Zahn's performance as the goofball older brother.

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Anthony Breznican

Associated Press

Although its premise may not be original, Joy Ride is still tense, chilling escapism.

Oct 25, 2018

Full Review

Jamie Russell

BBC.com

Rated: 4/5

Aug 20, 2002

Full Review

Peter Travers

Rolling Stone

If you're looking to have your nerves fried and your pulse pounded, this is your ticket to ride.

Rated: 4.5/5

Oct 29, 2001

Full Review

Paul Lê

Bloody Disgusting

The film yields every now and then so viewers can catch their breath, but once this taut and frantic thriller picks up speed again, Joy Ride earns its place as one of the best movies of its kind.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 23, 2023

Full Review

Trace Thurman

Horror Queers Podcast

While it's not perfect, Joy Ride manages to steer us in the direction of a memorable villain and an incredibly suspenseful climax.

Rated: 3.5/5

Oct 12, 2021

Full Review

Joe Lipsett

Horror Queers Podcast

Its use of female characters hasn't aged particularly well, but this high octane highway horror has great action, particularly the climax. The ties to gay panic, hate crimes and Matthew Shepard's death only makes Joy Ride more interesting

Rated: 3.5/5

Oct 8, 2021

Full Review

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Nick O

After watching this high-octane, rare shining example of 2000’s era horror gem, I dare you to so much as pass a semi-truck on the right ever again!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/25/25

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babarizam D

I don't like characters in this movie especially when there are so many great movies close to this theme for example The Hitcher, Duel.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

04/02/25

Full Review

Janis E

What really got me was the story and its depictions of the challenges that Asian Americans go through in connecting with their "home country". As the child of both immigrants and 3 generations of Asian American AND the sibling of an adoptee, I can't even begin to describe how many boxes this movie checked for me on a personal level.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/16/25

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I Am F

The characters are so annoying that I don't feel thrilled in this film. The two brothers are unlikable jerks.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

02/11/25

Full Review

DISCMAN J

Good Revenge Thriller.... When you mess with the mentally deranged, you pay the price..... Loved the Voice of the Wacko Ted Levine, He was Buffalo Bill in Silence of the Lambs...

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/02/25

Full Review

Ralph R

Joy Ride (2001) delivers an engaging start with a suspenseful and thrilling first act, but it loses its edge as the story progresses. Paul Walker shines as Lewis, grounding the film with a solid performance, while Steve Zahn’s portrayal of Fuller occasionally feels over the top. The suspense and tension are well-executed for much of the film, keeping viewers on edge, but the final act doesn’t live up to the buildup. The ending feels rushed and lacks the punch needed to leave a lasting impression. While entertaining, the movie falls short of its full potential with a script that could have used a stronger conclusion.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/01/24

Full Review

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John Dahl

Director

Steve Zahn

Fuller

Paul Walker

Lewis

Leelee Sobieski

Venna

Jessica Bowman

Charlotte

Stuart Stone

Danny (Lewis's Roommate)

Copycat

76%

64%

Copycat

Watchlist

Don't Say a Word

23%

49%

Don't Say a Word

Watchlist

Stay

26%

69%

Stay

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Stay

Blood Work

51%

40%

Blood Work

Watchlist

The Score

74%

67%

The Score

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Synopsis

It's summer break and college freshman Lewis Thomas (Paul Walker) has decided to embark on a cross-country road trip to pick up the girl of his dreams, Venna (Leelee Sobieski). But Lewis' romantic hopes hit a detour when he stops on the way to rescue his older brother, Fuller (Steve Zahn), who goads him into playing a practical joke on a lonely trucker, over a CB radio. Now, that trucker, an unseen and terrifying force known only by his CB handle, Rusty Nail, wants the last laugh and revenge.

Director: John Dahl
Producer: J.J. Abrams, Chris Moore
Screenwriter: Clay Tarver, J.J. Abrams
Distributor: Medusa Distribuzione, 20th Century Fox
Production Co: New Regency Pictures, Bad Robot, Regency Enterprises, LivePlanet
Rating: R (Violence|Terror)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 5, 2001, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 12, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $22.0M
Runtime: 1h 36m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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