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Joy Ride

Play trailer Poster for Joy Ride R 2001 1h 36m Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 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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Joy Ride

Joy Ride

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 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 Stephanie Zacharek Salon.com Dahl works the audience like the dial of a car radio, testing out all manner of squeals and static and all-out, high-pitched terror. Oct 12, 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 Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Ray C An underrated early 2000's B-movie thriller. Joy Ride doesn't have the most original plot and there are several instances of strained logic throughout. But the movie benefits from Steve Zach and Paul Walker in the lead and Ted Levine's villainous voiceover performance. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 10/24/25 Full Review Frans B Typical B movie "like to be a thriller" type, not too bad though. Well directed and written. Good cinematography and visuals. Great performances by Walker and Zahn in character. In the end a movie about two little p#ssies driving on interstate, that's about it. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 09/29/25 Full Review Daniel S Intense and Engaging Teen Thriller This film delivers a gripping and surprisingly effective thriller experience. The premise is simple but clever: two teenagers make a prank call over a CB radio, only to find the tables turned in a chilling and unexpected way. It’s a scenario many teens can relate to—either having pulled a prank themselves or at least knowing someone who has. The story is original and unfolds with well-paced suspense, featuring several genuinely shocking moments that keep the tension high throughout. While some scenes push the boundaries of believability, they serve the overall tone well and add to the film’s impact. The acting is solid, with characters that feel authentic and whose decisions mostly make sense within the story's context. Visually, the cinematography is impressive, supported by effective cinematic effects that enhance the suspense without feeling overdone. The ending might stretch credibility a bit, but it still feels like a fitting and satisfying conclusion to the journey. Personally, I couldn’t have imagined a better way to wrap it up. Overall, this is a well-executed thriller that will particularly resonate with teenage audiences. If you’re into high-stakes suspense with relatable characters and a fresh twist on familiar territory, this one is worth a watch. Rating: 7/10 Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 06/12/25 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews
Joy Ride

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Cast & Crew

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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)

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Joy Ride

Number 17 proves to be unlucky for Fuller (Steve Zahn, left) and Lewis (Paul Walker), after their practical joke on a lonely trucker goes horribly awry. (left to right) Lewis (Paul Walker), Venna (Leelee Sobieski) and Fuller (Steve Zahn) flee from a vicious trucker out for revenge. Director John Dahl prepares for a shot on the set of his contemporary thriller, JOY RIDE. Leelee Sobieski, left, Steve Zahn and Paul Walker make a horrific discovery. Leelee Sobieski eyes a foreboding truck that has been following her. Steve Zahn stars as Lewis' trouble-making older brother, Fuller. Leelee Sobieski stars as Venna, the girl of Lewis' dreams. Lewis (Paul Walker, left) and Fuller (Steve Zahn) are put in a revealing situation after playing a prank on a lonely trucker. Paul Walker stars as Lewis, a college freshman who embarks on a cross-country road trip for the summer. View more photos

Movie Info

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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