The Hitcher

R

Now Playing

1h 37m

Mystery & Thriller

List

64%

39 Reviews

Tomatometer

74%

25,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

While transporting a car from Chicago to San Diego, Jim Halsey (C. Thomas Howell) picks up a hitchhiker named John Ryder (Rutger Hauer), who claims to be a serial killer. After a daring escape, Jim hopes to never see Ryder again. But when he witnesses the hitchhiker murdering an entire family, Jim pursues Ryder with the help of truck-stop waitress Nash (Jennifer Jason Leigh), pitting the rivals against each other in a deadly series of car chases and brutal murders.

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Critics Consensus

Its journey is never quite as revelatory as it could be, but The Hitcher stands as a white-knuckle vision of horror, bolstered by Rutger Hauer's menacing performance.

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Spencer P

Prepare for a fast paced action thriller, that will entertain you from beginning to end. This film is definitely of the era in its style, sound and acting which adds to the overall quality of the film. Worth the watch, don't leave this film on the backburner.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/25/24

Full Review

Tom X

The Hitcher is one of the best, if not the best, small-time terror movies of the 1980's. I struggle to even classify it. It's not horror specifically, not really a crime drama either, and certainly has suspense in spades but to call it a "suspense" movie would sell short the brutality involved both psychologically and physically. It's maddening, unsettling, and horrifying all at the same time. This movie will pin you to your couch, force you to watch it, and then leave you baffled at the end. Both Howell and Hauer's performances are stellar. As unlikely a pair as you will find, that's by design and makes the story that much more compelling. I struggle to understand anyone who doesn't recognize this film's greatness, to be honest. There's never been anything quite like it before or since.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/03/24

Full Review

Two Guys A

Are you ready to embark on a spine-chilling journey with a classic 80s horror flick? This cautionary tale about picking up a hitchhiker is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! Brace yourself as you follow Jim's heart-pounding escape from the clutches of the notorious hitchhiker, John Ryder, masterfully portrayed by Rutger Hauer. The tension mounts as Jim finds himself in a relentless pursuit while desperately trying to make it to California. Get ready for an exhilarating thrill ride that will leave you breathless!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/25/24

Full Review

Jeffrey P

I can't believe it took me this long to see this hidden gem. It is a bit outlandish at times and does raise a few questions but it's still a suspenseful game of cat and mouse amplified by the quiet desert highway setting.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/25/24

Full Review

Ronald F

There is not much to say: a must see. All of it is great, cast, action, pacing, the images, Mark Isham`s score...a highly intense action thriller.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/22/23

Full Review

Peter K

Cat and mouse games have long been prominent within the thriller genre but one key aspect that they had been lacking until now was Rutger Hauer. To say his performance is haunting is nothing short of the truth, emitting tense mysticism and eerie horror from his very first appearance, he located himself on our screens with an aspiration to supply chills and deliver an unsettling performance that would strike fear into even the most blackened of hearts. Hauer is everything that you could have asked for from the antagonist of an 80's thriller, his devilish attitude repeatedly mysticises viewers through his solemn expressions and ambiguous dialogue which never overstays its welcome. While the menacing aura that follows him through every crevice and crack always manages to leave a distinguishable impression on the current and succeeding scenes. Naturally, as Hauer bathes in the limelight here it is only reasonable that the other cast members don't quite achieve those same levels of infatuation which unfortunately, some struggle with more than others. C. Thomas Howell has been widely received as a relatively conflicting casting decision, with many arguing that he just doesn't quite feel right here and I certainly don't disagree. He can come across rather offensively strong at times, like a mammoth suffocating me with a crushing amount of emotion instead of its colossal feet, all while his character continues to make various odd and questionable decisions that only manage to dwindle my already depleting opinion of him. Nevertheless, an impassioned antagonistic performance isn't the extent of The Hitcher's vast thrills. Its stellar cinematography and infectious score are both just as pivotal to the horrifying atmosphere that Robert Harmon's imagination has put on display. Their distinct ambience and murky dominion manages to exact an inconspicuous sense of terror onto the viewer throughout the film and even though they may not be quite as captivating as Hauer's gripping portrayal, their extensive grasp on the viewer is just as palpable. Undoubtedly, the film flourishes within its ghastly cat and mouse game but its altruistic offspring of Jennifer Jason Leigh and her accompanying romantic endeavours are far from a forgettable affair. Nash isn't exactly an intricate and complex character, she is actually rather plain and dare I say tasteless but her role within the film does manage to further emphasise the already growing sense of fear and horror that envelops this foreboding and sinister highway that they have found themselves confined to. Collectively, this may just fall into that expansive list of hidden gems throughout cinema immensely due to its consistently menacing atmosphere, commendable technical traits and an antagonistic performance for the ages.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/09/23

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Robert Harmon

Director

Rutger Hauer

John Ryder

C. Thomas Howell

Jim Halsey

Jennifer Jason Leigh

Nash

Jeffrey DeMunn

Captain Esteridge

John M. Jackson

Sergeant Starr

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Paul Attanasio

Washington Post

This set-up is intriguing, and you wish director Robert Harmon had made more of it.

Jan 4, 2018

Full Review

Simon Abrams

House Next Door

That kind of nonstop self-seriousness should wear thin after a while but director Robert Harmon makes the screenplay's unabashed cruelty more potent than churlish.

Mar 29, 2011

Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

A highly unimaginative slasher that keeps the tension going with a massacre about every 15 minutes.

Mar 26, 2009

Full Review

Trace Thurman

Horror Queers Podcast

An exhausting (in a good way) ride of a film.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jul 7, 2023

Full Review

Joe Lipsett

Horror Queers Podcast

As much action film as horror film, this sexy, sweaty homoerotic thriller features a great, unnerving performance by Hauer and an extremely twinky Howell. A classic gay panic film of the 80s!

Rated: 3.5/5

Jul 5, 2023

Full Review

Eve Tushnet

Patheos

There's a lot to like about this odd film, which will keep you in suspense even against your will.

Feb 12, 2021

Full Review

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Synopsis

While transporting a car from Chicago to San Diego, Jim Halsey (C. Thomas Howell) picks up a hitchhiker named John Ryder (Rutger Hauer), who claims to be a serial killer. After a daring escape, Jim hopes to never see Ryder again. But when he witnesses the hitchhiker murdering an entire family, Jim pursues Ryder with the help of truck-stop waitress Nash (Jennifer Jason Leigh), pitting the rivals against each other in a deadly series of car chases and brutal murders.

Director: Robert Harmon
Screenwriter: Eric Red
Production Co: HBO Films, Silver Screen Partners IV
Rating: R
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 30, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $2.1M
Runtime: 1h 37m
Sound Mix: Stereo, Surround

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