The Hitcher (1986) movie poster

The Hitcher (1986)

"The terror starts the moment he stops."
ThumbScore
๐Ÿ‘ 91%Google users liked it archived
Critics Score
๐ŸŽฌ 48% (RT: 65%, MC: 32) โ„น๏ธRT = Rotten Tomatoes (critic reviews). MC = Metacritic (weighted critic average). Critics Score is the average of both.
HorrorActionThriller

Where to Watch

Streaming
Prime VideoHuluSling TVYouTube TV
Director
Runtime
1h 38m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
TMDB Rating
7.0/10 (1,030 votes)
Rotten Tomatoes
65%
Metacritic
32
Cast
Rutger Hauer as John Ryder
C. Thomas Howell as Jim Halsey
Jeffrey DeMunn as Captain Esteridge
Billy Green Bush as Trooper Donner
John M. Jackson as Sergeant Starr
Henry Darrow as Trooper Hancock
Jon Van Ness as Trooper Hapscomb
Yes. 91% of real audiences liked it based on 1,030 votes. Critics scored it lower at 48%, but audiences disagreed.
Overview
On a stormy night, young Jim, who transports a luxury car from Chicago to California to deliver it to its owner, feeling tired and sleepy, picks up a mysterious hitchhiker, who has appeared out of nowhere, thinking that a good conversation will help him not to fall asleep. He will have enough time to deeply regret such an unmeditated decision. Wikipedia โ†—
Fun Facts
  • During production of The Hitcher, the crew faced numerous challenges but managed to complete the shoot ahead of schedule.
  • Many of the background extras were actually locals from the filming locations.
Audience Consensus

The Hitcher is a 1986 horror, action, thriller film directed by Robert Harmon. On a stormy night, young Jim, who transports a luxury car from Chicago to California to deliver it to its owner, feeling tired and sleepy, picks up a mysterious hitchhiker, who has appeared out of nowhere, thinking that a good conversation will help him not to fall asleep. He will have enough time to deeply regret such an unmeditated decision.

The film has been rated by 1,030 audiences on ThumbScore, reflecting its reach and engagement with viewers. As a horror film, The Hitcher delivers on the expectations of its genre while bringing its own distinctive perspective to the storytelling. The production showcases the creative vision of its filmmaking team, bringing together performances, cinematography, and narrative elements that have resonated with audiences.

The Hitcher (1986) continues to find viewers through theatrical releases, streaming platforms, and home media, maintaining its place in the contemporary entertainment landscape. The film represents the kind of cinematic experience that has attracted a dedicated audience, with viewers appreciating its approach to the story and characters it presents.

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What Reddit Thinks

r/horror
⬆ 955💬 232 comments
The Hitcher (1986) An Unrecognised Masterpiece.
Quite possibly my favourite film of all time. Fell in love with this the first time I watched it. It has a beautiful but uncanny atmosphere that Iโ€™ve... Read on Reddit →
Top comment: "Nobody played unhinged madmen like 1980โ€™s Rutger Hauer. You ever watch The Blood of Heroes with him..."
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