The Hitcher
The terror starts the moment he stops.
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.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
This film was released during the slasher boom of the 1980s but stands out due to its focus on psychological horror rather than graphic violence.
- The Hitcher (1986) is a suspenseful road thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its relentless pace and unpredictable plot.
- Rutger Hauer's chilling portrayal of the psychopathic hitchhiker, John Ryder, delivers a memorable performance that sets the movie apart.
- The film explores themes of paranoia, obsession, and the struggle between good and evil in an engaging and thought-provoking manner.
Fun Facts
- Director Robert Harmon originally intended for the hitchhiker character to be played by Jack Nicholson, but the role ultimately went to Rutger Hauer after Nicholson's busy schedule.
- The film was remade in 2007 with Sean Bean taking over the role of John Ryder, though it received mixed reviews compared to the original.
- One notable Easter egg is a hidden tribute to another famous horror movie; during one scene, a truck carries the name 'Bates Motel,' referencing Psycho.
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
"The terror starts the moment he stops."
Deutsch
DE
Title: Hitcher, der Highway Killer
""
Français
FR
Title: Hitcher
""
Italiano
IT
Title: The Hitcher - La lunga strada della paura
""
Português
PT
Title: Terror na Auto-Estrada
"Quando ele para o carro, é hora do terror começar."
Pусский
RU
Title: Попутчик
"Что бы вы не сделали, он всё равно впереди вас. Как бы вы не поступили, он ещё больше в выигрыше."
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
Solid enough suspense-thriller with great action and menacing performance from Rutger Hauer, a few moments in the story felt a bit clunky, mainly how Jennifer Jason Leigh's character gets involved, which I will say the 2007 remake at least improved upon. Just a highly entertaining flick. **3.5/5**
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
Haven't Nominated for Oscar
Media
Featurette
Brian Trenchard-Smith on THE HITCHER
Featurette
The Hitcher Collector's Edition | Unboxing
Clip
The Hitcher (1986) - Jim meets Ryder