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The Hitcher

The Hitcher

The terror starts the moment he stops.

19867.01h 38m

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.

Directed by Robert Harmon
Written by Eric Red
Produced by David Bombyk, Kip Ohman
Box OfficeBudget: $6.0MRevenue: $5.8M

Top Cast

Rutger Hauer

Rutger Hauer

John Ryder

C. Thomas Howell

C. Thomas Howell

Jim Halsey

Jeffrey DeMunn

Jeffrey DeMunn

Captain Esteridge

Billy Green Bush

Billy Green Bush

Trooper Donner

John M. Jackson

John M. Jackson

Sergeant Starr

Henry Darrow

Henry Darrow

Trooper Hancock

Jon Van Ness

Jon Van Ness

Trooper Hapscomb

Jennifer Jason Leigh

Jennifer Jason Leigh

Nash

Jack Thibeau

Jack Thibeau

Trooper Prestone

Armin Shimerman

Armin Shimerman

Interrogation Sergeant

Themes & Keywords

cop-killersadismgungas stationpsychopathfalsely accusedmass murderparanoiahighwayroad tripserial killerman hunthitchhikerdesertroad movieaggressivetruck stopintensebewilderedmean spirited

About The Hitcher

The Hitcher is a horror, action, thriller film released in 1986 exploring themes of cop-killer, sadism, gun, gas station, psychopath, falsely accused. Directed by Robert Harmon, it stars Rutger Hauer, C. Thomas Howell, Jeffrey DeMunn. 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.

Movies Similar to The Hitcher

Discover titles like The Hitcher — ranked by similarity and community votes

We found 15 movies similar to The Hitcher

If you enjoyed The Hitcher, you'll love these handpicked recommendations. Each title below shares similar themes, tone, and storytelling style. Our algorithm analyzes genres, keywords, director filmography, and cast connections to find the closest matches. Whether you're looking for the same emotional depth, narrative structure, or visual style, these picks are curated to deliver the best viewing experience for fans of The Hitcher.

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While driving through the New Mexico Desert during a rainy night, college students Jim Halsey and his girlfriend Grace Andrews give a ride to a hitchhiker. While in their car, the stranger proves to be a psychopath threatening the young couple with a knife, but Jim successfully throws him out of the car. This sets off a chain of events that will change all of their lives forever.

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Grindhouse combines Robert Rodriguez's Planet Terror, a horror comedy about a group of survivors who battle zombie-like creatures, and Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof, an action thriller about a murderous stuntman who kills young women with modified vehicles. It is presented as a double feature with fictitious exploitation trailers preceding each segment.

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Roadgames
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Roadgames(1981)

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A truck driver plays a cat-and-mouse game with a mysterious serial killer in a van who lures young female hitchhiker victims on a desolate Australian highway.