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The Hitcher

  • 19861986
  • RR
  • 1h 37m
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
47K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
3,343
2,415
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
C. Thomas Howell in The Hitcher (1986)
A young man who escapes the clutches of a murderous hitchhiker is subsequently stalked by the hitcher and framed for his crimes.
Play trailer2:30
1 Video
99+ Photos
  • Action
  • Thriller
A young man who escapes the clutches of a murderous hitchhiker is subsequently stalked by the hitcher and framed for his crimes.A young man who escapes the clutches of a murderous hitchhiker is subsequently stalked by the hitcher and framed for his crimes.A young man who escapes the clutches of a murderous hitchhiker is subsequently stalked by the hitcher and framed for his crimes.
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
47K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
3,343
2,415
  • Director
    • Robert Harmon
  • Writer
    • Eric Red
  • Stars
    • Rutger Hauer
    • C. Thomas Howell
    • Jennifer Jason Leigh
Top credits
  • Director
    • Robert Harmon
  • Writer
    • Eric Red
  • Stars
    • Rutger Hauer
    • C. Thomas Howell
    • Jennifer Jason Leigh
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 298User reviews
    • 117Critic reviews
    • 32Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 3 wins & 1 nomination

    Videos1

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:30
    Official Trailer

    Photos127

    Jennifer Jason Leigh in The Hitcher (1986)
    Jennifer Jason Leigh in The Hitcher (1986)
    Rutger Hauer in The Hitcher (1986)
    Rutger Hauer in The Hitcher (1986)
    Rutger Hauer in The Hitcher (1986)
    Rutger Hauer in The Hitcher (1986)
    Rutger Hauer in The Hitcher (1986)
    Rutger Hauer, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and C. Thomas Howell in The Hitcher (1986)
    The Hitcher (1986)
    Rutger Hauer in The Hitcher (1986)
    Rutger Hauer in The Hitcher (1986)
    Rutger Hauer in The Hitcher (1986)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Rutger Hauer
    Rutger Hauer
    • John Ryderas John Ryder
    C. Thomas Howell
    C. Thomas Howell
    • Jim Halseyas Jim Halsey
    Jennifer Jason Leigh
    Jennifer Jason Leigh
    • Nashas Nash
    Jeffrey DeMunn
    Jeffrey DeMunn
    • Captain Esteridgeas Captain Esteridge
    John M. Jackson
    John M. Jackson
    • Sergeant Starras Sergeant Starr
    • (as John Jackson)
    Billy Green Bush
    Billy Green Bush
    • Trooper Donneras Trooper Donner
    • (as Billy Greenbush)
    Jack Thibeau
    Jack Thibeau
    • Trooper Prestoneas Trooper Prestone
    Armin Shimerman
    Armin Shimerman
    • Interrogation Sergeantas Interrogation Sergeant
    Gene Davis
    Gene Davis
    • Trooper Dodgeas Trooper Dodge
    • (as Eugene Davis)
    Jon Van Ness
    Jon Van Ness
    • Trooper Hapscombas Trooper Hapscomb
    Henry Darrow
    Henry Darrow
    • Trooper Hancockas Trooper Hancock
    Tony Epper
    • Trooper Connersas Trooper Conners
    Tom Spratley
    Tom Spratley
    • Proprietoras Proprietor
    Colin Campbell
    • Construction Manas Construction Man
    Brittania
      Garth Shaw
      • Photographeras Photographer
      • (uncredited)
      • Director
        • Robert Harmon
      • Writer
        • Eric Red
      • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
      • All cast & crew

      Remembering Rutger Hauer (1944-2019)

      Remembering Rutger Hauer (1944-2019)

      We celebrate the life and legacy of Rutger Hauer, the award-winning actor best known for Blade Runner and The Hitcher.
      Watch the video
      Image caption not available
      1:08

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      Surviving the Game
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      Storyline

      Edit

      Did you know

      Edit
      • Trivia
        Rutger Hauer did a lot of the stunt driving throughout the movie which amazed the crew and even the real stunt drivers.
      • Goofs
        When Halsey is seen running through gasoline , he is wearing blue Nikes with white stripes. A later glimpse seems to show an all white pair.
      • Quotes

        [Picking up the hitchhiker]

        Jim Halsey: My mother told me to never do this.

      • Connections
        Edited into The Hitcher: 'How Do These Movies Get Made?' (2003)
      • Soundtracks
        DON'T STOP LOVIN' ME
        Performed by Mickey Jones

        Published by Mickey Jones Music (ASCAP)

      User reviews298

      Review
      Top review
      7/10
      The Good And Bad Of The Hitcher
      The first time I saw this movie it just about terrified me....and few films have ever done that to me as an adult. Rutger Hauer was haunting as the demented killer.

      The film moves very fast in this story of a maniac stalking a young motorist (C. Thomas Howell). Two subsequent viewings have quieted the fear but it's still a very chilling film and should keep most people riveted to the screen. It's an hour- and-a-half that will fly by with action and suspense.

      On the negative side, not once but twice we have to watch Howell vomit. Neither he nor female lead Jennifer Jason Leigh are likable "good guys." (Of course, when has Leigh ever been a "good person" on screen?) The police, as usual in films, are pictured as sadistic, short-tempered idiots. Finally, credibility gets stretched a bit, particularly in the last 30 minutes.

      So....expect a lot of good and a fair share of bad in this film. But, overall, it will be a film that will get your attention, beginning with Mr. Hauer.
      helpful•47
      35
      • ccthemovieman-1
      • Dec 16, 2005

      FAQ3

      • The woman that Jim Halsey met on the bus, why did she help him?
      • Why does Ryder place the coins on Halsey's eyes and under his tongue in the diner?
      • Would stringing Nash up between a semi-tractor & a trailer really tear her in half?

      Details

      Edit
      • Release date
        • February 21, 1986 (United States)
      • Country of origin
        • United States
      • Languages
        • English
        • French
      • Also known as
        • Hitcher, der Highway Killer
      • Filming locations
        • Victorville, California, USA
      • Production companies
        • HBO Pictures
        • Silver Screen Partners
      • See more company credits at IMDbPro

      Box office

      Edit
      • Budget
        • $6,000,000 (estimated)
      • Gross US & Canada
        • $5,844,868
      • Opening weekend US & Canada
        • $2,134,214
        • Feb 23, 1986
      • Gross worldwide
        • $5,844,868
      See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

      Technical specs

      Edit
      • Runtime
        1 hour 37 minutes
      • Color
        • Color
      • Aspect ratio
        • 2.39 : 1

      Related news

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