The Hitcher (1986 film)

The Hitcher is a 1986 American road thriller film directed by Robert Harmon and written by Eric Red. It stars Rutger Hauer, C. Thomas Howell, and Jennifer Jason Leigh.

The film tells the story of Jim Halsey (Howell), a young man transporting a car from Chicago to San Diego, who picks up a hitchhiker named John Ryder (Hauer) in Texas. Ryder confesses to being a serial killer and proceeds to terrorize Halsey, framing him for murders he commits along the way. Halsey is pursued by the police, led by Captain Esteridge (Billy Green Bush), and desperately tries to prove his innocence and stop Ryder's deadly spree. He receives aid and comfort from Nash (Leigh), a truck stop waitress who becomes entangled in the escalating violence.

The Hitcher is known for its intense violence, suspenseful atmosphere, and Hauer's chilling performance as the psychopathic Ryder. While initially receiving mixed reviews, it has since gained a cult following and is regarded as a significant entry in the neo-noir and road movie genres. The film explores themes of good versus evil, paranoia, and the vulnerability of innocence.

The film was remade in 2007, starring Sean Bean as John Ryder. The remake was critically panned.