The Hitcher (1986)
Kernel Score: 76% · 1,026 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Horror, Action, Thriller
Released: 1986-01-17
Runtime: 98 minutes
Where to watch The Hitcher
- Stream: Cinemax Apple TV channel
- Free with ads: YouTube Free
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
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.
The Hitcher parents' guide: ages 16+
Parents need to know that The Hitcher is an R-rated horror-thriller about a young man menaced by a psychopathic serial killer hitchhiker.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Intense, sadistic violence from a serial-killer antagonist drives this tense horror-thriller, per keywords like sadism and mass murder.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Hitcher
If you liked The Hitcher, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964) — 82%
- Frenzy (1972) — 81%
- Halloween (1978) — 84%
- Detour (1945) — 81%
- Over Your Dead Body (2026) — 74%
- 10 Rillington Place (1971) — 82%
- True Grit (1969) — 82%
- Little Miss Sunshine (2006) — 87%
Director
Robert Harmon
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
- Jennifer Jason Leigh as Nash
- Jack Thibeau as Trooper Prestone
- Armin Shimerman as Interrogation Sergeant
The Hitcher FAQ
Is The Hitcher good?
The Hitcher has a 76% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,026 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Hitcher?
In the US you can stream The Hitcher on Cinemax Apple TV channel and watch it free with ads on YouTube Free.
Is The Hitcher OK for kids?
The Hitcher is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 16+. Parents need to know that The Hitcher is an R-rated horror-thriller about a young man menaced by a psychopathic serial killer hitchhiker.
What movies are like The Hitcher?
If you liked The Hitcher, try Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte, Frenzy, Halloween and Detour.