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The Hitch-Hiker

1953·Movie
1h 11min·NR
IMDb6.9Rotten Tomatoes94%64%

Where to watch

PrimeJustWatch TVBrewKanopyHoopla

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

What's your score?

Your score

The Hitch-Hiker fingerprint

High energy, strong craft, emotionally cool.

Energy

Nerve-racking and thrilling

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension9
  • Adrenaline7
  • Scare6

Heart

Emotionally reserved

  • Catharsis5
  • Pathos4
  • Nostalgia4

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Dark Humor4
  • Wit & Wordplay3
  • Cringe Humor2

World

Crime, the mind, and mystery

  • World Immersion7
  • Rewatchability6
  • Dialogue Centrality5

Craft

Standout performances

  • Intrigue9
  • Acting8
  • Direction7

Style

Standout cinematography

  • Cinematography8
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition6

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyPure Escapism

Skip it if

You want fast pacing

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Suspense movies

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Who'll be his next victim... YOU?

Roy and Gilbert's fishing trip takes a terrifying turn when the hitchhiker they pick up turns out to be a sociopath on the run from the law. He's killed before, and he lets the two know that as soon as they're no longer useful, he'll kill again. The two friends plot an escape, but the hitchhiker's peculiar physical affliction, an eye that never closes even when he sleeps, makes it impossible for them to tell when they can make a break for it.
Noir ThrillerRoad MoviePsychological SuspenseClassic HollywoodBlack and WhiteTaut AtmosphereCynical ToneMale Bonding

Crew

Directed by:
Ida Lupino, William Dorfman
Written by:
Ida Lupino, Collier Young, Daniel Mainwaring
Produced by:
Christian Nyby, Collier Young, James H. Anderson
Composed by:
Clem Portman, Leith Stevens, C. Bakaleinikoff

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Hitch-Hiker

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Hitch-Hiker legally?

PrimeJustWatch TVBrewKanopyHooplaFandango at Home FreeFlixHousePluto TV

The Hitch-Hiker is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video, Brew, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, and Troma NOW in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on JustWatch TV, Kanopy, and Hoopla. You can also rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is The Hitch-Hiker worth watching?

80
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (IMDb 6.9 and Rotten Tomatoes 94%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Hitch-Hiker rated?

NRViolence

It's rated NR in the United States. Content advisories: violence.

How long is The Hitch-Hiker?

1 h 11 min

The Hitch-Hiker runs 1 h 11 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on The Hitch-Hiker?

Critics94
Audiences67

Not quite. Critics rate The Hitch-Hiker higher (94) than audiences (67). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.

What language is The Hitch-Hiker in?

EnglishSpanish

It was made in English, with some Spanish. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch The Hitch-Hiker?

139ADAEAGALAOARATAUAZBABBBEBFBG+125

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Hitch-Hiker in 139 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does The Hitch-Hiker use?

A Real Man Is a Killer"Wanted!" PosterPistol-WhippingKick the DogOff-into-the-Distance EndingSpinning PaperYou Have Outlived Your UsefulnessSadistRipped from the HeadlinesOh, Crap!Sunshine NoirI Just Shot Marvin in the Faceand 13 more

TV Tropes lists 25 storytelling tropes for The Hitch-Hiker, including A Real Man Is a Killer, "Wanted!" Poster, Pistol-Whipping.