7.2
Where can I stream The Hitcher legally?
You can watch it free with ads on YouTube Free. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Hitcher
1986·Movie
·1h 38min·R·
The Hitcher fingerprint
Relentless energy, strong craft, emotionally cool.
Energy
Nerve-racking and breakneck
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension10
- Fast Pace9
- Violence9
Heart
Emotionally reserved
- Melancholy6
- Pathos4
- Catharsis2
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Dark Humor2
- Absurdist Humor1
World
Crime, the mind, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Novelty7
- Dialogue Centrality6
Craft
Standout direction and performances
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Intrigue8
Style
Standout editing, cinematography, and sound design
- Editing9
- Cinematography8
- Sound Centrality8
Energy
Very highNerve-racking and breakneck
Fast from start to finish.
The Hitcher is nerve-racking, breakneck, and brutally violent.
All energy traits
- Tension10Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace9Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence9Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline8High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare7Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Uncanny8Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
NoneEmotionally reserved
It keeps its emotions at a distance.
All heart traits
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis2Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics1Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance0Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness0Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder0Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumCrime, the mind, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around crime, the mind, and everyday modern life. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout direction and performances
The direction and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace9Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout editing, cinematography, and sound design
Look and sound: the editing, cinematography, and sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Editing9Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchSolo Watch
Skip it if
You want something to laugh atYou need an uplifting moodGraphic violence bothers youYou want something quiet and calm
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
The terror starts the moment he stops.
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.
Road Trip ThrillerPsychological HorrorRelentless TensionCat-and-Mouse ChaseBleak & ViolentDisturbing VillainGritty & IntenseSurvival SuspenseFast-Paced Action
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
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Sequels and Prequels
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Questions about The Hitcher
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Hitcher worth watching?
60
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 60/100 (IMDb 7.2, Rotten Tomatoes 63%, and Metacritic 32). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Hitcher rated?
RViolenceStrong languageDisturbing imagery
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, strong language, and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Hitcher?
1 h 38 min
The Hitcher runs 1 h 38 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Hitcher?
Critics48
Audiences74
Not quite. Audiences rate The Hitcher higher (74) than critics (48). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was The Hitcher a box office hit?
Budget$6 million
Box office$6 million
No. It cost about $6 million to make and earned $6 million worldwide, 97% of its budget.
What language is The Hitcher in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Hitcher?
28
+14
+14GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Hitcher in 28 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Hitcher use?
Break the CutieExpyBeware of Hitchhiking GhostsOne-Steve LimitHero with Bad PublicityGornCentral ThemeUnflinching WalkActor AllusionVillainous ValourAmbiguously HumanPick on Someone Your Own Sizeand 80 more
TV Tropes lists 92 storytelling tropes for The Hitcher, including Break the Cutie, Expy, Beware of Hitchhiking Ghosts.