The Hitcher is one of the best films ever made and ultimately one of most overlooked as well. The premise of the film is very simple: Jim Halsey is driving a car cross country with plans of dropping it off at his destination when he comes across hitchhiker John Ryder, who seems suspicious from the start. It is incredibly tense and atmospheric and centres around a terrifying performance from Rutger Hauer as John Ryder, a mysterious drifter intent on following C. Thomas Howell's Jim Halsey and making his road trip one that he'll never forget. Most of the film's atmosphere radiates from Hauer as he scares both Howell and the audience with a simple glance which could mean anything and everything. Jennifer Jason Leigh makes an early appearance as a waitress dragged along for the ride after Howell stumbles upon the diner she works at. The performances of the three main actors are involving and it is very easy to feel sympathy for Howell, who has done nothing to deserve the torture he receives at the hands of Hauer, who makes for a terrific villain. A hidden gem and a great cult film, The Hitcher is fantastic.

i bought this film from the good reviews and was quite frustrated when i watched it because it was no where near as good as the new version.mite have been better if i hadnt have watched the other one first ??

This 1986 version is by far the best. Rutger Hauer excells as the hitcher, but credit also should go to C.Thomas Howell, as the poor tormented soul. The film works because you feel for Howell's character ( Jim Halsey ) You feel the desperation and emptyness, As the Hitcher plays his mind games with him, setting Jim up for multiple murders. The tention is high in every second of the film. Never has Hauer been so evil. The direction is brilliant and the vast desert scenes are spectacular. The stunts are all well staged, giving new meaning to the word car carnage. The Hitcher is a blood-and-metal thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, from the moment it starts, till the last credit has ran. A 80's classic. A must buy !

The new version of this film is out and Sean Bean is not bad, and the film would be ok if not for one thing and that is Rutger Hauer, This film you cannot remake. As The Hitcher(1986) will always be a classic, Rutger Hauer plays one of the most powerful performances ever.

That's the moral of this film,Rutger Hauer puts in a truly amazing performance as the menancing hith-hiker picked up by the side of the road by the naive C Thomas Howell who show's his range of acting skills in this.The film is dark and flows with a pace that keeps you on the edge of your seat.As for the remake forget it this is the real deal and no remake will ever be able to top this original.Find out for yourself and watch it,and remember never pick up strangers!!!!!!!!

Believeable characters, completely on the edge of your seat. Hauer and Howell are outstanding.