The Hitcher

The Hitcher is a 1986 American road thriller film directed by Robert Harmon and written by Eric Red. It stars Rutger Hauer as the title character, a murderous hitchhiker who stalks a young motorist (C. Thomas Howell) across the highways of West Texas. Jeffrey DeMunn and Jennifer Jason Leigh appear in supporting roles.

Released in the United States on February 21, 1986, the film was initially met with tepid critical and commercial response, grossing $5.8 million on a $7.9 million budget. Opinion of The Hitcher improved in later years, however, with Hauer's performance receiving praise. The film was followed by a 2003 sequel, which featured Howell reprising his role, and a 2007 remake.