The 1980s gave us many iconic movie villains we still talk about. While names like Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, and Michael Myers are well-known, the decade also featured fantastic non-supernatural villains. Hans Gruber from *Die Hard* and Khan from *Star Trek II* are great examples, but one villain from a particularly impactful 1986 thriller often gets forgotten.
Starring C. Thomas Howell and Jennifer Jason Leigh, *The Hitcher* is a relentlessly tense thriller. Many films promise to keep you on the edge of your seat, but this one truly delivers. From beginning to end, the movie builds a feeling of inescapable dread, largely due to the terrifying performance of the villain, John Ryder.
Jim Halsey, driving from Chicago to San Diego, gives a ride to a hitchhiker named John Ryder, who shockingly admits to being a serial killer. After narrowly escaping a dangerous situation, Jim wants nothing more to do with Ryder. However, when Jim sees Ryder commit a horrific murder of an entire family, he decides to hunt him down. He teams up with Nash, a waitress he meets at a truck stop, and the two become locked in a relentless and violent pursuit filled with car chases and brutal killings.
‘The Hitcher’ Still Holds Up as One of the Best Thrillers Ever Made
Tri-Star Pictures
I remember when *The Hitcher* came out in February 1986 – it totally flopped! Critics hated it, and I recall both Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel giving it zero stars, mainly because of the intense violence and how unclear the villain’s motives were. But honestly, critics missed the mark. Over the years, the film has become a real favorite among thriller fans – and for good reason. It’s a fantastic mix of horror, suspense, and really gets under your skin with its psychological tension. It’s become one of the best in the genre, in my opinion.
Some called the 2007 remake of *The Hitcher* “epic,” while others found it “frightening,” but it ultimately didn’t connect with audiences. Unlike the original, which was raw and suspenseful, this version was overly polished and tried to explain too much, losing the mysterious tension that made the first film so effective. Sean Bean starred as John Ryder in the remake.
You can now watch the 1986 film *The Hitcher* for free on YouTube Movies & TV, with ads. It’s a great way to experience the movie’s excitement again and appreciate Rutger Hauer’s fantastic performance.
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2025-10-20 19:39