Eddie Harrison film-authority.com Apr 8, 2026 4/5

‘…a classic 80’s action-driven B movie that’s utterly remorseless in chasing down thrills….while the initial reaction in cinemas was muted, The Hitcher went on to be a cult film and no wonder; it’s the gnarliest thing out there…’

Go to Full Review

Jeff Strickler Minneapolis Star Tribune Jan 30, 2026 3/10

The leap of logic necessary to get involved in the excitement is accepting that Howell is a world-class idiot who keeps putting himself in jeopardy, at times intentionally.

Go to Full Review

Richard Martin Ottawa Citizen Jan 30, 2026

The Hitcher seems to be trying hard to be more than just another splatter movie.

Go to Full Review

Maitland McDonagh MaitlandOnMovies (Substack) Dec 25, 2024

I first saw "The Hitcher" (1986) in a theater and it was a crowd-pleaser in the sense that it hit every note and played the squirm inducers with bell-like clarity. But it was also exquisitely anxiety-producing.

Go to Full Review

Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Nov 9, 2024 2.5/4

As a straightforward thriller, The Hitcher is idiotic and illogical; as an allegorical piece about the power of Evil to wilt the foundation of Good, it becomes more interesting.

Go to Full Review

Nick Rogers Midwest Film Journal Oct 30, 2024 3/5

Although hardly the totemic terror it's made out to be by contemporary cult-classic enthusiasts, "The Hitcher" is best appreciated as an analog showreel of exceptional explosions and car stunts.

Go to Full Review

Christian Jones Starburst Sep 24, 2024 4/5

Harmon’s tightly controlled direction generates an increasingly taut atmosphere as the body count rises, and Halsey futilely tries to extricate himself from the madness.

Go to Full Review

Trace Thurman Horror Queers Podcast Jul 7, 2023 3.5/5

An exhausting (in a good way) ride of a film.

Go to Full Review

Joe Lipsett Horror Queers Podcast Jul 5, 2023 3.5/5

As much action film as horror film, this sexy, sweaty homoerotic thriller features a great, unnerving performance by Hauer and an extremely twinky Howell. A classic gay panic film of the 80s!

Go to Full Review

Eve Tushnet Patheos Feb 12, 2021

There's a lot to like about this odd film, which will keep you in suspense even against your will.

Go to Full Review

Lawrence O'Toole Maclean's Magazine Jul 19, 2019

Despite the fact that The Hitcher is both conventional and ultimately hollow, it does take the viewer for a terrifying ride.

Go to Full Review

Paul Attanasio Washington Post Jan 4, 2018

This set-up is intriguing, and you wish director Robert Harmon had made more of it.

Go to Full Review

Tim Brayton Antagony & Ecstasy Aug 2, 2014 8/10

A cosmic horror film drawn out of a psychological thriller.

Go to Full Review

Simon Abrams House Next Door Mar 29, 2011

That kind of nonstop self-seriousness should wear thin after a while but director Robert Harmon makes the screenplay's unabashed cruelty more potent than churlish.

Go to Full Review

Charles Cassady Common Sense Media Dec 15, 2010 2/5

Spare and engrossing original road slaughterfest.

Go to Full Review

Fernando F. Croce CinePassion Feb 12, 2010

An uncanny frisson, plus a road of endless curves

Go to Full Review

Variety Staff Variety Mar 26, 2009

A highly unimaginative slasher that keeps the tension going with a massacre about every 15 minutes.

Go to Full Review

Cole Smithey ColeSmithey.com Oct 21, 2007 4/5

Go to Full Review

Bryant Frazer Bryant Frazer's Deep Focus Feb 22, 2007 D

Without the original film's subtext of male bonding gone awry, nothing here has a shred of psychological resonance.

Go to Full Review