The Hitcher (2007)

20% of critics liked it
(93 reviews)
59% of users liked it
(404,030 ratings)

A lonely stretch of highway leads to a date with terror in this thriller. Jim Halsey (Zachary Knighton) and Grace Andrews (Sophia Bush) are a young couple in the midst of a long-distance road trip when, during a rainstorm, they take pity on a hitchhiker, John Ryder) (Sean Bean), and give him a lift.… More A lonely stretch of highway leads to a date with terror in this thriller. Jim Halsey (Zachary Knighton) and Grace Andrews (Sophia Bush) are a young couple in the midst of a long-distance road trip when, during a rainstorm, they take pity on a hitchhiker, John Ryder) (Sean Bean), and give him a lift. Jim and Grace soon come to regret their benevolence when Ryder reveals himself as a violent madman determined to see them dead. Luck is with Jim and Grace, and they're able to throw off Ryder and get back on the road, but as it happens their troubles are just beginning. Ryder has already killed a handful of people and is planting evidence that suggests Jim and Grace are the murderers; now the couple is on the run from the law as they search for Ryder in a bid to clears their names. The Hitcher is a remake of the 1986 cult horror classic of the same name; the new version was produced by Michael Bay, Andrew Form, and Brad Fuller, who previously produced remakes of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Amityville Horror. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 24 min.
Directed By: Dave Meyers
Written By: Jake Wade Ball, Eric Red
Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Jan 19, 2007 Wide
On DVD: May 1, 2007
Studio: Rogue Pictures (Focus)

Critic Reviews

Kyle Smith, New York Post
[It's] cheerfully in touch with its own brainlessness.
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
Don't even think of stopping.
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly
... about all the movie is effective at is insulting the audience.
Peter Hartlaub, San Francisco Chronicle
[Grace, played by Sophia Bush] can't go six blocks without having to pee, and we're supposed to believe she knows how to fire a Colt 45 and a shotgun?
Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times
That [original] film was intellectually engaging as well as tangibly creepy, while the new remake is just plain bad, and boring to boot.
James Berardinelli, ReelViews
There's no snowball effect and the characters are too weakly drawn and acted for there to be any psychological dimension to their interaction. The ending of the first movie was unsettling; the conclusion of this one is unsatisfying.
Cynthia Fuchs, Common Sense Media
Very bloody remake of Rutger Hauer cult favorite.
Steve Biodrowski, ESplatter
The new version is an adequate technical exercise ... but the attempts at 'originality' undermine whatever meager integrity the original possessed.
Bruce Kirkland, Jam! Movies
For my taste, it was better off left dead, roadkill on the cinematic highway.
Stax, IGN Movies
While this new Hitcher has its moments, it just doesn't make for as scary or interesting a ride as its predecessor.
Matthew Turner, ViewLondon
Enjoyably trashy remake with a suitably creepy performance from Sean Bean, even if it's not quite on the level of Rutger Hauer's original.
Phelim O'Neill, Guardian [UK]
Tense, brooding, scary -- there are plenty of words to describe 1986's superior B-movie The Hitcher. None, however, apply to this remake.
Joseph Proimakis, Movies for the Masses
As is usually the case with remakes of this sort, instead of soul, point of view, or guts, the movie features a story as flat as its open surroundings, transparent like soda water, with as many holes as bubbles, and a few slices of improbability for flavo
James Christopher, Times [UK]
The first few minutes of Dave Meyers's remake of The Hitcher are desperately tense.
Mark Dinning, Empire Magazine
A depressingly formulaic reworking of a unique cult favourite that should have been left well alone. Stick with Rutger.
Nigel Floyd, Time Out
Bloated, boring and over-explained.
Anna Smith, BBC
A guilty pleasure -- but only if you like your action outlandish, your continuity challenged and your guts and gore splattered all over the screen.
Scott Weinberg, FEARnet
If you can't improve upon your original in some small but interesting way, then you're simply churning out assembly-line product for a gradually more disinterested fan-base.
Eric D. Snider, EricDSnider.com
If only they had a good story and enough solid thrills to sustain it for longer than a half-hour.
Staci Layne Wilson, Horror.com
As for the DVD, I must say the producers of the product made sure it was fully loaded.

Read all 20 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Lady D

If you're going to remake a film then let it be better than the original or give it a slightly different plot. The original in this case was much better and this is hardly a challenging role for Sean Bean
Bethany M

One of the best horror films I've ever seen. The scenes are truly horrifying and Sophia Bush is excellent as well as Sean Bean as the physco killer.
Jeff "

The Hitcher remake is one of the "better" remakes. However like every other remakes, it tries to copy the original to the letter. The original Hitcher was a terrific suspense horror film. But this upgraded remake tries to be more of an action horror film. this remake of the… More
The Hitcher remake is one of the "better" remakes. However like every other remakes, it tries to copy the original to the letter. The original Hitcher was a terrific suspense horror film. But this upgraded remake tries to be more of an action horror film. this remake of the 1986 classic has it's good moments and the rest is just so so.first the good, Sean Bean as the villain. he is very menacing and seems to really relish the role. Rutger Hauer played the role in the original. There are some moments of suspense and lots of action. More action than suspense really.the tone of the movie doesn't seem as dark as it should,at least to me.this movie focuses more on action than on psychology. the original was much more psychological suspense oriented. This version is still quite watchable for the most part, though there is one scene which really cheapens the movie and brings it down a notch. The Hitcher remake is a guilty pleasure, and I don't know why I seem to enjoy it. But I did. The film is not too bad. Compared to the Japanese remakes, this film is quite good. Like I previously said, this version of The Hitcher is more action oriented than the original, and the psychological elements are somewhat absent at times, but this may appeal to action horror buffs. One of the better remakes.
KJ P

The Hitcher is a bunch of cliched scenes mashed together in the best and most brutally satisfyingly way possible. I could not have pictured a low budget poor made horror slasher going any better than this. It's just a guilty pleasure fun filled ride!
Wahida K

This is the only Hitcher version I rather stuck on. It is this one!
Conner R

Really a piece of trash, I couldn't even finish watching. They took everything away from a movie I hold dear to me. Sofia Bush was the only, and I mean only reason to watch this. Sean Bean just totally missed the point of his character. It's a movie that should never have… More
Really a piece of trash, I couldn't even finish watching. They took everything away from a movie I hold dear to me. Sofia Bush was the only, and I mean only reason to watch this. Sean Bean just totally missed the point of his character. It's a movie that should never have been remade.
Phil H

I liked this, I've seen the Rutger Hauer original and though it was good but I still like this. Mr Bean is not exactly creepy but strong, firm, gritty and has a sense of realism about him. He could be a nutter and a normal person, he plays it well. The young couple he's… More
I liked this, I've seen the Rutger Hauer original and though it was good but I still like this. Mr Bean is not exactly creepy but strong, firm, gritty and has a sense of realism about him. He could be a nutter and a normal person, he plays it well. The young couple he's after are the usual sterotypical Americana kids but its just fun to see Bean rip through cars, police and the landscape to try and get them. There are some really good car chases with great smashes and it goes at a fair pace, great fun. I know this got a luke warm review but dont trust it lol this is good fun. Sure there are the usual breast shots for the young female lead and plenty of other typical cliches (you know what I mean) but at the end of the day its quite cool, Bean saves it. The better of the remakes I reckon.
Cassandra M

I just bought this on DVD, and I liked it. I think that if you haven't seen the original and have something against older looking movies then you will definitely enjoy this. On the other hand, I prefer the original and felt like society's money would be better spent actually… More
I just bought this on DVD, and I liked it. I think that if you haven't seen the original and have something against older looking movies then you will definitely enjoy this. On the other hand, I prefer the original and felt like society's money would be better spent actually purchasing the original on DVD (its cheap) then seeing this. That would be a great F YOU to Hollywood! Another idea would be for movie theatres to show the original movie for a little less price and see what kind of results they get. The movie itself is plenty intense, a decent amount of "boo scares", and gore quick pace, attractive leads, decent acting (for the most part). Compared to the rest of the movies being released these days, I would say this is definitely above par. The only thing that I can't get over is how much alike the original it was. There are a couple differences (the girlfriend, and a few others) that didn't really add anything to the movie at all, and even with those differences (which you would think could actually change the movie a lot) a lot of scenes are almost shot for shot the same. Acting wise, I think the main male actor faired a little better than C.Thomas Howell... and i like Sean Bean a lot, but unfortunately he seemed to be doing a Rutger Hauer impression the whole time (dunno if that was his choice, or the filmmakers), but Rutger Hauer is the best "Hitcher", Sophia Bush, as attractive as she is... did not impress me very much acting wise, but she wasn't horrible either. All in all, I give this a 7, and I would personally give the original an 8.5. This one did some things better than the original, i think the original was more intense without feeling as "forced" as this one does (the level of brutality in movies feels pretty forced lately, you may understand what i mean, you may not) I honestly think that Hollywood could make some money if they would retouch some old movies and re-release them, and advertise them correctly.
Corey W

One of the better remakes to be made
Al S

A heart-pounding thriller that's jammed with explosive action. A real adreniline rush. This film grabs you like you wouldnt belive. A chilling edge of your seat ride. Sean Bean gives a superb and bone-chilling performance. He's the most satanic, evil and charasmatic villian… More
A heart-pounding thriller that's jammed with explosive action. A real adreniline rush. This film grabs you like you wouldnt belive. A chilling edge of your seat ride. Sean Bean gives a superb and bone-chilling performance. He's the most satanic, evil and charasmatic villian I've seen in a long time. He steals the show in every scene he's in. Heart-racing and packed on fear fuel.
Brian D

Stick with Rutger Hauser 1986 orignal verison.This one stucks from Michael Bay ass.It did't need to be remade and thats why it crashed and burn....Stay Clear! Sean Bean you should on better!
Morgan S

accually really really good...if u want a good horror/thirilling movie rent this!
Dean !

This is a brilliant if simple thriller/horror film! I was surprised I liked it so much, favours well compared to the original and much better than The Hitcher 2 which no doubt passed many by, just as well. This is very similar to the original with the general plot and "key"… More
This is a brilliant if simple thriller/horror film! I was surprised I liked it so much, favours well compared to the original and much better than The Hitcher 2 which no doubt passed many by, just as well. This is very similar to the original with the general plot and "key" scenes still in it. Sophia Bush is great in this and Sean Bean does make a a good viillain. Very violent and bloody to go with it! If you thought this would be a poor comparison to the cult original then I suggest you check it out.
Red L

This story can only be a movie. Like when the van Grace is trapped in blows up, and Grace pops out non-the-worse-for-wear. Eh, if you like blood and guts, hate cops and want to escape for 90 minutes, this is the movie for you.
Bruce B

I put off seeing this movie, been in my collection for about 6 months left unopened. Thought I had seen it before, Man was I surprised it was a Thriller and a half. Really enjoyed the 18 wheeler scene near the end ouch that had to hurt.
Lanning :

Holy moley, what a stinker. I wonder if Sean Bean wants to rip his agent apart between two trucks for steering him into this piece of borat. Well, actually, this is about the right level of movie for Bean. Maybe he is desperate. For sure he's no Rutger Hauer. Time for a… More
Holy moley, what a stinker. I wonder if Sean Bean wants to rip his agent apart between two trucks for steering him into this piece of borat. Well, actually, this is about the right level of movie for Bean. Maybe he is desperate. For sure he's no Rutger Hauer. Time for a career change?
Ginny

A waste of time and money. Overly stretched out story. A great disapointment.
Craig S

Directed by: Dave Meyers Starring: Sophia Bush, Zachary Knighton, Neal McDonough, Sean Bean Ahhh yes, Hollywood....the land of no imagination and lack of originality. The obvious ideas behind remakes is to… More
Directed by: Dave Meyers Starring: Sophia Bush, Zachary Knighton, Neal McDonough, Sean Bean Ahhh yes, Hollywood....the land of no imagination and lack of originality. The obvious ideas behind remakes is to try something different to the original and improve on its mistakes....although I personally don't like the original, I know it to be a great film to many. As always, this film is another in a long line of bad remakes....but I didn't expect it to be at the very bottom. The story follows a young 'in-love' couple who go away for their spring break....and what a surprise, a long drive through the middle of nowhere is the way. They soon hit bad weather and nearly hit a hitcher, but take off as they are afraid to pick up strangers. But this only leads to a plot planned by the hitcher, as he starts to pop up everywhere and track them down. At least with The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Amityville Horror remakes financed by this company, Platinum Dunes, they produced some decent watches, but I never expected this film to scrap the barrel. The screenplay is some of the thinnest material I have seen in years, this may not have necessary been a really bad thing, if they had kept up gripped in the material. Terribly pretentious and clichéd is only the tip of the iceberg, we are introduced to two flesh and blood characters without souls, they don't get through 5 minutes of bad dialogue before the action starts to happen, so who cares what happens to them? From there, I was hoping newcomer Dave Meyers may produce something exhilarating....wrong. Although he shows slight potential with his direction, he takes everything down the wrong direction and his vision is terrible, he wastes excitement and a decent chase and crash sequence with dodgy editing and a terribly out of place soundtrack, was this his overlook? With a lack of tension and an overuse of every cheap trick in the book, I couldn't help but fast-forward the film through the dullness. We are also introduced to our antagonist or 'villain', this is where the film could have soared, but when the character has no depth or plausibility (which would be OK if he was built to be scary and darkly mysterious) and Sean Bean, who usually has great charisma, can't cover up the holes or provide a chilling character on the surface, the film loses it. The only reason I gave the film a 1 star was for the stunning cinematography that isn't put to best use to create atmosphere during the needed parts where tension lacks, but at least the film had a slick presence for 80 minutes. I wouldn't be surprised if you stick this film in front of a 13 year old girl and find out she loves it. Pretentious, clichéd and soulless, although there is slight potential shown by director Dave Meyers, he tackles the film from the worst angle and with the worst vision in mind....and when Sean Bean can't save the film, you know it's a failure. I didn't like the original film, but I despised this one.
Roy G

The Hitcher moves along rapidly without any extraneous scenes to interfere with its vigorous pace.
Dean M

Great little scary, but more thriller in this remake film and little different to the original. Wonderfully black characterisation by Sean Bean as the hitchhiker from psycho-hell.