Race with the Devil

Race with the Devil

Year: 1975

Runtime: 88 min

Language: English

Director: Jack Starrett

ActionThrillerHorror

While on a motocross trip through rural Texas, four friends inadvertently witness a terrifying Satanic ritual sacrifice. Now targeted by a vengeful cult, they must fight to survive a desperate chase across the Texan wilderness. The friends find themselves in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, struggling to escape the relentless pursuit of the cultists seeking to silence them.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Race with the Devil yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Race with the Devil (1975)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Race with the Devil (1975). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events of the film unfold in a contemporary setting that captures the spirit of adventure during the 1970s. It reflects a time when people sought new experiences through road trips and outdoor escapades, unaware of the lurking dangers. The juxtaposition of leisure and horror emphasizes the dark undercurrents of this period.

Location

San Antonio, Secluded Campsite, RV Park

The journey begins in San Antonio, a vibrant city known for its rich history and the famous Alamo. They soon venture to a secluded campsite, an untouched piece of nature that contrasts with the chaos that follows. The RV park represents a temporary refuge, yet it becomes a place of horror as the couples realize they are being hunted.

🏞️ Campsite 🚐 RV Park 🌳 Nature

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:35

Main Characters – Race with the Devil (1975)

Meet the key characters of Race with the Devil (1975), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Frank Stewart (Warren Oates)

Frank is a motorcycle shop owner and a former racer, characterized by his adventurous spirit and loyalty to friends. He displays a mix of bravado and vulnerability throughout their harrowing journey. As the group faces unexpected challenges, Frank proves to be both a protector and a leader.

🏍️ Racer 🛡️ Protector ⚡ Adventurous

Roger Marsh (Peter Fonda)

Roger is Frank's close friend who shares a passion for motorcycle racing. His character embodies a sense of thrill-seeking but also apprehension as the events take a dark turn. He is protective of his wife Kelly and struggles with the responsibility of keeping everyone safe.

🏎️ Adventurous ⚠️ Worried 🤝 Loyal

Alice Stewart (Loretta Swit)

Alice is Frank's wife, who exhibits curiosity and concern throughout their trip. She inadvertently draws attention to the group, which leads to escalating tension. Her intuition about the unsettling events is palpable, as she navigates the complexity of their situation with both fear and determination.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Supportive ⚡ Intuitive 😟 Concerned

Kelly Marsh (Lara Parker)

Kelly, Roger's wife, is portrayed as cautious and alert, particularly as she senses danger from the start. Her protective nature for both her dog and her loved ones drives her actions throughout the film. Kelly’s adaptability in the face of terror showcases her resilience.

🌟 Resilient 🐕 Protective 👀 Observant

Sheriff Taylor (R.G. Armstrong)

Sheriff Taylor represents the authority but also embodies skepticism regarding the couples' claims. His dismissiveness contributes to the growing tension as he fails to take the potential dangers seriously. His character reflects the flaws in societal trust systems during crises.

🛡️ Authority ⚖️ Skeptical 🔍 Dismissive

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:35

Major Themes – Race with the Devil (1975)

Explore the central themes of Race with the Devil (1975), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔪 Danger

The theme of danger is prevalent throughout the film as the couples find themselves in increasingly perilous situations. From the initial witnessing of a ritualistic murder to the relentless pursuit by cult members, each moment heightens the sense of dread. The characters’ struggle to escape showcases the fragility of safety and trust.

🌲 Isolation

Isolation plays a critical role as the characters disconnect from the safety of society. Set in remote locations, the film illustrates how being away from civilization can amplify fears and vulnerabilities. The serene, natural backdrop juxtaposed with escalating terror highlights the harsh reality of their predicament.

👁️ Surveillance

Surveillance is a key theme as the characters are constantly watched by the cult. Their paranoia grows with each encounter as they realize that they are not just observers but targets. This theme reflects broader societal fears of invasion and loss of privacy even in seemingly safe environments.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:35

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies like Race with the Devil about relentless pursuit and paranoia

Ordinary people discover an evil conspiracy that relentlessly hunts them.If you liked the desperate chase and pervasive threat in Race with the Devil, this section highlights other movies where ordinary people are hunted after discovering a dark secret. These films share a tense, paranoid vibe and a fast-paced fight for survival against an omnipresent enemy, perfect for fans of high-stakes thrillers.

paranoidclaustrophobicdesperateanxiousoppressivefeverishrelentless

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically begins with an accidental discovery that triggers an immediate and escalating threat. The story follows a linear, survival-focused path with minimal subplots, as the protagonists are pushed from one dangerous situation to the next, constantly on the run with dwindling options and growing desperation.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared core experience: the terrifying feeling of being an ordinary person targeted by an inescapable, organized evil. They prioritize a constant state of high tension, a fast-paced chase structure, and a mood of deep paranoia where trust is a liability and authority is often corrupt.

Road trip horror and thriller movies similar to Race with the Devil

A journey through unfamiliar territory becomes a fight for survival against hidden dangers.Fans of Race with the Devil will enjoy these movies where a road trip goes horribly wrong. This collection features tense thrillers and horror films set on highways and in remote areas, where travelers find themselves fighting for their lives against unforeseen threats in isolating landscapes.

isolateddesperateanxiousunsettlingfeverishon the run

Narrative Summary

These narratives use the journey itself as the primary setting and engine of conflict. The plot unfolds linearly as the characters move from one location to the next, with each stop introducing new dangers. The structure creates a sense of progression and escalating peril, often culminating in a final, desperate stand in an isolated spot.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by the potent combination of the road movie and survival horror genres. They exploit the vulnerability of being far from home in unfamiliar, often hostile environments. The shared vibe is one of isolation, mounting dread, and the subversion of the classic American road trip into a terrifying experience.

Unlock the Full Story of Race with the Devil

Don't stop at just watching — explore Race with the Devil in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Race with the Devil is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Race with the Devil Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Race with the Devil, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Race with the Devil Summary

Race with the Devil Timeline

Track the full timeline of Race with the Devil with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Race with the Devil Timeline

Race with the Devil Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Race with the Devil that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Race with the Devil Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Race with the Devil

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Race with the Devil: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Race with the Devil

Similar Movies to Race with the Devil

Discover movies like Race with the Devil that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.