The Hitcher

The Hitcher

Year: 2007

Runtime: 84 min

Language: English

Director: Dave Meyers

ActionThrillerHorrorCrime

A young couple's cross-country road trip takes a terrifying turn when they offer a ride to a mysterious hitchhiker. He quickly reveals himself to be a ruthless killer, turning their journey into a desperate fight for survival. As they attempt to escape his deadly game, the couple must confront their own fears and question their sanity in a harrowing test of endurance.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Hitcher 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!

The Hitcher (2007) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of The Hitcher (2007), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Jim, a young college student played by Zachary Knighton, is excitedly preparing for a Spring Break getaway with his girlfriend, Grace, portrayed by Sophia Bush. They hit the highway in Jim’s sleek Oldsmobile 442, destined for Lake Havasu. However, their journey takes a dark turn as they navigate through a torrential rainstorm in New Mexico. While Jim steals affectionate glances at Grace, his momentary distraction leads to a near-accident with a man standing in the middle of the road. Feeling guilty for almost hitting the man, Jim decides to offer him a ride despite Grace’s adamant protests.

As they stop at a nearby gas station to refuel and gather snacks, the stranger, who introduces himself as John Rider, played by Sean Bean, re-emerges unexpectedly. Initially, he seems amiable, but things quickly spiral out of control when he begins probing Jim about his intimate life with Grace. Tension escalates when John destroys Jim’s cell phone and threatens him with a knife, demanding that he admit to wanting to die. In a moment of horror and desperation, Jim swerves the car, causing John to tumble out onto the highway.

Still shaken, Jim and Grace hope to report the incident to the police, but their plans go awry as they encounter more tragic events. When they find a family in peril, Jim and Grace realize that John is following them and is a much greater threat than they initially believed. After a chaotic drive and a series of harrowing confrontations, including Jim and Grace becoming suspects themselves, they find themselves in a life-and-death situation.

As they fight to survive against John Rider, the stakes keep rising. Their desperate struggle to clear their names leads to a sequence of violent encounters, ultimately resulting in a tragic climax that leaves both Jim and Grace in peril. In the end, when Grace confronts John in an effort to save Jim, she faces tough choices that test her will to fight against the killer. The confrontation culminates in an explosive finale, with Grace finally taking a stand and finding the strength to confront the darkness, leading to a thrilling resolution that reveals the true nature of their ordeal and the lasting scars they’ve endured.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 14:13

Unlock the Full Story of The Hitcher

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Hitcher 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 The Hitcher is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Hitcher Timeline

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

The Hitcher Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Hitcher

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Hitcher. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Hitcher

More About The Hitcher

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Hitcher: 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 The Hitcher

Similar Movies to The Hitcher

Discover movies like The Hitcher 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.