The Hitcher

11:45pm - Friday, Apr 11, 2025

The Hitcher

Director Robert Harmon's criminally overlooked film THE HITCHER is a violent thrill-ride featuring strong performances from Rutger Hauer and C. Thomas Howell in a tense, cat-and-mouse gem that, "did for hitch-hiking what JAWS did for ocean swimmers." In other words, this newly restored slice of 80s-era "cinema obscura" is perfect for inclusion in the Rio Theatre's Friday Late Night Movies series.

While transporting a car from Chicago to San Diego, Jim Halsey (Thomas Howell) picks up a hitchhiker named John Ryder (Hauer), who claims to be a serial killer. After a daring escape, Jim hopes to never see Ryder again. But when he witnesses the hitchhiker murdering an entire family, Jim pursues Ryder with the help of truck-stop waitress Nash, pitting the rivals against each other in a deadly series of car chases and brutal murders. With Jennifer Jason Leigh.

"It's a highly competent sick-fright version of the evergreen chase formula." (Time Out)

"An odyssey of horror and suspense." (Newsweek)

Friday, April 11
Doors 11:15 pm | Movie 11:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Late Night Date Night! Tickets are two-for-one admission.

THE HITCHER (Robert Harmon, 1986 / 98 mins / 18A) A young man who escapes the clutches of a murderous hitchhiker is subsequently stalked by the hitcher and framed for his crimes.


*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. Please redeem at the door.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.
*If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime.

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds or exchanges.