How to watch
The Hitcher Movie Watch Order in the correct order
How to watch the The Hitcher movies in order
Last updated: November 11 2026
Written by: ChronoBob
The Hitcher is a tense road-horror franchise about a murderous hitchhiker who torments everyone who gives him a ride. Here's how to watch all three films.
Directed by Robert Harmon, The Hitcher (1986) became a cult classic thanks to Rutger Hauer's chilling performance as John Ryder, a mysterious killer who terrorizes a young driver played by C. Thomas Howell across the desert highways of Texas. Jennifer Jason Leigh co-starred as a waitress caught up in the nightmare. The film inspired a direct-to-video sequel and a Hollywood remake.
π Release Order
Here's the franchise in release order.
- The Hitcher (1986)
- The Hitcher II: I've Been Waiting (2003)
- The Hitcher (2007)
The Hitcher II is a true sequel that brings back C. Thomas Howell as Jim Halsey, still haunted by his encounter years earlier. The 2007 film, produced by Michael Bay's Platinum Dunes, is a standalone remake.
π Story Chronology
Story chronology for the original continuity runs straight from the 1986 film to its sequel, while the remake starts the story over.
- The Hitcher (1986)
- The Hitcher II: I've Been Waiting (2003) β sequel
- The Hitcher (2007) β remake with Sean Bean and Sophia Bush
Which Order Should You Choose?
Watch the 1986 original first β it's the best of the bunch, with a minimalist style and an iconic villain. If you want to see what happened to Jim Halsey, follow it with The Hitcher II, which also features Jake Busey and Kari Wuhrer. The 2007 remake, starring Sean Bean as Ryder, is slicker and more action-heavy and works on its own. For a shorter route, just watch the original and the remake to compare two eras of horror filmmaking.
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