If you're a fan of the gritty, suspenseful horror of Hitchhiker Massacre (2017), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similarly chilling movies and shows that deliver the same heart-pounding thrills and eerie atmosphere. Whether you love roadside terror or relentless killers, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Last House on the Left (1972)
Description: A harrowing tale of revenge and survival, where two teenage girls are brutalized by criminals, leading to a violent retribution. The film's raw, unflinching approach shocked audiences.
Fact: Wes Craven's debut film was inspired by Ingmar Bergman's 'The Virgin Spring.' It was controversial for its graphic violence and bleak tone.


The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Description: A gritty, low-budget horror film that follows a group of friends who encounter a family of cannibals in rural Texas. The raw, documentary-like style and relentless tension make it a standout in the genre.
Fact: The film was banned in several countries upon release due to its extreme violence. It was inspired by the crimes of real-life serial killer Ed Gein.


The Hills Have Eyes (1977)
Description: A family on a road trip becomes stranded in the desert and is hunted by a group of savage mutants. The film's brutal survival horror elements and isolated setting create a sense of dread.
Fact: The movie was shot in the Mojave Desert, and the cast endured extreme heat during filming. It was Wes Craven's second major horror film after 'The Last House on the Left.'


Joy Ride (2001)
Description: A road-trip thriller where two brothers and a friend are stalked by a psychotic trucker. The film's tension-filled cat-and-mouse chase and isolated highway setting create relentless suspense.
Fact: The movie was originally titled 'Roadkill.' The antagonist's voice, Rusty Nail, was provided by a radio DJ known for his deep, menacing tone.


House of 1000 Corpses (2003)
Description: A psychedelic horror film about a group of teens who encounter a deranged family of killers. The movie's chaotic energy, grotesque visuals, and dark humor set it apart.
Fact: Rob Zombie's directorial debut was initially shelved by Universal Studios due to its extreme content. The film pays homage to 1970s exploitation horror.


Wrong Turn (2003)
Description: A group of young travelers takes a detour into the backwoods of West Virginia, where they are stalked by inbred cannibals. The film's focus on rural terror and grotesque villains aligns with the genre's tropes.
Fact: The film's antagonists were inspired by urban legends about inbred mountain dwellers. It spawned a franchise with multiple sequels.


The Devil's Rejects (2005)
Description: A sequel that follows the murderous Firefly family as they evade law enforcement. The film's gritty tone, road-movie structure, and unflinching violence make it a brutal ride.
Fact: The movie's title refers to a nickname given to outcasts in the military. It features a soundtrack filled with classic rock songs to contrast its grim content.


Wolf Creek (2005)
Description: Based loosely on real events, this film follows backpackers in the Australian outback who fall victim to a sadistic killer. Its slow-burn tension and shocking violence make it a harrowing experience.
Fact: The film's antagonist, Mick Taylor, is inspired by Australian serial killers Ivan Milat and Bradley Murdoch. It was shot on a modest budget but gained a cult following.


Turistas (2006)
Description: A group of tourists in Brazil find themselves hunted by organ harvesters. The film's exotic setting and themes of vulnerability in unfamiliar territory heighten the terror.
Fact: The movie was filmed on location in Brazil, adding to its authenticity. It was marketed with the tagline 'Go home.'


The Strangers (2008)
Description: A home-invasion horror film where a couple is terrorized by masked intruders. The film's minimalist approach and real-life inspiration amplify its fear factor.
Fact: The movie was inspired by the Manson Family murders and a real-life incident where strangers knocked on the director's door. It was shot in just 20 days.
