The Drifter (1988): cast, story & where to watch

1988 · Film · ★ 4.4

The Drifter poster

Released in 1988, The Drifter is a thriller, crime and horror film directed by Larry Brand, running about 89 minutes. “Loving him was wrong. Dead wrong.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. A suspensefilled thriller about a successful single woman who, on a deserted road, picks up a mysterious hitchhiker. Once back in the city, "The Drifter" follows her every move. Every attempt to free herself of his harassment fails until the shocking conclusion is revealed!

Who’s in it. The Drifter stars Kim Delaney as Julia Robbins, Timothy Bottoms as Arthur, Al Shannon as Kriger and Miles O'Keeffe as Trey, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 4.4/10, The Drifter has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Drifter page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Drifter tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Drifter (1988)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Drifter change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Drifter worth watching?
The Drifter holds an audience score of 4.4 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller, crime and horror. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in The Drifter?
The Drifter stars Kim Delaney, Timothy Bottoms, Al Shannon, Miles O'Keeffe and Anna Garduno.
When was The Drifter released?
The Drifter was released in 1988, with a runtime of about 89 minutes.