The Hunter 1980
"He's not as fast as he used to be... That's what makes him human. He's a bounty hunter... And that's what makes him dangerous."
Steve McQueen stars in *The Hunter (1980)*, a gritty thriller directed by Buzz Kulik that blends action and dark comedy into a tense cat-and-mouse chase.
Director: Buzz Kulik
Cast
Steve McQueen
Ralph "Papa" Thorson
Eli Wallach
Ritchie Blumenthal
Kathryn Harrold
Dorothy ("Dotty")
LeVar Burton
Tommy Price
Ben Johnson
Sheriff John Strong
Richard Venture
Pete Spota
Tracey Walter
Rocco Mason
Thomas Rosales Jr.
Anthony "Tony" Bernardo
Teddy Wilson
Winston Blue
Bill Hart
Security Guard
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Hunter (1980) about?
The film follows Ralph "Papa" Thorson, a seasoned bounty hunter with thousands of captures to his name, as he finds himself targeted by a psychopathic killer while tracking fugitives across the American Midwest. The hunter becomes the prey in a deadly game of survival.
Who directed The Hunter?
Buzz Kulik directed *The Hunter*, bringing a sharp eye for tension and character-driven drama to this unique blend of thriller and action.
Who stars in The Hunter?
The film features Steve McQueen in the lead role, alongside Eli Wallach, Kathryn Harrold, LeVar Burton, and Ben Johnson in a gripping ensemble cast.
Is The Hunter (1980) worth watching?
For fans of Steve McQueen's late-career work, *The Hunter* offers a compelling mix of action and dark humor, though it's not as widely celebrated as his earlier films. Its 93-minute runtime keeps the momentum tight, making it a solid choice for thriller enthusiasts.
How long is The Hunter?
The runtime for *The Hunter (1980)* is 93 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Hunter (1980) — Steve McQueen's Gritty Bounty Hunter Thriller Explored
Steve McQueen stars in *The Hunter (1980)*, a gritty thriller directed by Buzz Kulik that blends action and dark comedy into a tense cat-and-mouse chase. The film follows Ralph "Papa" Thorson, a legendary bounty hunter with over 5,000 captures under his belt, as he tracks fugitives across Illinois, Texas, and Nebraska. But when a deranged killer turns the tables and sets his sights on Thorson, the hunter becomes the hunted in a high-stakes battle of wits and survival.
With its morally complex protagonist, razor-sharp dialogue, and a palpable sense of danger, *The Hunter* delivers a pulse-pounding experience that balances McQueen's iconic screen presence with Eli Wallach's chilling turn as the villain. The film's crisp pacing and sun-soaked visuals lend it a lived-in authenticity, while its themes of justice, vengeance, and the cost of a life on the edge resonate long after the credits roll.
