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Switchback

Switchback

The hunter becomes the hunted.

1997118 minRMidcredits score: 56th percentile of all films
Director
Jeb Stuart
Starring
Dennis Quaid, Danny Glover, R. Lee Ermey, Jared Leto

After FBI agent Frank Lacrosse believes his son was kidnapped by a notorious serial killer, he travels to Amarillo, Texas, where he believes the murderer is in hiding. Although officially taken off the case because of its personal significance to him, Frank continues to pursue the killer, causing concern for local sheriff Buck Olmstead. When another victim pops up at a nearby car garage, Frank knows that he is as close as he'll ever be to tracking down the elusive killer.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Switchback?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Switchback to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Switchback?

Switchback earns 6 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Before they were famous.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Switchback worth watching?

Switchback's Midcredits score is the 56th percentile of all films, from 22K ratings across 4 sources. 52% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

56th percentile

Better received than 56% of films

58th percentile among Crime59th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)56th
Approval (how many liked it)55th

63 /100

56th percentile of all films

59th percentile among Crime61st percentile among 1990s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.5 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

52% liked it

55th percentile of all films

56th percentile among Crime58th percentile among 1990s
52% rated it 7–1048% rated it 1–6

Critics 32% · Audience 46%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

89th percentile

22K ratings across platforms

86th percentile among Crime85th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 48% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$37M
Opening weekend$2.7M
Domestic gross$6.5M
Worldwide gross$6.5M

Returned 0.2× its budget — 71st percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A well-cast serial killer thriller with strong supporting performances and striking mountain scenery, undone by a weak lead and a prematurely revealed villain.

Fans praised

  • Danny Glover's charismatic yet menacing performance as the affable serial killer
  • Tense cat-and-mouse cat-and-mouse thriller with solid character development
  • Beautiful wintry Colorado mountain landscapes and train-set action climax

Detractors panned

  • Dennis Quaid's wooden, one-note performance as the grieving FBI agent
  • Plot holes and contrivances undermine credibility
  • Killer's identity revealed too early, killing suspense

What stands out

Cinematography80

Stunning snowy Colorado landscapes and well-composed shots

Atmosphere70

Wintry, remote mountain setting creates effective mood

ActingDivisive65

Glover praised as charmingly menacing; Quaid criticized as wooden and unemotional; strong support from Ermey, Leto, Levine

CharactersDivisive60

Killer's affable 'good ol' boy' persona highlighted; Quaid's agent called underwritten and clichéd

TensionDivisive55

Initial suspense fades after killer reveal; final train sequence somewhat gripping

PacingDivisive50

Starts well but slows once killer is revealed; too long by 20-30 minutes

Plot and storyDivisive40

Convoluted plot with too many coincidences and loose ends; killer's motivation unclear

EndingDivisive40

Anticlimactic resolution; child reunion hokey; loose ends unresolved

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 11 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is Switchback like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense and leaves you bittersweet.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseMelancholic
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its serial killer and FBI chase with dead seriousness, never winking at the genre; the mood is grim and tense.
The rideThe synopsis suggests sustained pressure from the opening crime to the final pursuit, with a melancholic undertone from the missing child.
StructureConventional linear narrative with parallel storylines that converge; no structural gimmicks.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe rescue of the son provides a hopeful resolution, but the violence and losses along the way leave a bittersweet aftertaste.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestRescue
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% (this title) · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Rescue: Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).

10% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe FBI agent's pursuit of a serial killer who kidnapped his son drives the plot, framed as a manhunt with a personal stake.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsFamily bondsJustice · 13% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores Frank's identity as a father and an agent, torn between professional duty and personal loss, while the killer's identity remains elusive.
StanceThe film treats the hunt for the killer and the protagonist's personal grief with a detached, procedural eye, observing rather than celebrating or condemning.

The world

ContemporaryRuralInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Basil Poledouris
SettingSmall-town Texas and the surrounding wilderness during a serial killer investigation.
MusicPoledouris's score likely underscores the tension and western expanses.

Content guide

Is Switchback okay for kids?

R

Switchback is rated R: “Rated R for strong violence and several views of nude pin-ups” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (57/100), sexual content at moderate (49/100), language at mild (33/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (13/100) and frightening material at moderate (54/100). Its violence, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 2 other countries
  • Germany16
  • France18
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Moderate
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 52%
Profanity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 7%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (8 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (60 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Switchback have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Switchback?

Cast

2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Dennis Quaid
as Frank LaCrosse
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Danny Glover
as Bob Goodall
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
R. Lee Ermey
as Sheriff Buck Olmstead
Jared Leto
as Lane Dixon
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Ted Levine
as Nate
William Fichtner
as McGinnis
Walton Goggins
as Bud
newcomer then · star now
Kevin Cooney
as Montgomery
Leo Burmester
as Shorty
Merle Kennedy
as Betty

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Switchback?

Movies like Switchback include Fire Down Below (1997), No Country for Old Men (2007) and Retroactive (1997). Of the 12 closest matches, most are hunter-and-hunted stories, and most are films set in farming country.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

10 of these 12 share its feel: brooding. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Switchback?

3K other films share the rarest tag below, premise: manhunt. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.