Switchback
“The hunter becomes the hunted.”
Synopsis
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.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Car CrashOfficial
Type: Clip • Published 2026-04-15
Top Cast
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Dennis Quaid
FBI Special Agent Frank LaCrosse
Danny Glover
Bob Goodall
R. Lee Ermey
Sheriff Buck Olmstead
Jared Leto
Lane Dixon
Ted Levine
Deputy Nate Booker
William Fichtner
Chief Jack McGinnis
Walton Goggins
Bud (Deputy)
Kevin Cooney
FBI SAC Grant Montgomery
Leo Burmester
Clyde 'Shorty' Callahan
Merle Kennedy
Betty (Store Clerk)
Julio Oscar Mechoso
Atty. Jorge Martinez
Orville Stoeber
Hector Saldez
Claudia Stedelin
Babysitter (Missy)
Ian Nelson
Andy LaCrosse
Brent Hinkley
Man on Porch ('Tom Billingham')
Louis Schaefer
Sim
Robert L. Somers
Rancher
Lexie Stuart
Rancher's Daughter
Release History & Theatrical Window
October 31, 1997
Wide Cinema Exhibition
July 4, 2002
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$37M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$6.5M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
0.18x
-$30.5M deficit
Theatrical Status
Budget Return
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Jeb Stuart
- Screenplay & Story
- Jeb Stuart
- Original Score
- Basil Poledouris
- Original Title
- Switchback
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 58m
- Production Budget
- $37M
- Worldwide Gross
- $6.5M
- Production Studios
- Rysher Entertainment, Pacific Western, Paramount Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Jeb Stuart
Jeb Stuart
Basil Poledouris
Oliver Wood
Conrad Buff IV
Keith Samples, Mel Efros, Jeb Stuart, Gale Anne Hurd
Department Leadership Roster
Jeb Stuart
Director
Oliver Wood
Director of Photography
Conrad Buff IV
Editor
Jeffrey Howard
Production Design
Jeb Stuart
Screenplay
Jeff Habberstad
Stunt Coordinator
Basil Poledouris
Original Music Composer
Gale Anne Hurd
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
Interdit aux moins de 18 ans — 18+ only.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Switchback.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Switchback.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Switchback
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Switchback about?
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.
Who directed Switchback?
Switchback was directed by Jeb Stuart.
Who stars in Switchback?
The principal cast of Switchback includes Dennis Quaid, Danny Glover, R. Lee Ermey, Jared Leto, Ted Levine.
When was Switchback released and how long is it?
Switchback was released in 1997 with a total runtime of 1h 58m.
What was the box office and production budget of Switchback?
Switchback had a reported production budget of $37M and grossed $6.5M at the worldwide box office (0.18 return on budget, classified as a underperformed).
Who composed the musical score for Switchback?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Switchback was composed by Basil Poledouris.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Switchback?
Switchback holds official age classifications: DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); FR: 18 (Interdit aux moins de 18 ans — 18+ only.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).