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Entertainment • Film

Hostel

Hostel is a 2005 American horror film written and directed by Eli Roth.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Hostel is a 2005 American horror film written and directed by Eli Roth. The plot follows two American backpackers and a fellow traveller who are drawn into a Slovakian criminal enterprise that tortures and kills unsuspecting victims. The film was released in the United States in 2006 and became the first entry in a film series.

Plot

The story follows American tourists travelling through Europe who are lured to Slovakia and become victims of a torture-for-profit operation. The film is known for its violent content and its use of horror and suspense.

Production and release

Eli Roth wrote and directed the film, and it was produced by Mike Fleiss, Roth, and Chris Briggs. It opened in U.S. theatres in January 2006 and was distributed by Lions Gate Films and Screen Gems.

Reception

Hostel received mixed reviews from critics but was commercially successful. Its graphic violence helped establish its reputation as a prominent example of mid-2000s extreme horror.

Franchise

The film became the first part of a horror franchise. It was followed by Hostel: Part II in 2007 and Hostel: Part III in 2011.

Key facts

  • Hostel was written and directed by Eli Roth.
  • The film stars Jay Hernandez and Derek Richardson as American backpackers.
  • Its plot centres on a Slovakian criminal organization that abducts travellers for torture and murder.
  • Released in the US on January 6, 2006, the film grossed about $82 million worldwide on a $4.8 million budget.
  • It launched a franchise including Hostel: Part II (2007) and Hostel: Part III (2011).
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Canadian context

The film was part of the wider international horror market and was available to Canadian audiences through standard theatrical and home-video distribution, but no Canada-specific production link is indicated in the provided sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is Hostel about?
It follows backpackers who travel in Europe and are lured into a Slovakian organization that tortures and kills victims.
Who directed Hostel?
Eli Roth directed and wrote the film.
When was Hostel released?
It was released theatrically in the United States on January 6, 2006.
Who stars in Hostel?
The film stars Jay Hernandez, Derek Richardson, Eyþór Guðjónsson, and Barbara Nedeljáková.
Did Hostel become a series?
Yes. It was followed by Hostel: Part II in 2007 and Hostel: Part III in 2011.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hostel_(2005_film)
    Supports: Core film identification, director, cast, plot, release date, box office, and sequels.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hostel
    Supports: Synopsis, genre, U.S. release date, and content classification.
  3. AllMovie — https://www.allmovie.com/movie/hostel-am7136
    Supports: Film overview, cast, and plot summary.
  4. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/70043240
    Supports: Short synopsis, year, genre, and cast.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hostel_(film_series)
    Supports: Franchise context and sequels.