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7.2
Paramount Pictures Acclaimed

The Running Man

The Running Man · The Running Man Collection

2025 133 min PG-13
Critic7.2
Action Sci-Fi Thriller
Paramount+ Apple TV FindEdition
Trailer Where to Watch

Overview

In a near-future society ruled by an authoritarian media network, a desperate man enters a top-rated deadly reality show where he must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins.
Story 7.5
Acting 8.0
Direction 7.8
Cinematography 7.9
Music 7.6
Pacing 7.4
Originality 7.2
Emotional Impact 7.5
Overall 7.2

Editorial Review

By FindEdition Cinema Desk

7.2 /10

Glen Powell's Lead Performance

Glen Powell anchors the relentless action with grit, charm, and desperate emotional stakes.

Faithful to King's Vision

Edgar Wright crafts a much closer interpretation of Stephen King's original dystopian text than previous adaptations.

Pros

  • Electrifying lead performance by Glen Powell
  • Faithful adherence to Stephen King's original source material
  • Slick visual style and kinetic pacing by Edgar Wright

Cons

  • Underperformed relative to its production budget at the box office
  • Dark dystopian themes carry heavy intensity
Verdict A sleek, high-tension dystopian action thriller that brings Stephen King's original novel to life with gritty style.

AI Review

A high-tension dystopian sci-fi action thriller directed by Edgar Wright and starring Glen Powell, faithfully adapting Stephen King's classic novel.

A sleek, high-tension dystopian action thriller that brings Stephen King's original novel to life with gritty style.

Essential viewing for fans of sci-fi action thrillers and Stephen King adaptations.

Awards

Saturn Awards

Best Science Fiction Film · Nominated

Timeline

Release Date
Theatrical Date
Digital Date
Physical Date
Premiere
Festival
Status
Development

Formulated by Edgar Wright, Simon Kinberg, and Paramount Pictures as a faithful adaptation of the Richard Bachman novel.

Principal photography

Shot in the UK from November 2024 through March 2025.

Post-production

Completed in summer 2025 with visual effects and score recording by Steven Price.

Saturn Awards

Best Science Fiction Film Nominated

Production

Development

Formulated by Edgar Wright, Simon Kinberg, and Paramount Pictures as a faithful adaptation of the Richard Bachman novel.

Principal photography

Shot in the UK from November 2024 through March 2025.

Post-production

Completed in summer 2025 with visual effects and score recording by Steven Price.

Streaming

Paramount+ Apple TV FindEdition

Cast

Glen Powell Ben Richards
Josh Brolin Dan Killian
Colman Domingo Bobby Thompson
Lee Pace Lead Hunter
William H. Macy Supporting Helper
Michael Cera Bradley Throckmorton
Emilia Jones Elton's Companion / Privileged Woman
Daniel Ezra Contestant Runner
Katy O'Brian Contestant Runner
Sean Hayes Supporting Role

Characters

Ben Richards Glen Powell
Dan Killian Josh Brolin
Bobby Thompson Colman Domingo
Lead Hunter Lee Pace
Supporting Helper William H. Macy
Bradley Throckmorton Michael Cera
Elton's Companion / Privileged Woman Emilia Jones
Contestant Runner Daniel Ezra
Contestant Runner Katy O'Brian
Supporting Role Sean Hayes

Crew

Edgar Wright Director
Edgar Wright Screenwriter
Michael Bacall Screenwriter
Stephen King Novel Author
Simon Kinberg Producer
Nira Park Producer
Edgar Wright Producer
Steven Price Composer
Chung Chung-hoon Cinematographer
Paul Machliss Editor

Videos

Official Trailer

Soundtrack

  1. The Running Man Main Theme — Steven Price
  2. Survive Thirty Days — Steven Price

Trivia

  • Director Edgar Wright had wanted to adapt Stephen King's novel for years, explicitly noting it is a completely separate adaptation from the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film.
  • Principal photography took place across the United Kingdom starting in late 2024 and wrapped in March 2025.
  • Paramount moved the theatrical release date up to November 7/14, 2025, to secure optimal IMAX screens.

Quotes

"Millions hunt. One runs. Everyone watches."

"Ben Richards is about to change the game."

Goofs

  • During the Boston rooftop chase scene, security camera positioning changes angle between wide and close-up cuts.

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7.2 expert rating
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Collections

Part of The Running Man Collection

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Universe

The Running Man Universe

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Franchise

The Running Man

The second feature film adaptation of Stephen King's 1982 novel.

Browse franchise →

Recommendations & Alternatives

For higher ratings, consider Interstellar (8.6/10). A similarly themed alternative is Motor City.

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AI Recommendation Insight

A high-tension dystopian sci-fi action thriller directed by Edgar Wright and starring Glen Powell, faithfully adapting Stephen King's classic novel. Similar picks: Shared Cast

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