The Running Man (2025) – Fun Dystopian Action, But Missing That Stephen King Edge
The Running Man (2025), directed by Edgar Wright, is the second big-screen take on Stephen King’s 1982 novel (the first was that wild 80s Arnold Schwarzenegger version). Coming right after another King dystopia adaptation, The Long Walk, this one felt like a bonus treat for fans of bleak futures. Glen Powell steps into the Ben Richards role, and it’s packed with slick action, chases, and a glossy Hollywood shine. I had a good time—lots of entertaining moments—but it never quite hits the raw, scary depths of King’s book. Solid 7/10: big blockbuster fun that leaves you smiling, just not thinking too hard.
The Plot: Desperate Dad vs. Deadly Game Show
In a near-future where the economy’s collapsed and people are desperate, the most popular TV show is The Running Man: contestants (“Runners”) get hunted by professional killers for 30 days. Survive longer = bigger cash prize, all broadcast live to a bloodthirsty audience.
Ben Richards (Glen Powell), a blacklisted worker whose daughter is sick, signs up as a last resort. Slick producer Dan Killian (Josh Brolin) and smarmy host Bobby Thompson (Colman Domingo) think he’ll be easy ratings fodder. But Ben’s smart, tough, and starts turning the public against the system. Cue massive chases, hunter takedowns, and a growing rebellion vibe.
What I Really Enjoyed
- Glen Powell is perfect casting—charismatic, relatable, easy to root for.
- Action scenes are top-notch: fast, creative, and thrilling. Edgar Wright’s style shines in the chases and stunts.
- Fun nod to the 1987 version: Arnold’s face is on the new $100 “New Dollar” bills. Clever Easter egg without forcing him in.
- Some V for Vendetta energy in the “rise against the media overlords” moments. Lines like “ideas don’t die” gave me chills.
- Supporting cast is stacked: Josh Brolin slimy and great, Colman Domingo hammy in the best way, Lee Pace creepy as the masked hunter leader.
Where It Fell Short for Me
It’s entertaining, but feels diluted compared to King’s brutal novel. The book is dark, cynical, hopeless—this version smooths the edges for a crowd-pleasing, feel-good ending. The rebellion stuff flirts with big ideas (media control, inequality, spectacle over truth) but never digs deep enough to really hurt or surprise.
It’s a Hollywood blockbuster through and through: flashy, fun, forgettable in the best way. Missing that final punch—those unforgettable lines, moments, or raw emotion—that turns good into great.
Ratings and Critical Reception
- IMDb: 6.5/10 (38,000 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 64 % critics (276 reviews) / 79 % audience
Critics call it “wildly entertaining but safe”; audiences mostly love the action and Powell. Box office at $68 million on $110 million budget—so not a smash, but solid for a dystopian thriller.
Final Take: Great Popcorn Movie, Light on the Dystopia
At 7/10, The Running Man (2025) is exactly what you want for a weekend: big action, cool cast, satisfying ending. If you love dystopian thrillers with a side of rebellion, you’ll have fun. Just don’t go in expecting the full nightmare fuel of King’s original vision.
Still better than a lot of blockbusters out there. Worth the watch.
What did you think of The Running Man remake? Did Glen Powell sell it for you, or did you miss the darker King tone too? Drop your thoughts below!
And suggest my next movie—after two King adaptations this year, I’m down for more dystopia or anything with Edgar Wright energy.
If this review helped, like, follow, share. See you in the next one!
