The Running Man (1987)
A wrongly convicted man fights for survival in a relentless, pulpy game show for a totalitarian state.
By 2017, the global economy has collapsed and U.S. society has become a totalitarian police state, censoring all cultural activity. The government pacifies the populace by broadcasting a number of game shows in which convicted criminals fight for their lives, including the gladiator-style The Running Man, hosted by the ruthless Damon Killian, where “runners” attempt to evade “stalkers” and certain death for a chance to be pardoned and set free.
How intense is The Running Man?
The Running Man is mildly scary, with graphic gore and brutal violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is relentless, and it is a full-attention watch and a late-night trip. The humor runs broad. Rated R.
What The Running Man feels like
- Tone
- pulpygrittysuspensefulcampy
- Pace
- Relentless
- Humor
- broad and big
- Best for
- Full attentionLate night
Where to stream The Running Man
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 15, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is The Running Man for you?
Is The Running Man scary?
Only a little. The Running Man has a few tense moments (scare level 1 of 3), nothing that follows you to bed.
Is The Running Man gory or violent?
Graphic gore (2 of 3) and brutal violence (3 of 3). If graphic gore is a dealbreaker, skip it.
Is The Running Man sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
Is The Running Man OK for kids?
It is rated R, so it is made for adults. Intensity: scare 1, gore 2, violence 3, each out of 3.
How long is The Running Man?
The Running Man runs 1h 41m.
Where can I stream The Running Man?
The Running Man is streaming on Paramount+, AMC+, Starz and Hoopla.
Does The Running Man have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
Yes. It lands on a happy note.
Cast and crew
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