Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bloody violence and language in dystopian action thriller.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Running Man
What's the Story?
THE RUNNING MAN is set in a dystopian future where society is divided between the wealthy elite and the struggling majority. Desperate to pay for his daughter's medical treatment, Ben Richards (Glen Powell) enters a brutal TV game show where three contestants must evade capture—and death—for 30 days to win a massive cash prize. As Richards hides in plain sight, network head Dan Killian (Josh Brolin) manipulates the game to stack the odds against him, all while capitalizing on the ratings Richards generates.
Is It Any Good?
This second adaptation of Stephen King's novel (written under his pseudonym Richard Bachman)—after the 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger—is a thrilling ride with little respite. The Running Man is a big, bold blockbuster with great action and a lot to say. Director Edgar Wright brings confident swagger to the proceedings, with clear vision and world-building that makes this dystopia feel both recognizable and distinctly different from our own. The film balances sharp socio-political satire about the current state of the world with thrilling, action-heavy entertainment—ironically delivering exactly what villain Killian craves: pure spectacle. The narrative gets somewhat convoluted at times, but Powell anchors it as a bonafide action hero, supported by impressively hammy turns from Colman Domingo and Brolin as network boss Killian.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Running Man. Did it seem realistic, or over-the-top? Did the violent scenes help tell the story in an effective way? Was it shocking or thrilling? Why? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Discuss the use of strong language in the movie. What did it contribute to the story? Is a certain level of language expected in a film like this? If so, why?
Did you think the film had any underlying socio-political message, or was it purely to entertain?
The film is based on a Stephen King novel. Have you read the book or seen the 1987 adaptation starring Arnold Schwarzenegger? If so, how did they compare? What were some of the similarities/differences? What makes a good adaptation?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 14, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : December 16, 2025
- Cast : Glen Powell , Josh Brolin , Colman Domingo
- Director : Edgar Wright
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Competition , Dystopia , Transportation ( Cars & Trucks , Planes )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 133 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong violence, some gore, and language.
- Last updated : February 9, 2026
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