The Running Man
Seen it?1987 | 101 min | Action, Thriller, Science Fiction
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
People are still talking about it, though it had middling reviews (59% on Rotten Tomatoes) and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing, sci-fi fans and action fans. If you loved Terminator 2: Judgment Day or The Terminator, start here.
- The mood
- Tense, mind-bending.
- The pace
- Fast-moving, at 1 hr 41 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
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 it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
59% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.5 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
Awards data unavailable, so this isn't counted
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$38 million worldwide on a $27 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactVery strong
About 1.2 million people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Paul Michael Glaser
- Arnold SchwarzeneggerBen Richards
- Richard DawsonDamon Killian
- María Conchita AlonsoAmber Mendez
- Yaphet KottoWilliam Laughlin
- Jim BrownFireball
- Jesse VenturaCaptain Freedom
- Erland van LidthDynamo
- Marvin J. McIntyreHarold Weiss
- Gus RethwischBuzzsaw
- Professor Toru TanakaSubzero