The Running Man (1987 film)

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The Running Man is a 1987 American science fiction action film directed by Paul Michael Glaser. It stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as Ben Richards, a framed police officer who becomes a contestant on a deadly televised game show. Set in a bleak, totalitarian future United States, the program “The Running Man” forces convicts to survive dangerous hunts by theme-based killers, or “stalkers,” in exchange for freedom.

Plot in short
Richards is arrested after a food riot is blamed on him. Two years later, he escapes from a harsh prison with resistance fighters who want him to join their cause. The government uses The Running Man show to control the population and uses a TV host, Damon Killian, to manipulate the public. Richards enters the game zone with two other captured runners and faces stalkers, including Subzero, Buzzsaw, Dynamo, and Fireball. He and a fellow contestant named Amber uncover that the government is lying about past “winners” and that the show is a tool of propaganda. After a series of battles, Richards helps reveal the truth on live broadcasts, the resistance storms the broadcaster’s studio, and Killian is defeated. The film ends with Richards and Amber safe, and the public learning the truth as broadcasts go offline.

Production and style
The film went through big change during development. It was originally set to be directed by George P. Cosmatos with Christopher Reeve as Richards, then Andrew Davis for a short time, and finally Paul Michael Glaser. Schwarzenegger later said Glaser treated the material more like television, which he felt weakened the movie’s themes. The project shifted from a darker, socially aware story to a more action-oriented spectacle aimed at showcasing Schwarzenegger’s star power. The preshow dance scenes were choreographed by Paula Abdul, and the score was by Harold Faltermeyer.

Release and reception
The Running Man opened in the United States on November 13, 1987, and earned about $38 million against a budget of around $27 million. It received mixed reviews: some praised Richard Dawson’s villain and its satire of media culture, while others criticized its repetitive action and uneven tone. Over time, critics have noted the film’s surprisingly sharp commentary on reality television, wealth inequality, and media manipulation.

Legacy
The film sparked a plagiarism case, stemming from similarities to the French film Le Prix du Danger and related works about deadly game shows. It also inspired video games and influenced later media. In 2022, a 4K Blu-ray edition was released with upgraded picture and sound. A separate remake was announced in 2021 and released in 2025, directed by Edgar Wright and starring Glen Powell, offering a newer, more faithful take on the original story.