Netflix has just added a bizarre dystopian sci-fi movie starring action movie icon Arnold Schwarzenegger, and now's the perfect time to get it watched. Enter Paul Michael Glaser's 1987 release, "The Running Man," an adrenaline-fuelled (if corny) trip into the then-distant future of 2017.
Adapted from the Stephen King novel of the same name, "The Running Man" put the focus on Schwarzenegger's falsely accused hero, pitting him against a series of deadly foes in an ultraviolent game show adored by the masses.
With Edgar Wright's new adaptation poised to put "Twisters" star Glen Powell through the ringer in just a couple of months (hitting theaters this November), now feels like as good a time as any to watch Arnie take on the "Stalkers" and deliver some terrible quips all over again.
If you've never seen "The Running Man" before, here's a little more info about the new release, and a quick review round-up to help you decide whether to watch "The Running Man" on Netflix.
What is 'The Running Man' about?
"The Running Man" takes place within a totalitarian United States in the far-flung future of 2017. The most popular show on TV at the time is "The Running Man," a state-created show that sees criminals pitted against "stalkers" (trained killers) in exchange for the chance to earn their freedom.
After refusing a direct order to open fire on civilians during a riot in California, police officer Ben Richards (Arnold Schwarzenegger) fellow men carry out the mission, and Ben is incarcerated and framed for the deaths, branded in propaganda as "The Butcher of Bakersfield."
Although he briefly escapes a prison camp, 18 months later, he's recruited by "The Running Man's" creator, Damon Killian (Richard Dawson), and forced to participate in the show as a "runner," facing one deadly challenge after another.
In addition to Schwarzenegger, "The Running Man" also stars Maria Conchita Alonso, Jesse Ventura, Mick Fleetwood, Yaphet Kotto, and more.
Should you stream 'The Running Man' on Netflix?
"The Running Man" does come as a recommended watch. At the time of writing, it's sitting at a 67% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, with a consensus that reads: ""The Running Man" is winking sci-fi satire with ridiculous clothes and workmanlike direction."
Empire's Ian Nathan offered a 4-star review of the movie, writing: "Never managing to look more hi-tech or further on from 1987 than, well, Hi-tech trainers, this Arnie vehicle still runs it's bloody course without dropping many gears. A brainless, breathless thrill."
Reviewing in 1987, Roger Ebert gave "The Running Man" a 2.5/4-star rating, summing it up as "an arcade game for the big screen", albeit one wherein "all the action scenes are versions of the same scenario."
For a more contemporary take on the film, you can look to Adam Nayman's breakdown of the best Stephen King movie adaptations for The Ringer. Ranking it in tenth place, Nayman writes: "However far away from the book’s original vision the movie may stray, it ends up right in Arnold’s wheelhouse, letting him dispatch a series of worthy rivals [...] with aplomb; he’s rarely been funnier."
While "The Running Man" predates me by an entire decade, watching it now, I can only describe it as a movie that feels very much of its time, but that's not to say it isn't still entertaining in 2025.
It's a macho, outlandish action caper spruced up with all the pomp and pageantry of professional wrestling, leotards and all, and when the competition really gets underway... It's kind of a blast. If you can get on board with callbacks, bizarre costumes, and the one-liners ("Here is Sub Zero, now plain zero!"), I think you'll have fun with this campy Arnie action vehicle. It's silly, it's funny, and it still has some thrills in store.
If you're in between watches and fancy an '80s watch, try streaming "The Running Man" on Netflix on your next movie night. If you're really not sold on "The Running Man," we can still help you find your next must-watch movie. Check out our guide to the best Netflix action movies and our overall round-up of the best movies on Netflix for tons more top streaming recommendations.
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