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Ahead of release late last year, "The Running Man" seemed poised for success: celebrated British filmmaker Edgar Wright was behind the camera, magnetic "Twisters" star Glen Powell was in the lead role, and the trailers for Paramount's dystopian action-thriller teased action abound.
Well, while it may have been a more faithful take on the Stephen King story of the same name than Paul Verhoeven's 1987 campy Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicle, "The Running Man" wasn't quite the hit I thought it'd be. Reviews were decidedly mixed, and it subsequently bombed at the box office — but "The Running Man" has nevertheless piqued the interest of Paramount+ subscribers.
What is 'The Running Man' about?
Edgar Wright's "The Running Man" sees down-on-his-luck, angry average joe Ben Richards (Glen Powell) making a potentially deadly decision in the dystopian near-future. In an effort to save his sick daughter, he signs up for "The Running Man", the deadliest (and most-watched) show on TV.
"The Running Man" contestants ("Runners") have one job: spend 30 days on the run, doing whatever it takes to evade the show's professional assassins ("Hunters"). Successful Runners stand to leave the show with a huge cash prize. The odds might be stacked against him, but Ben proves more resilient than he first appears, and his popularity skyrockets — making him a threat to the system that "The Network" has built.
In addition to Powell, "The Running Man" also stars Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo, Emilia Jones, Lee Pace, William H. Macy, Katy M. O'Brian, Michael Cera, and Jayme Lawson (among others).
Should you stream 'The Running Man' on Paramount+?
I'll say this up front "The Running Man" isn't perfect. As a huge Edgar Wright and Glen Powell fan, this was one of my most anticipated releases of 2025, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel a little let down when I left the movie theater in November. That's not to say "The Running Man" is a terrible movie — it isn't — I just don't think it'll have quite the same legacy as Wright's Cornetto trilogy.
On the action front, "The Running Man" doesn't disappoint, and thrill-seekers will be well-served by his chaotic fight for survival. Plus, while he's playing against type — Ben Richards is meant to be the angriest man we've seen on the big screen for some time — I think Powell does a decent job at the lead. Proceedings are also bolstered by strong turns from the supporting cast, including Colman Domingo as "The Running Man's" exuberant host, Bobby T.
Problems come in the writing department, as the script could have used sharpening, and the humor really doesn't always land. Similarly, while much of Ben's journey hurtles along at a pace, the movie really disappoints in its confused final act, and it lacks the style and flair that have made some of Wright's previous projects such kinetic affairs. It might be bigger than "Hot Fuzz," but it sure ain't better.
That said, "The Running Man" as a whole is still a cut above some of the lesser action flicks and streaming originals that come our way. If you can get past its shortcomings, you might well still have fun.
If you're looking for a second opinion, "The Running Man" reviews still lean positive, on the whole. The movie's just certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with a 63% rating from critics, but a decently higher 78% rating on the Popcornmeter.
As an example of what critics had to say, Sight & Sound's Kate Stables branded the movie "a highly enjoyable thrill-ride for a good stretch of time," praising the action and "high-octane fun," but criticized the "convoluted finale" wherein Wright's movie reckons with the original novel's "difficult ending."
Reviewing for Empire, John Nugent offered a four-star verdict, writing: "Edgar Wright's biggest film yet feels like something out of both the future and the 1980s: a scathing satire that's also a lot of fizzy blockbuster fun."
On the flipside, THR's David Rooney said "The Running Man" was "running on empty," writing: "Edgar Wright’s update of the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicle of the same name, while it has no shortage of action and adrenaline, ends up feeling hollow. It also fails to erase lingering doubts about Glen Powell's viability as a leading man."
All in all, it proved to be more divisive than was maybe expected, but if you're looking for some blockbuster thrills to liven up your January, you may well want to stream "The Running Man" on Paramount+.
Not sold on streaming "The Running Man" on Paramount+? Be sure to check out our round-up of all the best movies and shows to watch on Paramount+ right now.
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