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The Running Man poster

The Running Man (1987)

“It is the year 2019. "The Running Man" is a deadly game no one has ever survived. But... Schwarzenegger has yet to play.”

6.5/10 · 2,977 votes 1h 41m r ActionThrillerScience-fictionCrime

#45 of 59 films from 1987 #1120 of 2168 in action

Directed by Paul Michael Glaser · Written by Steven E. de Souza, Stephen King

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

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.

Cast

Arnold Schwarzeneggeras Ben Richards
Richard Dawsonas Damon Killian
María Conchita Alonsoas Amber Mendez
Yaphet Kottoas William Laughlin
Jim Brownas Fireball
Jesse Venturaas Captain Freedom
Erland van Lidthas Dynamo
Marvin J. McIntyreas Harold Weiss
Gus Rethwischas Buzzsaw
Professor Toru Tanakaas Subzero
Mick Fleetwoodas Mic
Dweezil Zappaas Stevie
Karen Leigh Hopkinsas Brenda
Sven-Ole Thorsenas Sven

Facts

Release dateNovember 13, 1987
Runtime101 min (1h 41m) — about the same as the 1987 average of 106 min
GenresAction, Thriller, Science-fiction, Crime
LanguageEN
Budget$27,000,000
Box office$38,122,105 (1.4× budget)
IMDbtt0093894

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Questions

How long is The Running Man?
The Running Man runs 101 minutes (1h 41m).
Is The Running Man worth watching?
TMDB users give it 6.5/10 across 2,977 votes, which places it #45 of 59 films released in 1987 in this index (top 25%) and #1120 among 2168 action titles.
Who directed The Running Man?
The Running Man was directed by Paul Michael Glaser.
Who stars in The Running Man?
Arnold Schwarzenegger as Ben Richards; Richard Dawson as Damon Killian; María Conchita Alonso as Amber Mendez; Yaphet Kotto as William Laughlin; Jim Brown as Fireball; Jesse Ventura as Captain Freedom.
What is The Running Man rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Running Man?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/6045.

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Best of 1987Best actionAction of the 1980sBest thrillerThriller of the 1980sBest science-fictionScience-fiction of the 1980sBest crimeCrime of the 1980sAll lists
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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.