The Running Man (1987)

The Running Man takes place in a dystopian future where the government controls the population through fear, fabricated news, and a brutal televised death game. Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Ben Richards, a wrongly convicted man forced to participate in “The Running Man,” a deadly broadcast where criminals must survive against heavily armed “Stalkers” to win their freedom. As the show's ratings climb, the truth behind Richards' conviction begins to unravel, creating tension both inside and outside the deadly arena.

Directed by Paul Michael Glaser and adapted from Stephen King's Richard Bachman novel, the film blends action, satire, and social commentary about media manipulation and state-controlled entertainment. With a memorable villainous turn by Richard Dawson and an over-the-top roster of futuristic killers, The Running Man remains a cult classic that feels increasingly relevant in its commentary on surveillance, sensationalism, and public appetite for violence. Its blend of dark humor and high-energy action continues to resonate decades later.