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."
Set against a dystopian 2017 backdrop where America has crumbled into a hyper-controlling police state, *The Running Man (1987)* delivers a pulse-pounding escape thriller directed by Paul Michael Glaser.
Director: Paul Michael Glaser
Cast
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Ben Richards
Richard Dawson
Damon Killian
María Conchita Alonso
Amber Mendez
Yaphet Kotto
William Laughlin
Jim Brown
Fireball
Jesse Ventura
Captain Freedom
Erland van Lidth
Dynamo
Marvin J. McIntyre
Harold Weiss
Gus Rethwisch
Buzzsaw
Professor Toru Tanaka
Subzero
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Running Man (1987) about?
In a dystopian 2017, a former helicopter pilot is framed for crimes he didn't commit and forced to compete in a deadly televised game show where prisoners fight for survival against armed stalkers. The only way out? Win the brutal game—or die trying.
Who directed The Running Man?
The Running Man was directed by Paul Michael Glaser, best known for his work on *Starsky & Hutch* and *Liquid Sky*.
Who stars in The Running Man?
Arnold Schwarzenegger leads the cast as Ben Richards, joined by María Conchita Alonso, Richard Dawson, Yaphet Kotto, Jim Brown, and Jesse Ventura.
Is The Running Man (1987) worth watching?
With its high-energy action and sharp social commentary, *The Running Man* remains a gripping watch for fans of 80s sci-fi thrillers. Though unrated, its cult status and Schwarzenegger's star power make it a standout in the dystopian genre.
How long is The Running Man?
The Running Man has a runtime of 101 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Running Man (1987) — Arnold Schwarzenegger in a 1980s sci-fi action cult classic
Set against a dystopian 2017 backdrop where America has crumbled into a hyper-controlling police state, *The Running Man (1987)* delivers a pulse-pounding escape thriller directed by Paul Michael Glaser. Arnold Schwarzenegger headlines as Ben Richards, a wrongly convicted man thrust into a televised death game where convicted criminals battle for their lives against merciless stalkers in the deadly spectacle known as *The Running Man*. With María Conchita Alonso as his ally and Richard Dawson as the sadistic host Damon Killian, the film blends razor-sharp satire with explosive action, all wrapped in neon-soaked, retro-futuristic style. The story critiques media manipulation and authoritarian control, wrapped in a thrilling narrative that keeps tension sky-high.
Beyond its explosive set pieces and Schwarzenegger's trademark charisma, *The Running Man (1987)* stands out as a cult-classic fusion of sci-fi and action, where survival is a televised spectacle and freedom is the ultimate prize. The film's grim vision of a society pacified by violent entertainment feels eerily prescient, resonating with themes of reality TV and state propaganda. With a runtime of 101 minutes, it's a tight, high-energy ride packed with unforgettable characters and relentless suspense.
