The Running Man Wins Back Its No. 1 Spot on Paramount+

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Stephen King saw multiple adaptations released in 2025, but one in particular didn’t get the attention it deserved. This remake of a 1987 film followed the same storyline as the original and unfortunately didn’t succeed at the box office.

Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novel, The Running Man first hit theaters on November 14th. While critics weren’t impressed and the movie didn’t perform well in cinemas, it’s recently found a new audience and topped streaming charts, according to FlixPatrol.

The Running Man Is Running the Streaming Charts

Just a month after hitting cinemas, The Running Man became available to stream digitally, and it quickly became a hit. It premiered on Paramount+ on January 13th, less than two months after its theatrical release, and has been a chart-topper for most of the time since.

The science fiction film based on Stephen King’s work briefly stepped aside at the box office on February 18th, when another movie rose to the top spot. But that film’s reign was short-lived, and The Running Man quickly returned to No. 1 in the U.S. In total, The Running Man has been in the U.S. Top 10 for 43 days, with much of that time spent at the very top.

Honestly, I was really glad to see The Running Man doing so well on digital and streaming. It kinda needed this boost! When it first came out in theaters, it didn’t quite hit the mark. With a budget of around $110 million, it only made about $68.5 million worldwide, so it didn’t even break even. This digital success is a welcome surprise for a movie I really enjoy.

The movie received mixed reviews from critics, earning a 63% rating based on nearly 300 reviews, though audiences liked it more, giving it a 78% score. Of all the Stephen King adaptations released in 2025, The Running Man received the lowest rating. MGM+’s version of The Institute scored slightly higher at 64%, and The Monkey was the best-reviewed with a ‘Certified Fresh’ rating of 77%.

What Happens in The Running Man?

Edgar Wright’s The Running Man is a sci-fi thriller set in the not-too-distant future. It depicts a dangerous game where people compete to survive for a month while being hunted by skilled killers.

The story centers on Ben Richards, a working-class man desperate to earn money for his daughter’s medical bills. He unexpectedly finds himself competing in a dangerous game, and quickly becomes a popular contender, much to the surprise of the game’s tough and calculating producer. Ben’s likable personality and hidden talents make him a fan favorite.

Glen Powell stars as Ben Richards, a contestant on the dangerous reality show of the same name. The cast also includes William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Sean Hayes, Colman Domingo, and Josh Brolin.

The Running Man is streaming on Paramount+.

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2026-02-25 21:06