The Long Walk is a 2025 American dystopian thriller based on Stephen King’s 1979 novel (originally published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman). Directed by Francis Lawrence, the film is written by J.T. Mollner and produced by Lionsgate.
The film stars Cooper Hoffman as Ray Garraty, alongside David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, Mark Hamill, Judy Greer, Charlie Plummer, Roman Griffin Davis, and Ben Wang.
Set in a harsh, totalitarian America, the story follows 100 teenage boys forced to take part in a deadly annual competition called “The Long Walk.” The rules are simple yet brutal: keep walking at least four miles per hour without stopping. Slow down or stop three times, and you’re executed on the spot. The last survivor wins any prize they want—but at a devastating cost.
As Ray Garraty struggles to keep moving, he faces both the physical agony and psychological terror of the walk, forming fragile bonds with fellow competitors while knowing only one can survive.
The Long Walk Age Rating
The Long Walk is rated R for strong bloody violence, grisly images, suicide, pervasive language, and sexual references. Below is a spoiler-free breakdown for parents:
Violence & Peril
The movie contains frequent and intense scenes of violence. These include graphic shootings, bloody injuries, and disturbing images of death during the competition. The constant threat of execution creates ongoing tension and emotional distress. Some moments are sudden and shocking, which may be upsetting to sensitive viewers.
Language
The film has frequent strong profanity, including repeated use of the most intense swear words. The language is harsh and reflects the extreme stress and hostility of the characters’ situation.
Mature Themes
Themes include death, survival, mental breakdowns, and suicide. The story also explores hopelessness, cruelty, and the psychological toll of violence. Sexual references appear in dialogue but are brief and non-explicit.
Is The Long Walk Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–13: Not suitable. The graphic violence, strong language, and mature themes are far too intense for pre-teens.
Ages 14–17: Not recommended for most teens. While some mature 17-year-olds may handle the content, the film’s disturbing tone, realistic violence, and emotionally heavy subject matter could be overwhelming.
The Long Walk is best suited for adult audiences who can handle intense dystopian violence and psychologically heavy themes.
What Parents Can Do
Preview the Film: Watch it yourself first to assess if your teen can handle the graphic violence and mature tone.
Discuss Real-World Themes: Talk about how the story uses dystopian fiction to explore human endurance, cruelty, and moral choices.
Set Boundaries: If allowing older teens to watch, make sure they understand the difference between fictional violence and real-world consequences.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for The Long Walk?
A: Rated R for strong bloody violence, grisly images, suicide, pervasive language, and sexual references.
Q: Is The Long Walk appropriate for teens?
A: No, it is intended for adults. Mature teens may still find the content disturbing.
Q: Does The Long Walk have graphic violence?
A: Yes, it contains frequent and intense scenes of realistic violence and death.
Q: Is there sexual content in The Long Walk?
A: Only brief sexual references in dialogue—no nudity or explicit scenes.
Q: When will The Long Walk be released?
A: It will be released in theaters on September 12, 2025.