The Running Man (2025) is a United States dystopian action thriller. It is co-written and directed by Edgar Wright.
The movie is set in a bleak, near-future society where economic inequality is extreme and mass entertainment is centered on state-sanctioned violence. The highest-rated television program is a deadly reality competition called The Running Man. Contestants, known as “Runners,” must survive for 30 days while being relentlessly hunted across the country by professional assassins called “Hunters.”
The story follows Ben Richards (played by Glen Powell), a working-class father who is desperate to earn money to afford vital medicine for his sick daughter. Out of options, he agrees to enter the game as a Runner. As he uses his wits and resourcefulness to evade the Hunters, his defiance and grit unexpectedly turn him into a national sensation and a threat to the network controlling the entire dystopian system. The film is a blend of high-octane action, social satire, and dark comedy.
The Running Man Age Rating
The Running Man is rated R by the MPAA for strong violence, some gore, and language. This means the studio and rating board consider the film intended for adult audiences and not suitable for most children. The R rating signals parental caution and that young viewers will likely find elements upsetting or inappropriate. Below we give a detailed, spoiler-free breakdown to help parents decide.
Violence & Peril
Violence is the film’s dominant content area and is strong in intensity. The movie shows prolonged chase sequences, tactical combat, and multiple on-screen deaths. Some scenes include blood and brief graphic injury detail, though the film focuses heavily on tension and spectacle rather than extended gore. The overall atmosphere is bleak and high-stakes, designed to unsettle and provoke emotional responses to state-sanctioned violence.
Language
Language is frequent and strong. Characters use repeated coarse profanity during fights, standoffs, and tense broadcasts. Insulting or dehumanizing terms appear in the context of the show’s gladiatorial spectacle. The language heightens the film’s harsh tone and underlines the social satire.
Mature Themes
The Running Man handles heavy themes including economic desperation, media exploitation, coercion, and grief. It explores how systems can normalize violence as entertainment and the moral compromises forced on desperate people. Drug use is not a central focus, but the film shows social decay and moral cruelty. Sexual content is minimal and not a primary driver of the plot.
Is The Running Man Suitable for Teens?
Ages 12 and under: No. The strong violence and disturbing premise are inappropriate for preteens. The film’s tone and images may be emotionally harmful.
Ages 13–15: No / With Guidance. Younger teens will likely be distressed by the violence and bleak social world. Parents should avoid unless they pre-screen and judge the child exceptionally mature.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance. Older teens may follow the plot and satire but should watch with an adult to discuss violence, media ethics, and the film’s moral questions. Parents should be ready to talk about the film’s depiction of exploitation.
Final recommendation: Rated R—best for viewers 17+ unless a parent has carefully pre-screened and planned a discussion.
What Parents Can Do
- Pre-screen the film yourself to assess specific scenes that may bother your child. Note trigger points such as on-screen death or graphic injury.
- Prepare a brief discussion about violence as entertainment. Ask how the film portrays power, choice, and responsibility.
- Use the movie as a teachable moment. Encourage questions about economic pressure, media influence, and empathy for characters.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the MPAA rating for The Running Man (2025)?
A: The film is rated R for strong violence, some gore, and language.
Q: Is The Running Man appropriate for children or younger teens?
A: No. The movie contains sustained violent scenes and a bleak premise unsuitable for younger viewers.
Q: How graphic is the violence?
A: Violence is strong and at times shows blood and injury detail, though the film emphasizes tension and spectacle.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: Sexual content is minimal and not central to the story. The primary concerns are violence and language.
Q: Where will the film be released?
A: The movie is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on November 14, 2025.