Runner is a 2026 American action-thriller directed by Scott Waugh and written by Miles Hubley and Tommy White. The film stars Alan Ritchson, Owen Wilson, and Rodrigo Santoro.
The story follows a former soldier who accepts a critical medical transport mission, only to become the target of a ruthless international drug cartel.
Forced into a relentless fight for survival, he must outrun deadly enemies and deliver life-saving cargo before an innocent child runs out of time. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on September 11, 2026, distributed by Angel Studios.
Runner Age Rating
Runner is officially rated PG-13 for strong violence, bloody images, and some language. The rating reflects the film’s realistic action sequences, frequent life-threatening situations, visible injuries, and occasional strong language. Although the story focuses on courage, sacrifice, and saving a child’s life, it remains a gritty action thriller with sustained suspense that may be too intense for younger viewers. Parents should expect frequent combat and emotional tension, but little to no sexual content.
Violence & Peril
Violence is moderate to strong throughout the film. The story features frequent gunfights, tactical combat, fistfights, explosions, and high-speed vehicle chases involving members of a dangerous drug cartel. Characters are shot at, assaulted, and placed in repeated life-threatening situations. Several action scenes involve crashes, close calls, and explosive confrontations. Bloody images are present, including visible bullet wounds, cuts, bruises, and blood following violent encounters. However, the violence is realistic rather than graphic, with little emphasis on gore. The constant pursuit and danger create a tense atmosphere that may be unsettling for younger children.
Language
Language is moderate. Characters occasionally use strong profanity and coarse expressions during dangerous situations and confrontations. Some insults and aggressive dialogue are also present, particularly from the cartel members. The language is consistent with most modern PG-13 action films but is not excessive.
Mature Themes
The movie explores mature themes involving organized crime, betrayal, survival, and personal sacrifice. A major emotional element centers on a child experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, creating high emotional stakes throughout the story. The film also depicts corruption, criminal violence, and moral choices under pressure. There is no significant sexual content or nudity expected. Alcohol or smoking may appear briefly but are not central to the plot.
Is Runner Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: With Guidance. Younger viewers may find the frequent action, gun violence, and intense chase sequences overwhelming. Parents should consider whether their child is comfortable with realistic crime thrillers.
Ages 13–15: Yes, With Parental Guidance. Most teenagers familiar with PG-13 action movies should be able to handle the content. The violence is intense but not excessively graphic, and the story delivers positive themes about courage, responsibility, and perseverance.
Ages 16 and Up: Yes. Older teens and adults who enjoy fast-paced action thrillers will likely find the film exciting and emotionally engaging. The mature content is limited mainly to violence, suspense, and occasional language.
Overall recommendation: Runner is best suited for viewers ages 13 and older because of its intense action, realistic violence, and sustained suspense.
What Parents Can Do
- Explain the real-world dangers of organized crime and discuss how the film separates fictional action from reality.
- Prepare younger teens for the movie’s frequent violence and emotional storyline involving a critically ill child.
- Encourage a conversation afterward about courage, sacrifice, teamwork, and making difficult decisions under pressure.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: Is Runner (2026) rated PG-13?
A: Yes. Runner is officially rated PG-13 for strong violence, bloody images, and some language.
Q: Is Runner appropriate for kids?
A: The film is not recommended for younger children because of frequent action violence, realistic peril, and emotional themes. It is better suited for teenagers.
Q: How violent is Runner?
A: The movie contains frequent gunfights, explosions, vehicle chases, hand-to-hand combat, and visible injuries, but little graphic gore.
Q: Does Runner contain strong language?
A: Yes. There are occasional uses of strong profanity and coarse language during tense and dangerous situations.
Q: Is there any sexual content or nudity in Runner?
A: No. The film contains little to no sexual content or nudity, making violence the primary reason for its PG-13 rating.
Q: Where can you watch Runner?
A: Runner is scheduled for an exclusive theatrical release on September 11, 2026, through Angel Studios.