Edgar Wright’s remake of The Running Man is finally out, and the Rotten Tomatoes score is in.
With 70 critic reviews, the film sits at 61%, just barely fresh.
That puts it slightly ahead of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 1987 classic, which holds 59% from critics and 61% from audiences.
Wright’s version has been hyped as a more faithful take on Stephen King’s novel, backed by Glen Powell in full action-hero mode. Critics are split right down the middle. Some say Wright nails the satire and adrenaline, while others argue the film lacks identity, stumbles in the third act, and never hits the intensity King’s story demands.
Here’s what the reviews say.
What the Reviews Say
A 61% score with 70 reviews means The Running Man lands in the same space as the original—divisive but watchable, with enough style and commentary to get people talking.
Powell gets plenty of praise, and Wright’s direction still carries flashes of what made him a fan favorite. But like the first film, this reboot looks destined to split both critics and audiences.
The Positive
Some critics think Wright delivered exactly what modern action fans want, praising the spectacle, pacing, and Powell’s performance.
“The relentless pace generates enough of an endorphin rush to power the movie beyond plausibility nitpicking.” — RogerEbert.com
“I found it just as entertaining as the 1980s version, but in a completely different way; more spectacular, faster-paced, and even a little overwhelming. The film works, but fans of Wright might be slightly disappointed.” — Me gusta el cine
“A rare remake that’s superior to its predecessor, the film excites, surprises, and entertains, with Powell’s adrenaline-charged performance and the weight of the sociopolitical themes leaving you on the edge of your seat.” — Cinerama Film
“Powell is fun to watch in this high-octane action thriller that’s directed with just enough energy for the action movie fan to eat up and enjoy.” — ComingSoon.net
“The meaning of those final moments make the difference between The Running Man being a fun but dumb exercise in blockbuster filmmaking or a true nightmare of totalitarian media control.” — Den of Geek
The Negative
Other critics say the remake is loud, messy, and lacking the edge that made the story resonate.
“The Running Man stumbles in the last 20 minutes by cramming in too many action clichés. The movie sacrifices development of supporting characters to showcase Glen Powell’s hollow lead character. Changes made to the original story aren’t very interesting.” — Culture Mix
“Manages to make what felt boldly predictive in 1982 feel drably predictable for 2025; with an interesting cast stranded amid inconsistent characterizations and cultural commentary that’s the opposite of cutting.” — Moviebob Central
“Slick, loud, and visually charged, Edgar Wright’s new version feels both too much and not nearly enough. It moves fast but goes nowhere, repeating itself until its thrills run dry.” — The Jam Report
“Wright’s grim, grayed-out backdrop feels ripped from King’s pages, but the tone isn’t quite right. The filmmaker’s great gift is for pop uplift, and his buoyant sensibility is at odds with the heavy melancholy of King’s tale.” — Toronto Star
“The faithful-to-a-fault adaptation of Stephen King’s novel trades ‘American Gladiators’ for ‘Most Dangerous Game,’ but now feels quaint in an America that was stupid enough to elect its favorite psychopathic game show host as President… twice.” — The Outside Scoop
