Hollywood just can’t get enough of Stephen King. Ever since the author released his debut novel Carrie in 1974, his works have been brought to the big screen in genre-spanning adaptations like The Shawshank Redemption, Pet Sematary, and Stand by Me. The past yar alone saw both The Monkey and The Long Walk pull characters and storylines from the author’s works for movies. Another of King’s works will get the big screen treatment for the second time this fall, but fans can stream the original on Netflix now.
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Nearly 40 years after its release, director Paul Michael Glaser’s adaptation of King’s 1982 novel The Running Man started streaming on Netflix on September 1st. The film, led by Arnold Schwarzenegger, is set in a dystopian America where prisoners are forced to compete in a twisted game show to avoid a brutal death. The film joined Netflix’s streaming lineup as director Edgar Wright’s adaptation starring Glenn Powell prepares to hit theaters on November 14, 2025.
Why You Should Watch The Running Man
The Running Man is not among King’s favorite adaptations of his works, and it wasn’t a box office success, but it is a quintessential ‘80s action movie and now considered a cult classic. The movie is a commentary on societal issues and a critique of media manipulation, reality TV, corporate greed, and propaganda wrapped into an over-the-top dystopian thriller filled with adrenaline-pumping action, iconic one-liners, and clever satire that still holds up today.
Released in 1987 amid Schwarzenegger’s peak action era, the actor was the perfect pick for Ben Richards, a man framed for murder and sentenced to battle for his life on a deadly game show. The role in many ways captures the essence of his ‘80s and ‘90s action movie dominance as Schwarzenegger brings his signature physicality to the role as Ben battles professional killers in a fight for his life. Richard Dawson also shines as the cynical, morally bankrupt TV host Damon Killian, who proves to be a notable adversary for Schwarzenegger. The blend of over-the-top violence and action, convincing world-building, and memorable quotes and characters make The Running Man an extremely engaging and fun watch, and one Netflix subscribers won’t want to miss now that there’s a remake on the way.
New Movies Streaming on Netflix
Netflix is freshly streaming dozens of beloved movies that subscribers won’t want to miss this September. Most of those titles arrived at the start of the month alongside The Running Man. Subscribers specifically looking for more action and sci-fi movies can now stream titles such as Edge of Tomorrow, Escape Room, Hot Shots!, and Limitless. Other movies now available to stream include beloved comedy films such as Billy Madison and Bridesmaids, family-friendly titles like The Land Before Time and several Shrek movies, and other classics like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Stand by Me, and Inglourious Basterds.
Netflix’s September 2025 content lineup also added more than a few Netflix original films to the platform. Inspector Zende, The Wrong Paris, and Same Day with Someone, all Netflix originals, are now streaming.
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