The Running Man (1987) is one of the most iconic dystopian action films of the 80s, mixing social satire with explosive sci-fi entertainment. Loosely based on the Stephen King novel (written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman), the movie stars Arnold Schwarzenegger at the peak of his action-hero fame.
Below is a complete, detailed, spoiler-filled guide to the film, including plot breakdowns, behind-the-scenes facts, inspirations, deleted scenes, and recommendations.
Detailed Summary
The Bakersfield Massacre Setup
In a near-future totalitarian America, police helicopter pilot Ben Richards (Arnold Schwarzenegger) refuses to fire on innocent civilians. This defiance gets him labeled a traitor, arrested, and turned into a public enemy thanks to government propaganda.
This opening moment sets up the film’s theme of media manipulation and state-controlled truth, one of its most important recurring elements.
Escape From the Labor Camp
Richards escapes a brutal labor camp with resistance members Weiss and Laughlin. It’s here where Richards begins to realize the government controls everything, including the truth behind his own “crime.”
This section establishes the rebellion subplot that becomes crucial later.
The Running Man TV Show
The government’s most popular propaganda tool is The Running Man, a deadly gladiator game show hosted by the sinister Damon Killian (Richard Dawson). Contestants must survive against costumed “Stalkers”—professional killers—while the cheering public watches.
Richards is captured and forced into the game, but not before Killian offers him a deal he refuses, which only enrages the host further.
Entering the Game Zone
Richards is thrust into the game with Weiss and Laughlin. Every district is filled with traps and themed enemies.
This is where most of the film’s most memorable and over-the-top action takes place.
The Stalkers Attack
Richards and the others face multiple Stalkers including:
- Subzero, armed with a razor-sharp hockey stick
- Buzzsaw, wielding a chainsaw
- Fireball, using a flamethrower
- Dynamo, who sings opera while shooting electricity
The tone is intentionally absurd, satirizing professional wrestling and reality TV long before it existed in real life.
Movie Ending
The climax reveals that the government has faked footage of Richards murdering civilians. Weiss and Laughlin uncover the hidden broadcast uplink, proving the truth, but die before transmitting the evidence.
Amber Mendez (Maria Conchita Alonso), who accidentally got involved earlier, discovers more secrets and joins Richards inside the game zone. Together, they escape and connect with the resistance.
Killian continues airing false footage claiming Richards has died. But the resistance takes over the broadcast tower, exposing the government’s lies to the public. Richards confronts Killian in the studio. Instead of killing him directly, Richards sends Killian down the very game chute used on contestants—with an explosive surprise waiting at the bottom.
The film ends with:
- The audience turning against the regime
- Amber and Richards reuniting
- A suggestion that the entire authoritarian media system is collapsing
It’s a classic revenge ending blended with political catharsis, giving viewers both action satisfaction and a moral message.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, The Running Man does not include any mid-credits or post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
A high-energy dystopian sci-fi action film with sharp satirical commentary on media corruption, authoritarianism, and reality entertainment.
Cast
- Arnold Schwarzenegger as Ben Richards
- Richard Dawson as Damon Killian
- Maria Conchita Alonso as Amber Mendez
- Yaphet Kotto as Laughlin
- Marvin J. McIntyre as Weiss
- Jesse Ventura as Captain Freedom
- Sven-Ole Thorsen, Gus Rethwisch, Professor Toru Tanaka and others as Stalkers
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Harold Faltermeyer, known for synth-driven work in the 80s. His electronic soundtrack gives the film its distinct futuristic vibe.
Filming Locations
- Los Angeles, California (industrial zones, airport interiors)
- Valencia, California (futuristic buildings used for game-show headquarters)
- The famous steel mill in Fontana for dystopian outdoor sequences
These locations were chosen for their harsh industrial look, reinforcing the movie’s gritty, authoritarian atmosphere. The blend of real factories and futuristic set design helped create a believable dystopian America.
Awards and Nominations
While not a major awards contender on release, the film has grown into a cult classic. It has been honored in several retrospective screenings and ranked on multiple “Best 80s Sci-Fi” lists.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Arnold Schwarzenegger publicly criticized the director switch, claiming the original vision was more intellectually political.
- Richard Dawson, known from Family Feud, modeled Killian after real TV executives he disliked.
- Jesse Ventura performed many of his wrestling-style lines unscripted.
- Much of the game-show satire was inspired by real 1980s network politics.
- Early drafts had the Stalkers far more violent and grotesque, closer to the novel.
Inspirations and References
- Loosely based on The Running Man novel by Stephen King (Richard Bachman).
- Influenced by televised sports culture of the 80s, especially wrestling and sensationalist talk shows.
- Draws from dystopian traditions like 1984 and Rollerball.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- A deleted scene showed Richards encountering more Stalkers before confronting Killian.
- Another cut sequence revealed more backstory about Captain Freedom’s rebellion against Killian.
- An alternate ending originally considered had Richards walking away anonymously rather than becoming a public hero, closer to the book’s tone.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Though based on the novel, the movie makes major changes:
- The book is darker, with Richards willingly participating in the game to earn money for his dying daughter.
- The show in the book spans the entire country, not an arena.
- The ending of the novel is far more tragic and explosive.
- The movie focuses more on satire and spectacle rather than bleak commentary.
The filmmakers intentionally reworked the story to fit Schwarzenegger’s action persona.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Richards battling Subzero in the ice rink.
- Killian manipulating the broadcast with fake CGI before CGI was mainstream.
- Captain Freedom refusing to participate in staged killings.
- The resistance hijacking the broadcast.
- Killian’s final ride down the rocket-powered chute.
Iconic Quotes
- “I’ll be back.” (Yes, Arnold says it again.)
- “Here is Subzero… now plain zero!”
- “I live to see you eat that contract, but hope you leave room for my fist!”
- “Who loves you, and who do you love?” – Killian
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- References to 1980s network TV scandals are embedded in Killian’s behavior.
- Many Stalkers’ costumes were inspired by real comic book superheroes and pro wrestlers.
- You can spot uncredited wrestlers and bodybuilders in the background of several scenes.
- The “ICS Network” logo mimics real 80s TV network branding.
Trivia
- Mick Fleetwood (from Fleetwood Mac) appears as a resistance member, joking about “erasing music” in a nod to censorship.
- One Stalker’s design was originally intended for a scrapped He-Man movie.
- Arnold broke a prop camera during a rehearsal fight scene by accident.
- The film was surprisingly prophetic about reality TV and violent entertainment culture.
Why Watch?
Because The Running Man is equal parts ridiculous, brilliant, prophetic, and entertaining. It blends explosive 80s action with biting social commentary that feels more relevant today than ever. If you love dystopian sci-fi or Schwarzenegger classics, this film is a must.
Director’s Other Movies
- Tag: The Assassination Game (1982)
- A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child (1989)
- 12:01 (1993)
- Judge Dredd (1995) – as TV director for some sequences
Paul Michael Glaser is better known for acting and TV direction, but The Running Man remains his most famous feature film.
