The Running Man
2025
Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards is convinced by The Running Man's charming but ruthless producer to enter the deadly competition game as a last resort. But Ben's defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite — and a threat to the entire system. As ratings skyrocket, so does the danger, and Ben must outwit not just the Hunters, but a nation addicted to watching him fall.
Genres:
My notes
Oh man, this was a fun one and I'm pretty certain I'm in the minority with that opinion. Yes, the messaging was super blunt. Yes, the plot relied a lot on coincidence and constructed circumstances. But, given the current state, a film that bluntly takes on the media, income inequality, the government, and all of that's relationship with reality (which is to say, perceived superiority) delivers a heavy dose of catharsis in 2026.