Directed by Edgar Wright and starring Glen Powell, The Running Man is an adaptation of Stephen King’s dystopian novel of the same name. The film premiered in theaters on November 14th, bringing a high-octane contest of survival that thrilled viewers. If you missed the theatrical run, keep reading to learn when The Running Man hits streaming platforms.
What is The Running Man About?
In the film, Powell plays Ben Richards, a working-class father who enrolls in a televised, deadly game to win money for his sick daughter. Along with Powell, the cast includes Josh Brolin, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, and Colman Domingo. This is the second adaptation of The Running Man, with the first one premiering in 1987 and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Digital Release
If you missed the film in theaters, no need to worry. The studio has transitioned quickly to digital release, with The Running Man being available to buy or rent on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home starting on December 16th. Pricing may vary by platform, with one listing showing the film at a purchase price of $19.99 on Amazon. For fans who want to watch the film for the first time or rewatch right away, this is a great option to watch Glen Powell in action.
Since Paramount produced the film, it is expected to land on Paramount+ after the customary window following a theatrical release and purchase period. Based on recent film data, analysts have projected a Paramount+ arrival in mid-January 2026, possibly around January 13th. The company initially suggested around a two-month gap between theatrical opening and streaming, but things can change.
Paramount+
If the film lands on Paramount+, it will likely be under the subscription option to the service. The platform offers two subscription options: an ad-supported Essential plan and a higher-tier Premium plan that provides additional content and features. This is a great way for viewers to watch the film without needing to buy it, and new subscribers may be able to take advantage of promotional trials, where available, to spend less to watch The Running Man at home.
Broader Film Trends
The Running Man film falls within a broader trend where studios are compressing theatrical-to-digital windows and using transactional sales as a bridge between the two. Studios as a whole are also experimenting with staggered release strategies, theatrical release, quick digital purchase/rent, then subscription streaming as a way to capture as much revenue as possible through different viewing mediums. Analysts caution, though, that exact windows are on a film-by-film basis.
For viewers who want immediate access, the safest course is to purchase or rent the film during the indicated windows. For those who can wait to watch the film, Paramount+ is the most likely subscription home once the studio confirms a release date. So keep an eye out in mid-January for The Running Man on Paramount+, with Glen Powell in the middle of all the action.