The Stephen King Running Man remake has quickly surged to the top spot on Paramount+ in the United States following its streaming release on January 13, 2026, just two months after its theatrical debut. Glen Powell stars in this reboot, directed by Edgar Wright, which adapts King’s 1982 novel in a modern context, bringing renewed attention to the classic dystopian storyline.
Remake Reaches Paramount+ Peak Days After Release
Upon its arrival on Paramount+, The Running Man remake immediately soared to the number one position among the platform’s top ten movies. Notably, the original 1987 film adaptation featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger also gained renewed interest, finishing fourth in the same rankings. Among other popular titles were Roofman, Regretting You, and both PAW Patrol films, with 50 First Dates rounding out the list in tenth place. The streaming success marks a significant turnaround for The Running Man, given its previous struggles at the box office.
Alongside its Paramount+ debut, both the 2025 remake and the original film are also available to stream on MGM+, extending their reach to a broader audience. The strong streaming performance suggests that The Running Man is finding a new fanbase in the growing digital landscape.
Cast and Creative Team Power the Story
Director Edgar Wright, known for his inventive style, joined screenwriter Michael Bacall to reimagine Stephen King’s story for contemporary audiences. Glen Powell takes on the role of Ben Richards, a working-class father who enters the deadly game show to secure a future for his ill daughter. Contestants, called Runners, are forced to outlast relentless assassins for thirty days, with escalating cash rewards for every day survived.
The ensemble cast includes Josh Brolin as game show host Dan Killian, alongside Colman Domingo, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, William H. Macy, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Katy O’Brian, Karl Glusman, Martin Herlihy, Sean Hayes, and David Zayas. This diverse group of performers brings depth and energy to the high-stakes dystopian narrative, each contributing to the film’s overall style and pacing.
Mixed Reviews, Surprising Streaming Triumph
The Running Man remake received a 63% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, who commented that it did not reach the innovative action standards associated with Edgar Wright, though they recognized the film’s energetic pace and stylistic approach to Stephen King’s dark premise. Audience scores told a different story, with a 78% rating suggesting fans enjoyed Glen Powell’s performance and the fast-paced plot, even if some of the original’s heavier themes were toned down.
Despite positive feedback from viewers, the movie struggled in theaters, earning just $68.6 million worldwide against a hefty $110 million production budget. This box office disappointment could have spelled the end for the remake’s impact, but its rapid ascent on streaming charts indicates renewed public interest and engagement.
Streaming Offers a Second Chance
The Stephen King Running Man remake’s quick rise to the top of Paramount+ demonstrates how streaming platforms can redeem titles that falter in theaters. Strong viewer engagement points to an audience discovering the film on their own terms, giving both Glen Powell’s Ben Richards and the wider cast, including Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo, Lee Pace, Emilia Jones, and others, increased visibility.
Although the streaming popularity may not erase the box office loss, it does provide hope for the film’s legacy. As fans continue to find and discuss the film online, interest in the original story and its characters—such as the Runners, the game’s assassins, and Richards’ drive to help his daughter—could influence future adaptations or related projects. For now, strong digital performance ensures that The Running Man remains a cultural topic, connecting Stephen King, Edgar Wright, and a new generation of viewers through the world of streaming entertainment.
