10 Relentless ’80s Movie Remakes That Make the Perfect Double Feature With The Running Man

Released in 1987, The Running Man is a science fiction action movie based on a 1982 novel by Stephen King. It stars a young Arnold Schwarzenegger as Ben Richards, a man forced to compete in a deadly game show for a chance at freedom. The film is a classic example of the action-packed sci-fi movies popular in the 1980s.

If you’re excited about the new version of The Running Man starring Glen Powell and Lee Pace, you might also enjoy other remakes from the 1980s. They’d be perfect to watch over a weekend or all in a row – just sit back and enjoy these updated takes on classic films.

RoboCop Reinvents Alex Murphy For a New Generation

The 2014 RoboCop film was actually the fourth movie in the series. It tells the story of Detroit police officer Alex Murphy and how he’s transformed into a high-tech law enforcer by the OmniCorp company. While it received a mixed response from audiences (earning a 50% score on Rotten Tomatoes), some viewers liked the improved acting and visuals, while others felt it lacked the charm of the original 1987 film.

This time, Joel Kinnaman (known for roles in The Killing and House of Cards) played the cyborg police officer Alec Murphy. The new cyborg design is sleeker and has a matte finish, making it look less robotic and more organic compared to the original 1987 version. While aiming for a more human appearance, the designers included subtle details as a tribute to the classic suit.

Both RoboCop and The Running Man feature similar themes – a focus on futuristic technology, a tough, determined hero, and a fight against a dishonest and unfair system. Because of these shared elements, they make a great pairing for a double feature.

Dune Makes Huge Improvements on David Lynch’s Cult Classic

The film Dune was a huge success in theaters, becoming a major box office hit and sparking a wave of interest in going to the movies. Beyond its commercial success, it also received critical acclaim, winning six Academy Awards and ranking as the tenth highest-grossing film of 2021 with an 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Based on Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel, this remake of Dune stands out from the 1984 version, particularly in how it portrays its female characters.

When a movie boasts a fantastic cast – think Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, Javier Bardem, and Rebecca Ferguson – it’s easy to worry that star power will be the main draw. However, this film avoids that trap. The compelling story, strong performances, and commitment to real, practical effects – rather than relying heavily on computer-generated imagery – truly immerse you in the world and make you feel like you’re right there facing the dangers, like a giant sandworm.

Both Dune and The Running Man share a similar story: a young man unexpectedly burdened with saving an entire system. They’re also both driven by a desire to protect their families and secure a future. Watching these two films back-to-back would be fascinating, as it highlights how each character handles immense pressure and makes difficult choices in a desperate situation.

The Thing Is a Survival Classic

While it’s difficult to top the original, a sequel with the same name was released in 2011, featuring Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Joel Edgerton. Despite receiving a low 34% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film deserves a look. It was initially filmed using the classic practical effects that fans loved, aiming to capture the feel of the 1982 movie. However, the studio later requested reshoots using CGI.

To connect The Running Man and The Thing as a great double feature, consider how both films center around survival. In The Thing, scientists struggle to survive by identifying who has been taken over by the alien. Meanwhile, Ben Richards in The Running Man fights to stay alive while being hunted. You could compare the characters’ survival strategies, how they anticipate their opponents, and what choices they might make to be the ultimate survivor.

The A-Team Revived an Iconic Action Team

The 2010 film was a remake of the 1983 series. While it included many elements fans remembered from the original show, a talented new cast and thrilling action sequences revitalized the franchise.

The movie The A-Team, featuring Jessica Biel, Bradley Cooper, and Liam Neeson, tells the story of a team of Special Forces soldiers wrongly accused of a crime, and their efforts to clear their names. It’s more lighthearted and comedic than the original ’80s television series, successfully balancing humor with action. The filmmakers weren’t worried about its 48% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Although The Running Man and The A-Team have different styles, both deliver plenty of action, making them a great pairing for a movie night.

Red Dawn is a Remake With a Super Star Cast

While the film’s 15% rating on Rotten Tomatoes isn’t promising, and there was some controversy over changing the villains’ nationality, it’s still enjoyable to watch alongside The Running Man for a fun double feature.

Although Red Dawn features a strong cast including Josh Hutcherson, Chris Hemsworth, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Adrianne Palicki, it wasn’t a particularly exciting action film. However, it’s enjoyable if you’re okay with a story about teenagers fighting back against North Korean invaders using guerrilla tactics from the woods. It works well as a double feature with similar movies – both films center around the theme of fighting to protect your family and offer simple, action-packed entertainment.

The Hitcher Will Have You Running For Your Life

As a big movie fan, I think when you’re planning a double feature with The Running Man, you don’t have to go straight for another high-octane action film. It’s rooted in a pretty bleak Stephen King story, so leaning into that darker, more suspenseful side feels right. That’s why I’d suggest pairing it with the 2007 remake of The Hitcher – it’s an action horror that really complements the unsettling vibe of The Running Man.

The Hitcher is a modern update of the original, starring Zachary Knighton and Sophia Bush as college students driving to spring break. Their journey takes a terrifying turn when they offer a ride to a mysterious hitchhiker, played by Sean Bean. While a scary thriller, The Hitcher shares survival-focused themes with The Running Man. Both films are packed with action and suspense, so be prepared for a thrilling, fast-paced experience.

Tron: Legacy Tried to Bring Back The Grid For a New Audience

Watching The Running Man followed by Tron: Legacy makes for a fast-paced double feature. Tron: Legacy, released in 2010 as a sequel to the 1982 film Tron, picks up the story twenty years later. It centers on Sam Flynn, played by Garrett Hedlund, who enters the same digital world that has held his father, Kevin Flynn (again played by Jeff Bridges), captive for decades. Despite a somewhat lukewarm 51% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s a strong science fiction film with a fantastic soundtrack.

If you enjoy sci-fi action, consider watching Tron: Legacy alongside The Running Man. Both films share a compelling theme: the protagonist is forced to compete in a deadly game, driven by the need to protect a loved one.

Conan the Barbarian Is the Fantasy Balance to The Running Man’s Sci-fi

Immediately after becoming known for his role as Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones, Jason Momoa appeared in the 2011 film Conan the Barbarian. In that movie, he played the son of a barbarian leader who embarks on a journey to avenge his father’s death by tracking down the killer, Zym.

While Conan the Barbarian only has a 25% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, many people still want to see it just for Jason Momoa. Plus, Morgan Freeman narrates! Even though Conan is a fantasy film and The Running Man is science fiction, the two genres go well together and would make for a fun double feature.

Blade Runner 2049 Should Be First in the Double Feature

For a great double feature, pair Blade Runner 2049 with The Running Man. The 2017 update to the classic 1982 sci-fi film was memorable for its amusing promotional appearances by stars Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford, and it boasts a strong 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – though many think it deserves even higher praise.

Ryan Gosling, as Officer K, investigates the original Blade Runner, Rick Deckard (played by Harrison Ford), and uncovers more than he bargained for. The film is visually stunning, earning nominations and awards for its incredible cinematography and special effects. However, Blade Runner 2049 is a bit slow-paced and long, so it might be best to watch it first if you’re planning a double feature with The Running Man.

Don’t Get Caught by the Predator: Badlands

If you enjoy the remakes of classic Arnold Schwarzenegger ’80s action movies – especially if you’re a fan of The Running Man – Predator is a great choice. There have been a few Predator updates lately, but Predator: Badlands, coming out in 2025, is the one to watch first. It’s the seventh film in the series that began with Schwarzenegger’s 1987 original, and with an 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s considered one of the best installments.

Featuring Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, Predator: Badlands tells the story of an android and a young, exiled Predator who must team up to survive. This sci-fi action movie, similar in style to The Running Man, explores themes of government corruption and the importance of family. Like The Running Man, it’s a thrilling story of being hunted and the instinct to survive, making it a great choice to watch alongside that classic film.

2026-04-30 00:13