9 Best Quotes From the Original ‘Running Man’

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Edgar Wright’s new film, The Running Man, adapted from Stephen King’s 1982 novel, is quickly becoming a major topic of conversation. The movie follows a father who is falsely accused and then hunted across the country in a televised chase. It’s a dark and intense action thriller that examines issues like unfairness, the exploitation of the working class, and the dangers of extremist political movements.

This isn’t the first time King’s story has been adapted for the screen. Back in 1987, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in The Running Man, but it was quite different. Instead of keeping the dark and realistic tone of the book, the movie went for a more humorous, over-the-top, and visually flashy approach with plenty of action. While reviews were mixed when it first came out, it’s since gained a dedicated following as a cult classic.

Today, we’re looking back at the 10 greatest quotes from the original Running Man.

9
“I hope you leave enough room for my fist, because I’m going to ram it into your stomach and break your goddamn spine!”


TriStar Pictures

Ben Richards, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, is wrongly accused and forced to compete on the dangerous game show, The Running Man. He quickly proves to be incredibly skilled, easily defeating every challenge. The show’s producer, Damon Killian, recognizes Richards’ popularity and offers him a very profitable long-term contract to keep him as a star attraction.

Richards is a man of strong principles who is determined to reveal the truth. Killian, however, is motivated by greed and a thirst for power, caring only about control and boosting ratings. It’s clear Richards is incorruptible and won’t be silenced. He completely despises Killian and his unethical gameshow and is committed to stopping him.

8
“I’m gonna uplink your a**, and you’ll be underground!”


Tri-Star Pictures

When Weiss and Laughlin, both competitors and members of the resistance, found the government’s hidden satellite connection point, they excitedly shouted “Uplink, Underground!” – a cheer that celebrated both the discovery and their rebel group.

Richards isn’t happy about the celebrating. He knows they’re still in a dangerous situation, with potential threats hiding nearby. Annoyed by all the noise, he sharply tells them what he thinks of their behavior, delivering a witty, Schwarzenegger-style comeback.

7
“Go ahead. Won’t show on this shirt.”


TriStar/courtesy Everett Collection

The film begins with Captain Ben Richards being arrested for disobeying orders to shoot at peaceful protesters during a food riot in Bakersfield, California. He’s sentenced to hard labor, but escapes after a year and a half. On the run, he returns to his former apartment, only to find a TV technician named Amber Mendez living there now.

Richards kidnaps Amber and makes her drive him to the airport, hoping to escape the police. Amber, convinced he’s responsible for the Bakersfield killings, tells him she gets carsick and will vomit on him. Richards, however, isn’t worried, and playfully suggests it won’t matter since he’s already wearing a brightly colored Hawaiian shirt.

6
“I don’t do requests.”


Tri-Star Pictures

After successfully escaping the dangerous situation, Richards manages to capture Killian and secures him to a rocket sled. The conversation mentioned earlier happens right before Richards launches Killian to his death.

This scene is a perfect example of what makes the movie work. Just as the hero gains the upper hand, Richards delivers a brilliantly funny and biting line, showcasing the film’s unique combination of action, dark humor, and clever one-liners reminiscent of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s style.

5
“Killian, here is Subzero! Now, Plain Zero!”


Tri-Star Pictures

Richards unexpectedly becomes a contestant on the brutal gameshow, Running Man, where he must survive against skilled killers known as “stalkers.” These assassins hunt the contestants for the enjoyment of the show’s audience, each with a bizarre theme reflected in their costumes, weapons, and unique titles. One particularly memorable stalker, Subzero, stands out with his hockey armor, mask, and bladed hockey stick.

Whenever Richards wins a fight against a villain, he usually follows it up with a silly, cheesy line, which contributes to the movie’s humor. The most cringeworthy example is after he defeats Subzero, when he calls him ‘plain zero.’ It’s incredibly corny, but that’s exactly what makes it a memorable, and strangely enjoyable, moment.

4
“He was a real pain in the neck!”


Tri-Star Pictures

With everything from people being cut in half by chainsaws to having their skulls crushed, The Running Man features a lot of creative and shockingly violent deaths. A particularly memorable one happens when Richards defeats Subzero and kills him by strangling him with barbed wire.

He joked about the character’s death, calling him a “pain in the neck” with a dry wit characteristic of Arnold Schwarzenegger. This playful response fit the movie’s generally light and humorous style, a contrast to the more serious approach Edgar Wright took when revisiting the story in his recent remake.

3
“What a hothead.”


Tri-Star Pictures

Richards planted a bomb on Fireball’s fuel line, then lit a flare with a mocking, “Need a light?” as he taunted his enemy. Fireball screamed and was immediately engulfed in flames. Richards casually remarked, “What a hothead,” after the villain’s explosive end.

The movie starts with a typical, corny “dad joke,” immediately setting the tone. The Running Man cleverly mixes biting satire and over-the-top ’80s action with goofy humor and predictable puns. This unusual combination—and those wonderfully awkward jokes—is a big reason why it’s become a beloved cult classic.

2
“He had to split.”


Tri-Star Pictures

Richards has a habit of making sarcastic remarks or puns whenever he defeats an enemy. In a fight with the chainsaw-wielding Buzzsaw, Richards turns the tables and cuts him in half with his own weapon. When asked about the outcome, he predictably jokes that Buzzsaw had to “split.”

Catchy one-liners weren’t just a feature of The Running Man; they were all over action movies in the ’80s and ’90s, especially those starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. While many films had them, The Running Man arguably stands out for having an unusually high number of memorably cheesy lines.

1
“I’ll be back!”


Tri-Star Pictures

Most movie fans, especially those familiar with Arnold Schwarzenegger and 1980s action films, instantly recognize the line “I’ll Be Back.” Originally spoken by Schwarzenegger in the 1984 film The Terminator, it has become his signature phrase. It’s appeared in every Terminator movie since, as well as in other films he’s starred in, like Commando, Total Recall, Twins, and The Expendables 2.

Beyond simply pleasing fans with Schwarzenegger’s famous catchphrase, The Running Man features a particularly memorable moment. Just before being forced into the deadly game, Richards utters the line to Killian, who cleverly replies, “Only in a re-run.” This response foreshadows Richards’ fate – suggesting he’ll only be seen again as a replay of the televised game.

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2025-11-19 18:38