Horror movies have been consistently popular, which is fantastic for fans like me. 2025 was an especially strong year, delivering some truly memorable scary films. While movies like Sinners and Weapons (both available on HBO Max) are getting a lot of well-deserved attention, I believe The Long Walk is another excellent film that people are overlooking.
Francis Lawrence, the director behind the Hunger Games films, has adapted another dystopian novel with The Long Walk. It’s still too early to say if it will rank among the best Stephen King adaptations, but I was deeply moved by it and consider it one of the year’s best films. Here’s why I feel that way.
The Long Walk Deserves Its Flowers
I’m really intrigued by The Long Walk! It’s based on a Stephen King novel, and it takes place in a messed-up version of the 20th century where America is ruled by a seriously strict government. The story follows 50 teenage boys who choose to participate in this insane competition – they have to walk, and walk, and walk, without stopping, until only one is left. The catch? They have to keep moving at over 3 miles per hour, or soldiers following them will shoot them. It’s terrifying, but the prize is pretty tempting: a big pile of money and the chance to have any wish granted!
Okay, so as a movie fan, I’d say this film definitely reminded me of The Hunger Games, but it’s not set in the future. Honestly, it feels even more hopeless than Panem. From the very beginning, the world they create just grabs you, and the suspense just keeps building for the entire 108 minutes. The second that first walker goes down, everything changes – the stakes are immediately raised, and the tension never really lets up for the rest of The Long Walk.
HBO Max offers streaming access to shows like Sinners and Weapons, with plans starting at $10.99 per month (Basic With Ads). A subscription unlocks thousands of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and more. See the deal here.
TopMob’s review of The Long Walk highlighted how well the movie was made, and I agree. It quickly introduces the characters and explains why they’re participating in the walk. Strong connections develop between them, especially among a core group of four who support each other even while competing. It’s touching to watch them help one another, and genuinely devastating to see how they react as they begin to die after days of continuous walking.
One of the reasons this movie is so effective is its focused storyline. Instead of relying on flashbacks, the film gradually reveals the characters of the Walkers and their motivations for entering the dangerous competition through their interactions. The acting is also excellent, with standout performances from Mark Hamill as the villainous Major and Judy Greer as the poignant Ginnie. However, Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson truly shine as Ray and Pete, the film’s central characters.
It’s great to see Sinners and Weapons recognized as fantastic horror films – and their Golden Globe nominations are well-deserved. However, I believe The Long Walk was equally compelling, and it’s easily one of my top movies from 2025.
The Long Walk isn’t streaming right now, but can be rented on platforms like Amazon.
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2026-01-04 00:10