Stephen King publishes the dystopian novel 'The Running Man' under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, which later inspires the film adaptation.
The film adaptation of Stephen King's novel 'The Running Man' is released, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Ben Richards, a police helicopter pilot, is framed for a massacre of innocent people during a rebellion against an oppressive government.
Ben Richards is sentenced to participate in The Running Man game show, where condemned prisoners must survive deadly hunts against 'stalkers' on live television.
Richards undergoes training and preparation for the television show, learning survival and combat techniques.
The show begins; Richards is released into the deadly arena to evade and fight stalkers while being hunted by the audience and government forces.
Richards meets Amber Mendez, another contestant disguised as a cheerleader, and forms a temporary alliance to increase chances of survival.
Over several days, Richards faces multiple deadly stalkers including Buzzsaw and Dynamo, narrowly escaping death.
Richards reaches the final broadcast center, confronts the show's host Damon Killian, and exposes the corrupt government and the deadly facade of The Running Man to the public.
Following Richards' exposure of the truth, the game show is shut down and the oppressive government begins to lose control.
