Squid Game season 1 was one of the better pieces of dystopian media in recent years. It had a lot to live up to, given the success of series like The Hunger Games. The Korean-language Netflix series was up to the challenge, shocking and compelling international audiences.
Unfortunately for the show, the premiere season seemed more like lightning in a bottle than the creators had hoped. Ever since its strong debut, things have gone downhill for the series. Squid Game season 2, while still setting record viewership, had an ending that frustrated many viewers.
Squid Game season 3 released the show’s final six episodes, with many audiences quickly binge-watching the series to completion. However, the reception hasn’t been the most positive, and Squid Game season 3 has only a 50% Popcornmeter among audiences.
This has left viewers in need of a great dystopian movie or TV show. There is still a while to wait for the next Hunger Games installment, which is scheduled for November 2026, but there are two Stephen King adaptations in the coming months that could fill this void.
Running Man & The Long Walk Are Releasing In Fall 2025
Both Surprisingly Have Survivalist & Compeтιтive Elements
King adaptations have already had a big year so far, but that trend is about to get even more significant. This September and November, respectively, will see the releases of The Long Walk and The Running Man.
The Long Walk, which King originally published under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, was the first novel the now-famed author ever wrote. It centers around a group of teenage boys who are forced to compete in a compeтιтion where they must continuously walk at a certain speed or risk being sH๏τ. This will be the first screen adaptation of the story.
The Running Man was previously adapted in 1987 with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the leading role, but this year will see a version by Edgar Wright. Glen Powell portrays Ben Richards, who competes in a game show where he has 30 days to survive, while people are sent out to kill him.
Both The Long Walk and The Running Man are set in dystopian settings and feature similar compeтιтive but ᴅᴇᴀᴅly elements. Survivalist mindsets drive its lead characters, and both involve major and majorly messed-up compeтιтions.
Running Man & The Long Walk Explore Similar Squid Game Themes
This Includes Greed, Human Desperation, & More
The Long Walk and The Running Man are not that far off from Squid Game on a thematic level. Firstly, they both touch on ideas of greed. In Squid Game, the characters need money to pay off their debts, which motivates them to continue staying in the game. There is a similar hubris that would drive someone to think they could win the Long Walk compeтιтion.
In Squid Game, characters also have to pay off huge debts, often tied to their families.
At the same time, the leads are also driven by a sense of desperation. As The Running Man trailer reveals, Ben is out of work and looking to pay medical bills for his sick child. In Squid Game, characters also have to pay off huge debts, often tied to their families.
All three stories are set in worlds where powerful people take advantage of those who are financially desperate. As such, the narratives present similar social structures. Albeit using different plot lines and styles, they all operate within a similar framework.
Running Man & The Long Walk Are Tonally Different
It’s A Nice Change Of Pace From Squid Game Season 3
Despite some overlapping plot elements, The Running Man and The Long Walk are tonally disparate from Squid Game season 3. The Long Walk is the darkest film of the bunch. The trailer has made it clear that this project is leaning into the grittiness in its social critique.
By comparison, Squid Game sprinkles in more comedic character moments. However, it mostly leans into its melodrama in a way that is distinct from TV, and especially common within the K-drama space. The Running Man, especially under Wright’s direction, will have occasional witty lines, but will not look like Squid Game.
This will create a welcome change of pace in the dystopian genre after Squid Game season 3. Part of the differences may stem from differing cultural presentations of dystopia. Either way, the upcoming King adaptations will be a different experience from the Netflix hit series.
These Stephen King Movies Are The Perfect Replacement For Squid Game Season 3
Especially For Anyone Craving More Survivalist Content
Even with their differences, these King adaptations are great Squid Game season 3 replacements now that the show has wrapped up. The films will be particularly great for those looking for more survivalist content. Both movies will scratch this itch, presenting characters in high-stakes efforts to survive and win.
As of now, both The Running Man and The Long Walk have good chances at being hits. They are based on beloved King novels, and his work is already on a roll this year. If they turn out as well as one could hope, this could set off a positive pattern not only for King movies but for the state of dystopian content.
