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Runner Runner

Runner Runner

The house always wins.

201388 minRMidcredits score: 21st percentile of all films
Director
Brad Furman
Starring
Justin Timberlake, Ben Affleck, Gemma Arterton, Anthony Mackie

When a poor college student who cracks an online poker game goes bust, he arranges a face-to-face with the man he thinks cheated him, a sly offshore entrepreneur.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Runner Runner?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Runner Runner to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Runner Runner?

Runner Runner earns 4 badges, led by Overhyped and Broadly Agreed.

  • Reception
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Runner Runner worth watching?

Runner Runner's Midcredits score is the 21st percentile of all films, from 88K ratings across 6 sources. 29% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

21st percentile

Better received than 21% of films

20th percentile among Crime22nd percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)25th
Approval (how many liked it)21st

53 /100

25th percentile of all films

22nd percentile among Crime27th percentile among 2010s

Critics 36 · Audience 55

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 5.8 — solid but not unanimous.

29% liked it

21st percentile of all films

20th percentile among Crime21st percentile among 2010s
29% rated it 7–1071% rated it 1–6

Critics 8% · Audience 33%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 2 noms overall

96th percentile

88K ratings across platforms

95th percentile among Crime96th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 13% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$30M
Opening weekend$7.7M
Domestic gross$19M
Worldwide gross$63M

Returned 2.1× its budget — 93rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a predictable, glossy thriller set in the world of online gambling.

Fans praised

  • entertaining fast-paced ride
  • Ben Affleck as a charming villain
  • exotic Costa Rica setting and glossy visuals

Detractors panned

  • predictable, clichéd plot
  • no chemistry between leads
  • wooden, phoned-in performances

What stands out

Cinematography65

glossy, beautiful locations, but sometimes flat

PacingDivisive60

brisk, short runtime kept it moving

AtmosphereDivisive60

exotic Costa Rica setting, glamorous parties

ActingDivisive55

Affleck as charming villain praised; Timberlake adequate but unconvincing; Arterton wasted

Plot and storyDivisive35

highly predictable, generic formula

CharactersDivisive35

thinly written, one-dimensional, no depth

TensionDivisive30

lack of suspense, no real thrills

OriginalityDivisive25

derivative of Wall Street, Rounders, Boiler Room

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 3 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 2 points apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 4 points apart

Watch experience

What is Runner Runner like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you feeling good.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseThrillingCold
Heaviest: late
Register
Hardboiled · 1% of films: Terse, unsentimental, noir-inflected.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its crime thriller material straight, with a serious and tense atmosphere and occasional darkly humorous moments.
The rideThe film maintains a tense thriller mood throughout, with bursts of action and a cold, calculating atmosphere; the heaviest emotional weight falls in the final betrayal and escape.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from Richie's financial troubles to his escape from Costa Rica.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe protagonist outsmarts both the villain and the FBI, ending on a triumphant note that leaves the viewer satisfied.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% (this title) · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Corporate villainy: A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA graduate student who is cheated by an online gambling tycoon confronts him, joins his operation, and eventually helps the FBI expose his Ponzi scheme.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfCorruption
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7% (this title): Power 2% · Corruption 3% (this title) · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% (this title) · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Power

Corruption · 3% of filmsBetrayal · 5% of filmsSurvival
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film examines how the lure of easy wealth corrupts everyone involved, from the protagonist to the kingpin, and how betrayal becomes a survival tool.
StanceThe film warns about the corrupting influence of gambling money and the moral compromises made in pursuit of wealth, centering on Richie's journey.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score · Christophe Beck
SettingCosta Rica's online gambling underworld and a Princeton campus
MusicBeck's score blends electronic pulses with orchestral tension to underscore the high-stakes gambling world.

Content guide

Is Runner Runner okay for kids?

R

Runner Runner is rated R: “Rated R for language and some sexual content” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100), sexual content at moderate (37/100), language at intense (78/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (38/100) and frightening material at moderate (40/100). Its violence and drug and alcohol content have too few votes to rank. Overall it is heavier than 21% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 23 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Germany12
  • Ireland16
  • JapanG
  • Brazil14
  • Belgium18
  • BGC
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-12
  • Greece13
  • Hungary18
  • LTN-13
  • MexicoC
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway12
  • Poland18
  • RO15
  • Russia16+
  • SK12
  • Sweden15
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 49% of all filmsHeavier than 21% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 33%
Profanity
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 69%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (8 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 23%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is language. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Runner Runner have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Runner Runner?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Justin Timberlake
as Richie Furst
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ben Affleck
as Ivan Block
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Gemma Arterton
as Rebecca Shafran
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Anthony Mackie
as Agent Shavers
Michael Esper
as Billy 'Pet' Petricoff
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Oliver Cooper
as Andrew Cronin
Christian George
as Wilson
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Yul Vazquez
as Delegate Herrera
John Heard
as Harry Furst
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
James Molina
as Esteban
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Runner Runner?

Movies like Runner Runner include Street Kings (2008), Walking Tall (2004) and Thursday (1998). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films written by David Levien and Brian Koppelman, and several are gangster films.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

9 of these 12 share its character type: hero versus nemesis. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Runner Runner?

1.8K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: gangster. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.