Stephen King’s ‘The Long Walk’ Comes to Streaming This Month

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Often overlooked but a standout Stephen King adaptation, the thrilling film The Long Walk vividly portrays a gripping dystopian story. It follows a group of teenage boys competing in a dangerous contest, with the last one standing winning a cash prize. The movie was a hit with both critics and audiences, earning $48 million and keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

I’ve been hearing amazing things about *The Long Walk* – everyone, both critics and fans like me, seems to agree it’s a really respectful and powerful adaptation. It’s genuinely terrifying, but also really moving, and that’s probably why it’s getting such great reviews! If you’re like me and love watching new movies at home, good news: we finally know when *The Long Walk* will be available to stream!

‘The Long Walk’ Becomes a Powerful King Adaptation


Lionsgate

Stephen King’s gripping novel, *The Long Walk*, known as the “King of Horror’s” intense survival story, finally became a movie in 2025 after a long and difficult journey to production. Several acclaimed directors, including George A. Romero and Frank Darabont, had previously attempted to bring the story to life. Ultimately, Francis Lawrence, known for directing popular films like *Constantine*, *I Am Legend*, and *The Hunger Games* series, took on the project in November 2023. The story is set in a bleak 1970s America and follows fifty teenage boys, each representing a different state, who compete in a grueling contest for a chance to win a life-altering sum of money.

This new film boasts a large cast, including Cooper Hoffman, David Johnson, Charlie Plummer, and Mark Hamill. It tells the story of brave young men forced to walk at a steady pace – three miles per hour or faster – or face deadly consequences. Participants receive warnings, and ultimately, only one will survive to claim a substantial cash prize and have a wish granted. Cooper Hoffman plays Raymond “Ray” Garraty, a competitor from Maine who forms a bond with Peter “Pete” McVries (Johnson) during the brutal competition, all while being watched over by the ruthless official known as The Major (Hamill).

The movie *The Long Walk* was a big success, earning $48 million globally on a $20 million budget. Critics and audiences alike praised it for staying true to the original story and effectively capturing the novel’s frightening and depressing atmosphere. It currently has high ratings – 87% on Rotten Tomatoes and 7.3/10 on IMDb – with many viewers captivated by its emotional impact, constant suspense, and strong performances. *Slate* magazine called it one of the best Stephen King adaptations in years, praising its streamlined and intense approach.

When Is ‘The Long Walk’ Coming to Streaming?


Lionsgate

The movie *The Long Walk* came out in theaters on September 12, 2025. Right now, the only way to see this scary adaptation of Stephen King’s work is in a movie theater. But if you’d rather watch it at home, it will soon be available to rent or buy on digital platforms like Apple TV and Prime Video, before eventually being added to subscription streaming services.

According to WhenToStream.com, the movie *The Long Walk* is projected to be available for digital rental or purchase on October 21, 2025. However, Lionsgate hasn’t officially confirmed this date. Typically, Lionsgate films become available on demand about three to four weeks after their theatrical release, and *The Long Walk* is expected to follow suit, similar to movies like *Ballerina* and *Flight Risk*. While an official streaming date hasn’t been announced, fans should know that when *The Long Walk* does become available to stream, it will first be on Starz, as that’s where all Lionsgate movies eventually go.

Hollywood has long been fascinated with adapting Stephen King’s many books into movies and TV shows, with mixed results. Some adaptations, like *Carrie*, *Misery*, and *Stand By Me*, have become classics, while others, such as *Children of the Corn* and *The Dark Tower*, haven’t quite satisfied fans. Director Francis Lawrence aimed to do justice to this particular survival story by simplifying the production – using fewer extras and zombies – to build a stronger sense of fear and focus on the relationship between the main characters. He explained to *Den of Geek*:

What I found most powerful about *The Long Walk* – and what I still remember most vividly – was the strong sense of friendship between the young men. Despite the story being so violent and frightening, their relationships and the bonds they formed were truly beautiful.

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2025-10-12 03:00