Alan Ritchson, known for his lead role in Reacher, teams up with Owen Wilson in the new action thriller, Runner. The plot follows the unlikely duo as they race against time to deliver a vital organ that could save a young girl, all while being pursued by a relentless cartel in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase.

The film has received generally positive reviews, with critics awarding it a 70% score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it Ritchson's second-highest-rated movie by critics, just behind Ordinary Angels (84%). However, it's the audience reception that truly stands out. With over 100 verified ratings, Runner boasts a strong 90% audience score, positioning it as Ritchson's third-best audience score to date, following Ordinary Angels (99%) and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (91%).

Alan Ritchson looks emotional as he looks out the sea in Runner

Owen Wilson and Alan Ritchson talking in Runner

Critics and audiences alike have been entertained by the film's high-stakes premise and violent action. Wilson's characteristic charm and humor are noted for providing a balancing contrast to Ritchson's more stoic hero, creating an engaging odd-couple dynamic. Despite what some might consider a formulaic story, Runner is praised for its well-paced narrative, ease of follow-through, and embodying the best qualities of a B-level action flick.

Here’s a look at Alan Ritchson’s top-rated films:

| Alan Ritchson's 5 Highest-Rated Movies | Rotten Tomatoes Critics' Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score | | :------------------------------------- | :----------------------------- | :----------------------------- | | Ordinary Angels (2024) | 84% | 99% | | Runner (2026) | 70% | 90% | | The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024) | 68% | 91% | | War Machine (2026) | 66% | 63% | | Above the Shadows (2019) | 63% | 63% |

Runner also performed respectably at the box office, cracking the top 5 during its opening weekend despite competition from films like Practical Magic 2, Coyote vs. Acme, and The Odyssey. It is projected to generate $6 million, surpassing Ritchson's previous release, Motor City, which debuted with $1.69 million.

Ritchson's 2026 slate continues to be packed. War Machine and Motor City were also among his highest-rated features. His final film for the year, Amazon's The Man with the Bag, is set to release on December 2, featuring a star-studded cast including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Awkwafina, Liza Koshy, and Ken Jeong. Furthermore, War Machine recently made Netflix's Most Popular movies list with 139.9 million views, and a sequel is already in development.

On the television front, Ritchson reprised his iconic role as Jack Reacher twice in 2026. Reacher Season 4 premiered last month, with its final episode airing on September 16, 2026. He will also have a supporting role in the upcoming spinoff series Neagley, which launches on the same day. Amazon has already greenlit Reacher for a fifth season, based on Lee Child's novel Make Me.

Runner was directed by Scott Waugh, with Miles Hubley and Tommy White credited for the story. The supporting cast includes Rodrigo Santoro, Leila George, Adriana Barraza, Sullivan Stapleton, and Peta Sergeant.

Runner is currently playing in theaters.