
The Maze Runner (2014)
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, young Thomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they're all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow “runners” for a shot at escape.
Details
Budget
$34,000,000
Rating
7/10 (17234 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Ingenious Media, The Gotham Group, Dayday Films, Temple Hill Entertainment, TSG Entertainment, 20th Century Fox
About The Maze Runner
The 2014 film "The Maze Runner" places its protagonist, Thomas, into a desolate, maze-filled world alongside other boys, his memory erased. The narrative explores themes of survival and escape within a dystopian setting. As an action and science fiction thriller, the movie emphasizes the characters' efforts to navigate a constantly changing environment and uncover the truth behind their predicament. This premise, derived from a young adult novel, is centered on the struggle against an unknown authority controlling their imprisonment.
The film's approach to the post-apocalyptic subgenre focuses on collective action and investigation. The mystery surrounding the maze and the origins of the Glade is a core element, providing momentum as the characters work together to understand their situation. With memory loss hindering their progress, they rely on immediate observations and an emergent social structure to guide their attempts at freedom. The film maintains a tension driven by the hazardous maze and the unknown forces at play, aiming to keep its audience engaged with the characters' fight for survival.
Why you might be searching for The Maze Runner
People search for "The Maze Runner" when recalling its central premise of teenagers trapped in a deadly, enigmatic maze. Queries often stem from remembering the focus on escape, the post-apocalyptic setting, or the element of memory loss that affects the characters.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer found it to be another derivative young adult dystopian film, similar to others in the genre, and noted the all-male primary cast as a distinguishing, though not necessarily positive, feature.
Read the full reviewA reviewer appreciated the movie's originality within the apocalypse genre, finding the story refreshing despite acknowledging some plot inconsistencies, and generally enjoyed it as a young adult film.
Read the full reviewOne viewer felt the film was unexpectedly good, surpassing initial expectations based on its marketing.
Read the full reviewA reviewer felt the movie was engaging in its depiction of resourceful characters building a society and strategizing their escape, but believed the ending felt abrupt and left too many questions unanswered, particularly regarding the antagonists' motives, lacking a strong cinematic resolution.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream *The Maze Runner* on Netflix. Alternatively, you can rent or purchase the movie on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. [justwatch.com](https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-maze-runner)
*The Maze Runner* is not based on a true story. It is a dystopian sci-fi action movie based on James Dashner’s novel. [justwatch.com](https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-maze-runner)
At the end of *The Maze Runner*, Thomas and the Gladers escape the Maze and find a laboratory filled with dead scientists. They watch a video left by Ava Paige from WCKD (World Catastrophe Killzone Department), who reveals the world was devastated by solar flares and a virus called the Flare, which turns people into aggressive 'Cranks.' The Gladers were subjects in an experiment to find a cure by studying immune individuals. After a confrontation where Gally shoots Chuck, masked soldiers arrive, claiming to rescue them, but this is part of Phase Two of WCKD's continued experimentation. [screenrant.com](https://screenrant.com/maze-runner-ending-explained-experiment/)
According to critics, *The Maze Runner* is a worthwhile watch, standing out from other young adult sci-fi adventures due to its strong acting, solid premise, and refreshingly dark approach to its dystopian setting. [rottentomatoes.com](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_maze_runner)