The Runaways

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The Runaways

R

2010

1h 45m

Biography

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

68%

Tomatometer

187 Reviews

55%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart) and Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning), two rebellious teenagers from Southern California, become the frontwomen for the Runaways -- the now-legendary group that paved the way for future generations of female rockers. Under the Svengali-like influence of impresario Kim Fowley, the band becomes a huge success, with Joan as the band's hard-rocking heart, and Cherie as the sex kitten. However, the teens' stormy relationship threatens the band's future.

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Critics Consensus

Viewers expecting an in-depth biopic will be disappointed, but The Runaways is as electric as the band's music, largely thanks to strong performances from Michael Shannon, Dakota Fanning, and Kristen Stewart.

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Julie and Brandy

Autostraddle

Sep 1, 2021

Gorgeous imagery.

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Anna Smith

metro.co.uk

Aug 23, 2018

3/5

It's a too-familiar rags-to-riches-to-rags tale without much substance. But it looks and sounds good, and now and again it rocks.

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Jennie Yabroff

Newsweek

Feb 8, 2018

The audience is meant to relate to Jett's indignation-the band's success should hinge on their sound, not their looks-but it feels like a bogus position, since we, in watching the scene on the lawn, have been made complicit in Cherie's objectification.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Aug 22, 2023

2.5/4

The Runaways comes off as too much like Walk the Line and not enough like Sid and Nancy. The result is easily watchable, but it could have said so much more about the contradicting messages of the band.

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Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

Jul 20, 2022

The film is well acted and well made, but the interest is more historical rather than musical. [Full review in Spanish]

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James McMahon

NME (New Musical Express)

May 20, 2021

1.5/5

A biopic that's exploitative rather than being about exploitation.

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Joshua M

@Flameon Aug 3, 2026

I just saw Joan Jett in concert and she mentioned a little about her background. I enjoyed the film to learn more about her unique story. The acting is terrific, and while the ending is a bit abrupt this is worth a watch, especially if you are a fan.

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Madam D

@Madam1948 Jul 31, 2026

The two leads are terrific. The music is great, of course. Shannon was surprisingly good as the manager.

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Kahlil A.

@therunaways75 Jul 3, 2025

This movie is what got me into “ the runways’” music in the first place. Love you Kristen and Dakota

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Carlos I

@carlosFibarra Jun 14, 2025

"The Runaways" stands as a solid music biopic, unflinchingly depicting the raw energy and nascent talent of the groundbreaking all-girl rock band. However, it's harrowing to witness the exploitation these young girls endured at such a formative age, a pervasive theme that casts a shadow over their early success. It's truly a shame, considering the immense potential for even more great music that could have followed had their careers not been so marred by these circumstances.

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thiago s

@Thiagostone Jun 10, 2025

Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom.

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N P

@NicSarge Dec 13, 2024

"The Runaways" is a compelling re-telling of how the 70s all-girl rock band of the same came to be. With good direction, bitching music and nice performances, the film can give you knowledge and appreciation during this rock touchstone.

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Floria Sigismondi

Director

Kristen Stewart

Joan Jett

Dakota Fanning

Cherie Currie

Alia Shawkat

Robin

Scout Taylor-Compton

Lita Ford

Michael Shannon

Kim Fowley

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Synopsis

Joan Jett (Kristen Stewart) and Cherie Currie (Dakota Fanning), two rebellious teenagers from Southern California, become the frontwomen for the Runaways -- the now-legendary group that paved the way for future generations of female rockers. Under the Svengali-like influence of impresario Kim Fowley, the band becomes a huge success, with Joan as the band's hard-rocking heart, and Cherie as the sex kitten. However, the teens' stormy relationship threatens the band's future.

Director: Floria Sigismondi
Producer: John Linson, Art Linson, Bill Pohlad
Screenwriter: Floria Sigismondi
Distributor: Apparition
Production Co: River Road, Linson Entertainment
Rating: R (Drug Use|All Involving Teens|Language|Sexual Content)
Genre: Biography, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 9, 2010, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 20, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $3.6M
Runtime: 1h 45m

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