The Long Walk

NZ release: 12 September 2025

Violence, offensive language & content that may disturb Rated on: 14 August 2025

the long walk

What’s it about?

A group of young men compete in an annual contest known as “The Long Walk,” where they must maintain a certain walking speed or get shot.

The facts

  • Directed by Francis Lawrence
  • Written by Stephen King
  • English language
  • Runtime: 108min

Why did it get this rating?

This film was classified by Te Mana Whakaatu, Classification Office. You can find out more about classification process and ratings here.

Violence

This film contains violence and injury with lots of blood splatter, characters beaten by guns and shot in shocking ways, and self-inflicted shooting.

One character’s legs are run over by a tank and crushed, causing them to scream in agony.

A character stabs themselves in the throat with a utensil, causing blood to ooze out.

Content that may disturb

In one scene, a decomposing cattle corpse is shown.

One person is shown having a seizure, which may be unsettling for some viewers.

Some viewers may find the references to characters impending deaths impactful.

Domestic violence

Dialogue implying abuse by guardians, such as when one character says, “he cut me with a hunting knife.”

Offensive language

This film contains offensive language, with phrases like “f*ck,” “sh*t,” “p*ssy,” and “b*tch.”

When content stays with you:

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.  

Further information

Recent featured decisions

08 January 2026

Violence, sex scenes, offensive language, nudity & wound detail

In 1950’s New York, shoe salesman Marty Mauser chases his dream to become a table tennis champion regardless of the cost to those around him.  

Read more

15 January 2026

Sex scenes

A fictional historical drama about William Shakespeare’s wife Agnes and their family life. The devasting death of their beloved 11-year-old son inspires Shakespeare to produce the play Hamlet which transforms their grief.

Read more