Marathon Man

Year: 1976

Runtime: 125 min

Language: English

Director: John Schlesinger

ThrillerCrime

A brilliant but insecure classics professor, Thomas "Babe" Levy, finds his life turned upside down when his brother, a secret government agent, is murdered. Drawn into a dangerous conspiracy, Babe must use his quick wit and knowledge of ancient languages to evade a relentless and ruthless Nazi criminal searching for stolen diamonds. He becomes entangled in a desperate race against time, facing perilous situations and uncovering a complex plot with far-reaching consequences.

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Timeline & Setting – Marathon Man (1976)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Marathon Man (1976). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:31

Main Characters – Marathon Man (1976)

Meet the key characters of Marathon Man (1976), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:31

Major Themes – Marathon Man (1976)

Explore the central themes of Marathon Man (1976), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:31

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Movies where an ordinary person uncovers a conspiracy like in Marathon Man

When an average person is suddenly hunted by ruthless, hidden forces.If you liked the premise of Marathon Man, where an unsuspecting academic is pulled into a deadly government and criminal plot, you'll find similar thrillers here. These movies feature average people forced to become heroes, facing overwhelming odds and secretive, powerful organizations in a desperate fight for survival.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically begins with a mundane life shattered by a seemingly random event, revealing a hidden conspiracy. The protagonist, an amateur, is pursued by highly skilled and ruthless operatives. The journey is one of sudden adaptation, brutal testing, and a desperate scramble to understand the rules of a deadly game they never asked to play.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their core premise of an everyman-versus-the-system struggle. They share a high level of tension and paranoia, a fast pace as the protagonist is constantly on the run, and a dark tone where survival feels like a Pyrrhic victory. The emotional core is the terrifying vulnerability of the main character.

Relentless chase and survival thrillers similar to Marathon Man

Stories defined by a constant, desperate flight from a merciless hunter.For viewers who enjoyed the non-stop cat-and-mouse tension of Marathon Man, this section collects films with a similar vibe of relentless pursuit. These stories feature a protagonist constantly on the run from a ruthless antagonist, creating a breathless, anxious, and grim viewing experience with high violence and high stakes.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative is often linear and single-minded: escape. The plot is a series of close calls, narrow escapes, and brutal confrontations. Character development happens under extreme duress, and the central conflict is a primal game of survival against a villain who is often more powerful, skilled, and vicious.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their sustained high intensity, fast pacing, and dark, grim mood. The shared experience is one of anxious immersion in a life-or-death struggle. Key elements include a formidable villain, visceral action, and a tone that emphasizes the physical and psychological toll of the chase.

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Don't stop at just watching — explore Marathon Man in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Marathon Man is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Marathon Man Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Marathon Man, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Marathon Man Timeline

Track the full timeline of Marathon Man with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Marathon Man Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About Marathon Man

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Marathon Man: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to Marathon Man

Discover movies like Marathon Man that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.