The Top 10 Running Man Episodes of 2018
10:00:002018 was the year Running Man fully settled into its second life. With the cast dynamic stabilised and long-term projects becoming the backbone of the show the episodes leaned less on shock and more on structure character and payoff. Betrayals felt sharper games felt fairer and emotional beats landed without overreaching.
What stood out in 2018 was confidence. Running Man no longer felt like it was searching for direction. Instead it committed to extended arcs creative penalties and controlled chaos driven by the members themselves. These episodes represent the year at its strongest.
Since it's the end of the year, it's definitely a perfect time to take a look back at some of the episodes that stood out in 2017. This is part of a series of posts that is on this blog; starting from 2013. You can check out the other posts here:
As usual, I have to make a note here that what constitutes a "great" Running Man episode (to me, at least) is how entertained I was from watching it. Running Man is, after all, a variety show and variety shows are supposed to be a source of entertainment and laughs. That's what I deem to be a good Running Man episode, and why I chose the episodes in this top 10 list.
Here are the top 10 Running Man episodes of 2018 in no particular order.
#10 Episode 400 (Family Package Project 7)
The final overseas segment of the Family Package Project closes the arc with physical fear rather than mind games. Haha’s confrontation with the zip line delivers raw unscripted comedy built on genuine terror. The episode works because it embraces discomfort and lets the members’ personalities dictate the outcome. A fitting end to a long project grounded in shared suffering.
#9 Episode 398 (Running 365 Retreat)
This episode strips Running Man down to its most basic element: the members spending time together. With control over their own schedule the cast exposes natural chemistry rivalries and fatigue. The lack of forced missions allows humour to emerge organically making this episode feel intimate and quietly memorable.
#8 Episode 397 (TV Rating Notice Race 2)
Creativity takes centre stage in this race as the members compete not with strength or deception but ideas. The contrast between overly ambitious concepts and disastrous execution fuels the comedy. Seeing the members take control of the show’s image adds a meta layer that Running Man uses effectively without becoming self-indulgent.
#7 Episode 408 (Family Package Project 10)
High stakes spending races are always effective when the consequences are tangible. The simplicity of spot-the-difference combined with looming luxury costs keeps tension consistent. Panic mistakes and finger-pointing drive the episode forward making it an efficient payoff chapter late in the Family Package arc.
#6 Episode 395 (Family Package Project 4)
Mystery dominates this episode with hidden roles coaches and a secret gold medalist. The structure rewards observation rather than luck forcing the members to slow down and think. Suspicion spreads quickly and trust collapses just as fast. It is classic Running Man deception framed within a longer narrative.
#5 Episode 399 (Running 365 Retreat 2 / Family Package Project 6)
This episode excels through escalation. Missions chosen by opposing teams guarantee cruelty and the shuddering penalties amplify every failure. The returning guests integrate seamlessly creating balanced chaos rather than guest-driven distraction. It represents the Family Package Project at peak intensity.
#4 Episode 427 (Familiar Partner Finding Thief Race)
Partner races succeed or fail based on chemistry and this episode delivers consistently. The added layer of hidden thieves keeps alliances unstable and forces constant reassessment. Switching partners mid-race destabilises any sense of safety and ensures momentum never drops.
#3 Episode 396 (Family Package Project 5)
Territory-based stealing gives this episode a competitive edge. Winning missions matters because the consequences are immediate and personal. Watching teams invade each other’s spaces adds tension and humour while the sticker system keeps the stakes visible. It is one of the most strategically satisfying episodes of the year.
#2 Episode 432 (Christmas Special Flirting Santa Claus)
This Christmas special succeeds by weaponising revenge. Giving Seok Jin and Kwang Soo full authority as antagonists flips the usual power dynamic. The personal nature of stealing belongings makes every interaction sharper and more paranoid. Festive chaos carried by well-earned payback.
#1 Episode 387 (Together with God Sin and Punishment)
This episode captures everything Running Man does best. Moral judgement betrayal callbacks and punishment are woven into a clean race structure. The prison system forces accountability while encouraging scheming. Every member is confronted by their own history on the show turning comedy into consequence. It is thematic focused and relentlessly entertaining.
2018 proved that Running Man did not need reinvention again. It needed refinement. These episodes show a cast comfortable with its identity and confident enough to let structure and character do the work.
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