Running on Empty (1988): cast, story & where to watch
1988 · Film · ★ 7.5
Released in 1988, Running on Empty is a drama, crime and romance film directed by Sidney Lumet, running about 116 minutes. “They chose their lives. Now their son must choose his.” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. The Popes are a family who haven't been able to use their real identity for years. In the late sixties, the parents set a weapons lab afire in an effort to hinder the government's Vietnam war campaign. Ever since then, the Popes have been on the run with the authorities never far behind.
Who’s in it. Running on Empty stars Christine Lahti as Annie Pope, Judd Hirsch as Arthur Pope, River Phoenix as Danny Pope / Michael Manfield and Martha Plimpton as Lorna Phillips, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 7.5/10, Running on Empty has been warmly received by audiences. It went on to earn $2.8M at the box office.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on TCM and rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Running on Empty page.
If you liked it. Fans of Running on Empty tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Running on Empty (1988)?
- In US, Running on Empty is available to stream on TCM, and rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Running on Empty worth watching?
- Running on Empty holds an audience score of 7.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama, crime and romance. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in Running on Empty?
- Running on Empty stars Christine Lahti, Judd Hirsch, River Phoenix, Martha Plimpton and Jonas Abry.
- When was Running on Empty released?
- Running on Empty was released in 1988, with a runtime of about 116 minutes.