Ratings

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IMDb rating 7.6
Critic rating Average critic rating
Critic rating 6

Reviews

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Critic Angie Errigo
rated 6

...River Phoenix, not yet 19 himself, enhances his reputation as the very best of a young bunch with an attractive, sensitive performance that earned him an Oscar nomination.

Read full review at Empire

Cast & Crew

Sidney Lumet
Director
Christine Lahti
As Annie Pope
Martha Plimpton
As Lorna Phillips
Judd Hirsch
As Arthur Pope
Alice Drummond
As Mrs. Powell
David Margulies
As Dr. Jonah Reiff
Marcia Jean Kurtz
As School Clerk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Running on Empty about? Toggle content

"Running on Empty" is a poignant drama that follows the story of a family who has been on the run for 15 years after committing an inadvertent crime as war protestors. The family, led by former radicals Judd Hirsch and Christine Lahti, have raised their children in hiding, constantly moving and changing aliases to evade the authorities. As their eldest son, played by River Phoenix, comes of age, he is torn between pursuing his musical talents and staying with his family, who are now facing the consequences of their past actions. Nominated for two Oscars and four Golden Globe Awards, the film features powerful performances and explores themes of family, identity, and the sacrifices we make for love.

Where can I stream Running on Empty? Toggle content

You can stream Running on Empty on:

What movies are similar to Running on Empty? Toggle content

Some movies that have similar genres and were produced around the same time as Running on Empty include Carlito's Way, Risky Business, Days of Being Wild, The Living End, Guncrazy, Simple Men.

When was Running on Empty released in theaters? Toggle content

Running on Empty was released in theaters on September 9, 1988.