Running on Empty
“They chose their lives. Now their son must choose his.”
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. Their survival is threatened when their eldest son falls in love with a girl, and announces his wish to live his life on his own terms.
Where to watch Running on Empty in United States
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeClick a service to open Running on Empty there. Availability last verified on June 21, 2026.
Where is Running on Empty streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | — | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| United Kingdom | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| Canada | Starz Amazon Channel | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| Australia | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| Germany | — | Amazon Video |
| France | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, VIVA by videofutur |
| Spain | Filmin | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| Brazil | — | Amazon Video |
| Japan | U-NEXT, HBO Max on U-Next | Amazon Video |
| South Korea | Watcha | — |
About Running on Empty
Running on Empty is a 1988 English-language drama, romance and crime film directed by Sidney Lumet. The cast is led by Christine Lahti, River Phoenix, Judd Hirsch. It has a runtime of 1h 56m. Viewers rate it 7.4/10 across 400 ratings. In United States, it is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
Running on Empty was produced by Double Play and Lorimar Film Entertainment and made in United States of America. It was released on September 9, 1988, and carries a PG-13 certification. At the box office it grossed around $3 million worldwide.
- Director
- Sidney Lumet
- Writers
- Naomi Foner
- Release date
- September 9, 1988
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- PG-13
- Status
- Released
- Country
- United States of America
- Box office
- $3 million
- Production
- Double Play, Lorimar Film Entertainment
Running on Empty cast & crew
Running on Empty was directed by Sidney Lumet and written by Naomi Foner.
The cast features Christine Lahti as Annie Pope, River Phoenix as Danny Pope, Judd Hirsch as Arthur Pope, Jonas Abry as Harry Pope, Martha Plimpton as Lorna Phillips, and Ed Crowley as Mr. Phillips.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Tony Mottola, cinematography is by Gerry Fisher, and it was produced by Naomi Foner and Burtt Harris.
Is Running on Empty worth watching?
Running on Empty holds an audience score of 7.4/10 from 353 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed drama films.
At 1h 56m, it's a standard feature-length watch.
If you enjoy drama, romance, and crime, Running on Empty is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Running on Empty
Running on Empty isn't on a subscription service in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
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Cast of Running on Empty
Christine Lahti
Annie Pope
River Phoenix
Danny Pope
Judd Hirsch
Arthur Pope
Jonas Abry
Harry Pope
Martha Plimpton
Lorna Phillips
Ed Crowley
Mr. Phillips
L.M. Kit Carson
Gus Winant
Steven Hill
Donald Patterson
Augusta Dabney
Abigail Patterson
David Margulies
Dr. Jonah Reiff
Lynne Thigpen
Contact at Eldridge St.
Marcia Jean Kurtz
School Clerk
Running on Empty — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Running on Empty in United States?
Running on Empty is not on subscription streaming in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies.
▸What language is Running on Empty in?
Running on Empty is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Running on Empty?
Running on Empty runs 1 hours 56 minutes (116 minutes).
▸What is Running on Empty rated?
Running on Empty is rated PG-13. It holds a 7.4/10 audience score from 353 ratings.
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