Why it may be worth watching
- Running on Empty combines Drama and Crime elements in one feature.
- The principal cast includes Christine Lahti, River Phoenix, Judd Hirsch.
- Viewers currently rate it 7.4/10 from 378 votes.
Movie
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.
More detailsPeople
Cast
Christine LahtiAnnie Pope
River PhoenixDanny Pope
Judd HirschArthur Pope
Jonas AbryHarry Pope
Martha PlimptonLorna Phillips
Ed CrowleyMr. Phillips
L.M. Kit CarsonGus Winant
Steven HillDonald Patterson
Augusta DabneyAbigail Patterson
David MarguliesDr. Jonah Reiff
Lynne ThigpenContact at Eldridge St.
Marcia Jean KurtzSchool Clerk
Sloane SheltonMrs. Phillips
Viewing guide
Is Running on Empty right for you?
Who may enjoy it
Best suited to viewers looking for Drama, Crime.
Content notes
A regional age classification is not currently listed. Metadata signals include violence or peril. Ratings vary by country; use this as a quick screening note rather than a complete parental guide.
Themes and topics
vietnam waron the runpianisthidingprotestorssuspensefulcomplicated
How it compares
Viewing guidance uses the title details shown on this page; classifications may differ by region.
Community
Reviews
badelfExternal review ·
It's a little bit long for the sole issue that the script deals with. Other than that, very well played by all the leads, and Stanley Lumet did a decent job with the limited material.
Log in to write a review.
Videos
Related videos
Crime
Comedy
Mystery
From FMM Reviews
More stories about movies and television
TV guide
哆啦A梦TV版 (1979): Series Review, Plot, Cast and Episodes
This 哆啦A梦TV版 (1979) review examines the kids and animation series through its premise, storytelling, cast, performances, themes, production choices and audience response.
Read the full guide 
TV guide
Teen Titans Go! (2013): Series Review, Plot, Cast and Episodes
This Teen Titans Go! (2013) review examines the animation and action & adventure series through its premise, storytelling, cast, performances, themes, production choices and audience respon…
Read the full guide 
TV guide
Cosmic Disclosure (2015): Series Review, Plot, Cast and Episodes
This Cosmic Disclosure (2015) review examines the documentary and sci-fi & fantasy series through its premise, storytelling, cast, performances, themes, production choices and audience resp…
Read the full guide 
Paul Chu Kong
Amin Baahmed
Lisa-Marie Koroll
Johnny Flynn
Agnez Mo
Henry Cavill
Kathleen Robertson
Patrick Stewart
AngelaBaby
Scarlet Rose Stallone
Tian Xiwei
Gretchen Mol