
Running on Empty(1988)
“They chose their lives. Now their son must choose his.”
Overview
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.
Director
Sidney Lumet
Studio
Double Play
Revenue
$3M
Cast

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
Ed Crowley
as Mr. Phillips

L.M. Kit Carson
as Gus Winant

Steven Hill
as Donald Patterson

Augusta Dabney
as Abigail Patterson

David Margulies
as Dr. Jonah Reiff

Lynne Thigpen
as Contact at Eldridge St.

Marcia Jean Kurtz
as School Clerk
Where to Watch
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Availability may vary by region. Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Movie Facts
Release Year
1988
Runtime
1h 56m
Language
English
Rating
7.4 / 10
Box Office
$3M
Production Companies
Double Play • Lorimar Film Entertainment
You Might Also Like

Drama / Romance
Across the Universe
2007

Action / Crime
Silverton Siege
2022

Drama / Music
Miss Saigon: 25th Anniversary Performance
2016

Drama / Crime
Mob Town
2019

Crime / Drama
Human Desire
1954

Drama / Romance
Ashes in the Snow
2018

Drama / Crime
The Unforgivable
2021

Crime / Thriller
Inside Man
2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Running on Empty?▼
Check the "Where to Watch" section above for current streaming platforms, rental options, and purchase links for Running on Empty (1988).
What is Running on Empty 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. 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.
Who directed Running on Empty?▼
Running on Empty was directed by Sidney Lumet and released in 1988. It is a drama, romance, crime film.
How long is Running on Empty?▼
Running on Empty has a runtime of 1 hours and 56 minutes (116 minutes total).
Who stars in Running on Empty?▼
The cast of Running on Empty includes 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 more.
Explore More by Genre
Need a recommendation?
Tell us your mood and we'll pick the perfect movie for you.
