Running on Empty
“They chose their lives. Now their son must choose his.”
Synopsis
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.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Annie Sees Her FatherOfficial
Type: Clip • Published 2025-12-16
Top Cast
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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
Sloane Shelton
Mrs. Phillips
Justine Johnston
Librarian
Herb Lovelle
Hospital Clerk
Bobo Lewis
Home Ec Teacher
Ronnie Gilbert
Mrs. Taylor
Leila Danette
Maid
Release History & Theatrical Window
Sorrento Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
September 9, 1988
Wide Cinema Exhibition
March 30, 1999
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
Undisclosed
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$2.8M
Total global ticket sales
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Sidney Lumet
- Screenplay & Story
- Naomi Foner
- Original Score
- Tony Mottola
- Original Title
- Running on Empty
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 56m
- Worldwide Gross
- $2.8M
- Production Studios
- Double Play, Lorimar Film Entertainment
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Sidney Lumet
Naomi Foner
Tony Mottola
Gerry Fisher
Andrew Mondshein
Naomi Foner, Burtt Harris, Griffin Dunne, Amy Robinson
Department Leadership Roster
Sidney Lumet
Director
Gerry Fisher
Director of Photography
Andrew Mondshein
Editor
Philip Rosenberg
Production Design
Griffin Dunne
Producer
Anna Hill Johnstone
Costume Design
Naomi Foner
Writer
Amy Robinson
Producer
Tony Mottola
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Tous publics — Universal audience.
Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Running on Empty.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Running on Empty
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
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.
Who stars in Running on Empty?
The principal cast of Running on Empty includes Christine Lahti, River Phoenix, Judd Hirsch, Jonas Abry, Martha Plimpton.
When was Running on Empty released and how long is it?
Running on Empty was released in 1988 with a total runtime of 1h 56m.
How much did Running on Empty make at the box office?
Running on Empty grossed $2.8M in worldwide ticket sales.
Who composed the musical score for Running on Empty?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Running on Empty was composed by Tony Mottola.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Running on Empty?
Running on Empty holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); FR: U (Tous publics — Universal audience.); US: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.).