Movie

Running on Empty

“They chose their lives. Now their son must choose his.”

★ 7.4(353)19881h 56m

Running on Empty is available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Amazon Video and CHILI in Italy. It isn't on a subscription streaming service there yet. Availability checked 10 June 2026.

Where to watch Running on Empty

🇮🇹 Italy

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Good to know

Director: Sidney Lumet
Release date: 1988-09-09
Runtime: 1h 56m
Language: English
Box office: $2,835,116
Status: Released
Country: United States of America
Studio: Double Play

Running on Empty — trailer

About Running on Empty

Running on Empty is a 1988 movie in the Drama, Romance and Crime genres, directed by Sidney Lumet, starring Christine Lahti, River Phoenix and Judd Hirsch. It has a runtime of 1 hour 56 minutes. It holds an average rating of 7.4/10 from 353 viewers. Below you can see where to watch Running on Empty in Italy — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.

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.

Cast

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

Themes & keywords

vietnam waron the runpianisthidingprotestorssuspensefulcomplicated

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch Running on Empty in Italy?+

In Italy, Running on Empty is available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Amazon Video and CHILI. It isn't on a subscription streaming service there right now.

Is Running on Empty on Netflix?+

Running on Empty is not on Netflix in Italy right now.

How long is Running on Empty?+

Running on Empty has a runtime of 1 hour 56 minutes (116 minutes).

Who stars in Running on Empty?+

Running on Empty stars Christine Lahti, River Phoenix, Judd Hirsch, Jonas Abry and Martha Plimpton.

When did Running on Empty come out?+

Running on Empty is a 1988 movie directed by Sidney Lumet.

What genre is Running on Empty?+

Running on Empty is Drama, Romance and Crime film.

Who directed Running on Empty?+

Running on Empty was directed by Sidney Lumet.