Watch 'Running on Empty' Online Streaming (Full Movie)

Q: Where can I stream Running on Empty?

You can stream Running on Empty on: Apple TV, Amazon Store and Fandango at Home

Running on Empty

1988, Movie, 1h 56min

The late River Phoenix rose to stardom—and an Academy Award nomination—in this poignant drama from director Sidney Lumet (Dog Day Afternoon). Ex-radicals Judd Hirsch (TV’s Taxi) and Oscar, Golden Globe and Emmy-winner Christine Lahti (Swing Shift and TV's Chicago Hope) have raised their family in hiding, constantly moving and changing aliases to flee facing charges from an inadvertent crime they committed as war protestors 15 years earlier. As their eldest son (Phoenix) comes of age, he is torn between running with his beloved fugitive parents, or developing his musical talents and pursuing his own life, which includes new girlfriend (Martha Plimpton, The Goonies). Nominated for two Oscars and four Golden Globe Awards, including “Best Picture,” “Best Actress” and “Best Director,” Siskel & Ebert call Running On Empty "...one of Lumet's best films...one of the best movies of the year...the acting in this film is wonderful."

Country: United States

Director:

Cast:

Critic Angie Errigo

rated

...River Phoenix, not yet 19 himself, enhances his reputation as the very best of a young bunch with an attractive, sensitive performance that earned him an Oscar nomination.

Read full review at Empire

Frequently asked questions

What is Running on Empty about? Toggle content

"Running on Empty" is a poignant drama that follows the story of a family who has been on the run for 15 years after committing an inadvertent crime as war protestors. The family, led by former radicals Judd Hirsch and Christine Lahti, have raised their children in hiding, constantly moving and changing aliases to evade the authorities. As their eldest son, played by River Phoenix, comes of age, he is torn between pursuing his musical talents and staying with his family, who are now facing the consequences of their past actions. Nominated for two Oscars and four Golden Globe Awards, the film features powerful performances and explores themes of family, identity, and the sacrifices we make for love.

Where can I stream Running on Empty? Toggle content

You can stream Running on Empty on: Apple TV Amazon Store Fandango at Home

What movies are similar to Running on Empty? Toggle content

Some movies that have similar genres and were produced around the same time as Running on Empty include Witness, Less Than Zero, Mad Dog and Glory, Ariel, Mortal Passions, Rumble Fish.

When was Running on Empty released in theaters? Toggle content

Running on Empty was released in theaters on September 9, 1988.