7.6
Where can I stream Running on Empty legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Running on Empty fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension5
- Fast Pace4
- Spectacle4
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Family Dynamics10
- Pathos9
- Coming of Age9
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Cringe Humor3
- Situational Comedy2
World
Family, everyday modern life, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters and performances
- Character Depth9
- Acting8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Running on Empty is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and romantic. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics10Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumFamily, everyday modern life, and growing up
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around family, everyday modern life, and growing up. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Biographical7Lives of notable figures.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Historical6Period settings and real events.
Craft
HighStandout characters and performances
The characters and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Educational6Informative and instructive.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
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.
Family on the RunComing-of-Age DramaPolitical ActivismIdentity and BelongingMoral DilemmasHistorical ContextCharacter-Driven NarrativeEmotional ResonanceSacrifice and Consequences
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Running on Empty
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Running on Empty worth watching?
74
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 75/100 (IMDb 7.6, Rotten Tomatoes 81%, and Metacritic 67). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Running on Empty rated?
PG-13Strong language
It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: strong language.
How long is Running on Empty?
1 h 56 min
Running on Empty runs 1 h 56 min.
Is Running on Empty based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on Running on Empty?
Critics74
Audiences76
Yes. Critics average 74 and audiences 76 out of 100, so both groups see Running on Empty much the same way.
What language is Running on Empty in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Running on Empty?
39
+25
+25GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Running on Empty in 39 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Running on Empty use?
Incredibly Obvious TailRich Kid Turned Social ActivistGrammar Correction GagHippie ParentsReckless PacifistTired of RunningSoundtrack DissonanceCaptain ObviousKick the DogStern ChaseShirtless ScenePrecision F-Strikeand 13 more
TV Tropes lists 25 storytelling tropes for Running on Empty, including Incredibly Obvious Tail, Rich Kid Turned Social Activist, Grammar Correction Gag.