Running on Empty

Play trailer

2:43

Running on Empty

R

2024

1h 31m

Romance

Comedy

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

16%

Tomatometer

19 Reviews

57%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Keir Gilchrist, Lucy Hale, Francesca Eastwood and comic legend Jim Gaffigan star in a brilliantly quirky romantic comedy about celebrating life and living it to its fullest. Mortimer is an odd but clever young man living a lukewarm existence in California's San Fernando Valley until he receives some life-changing news. Determined to make the most of every day, Mort sets out on a spirited quest to find meaning in his existence and discovers the girl of his dreams along the way.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Stream Now

Monica Castillo

RogerEbert.com

08/12/2024

0/4

There’s almost nothing to savor from this movie past its initial premise, and, like a funeral that drags on in the summer heat, takes far too long to get to its inevitable conclusion.

Go to Full Review

Calum Baker

Radio Times

Jul 22

2/5

The basic plot and its ruminations on mortality are nothing new, but some good chuckles are to be had along the way.

Go to Full Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson

Common Sense Media

09/01/2024

2/5

Presumably starting off as a dark comedy before morphing into a rather routine—and unfunny—romcom, this odd, bland movie seems to have been built from bits of other movies with minimal effort.

Go to Full Review

Laura Hiros

Rincón de cine

08/31/2024

2.5/5

Running on Empty is just that, a reconciliation with death in a light and forceful style that achieves an entertaining film, and a direct and clear message: learn to live that life simply ends. [Full Review in Spanish]

Go to Full Review

Jackie K. Cooper

jackiekcooper.com

08/16/2024

4/10

Runs out of entertainment gas early into the film. Huffs and puffs its way to the end.

Go to Full Review

Ben Gibbons

Screen Rant

08/16/2024

1.5/5

Running on Empty lacks a specific direction or tone throughout, with the messaging and the humor appearing directly in contrast to each other.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Robert W

@RT34973803 Dec 24

Running on Empty presents a fascinating "what if" scenario: in the near future, science can predict your exact death date. The story follows Mort, a man who discovers he only has about a year left to live. While the premise is unique and the chemistry between Mort and Kate (Lucy Hale) is a highlight, the movie’s actual ending feels like it misses a more emotional opportunity.The "Tumor Twist" Alternate Ending I think the movie would have been much stronger with a more hopeful, ironic twist at the end. After Mort gets hit (the climax of the film), he should have been rushed to the hospital. There, the doctors would discover that his "death date" wasn't a fixed fate of the universe, but rather a result of a treatable medical condition—a tumor.If he hadn't been injured and taken to the hospital, he would have died on his predicted day just as the science said. However, because they found the tumor early due to the accident, he gets to live. This would have provided a much more satisfying

See more

Alex A.

@alexsview Nov 23

Yes five stars, it’s funny and deep enough to be interesting. Realistic and not playing it safe. Actual shock moments for a goofy fun watch and the actors bring it, you just have to understand the niche.

See more

Sarah S

@RT55319345 Nov 20

Intriguing, though not particularly novel, premise. Unfortunately, that’s the highlight. All around boring, never manifesting into the deadpan intellectual film it wanted to be.

See more

Brianna B

@RT59402840 Nov 10

Just watched this movie. How is this comedy. I get it but don’t get it. Biggest wtf moment ever

See more

Matt S.

@RT44458007 Nov 2

I think it’s quirky main character and his experiences with other quirky characters and its theme about life and death makes the film interesting.

See more

VJ C

@RT75292451 01/25/2025

This movie started off like it was going to be good and then it went off topic and dragged on. It was more of a downer than a comedy. Lead character was depressing.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Daniel André

Director

Keir Gilchrist

Mort

Lucy Hale

Kate

Francesca Eastwood

Nicole

Rhys Coiro

Simon

Jay Pharoah

Sid

Running on Empty: Exclusive Movie Clip - Lasers

1:36

View more videos

The Big Sick

98%

88%

The Big Sick

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The Big Sick

No Hard Feelings

71%

86%

No Hard Feelings

Watchlist

TRAILER

for No Hard Feelings

Hear My Song

90%

76%

Hear My Song

Watchlist

Asian Persuasion

%

97%

Asian Persuasion

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Asian Persuasion

Long Shot

82%

74%

Long Shot

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Long Shot

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Running on Empty: Trailer 1

2:43

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

Keir Gilchrist, Lucy Hale, Francesca Eastwood and comic legend Jim Gaffigan star in a brilliantly quirky romantic comedy about celebrating life and living it to its fullest. Mortimer is an odd but clever young man living a lukewarm existence in California's San Fernando Valley until he receives some life-changing news. Determined to make the most of every day, Mort sets out on a spirited quest to find meaning in his existence and discovers the girl of his dreams along the way.

Director: Daniel André
Producer: Robert Ogden Barnum, Greg Lauritano, Daniel André, Lucas Jarach, Luke Daniels
Screenwriter: Daniel André
Distributor: Lionsgate
Production Co: Redwire Pictures, Analog 77 Films, Lucky 13 Productions
Rating: R (Language and Sexual Content)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 9, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 27, 2024
Runtime: 1h 31m