Running on Empty

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2:43

Running on Empty

R

2024

1h 31m

Romance

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

16%

Tomatometer

19 Reviews

56%

Popcornmeter

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.

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Monica Castillo

RogerEbert.com

Aug 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.

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Calum Baker

Radio Times

Jul 22, 2025

2/5

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

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Jeffrey M. Anderson

Common Sense Media

Sep 1, 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.

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Laura Hiros

Rincón de cine

Aug 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]

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Jackie K. Cooper

jackiekcooper.com

Aug 16, 2024

4/10

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

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Ben Gibbons

Screen Rant

Aug 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.

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Robert W

@RT34973803 Dec 24, 2025

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

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Alex A.

@alexsview Nov 23, 2025

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.

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Sarah S

@RT55319345 Nov 20, 2025

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.

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Brianna B

@RT59402840 Nov 10, 2025

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

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Matt S.

@RT44458007 Nov 2, 2025

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.

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VJ C

@RT75292451 Jan 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.

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Daniel André

Director

Keir Gilchrist

Mort

Lucy Hale

Kate

Francesca Eastwood

Nicole

Rhys Coiro

Simon

Jay Pharoah

Sid

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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

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