Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- witty
- irreverent
- energetic
- action movie night
- 1980s movie marathon
What critics said
Critics found the film entertaining mainly because of Gregory Hines and Billy Crystal's chemistry, while noting that its violent action and comedy do not always blend consistently.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ray Hughes and Danny Costanzo combine contrasting personalities and methods while pursuing Julio.
The near-death case and Key West vacation prompt Ray and Danny to plan careers outside policing, complicating their final case.
The film repeatedly shifts between buddy-comedy banter and confrontations involving a drug dealer and police firearms.
The detectives move from wintery Chicago police work to a restorative Florida Keys vacation before returning to their case.
Films like Running Scared, and why
48 Hrs.
shared buddy cop chemistry, comic banter, urban crime action, and uneven balance between humor and violence
Lethal Weapon
shared 1980s buddy cop formula, irreverent humor, police partnership, and criminal underworld stakes
The Hard Way
shared comedic police duo, crime investigation, fast-paced action, and mismatched-partner dynamics
Movie Details
- Director
- Peter Hyams
- Release Date
- 1986-06-27
- Runtime
- 107 min
- Rating
- 6.1 / 10 (260)
Cast
- Gregory Hines
- Billy Crystal
- Steven Bauer
- Darlanne Fluegel
- Joe Pantoliano
- Dan Hedaya
- Jon Gries
- Tracy Reed
- Jimmy Smits
- John DiSanti
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Running Scared about?
- Two Chicago detectives chase a dangerous drug dealer while deciding whether their partnership belongs on the streets or behind a Florida bar.
- What is Running Scared like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Running Scared as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Running Scared violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Running Scared as moderate.
- What did critics think of Running Scared?
- Critics found the film entertaining mainly because of Gregory Hines and Billy Crystal's chemistry, while noting that its violent action and comedy do not always blend consistently.
- Which films are like Running Scared?
- Films with a similar feel include 48 Hrs., Lethal Weapon, and The Hard Way.
- How long is Running Scared?
- Running Scared runs 107 minutes.
- Where can I watch Running Scared?
- In United States, Running Scared is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home.
