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Running Scared

Running Scared

Two of Chicago's finest?

1986107 minRMidcredits score: 59th percentile of all films
Director
Peter Hyams
Starring
Gregory Hines, Billy Crystal, Steven Bauer, Darlanne Fluegel

Two street-wise Chicago cops have to shake off some rust after returning from a Key West vacation to pursue a drug dealer that nearly killed them in the past.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Running Scared?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Running Scared streaming on Pluto TV (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Running Scared?

Running Scared earns 8 badges, led by Guilty pleasure and Word-of-mouth hit.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Running Scared worth watching?

Running Scared's Midcredits score is the 59th percentile of all films, from 34K ratings across 6 sources. 55% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

59th percentile

Better received than 59% of films

74th percentile among Action61st percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)57th
Approval (how many liked it)59th

63 /100

57th percentile of all films

73rd percentile among Action60th percentile among 1980s

Critics 49 · Audience 64

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.7 — solid but not unanimous.

55% liked it

59th percentile of all films

72nd percentile among Action61st percentile among 1980s
55% rated it 7–1045% rated it 1–6

Critics 64% · Audience 58%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 1 noms overall

  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Original Song - Motion Picture

Reach

How many have seen it

87th percentile

34K ratings across platforms

78th percentile among Action85th percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 31% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$5.2M
Domestic gross$39M
Worldwide gross$39M

75th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A formulaic 80s buddy-cop comedy that lives or dies on the comic chemistry of its two leads.

Fans praised

  • Chemistry between Crystal and Hines carries the film
  • Witty, rapid-fire banter and one-liners
  • Memorable action sequences (car chase on L tracks, finale in state building)

Detractors panned

  • Generic, predictable buddy-cop plot with no surprises
  • Pacing lags during Key West vacation montage and romantic subplot
  • Unconvincing villain and implausible, overblown climax

What stands out

DialogueDivisive80

Improvised-feeling banter and quotable one-liners

ActingDivisive78

Crystal and Hines' rapport described as 'magical' and 'natural'

HumorDivisive75

Consistently funny verbal sparring and physical comedy

Effects and spectacleDivisive70

Car chase on elevated train tracks is a standout

PacingDivisive50

Key West sequences drag; action scenes energize

CharactersDivisive40

One-dimensional leads, forgettable villain

Plot and storyDivisive35

By-the-numbers story with implausible twists

Originality25

Heavily derivative of earlier buddy-cop films

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 13 points higher than women.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 16 points higher than non-US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Running Scared like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It is funny, never lets up and leaves you entertained. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
ThrillingAbsurdJoyful
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
PlayfulAdventurous · 11% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its buddy cop premise with lighthearted, knowing humour and energetic fun, never undercutting the action or camaraderie.
The rideThe film alternates between light-hearted buddy banter and violent shootouts, with the most intense action concentrated in the final chase and elevator showdown.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from the initial drug bust to the final showdown in the state building.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you entertained and grinning, with a lighthearted conclusion that suggests a fresh start.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% (this title) · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeTwo undercover cops pursue a drug kingpin after their operation is blown, leading to a series of chases and confrontations.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFriendship
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Friendship · 9% of filmsJustice · 13% of filmsPurpose · 9% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film is driven by the trust and camaraderie between partners Danny and Ray as they navigate crime fighting and personal plans.
StanceThe film celebrates the friendship and loyalty between Danny and Ray above all, affirming their bond through the chaotic pursuit of justice.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticIn transitRealistic
Orchestral modernRockSupportive music · original score · Rod Temperton
SettingChicago and Key West; cop shops, apartments, airports, and city streets
MusicThe score blends synths and rock guitar, underscoring the 80s buddy-cop energy.

Content guide

Is Running Scared okay for kids?

R

Running Scared is rated R. As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (57/100), sexual content at moderate (44/100), language at intense (62/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (43/100) and frightening material at moderate (42/100). Overall it is heavier than 21% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 7 other countries
  • AustraliaR18+
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland15
  • Denmark15
  • Hungary16
  • Netherlands18
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 48% of all filmsHeavier than 21% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 32%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 42%
Profanity
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 41%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 56%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 25%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is language. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Running Scared have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Running Scared?

Cast

Gregory Hines
as Det. Ray Hughes
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Billy Crystal
as Det. Danny Costanzo
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Steven Bauer
as Frank
Darlanne Fluegel
as Anna Costanzo
Joe Pantoliano
as Snake
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Dan Hedaya
as Captain Logan
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Jon Gries
as Tony
Tracy Reed
as Maryann
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jimmy Smits
as Julio Gonzales
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
John DiSanti
as Vinnie
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Running Scared?

Movies like Running Scared include The Man (2005), K-9 (1989) and The Heat (2013). Of the 12 closest matches, all are stories about cops and buddy comedies.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

11 of these 12 share its story type: action comedy. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Running Scared?

2.2K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: action comedy. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.