Running Scared

Running Scared

Year: 1986

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

Director: Peter Hyams

ActionThrillerComedyCrime

Joey Gazelle, a small-time mobster, finds his world thrown into chaos when a stash of illegal guns is stolen. A troubled young boy, Oleg, unexpectedly uses one of the weapons to eliminate a powerful Russian mobster, further complicating matters. As Joey desperately tries to recover the firearm and control the fallout, he becomes entangled in a dangerous game involving corrupt detectives and rival gangsters, all while struggling to keep his own life from unraveling.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Running Scared yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Running Scared (1986)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Running Scared (1986). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

While the exact time period is not specified, the film appears to be set in the late 20th century, likely during the 1980s or early 1990s. This era was marked by significant crime dramas in urban areas, with police procedural series highlighted in popular media.

Location

Chicago, Illinois, Key West, Florida

The movie primarily takes place in Chicago, a bustling urban center known for its vibrant culture, deep-dish pizza, and iconic skyline. Key West, a beautiful island city in Florida, serves as a brief escape for the characters, known for its stunning sunsets, leisurely fishing, and laid-back atmosphere.

🏙️ City 🏖️ Beach

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:07

Main Characters – Running Scared (1986)

Meet the key characters of Running Scared (1986), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Danny Costanzo (Billy Crystal)

Danny is a witty and resourceful undercover detective, often employing humor to handle tense situations. He struggles with his personal life amid professional chaos, showcasing vulnerability behind his tough exterior.

🚓 Detective 😂 Humor

Ray Hughes (Gregory Hines)

Ray is a skilled and dedicated partner, balancing his commitment to the job with a desire for a normal life. He often serves as the voice of reason, navigating the complexities of their undercover work with integrity.

🚔 Partner 🤝 Loyalty

Julio Gonzales (Jimmy Smits)

Julio is a cunning and dangerous criminal who poses a significant threat to the detectives. His charisma and violent streak make him a formidable adversary, driven by a desire to protect his interests at any cost.

🔫 Criminal 😠 Dangerous

Snake (Joe Pantoliano)

Snake is a slippery character caught in a web of crime and deceit. His initial reluctance to cooperate illustrates his self-preservation instinct, but he ultimately becomes a crucial player in the detectives' pursuit.

🦎 Deceptive 😟 Reluctant

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:07

Major Themes – Running Scared (1986)

Explore the central themes of Running Scared (1986), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👮‍♂️ Law Enforcement

The film deeply explores the lives of undercover police officers, showcasing their struggles, moral dilemmas, and the challenges of maintaining their cover. The camaraderie between the partners underlines themes of loyalty and sacrifice prevalent in law enforcement.

💔 Relationships

Relationships play a crucial role in the characters' development, from Danny's strained connection with his ex-wife to the bond between the partners. The complexities of love, trust, and betrayal are highlighted, adding depth to the characters’ motivations.

💰 Greed

The allure of money, particularly through crime, drives much of the plot. The film illustrates how greed influences decisions, pushing characters to make risky choices that affect their lives and the lives of those around them.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:07

Unlock the Full Story of Running Scared

Don't stop at just watching — explore Running Scared in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Running Scared is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Running Scared Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Running Scared, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Running Scared Summary

Running Scared Timeline

Track the full timeline of Running Scared with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Running Scared Timeline

More About Running Scared

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Running Scared: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Running Scared

Similar Movies to Running Scared

Discover movies like Running Scared that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.