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.

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Running Scared (1986) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Running Scared (1986) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the restless streets of Chicago, the criminal underworld hums with a nervous energy, each alley and neon‑lit bar a stage for the constant push‑and‑pull of power, loyalty, and survival. The city’s gritty atmosphere is a character in itself, a place where danger is as common as the wind and where every whispered deal carries a weight that can tip the balance of an entire neighborhood.

​Joey Gazelle is a small‑time mobster who has carved out a modest niche in this volatile ecosystem. He moves through his duties with a blend of street‑wise pragmatism and uneasy optimism, always aware that the line between a successful hustle and a fatal mistake is razor‑thin. His ambitions are modest but his pride is fierce, and he knows that maintaining his reputation is as crucial as any profit.

When a cache of illegal firearms vanishes, the fragile equilibrium shatters. The loss draws the attention of a troubled young boy named ​Oleg, whose desperate circumstances lead him to seize one of the missing weapons and, in a shocking turn, eliminate a powerful Russian mob figure. This act thrusts the city’s volatile mix of crime syndicates into a frantic scramble, hinting at deeper currents of desperation and opportunism beneath the surface.

As the fallout spreads, Joey finds himself caught in a web of corrupt detectives, rival gangs, and the ever‑looming threat of retribution. The tension crackles like static, underscoring a tone that is both visceral and darkly comic, where each character must navigate a maze of mistrust while striving to stay one step ahead. In a world where every choice can ignite a chain reaction, the story promises a relentless, pulse‑pounding ride through the shadows of Chicago’s underbelly.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:07

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Running Scared Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Running Scared

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Running Scared

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