Movie Review: Running Scared (1986)

★★★★★

Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines make one of the most underrated buddy cop duos ever!

Aaron G.

Mississippi

When it comes to buddy cop movies of the 80s, most people immediately think of Lethal Weapon or 48 Hrs. But nestled in that same era is Running Scared (1986), a movie that somehow manages to be both a sharp action thriller and a breezy comedy, thanks to the unexpected chemistry between Gregory Hines and Billy Crystal.

This film has always stood out to me, not just because of the witty banter or the fast-paced action, but because it feels different than most cop flicks from that decade. It isn’t drenched in machismo, nor does it take itself too seriously. Instead, Running Scared strikes a balance between humor and tension, with two leads who feel more like real people than archetypes. Watching it today, it still feels like one of the more unique takes on the buddy cop genre.

The Plot in a Nutshell

The story follows Chicago cops Danny Costanzo (Billy Crystal) and Ray Hughes (Gregory Hines), partners who’ve seen it all. After a botched drug bust involving a ruthless dealer named Julio Gonzales (played by Jimmy Smits in one of his earliest roles), the two decide they’re ready to trade in the dangerous life of law enforcement for something quieter. Their plan? Retire early and open a bar in Key West. But, of course, they’ve got one last job to do before they can sip margaritas in the sun: take down Gonzales once and for all.

What Doesn’t Get Talked About Enough

Most reviews highlight the humor and chemistry between Crystal and Hines (and rightfully so), but what often gets overlooked is how Running Scared quietly subverts the buddy cop formula. Instead of the cliché “angry cop vs. reckless cop” dynamic, we get two middle-aged guys who are tired. They want out. They’re not chasing promotions, they’re chasing peace of mind. That makes their characters oddly relatable, even decades later.

There’s also something refreshing about how Running Scared doesn’t lean into the typical over-the-top violence of its peers. Sure, there are shootouts and action sequences, but the movie never forgets that its biggest weapon is the friendship between Danny and Ray. Their back-and-forth quips make it feel like you’re hanging out with a couple of buddies more than watching hardened detectives at work.

Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines: A Perfect Pairing

If you told me before seeing this movie that Billy Crystal could convincingly pull off a buddy cop role, I might’ve raised an eyebrow. He wasn’t exactly known for action. But that’s what makes him so good here, he doesn’t play a “tough guy.” He plays Danny like a smart, streetwise, sarcastic cop who always has a comeback.

Gregory Hines, on the other hand, brings warmth and charisma to Ray. His physicality and presence ground the duo, while Crystal’s wisecracks keep things light. Together, they’re electric. You buy their friendship immediately, and that chemistry carries the whole film.

Chicago as a Character

Another thing I love about Running Scared and something that doesn’t get enough credit is how much the city of Chicago itself adds to the movie. The film makes use of real locations, from the El train to gritty back alleys, giving it an authenticity that sets it apart from the many L.A.-based cop movies of the 80s. You feel the cold, the grit, and the working-class attitude of the city in every frame.

The Soundtrack 80s Vibes All the Way

Like so many 80s movies, the soundtrack of Running Scared deserves its own shout-out. Michael McDonald’s “Sweet Freedom” became a hit thanks to this film, and the rest of the soundtrack leans hard into that smooth, synth-driven sound of the decade. It’s one of those cases where the music perfectly complements the tone, part action, part breezy comedy, part hangout movie.

Why It Still Holds Up

Rewatching Running Scared today, what stands out is how it never tries too hard. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. The humor feels natural, the action is just enough to keep you hooked, and the characters are genuinely likable. Unlike some 80s action flicks that feel dated or problematic, this one still feels fresh because at its core, it’s about friendship, change, and wanting a better life. Those themes never go out of style.

My Takeaway

Running Scared may not get the same recognition as Lethal Weapon or Beverly Hills Cop, but it absolutely deserves a spot in the conversation. It’s funny without being corny, exciting without being overblown, and surprisingly heartfelt for a buddy cop movie.

At Box Review, we love digging into films like this movie that might not always make the “greatest of all time” lists, but still offer something truly special when you sit down and watch them. If you’ve never seen it, or if it’s been years, Running Scared is a hidden gem that captures both the grit and charm of 80s cinema.