With RRR making a name for itself in select theaters, viewers were pleasantly surprised that a three-hour film could hold an audience’s attention. Many believe longer films to be a thing of the past, but there has since been a bit of a renascence of films pushing for a longer run time.
In some cases, a longer run time gives more weight and honor to a storyline. Some concepts in a script simply cannot be rushed. When these films are done well, they can go down in history as some of the best films ever made.
Blue Is The Warmest Color – 3.3 (3 hours)
Blue is the Warmest Color may have mixed reviews due to the long run time, but true fans of the film embrace the longer storyline. One of the most talked-about LGBTQ+ films of the modern era, this is a film this is not soon to be forgotten.
Where the long run time plays to the film’s advantage is its ability to cover the changes and seasons both leads go through. In order to feel the weight of the heartbreak this film shows, the length is necessary.
King Kong – 3.3 (3 hours, 21 minutes)
After his successful Lord of The Rings Trilogy, Peter Jackson returned with a modern adaptation of King Kong. Naomi Watts, Jack Black, and Adrien Brody lead the cast of this action epic filled with nostalgia.
The epic tale cements itself as an adventure for the audience. This film is not a casual viewing but a thrill ride for viewers to buckle into. There is a wonderful blend of emotion, heart, and thrilling sequences. While not without flaws, fans of the film still praise King Kong for its ability to remain entertaining from beginning to end.
Once Upon A Time in Hollywood – 3.8 (2 hours, 40 minutes)
Quentin Tarantino’s latest project brought together Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio in a film for the first time. Once Upon A Time In Hollywood takes a more subtle approach compared to the majority of Tarantino’s films.
While some viewers may say the film is too much of a slow burn, fans of nostalgic old Hollywood adored the film for its aesthetic and its love letter to the genre. The film also plays with the viewer’s expectations, making choices that leave the audience surprised, but pleased.
The Irishman – 3.9 (3 hours, 29 minutes)
It was indeed a surprise when film fans found out Martin Scorsese would make a three-and-a-half-hour Netflix original film. The incredible cast includes legends Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci to name a few.
What keeps this film going is the performances. With every conversation, glance, and interaction between characters, the audience can feel the incredible tension building. Even though the journey is long, the audience has the privilege to be a fly on the wall for a story told by some of the greatest actors of our time.
Avengers: Endgame – 3.9 (3 hours, 2 minutes)
Arguably one of the most anticipated Marvel movies of all time, Avengers: Endgame broke multiple box office records with the three-hour film. The phase three conclusion goes beyond fan service and tells an incredible story that pays tribute to each character that fans adore.
The length of the film only contributes to the fast-paced nature of the story. The plot is able to expertly build excitement making an excellent payoff even more satisfying.
The Wolf of Wall Street – 4.0 (3 hours)
The Wolf of Wall Street is pure chaos in the best way possible. Many viewers agree that Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of Jordan Belfort is the role that should have gotten the actor his first Oscar.
This rewatchable Martin Scorsese film delivers pure entertainment with a story that must be seen to be believed. The long run-time is vital to include all the necessary details that make the crazy tale that is Jordan Belfort.
Zodiac – 4.0 (2 hours, 37 minutes)
One of David Fincher’s best films is without a doubt Zodiac. Mark Ruffalo, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Robert Downey Jr lead a great cast of individuals trying to solve the iconic mystery of the Zodiac killer.
Despite its over two and a half-hour run time, this film is packed with tension and intrigue. The performance by Gyllenhaal especially carries the film as the viewers watch this man frantically and obsessively try to catch a killer who hasn’t been caught to this day. Viewers are still shuddering when the basement scene is brought up.
Django Unchained – 4.2 (2 hours, 45 minutes)
One of the best modern revenge films, Django Unchained is another entertaining film by Quentin Tarantino. Christoph Waltz and Jaime Fox give amazing performances as the lead protagonists, while Leonardo DiCaprio is truly terrifying as the film’s villain.
Django follows Jaime Fox’s character as he goes on a mission to free his wife from the terrifying Calvin J. Candy (played by DiCaprio). The film has to cover a lot of ground to set up the relationship dynamics between the two leads as they make their travels closer and closer to the Candy Plantation. The length of the film leads to the effectiveness of the payoff, making it feel more earned than cheaply given away.
The Dark Knight – 4.4 (2 hours, 32 minutes)
The Dark Knight was released almost 15 years ago and still remains one of the best films of all time. Christopher Nolan’s sequel to Batman Begins was long anticipated for its inclusion of The Joker and certainly did not disappoint.
To this day, Heath Ledger’s posthumous Oscar-winning performance is still discussed. Viewers cannot take their eyes off the screen whenever he appears. The Dark Knight is able to cover a lot of ground in terms of the plot without having the pace drag. The heavy themes of the film need time to be unpacked and the audience is happy to go on the journey.
Lord of The Rings: Return of the King – 4.4 (3 hours, 21 minutes)
The last installment of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy swept the 2004 Oscars season winning the ultimate prize claiming the best picture golden statue.
Every actor gives an incredible performance and the set pieces are jaw-dropping. Lord of The Rings The Return of the King became the standard for an epic trilogy conclusion, despite its long run time. This film has the daunting task of tying a bow on many character arcs and storylines. With epic battle sequences and special effects that still hold up, The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King is a modern classic.
