The 47 Best Movies Over 3 Hours Long

This tale first appeared back in 2016 and has since been revised, incorporating new films such as “The Brutalist”.

As a movie enthusiast, I must admit, there’s a certain charm in movies that keep things concise, wrapping up in under 90 minutes. However, the allure of extended cinematic journeys, those movies that run beyond the three-hour mark, is undeniable – especially when you find yourself confined at home for extended periods. Some of these lengthy films magnify the traditional three-act structure into grand epics, while others use their extended runtime to veer off into unanticipated directions. While I wouldn’t recommend watching them back-to-back, savoring each one on its own merit is an experience worth adjusting your schedule for.

Here are the following films arranged by their running times, beginning with the shortest (which is precisely 3 hours long), followed by the longer ones.

Blue Is the Warmest Color

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=5pahGGtzYVk&t=1s

Year: 2013
Running time: 3 hours
Director: Abdellatif Kechiche

The first movie to receive the Palme d’Or at Cannes for both its director and leading actresses is this captivating tale of adolescence, titled “Blue Is the Warmest Color.” It stars newcomer Adèle Exarchopoulos as young Adèle, who explores her hidden sexual desires with a blue-haired art student played by Léa Seydoux. The film generated controversy for its explicit lesbian scenes and accusations of poor working conditions under director Abdellatif Kechiche, but despite the controversies, it stands out for its unflinching realism that unfolds at a leisurely pace yet keeps you intrigued, and leaves you eager to learn more even after spending 179 minutes with the characters.

Inland Empire

Year: 2006
Running time: 3 hours
Director: David Lynch

David Lynch’s first venture into digital video, titled “Inland Empire“, spans three hours and is remarkably strange even by his own unique standards, given the relatively mainstream recognition he gained with the success of “Mulholland Drive“. (It’s important to note that this isn’t like watching “Forrest Gump“.) You might be drawn in by the stellar performance of Laura Dern and the usual Lynchian elements, but what keeps you hooked is the tantalizing possibility that you, as a viewer, could be the one to finally decipher this film’s true meaning.

Oppenheimer

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=uYPbbksJxIg

Year: 2023
Running time: 3 hours
Director: Christopher Nolan

There’s something astonishing about the movie “Oppenheimer” – it seems as if it could have been extended due to the wealth of detail Christopher Nolan has crammed into it. This detailed account of the life of the man often referred to as the “Father of the Atomic Bomb” maintains a swift, even frenetic pace. Yet, despite the well-known storyline, Nolan’s knack for keeping viewers hooked means we can’t wait to see what unfolds next. The film also boasts an impressive ensemble cast delivering career-best performances (by actors like Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, Josh Hartnett, and David Krumholtz), which undoubtedly contributed to the movie’s huge success. Admittedly, it might have been unexpected that “Oppenheimer” would earn close to a billion dollars, but its quality and captivating storyline certainly played a significant role in its box office triumph.

The Wolf of Wall Street

Year: 2013
Running time: 3 hours
Director: Martin Scorsese

The movie “Wolf of Wall Street” showcases the true story of stockbroker Jordan Belfort, who is portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in scenes where he appears to have intimate moments on top of stacks of cash. His life revolves around a constant cycle of drugs like Quaaludes, Adderall, Xanax, pot, cocaine, and morphine. Jonah Hill plays his scene-stealing sidekick with fake teeth, while Matthew McConaughey delivers a powerful performance, and Margot Robbie portrays Belfort’s seductive second wife whose voice has the power to command cats. Regardless of whether you view it as a “feast of immorality” or a “three-hour intravenous dose of cinema,” it will certainly keep your attention captivated.

Silence

Year: 2016
Running time: 3 hours, 1 minute
Director: Martin Scorsese

Martin Scorsese has spent several decades attempting to bring Shusaku Endo’s novel about Portuguese missionaries in medieval Japan to the big screen, and it’s clear why. As a devout Catholic, Scorsese is deeply intrigued by the enigma of God’s silence. Throughout his career, he has explored this theme through films like The Last Temptation of Christ and Kundun, portraying seemingly ordinary men grappling with their holiness. In ‘Silence’, Scorsese delves into the story of a devout priest (played powerfully by Andrew Garfield) who must confront his own ordinariness. It is only through humiliation and degradation that this man can truly understand God. Contrary to popular belief, holiness is not about elevation or superiority; it’s about submission, shame, humiliation, pain, and being reduced to one’s lowest state. Scorsese, a master of cinematic suffering, has captured this essence profoundly in ‘Silence’, making it one of his finest works.

Avengers: Endgame

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=TcMBFSGVi1c

Year: 2019
Running time: 3 hours 2 minutes
Directors: Anthony Russo and Joe Russo

How would one conclude a 20-plus episode superhero storyline where the abrupt vanishing of half the universe’s lifeforms served as the climax? By arranging a 182-minute journey through the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s timeline, naturally. Much like a wise and laidback graduation speech, “Endgame” blends amusing nostalgic nods with heartfelt acknowledgments of its past accomplishments without overstaying its welcome. It serves as an apt farewell to the characters who significantly shaped the last decade in movie production, whether for good or bad.

The Deer Hunter

Year: 1978
Running time: 3 hours 3 minutes
Director: Michael Cimino

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but sing praises for Michael Cimino’s masterwork on the Vietnam War, a film that stands tall in our cinematic history. This epic production showcases iconic performances from three legends of Hollywood’s recent past: Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and Meryl Streep, alongside the poignant final role of John Cazale, whose career was tragically cut short. Spanning 183 minutes and reaching an intensity that feels like a triple-digit score on a one-to-ten scale, this movie is far from a casual watch, but it undeniably offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of chance (roulette) and the profound impact of the Vietnam War.

The Delinquents

Year: 2023
Running time: 3 hours, 3 minutes.
Director: Rodrigo Moreno

Rodrigo Moreno’s comedic heist movie opens with a character stealing from his own bank and persuading a coworker to join in on the scheme, with the intention that he’ll serve time while his partner hides the stolen money for a future without work. However, Moreno’s intentions for the story veer offbeat. Titled “The Delinquents,” this film explores how each man transforms under the prospect of escaping the daily grind and obligations, leading to a life free from tedium. As such, the movie maintains a dreamlike pace, with its extended runtime contributing to this feeling.

The Leopard

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=06f7f24lpUI

Year: 1963
Running time: 3 hours, 5, minutes
Director: Luchino Visconti

The iconic Italian film director Luchino Visconti’s magnum opus features Burt Lancaster portraying a 19th-century Sicilian prince who realizes his traditional lifestyle is fading away. Alain Delon takes on the role of his energetic, passionate nephew, while Claudia Cardinale plays the daughter of a local administrator whose love affair with Delon becomes instrumental in preserving the Prince’s family’s power for future generations. Set amid Italy’s unification movement, this movie, adapted from Giuseppe di Lampedusa’s renowned novel, qualifies as a genuine historical epic, depicting real-life historical events and their impact on people during that era. Initially an enormous success in Italy and winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes, Visconti’s film suffered a poor reception in the US, with a poorly dubbed and edited version that failed critically and financially. However, a restored cut in the 1980s helped reestablish its reputation. Today, it is rightfully recognized as one of cinema’s greatest masterpieces.

Judgment at Nuremberg

Year: 1961
Running time: 3 hours 6 minutes
Director: Stanley Kramer

The movie features Spencer Tracy as part of an exceptional ensemble, and it dramatizes the post-war trials of Nazi judges accused of atrocities against humanity. Over the span of 186 minutes, it delves deeply into the intriguing question of how individuals who appear moral can become involved in the operations of oppressive regimes.

Tess

Year: 1979
Running time: 3 hours 6 minutes
Director: Roman Polanski

In high school, you might have encountered Thomas Hardy’s novel “Tess of the d’Urbervilles”. Roman Polanski’s film adaptation carries a somber note as it was dedicated to his late wife Sharon Tate, who tragically lost her life at the hands of the Manson Family. Consequently, the movie takes on a heavy and poignant tone. However, despite its gravity, it is also strikingly beautiful, and with a running time of 186 minutes, it is one of the rare film adaptations based on Victorian literature that manages to capture the essence of a novel.

RRR

Year: 2022
Running time: 3 hours 7 minutes
Director: S.S. Rajamouli

During your watch of the 182-minute Telugu epic, RRR, directed by S.S. Rajamouli, you’ll find a convenient intermission halfway through. However, considering the film’s continuous supply of captivating entertainment, it might be hard to resist staying engrossed. This film is set in the 1920s during the British Raj and portrays two real Indian freedom fighters who form an alliance, bond as friends, and ruthlessly fight against numerous corrupt British colonists. The movie showcases awe-inspiring action sequences filled with fire, enraged mobs, and computer-generated tigers that surpass the spectacle of popular Hollywood superhero films. As the film unfolds, it transitions into melodrama, comedy, light romance, suspense, and, naturally, a musical number.

Short Cuts

Year: 1993
Running time: 3 hours 7 minutes
Director: Robert Altman

In my opinion, Robert Altman’s “Short Cuts” is not his first venture into anthology films, but it may very well be his magnum opus. This film is an adaptation of Raymond Carver’s short stories and poems, masterfully weaving together nine narratives and a rich tapestry of 22 characters in the city of Los Angeles. The lives of these individuals, portrayed by stars like Tim Robbins, Lyle Lovett, and Jennifer Jason Leigh, seem to be disjointed from one another, yet they are somehow bound together by an unspoken yearning for connection. Delving into this intricate web of stories can consume hours, as the quest to decipher its deeper meaning becomes a captivating journey.

Magnolia

Year: 1999
Running time: 3 hours 8 minutes
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

Similar in spirit to Altman’s “Short Cuts,” Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1999 work, a tapestry of interconnected tales set in Los Angeles, is imbued with a palpable sense of yearning. Here are stories about individuals striving, falling short, and pleading for redemption. The narrative, although seemingly brief, seems dense with meaning; it features Tom Cruise at his most domineering as a televangelist, a cast of Anderson’s frequent collaborators – Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, Philip Seymour Hoffman – delivering intense, emotional performances; an outstanding soundtrack by Aimee Mann; and an ending that defies description but must be experienced to be fully appreciated. Prepare to be captivated as you watch this masterpiece unfold.

Babylon

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=5muQK7CuFtY

Year: 2022
Running time: 3 hours 9 minutes
Director: Damien Chazelle

In a grand and unconventional tribute to Hollywood’s Golden Age, Damien Chazelle’s three-hour-nine-minute film stands out due to its expansive, chaotic, and ambitious nature, making it hard not to find it endearing. Newcomer Margot Robbie brings frenetic enthusiasm as she strives for her big break in the movies, while Brad Pitt shines brightly playing a leading man nearing the pinnacle of his career and starting his descent. However, Diego Calva’s portrayal of a diligent assistant gives Babylon its emotional depth, as he navigates the ruthless Hollywood machine, climbing the ladder even as other characters are swept away by the relentless tide of the industry. Despite this, he remains just as enamored with the movies and the starlet he seeks to rescue as he is in love with his craft.

Gandhi

Year: 1982
Running time: 3 hours 11 minutes
Director: Richard Attenborough

A timeless biographical drama, Richard Attenborough’s “Gandhi” continues to be one of the most exceptional films within the youth-to-death genre, often criticized as “Oscar-bait.” Ben Kingsley’s portrayal undeniably catapulted him to stardom, and the film powerfully illustrates the nonviolence movement with authenticity.

Avatar: The Way of Water

Year: 2022
Running time: 3 hours 12 minutes
Director: James Cameron

James Cameron has granted viewers the flexibility to step away for a bathroom break whenever needed during his three-hour, twelve-minute sequel, although if you’re seeking a convenient pause, the extended Pandoran whale-hunting sequence in the middle is your optimal choice. It’s important to note that this section, along with any part of “The Way of Water”, is not dull; instead, it showcases an extraordinary spectacle. This film offers a glimpse into the Na’vi world inhabited by Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), his partner Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), and their four offspring as they escape from their forest home to find safety from returning humans in a breathtaking island community. Unlike its predecessor, this second installment of “Avatar” aims more at immersing you in its alien environment rather than simply telling a story; it’s almost like a guided tour through an extraterrestrial landscape.

Nixon

Year: 1995
Running time: 3 hours, 12 minutes
Director: Oliver Stone

In his prime, Oliver Stone, who was not typically known for leftist views, created this biopic about one of America’s most infamous presidents. Contrary to popular belief, Stone didn’t intend to use this film as a three-hour critique of Nixon. Stone, having been brought up in a conservative household with a Republican father, seemed to grasp Nixon’s emotions and grievances deeply. In this aspect, Nixon could be Stone’s most introspective work. This doesn’t mean it’s a heroic portrayal either. Instead, Stone portrays Nixon’s White House as a creepy mansion in a horror movie, filled with dark corners and ominous skies. The director employs his knack for popular storytelling to the narrative, which jumps between Watergate to cover Nixon’s entire life. Anthony Hopkins delivers an energetic, powerful performance that complements Stone’s enthusiasm, showcasing the actor’s theatrical abilities.

The Right Stuff

Year: 1983
Running time: 3 hours 13 minutes
Director: Philip Kaufman

Prior to the disappointing release of Bonfire of the Vanities, Hollywood experienced greater success in adapting Tom Wolfe’s works. This included transforming his nonfiction book about the Mercury program into a realistic portrayal of American life during that era. The test pilots, who became symbols of the Space Race, were brilliantly portrayed by Sam Shepard, Ed Harris, and Scott Glenn as stoic heroes. The aerial scenes in this film are nothing short of extraordinary.

Kingdom of Heaven (Director’s Cut)

Year: 2005
Running time: 3 hours, 14 minutes
Director: Ridley Scott

Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated 2005 film, “Kingdom of Heaven,” which followed his Academy Award-winning “Gladiator,” did not perform well at the box office initially. Critics found it to be a historically inaccurate spectacle with Orlando Bloom as a less captivating protagonist, a young French blacksmith defending Jerusalem. However, the theatrical version ran for 145 minutes. Scott’s director’s cut, available on home video and lasting 194 minutes, is a transformed movie: It offers deeper historical context, richer emotional depth, and broader character development, making it potentially a cinematic masterpiece. Is there any film that has experienced a more significant improvement in quality between its theatrical and director’s cut?

Titanic

Year: 1997
Running time: 3 hours 14 minutes
Director: James Cameron

James Cameron’s blockbuster disaster-romance, set on the ill-fated ocean liner, was the most significant film produced in its era: Cinemas were filled with teenage girls returning for their 17th viewing, captivated by the grand spectacle and the passionate first love between Jack and Rose. Twenty years on, certain aspects of the movie might appear overly dramatic or sentimental (particularly the emotional Celine Dion soundtrack), but there’s no denying that you’ll be thoroughly entertained, and may even find yourself moved to tears as the fiddler plays his final tune while the ship sinks.

Schindler’s List

Year: 1993
Running time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Director: Stephen Spielberg

If you aren’t moved by Stephen Spielberg’s most emotional and heart-wrenching film, it might suggest you’re made of stone rather than flesh and feelings. The daring decision to shoot in black and white underscores the gravity of the story: It portrays, without compromise, the devastation of the Holocaust, the cruelty of the Nazi regime (as portrayed by a chilling Ralph Fiennes in his debut major role), and the actions of one conflicted hero, Oskar Schindler (played by Liam Neeson). He built a factory employing Polish Jews as a means to profit from the war, yet inadvertently saved more than a thousand lives by keeping them on his payroll long after there was no financial incentive to do so. May John Williams’ poignant score linger in your dreams.

It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World

Year of Release: The film was first shown in 1963.
Duration: The Criterion Collection edition of the movie runs for approximately 3 hours and 17 minutes, while the theatrical release version lasts for about 2 hours and 39 minutes.
Film Director: Stanley Kramer was the one who directed this film.

One timeless American comedic masterpiece, “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World,” is exceptionally lengthy, particularly for a comedy; the Criterion version clocks in at a substantial 197 minutes. However, investing this time offers the chance to fully immerse oneself in the expansive vision of Stanley Kramer, which delves into numerous methods through which people can become desperate in their quest for a significant amount of money. Chances are, your preferred comedy caper has been heavily influenced by this film; watching it will only enhance your appreciation for its humor and ingenuity.

Spartacus

Year: 1960
Running time: 3 hours 17 minutes
Director: Stanley Kubrick

Spartacus stands as a multi-layered film experience: an exhilarating adventure set in ancient Rome, a metaphor for civil rights struggles, and the least characteristically Kubrick production Stanley Kubrick ever created. Watching it is akin to savoring both oysters and escargot in the realm of cinema.

Malcolm X

Year: 1992
Running time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Director: Spike Lee

For filmmaker Spike Lee, there’s arguably no other topic more fitting than Malcolm X, and Denzel Washington seems an ideal inspiration; their collaboration in Lee’s 202-minute portrayal of “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” is nothing short of explosive. Viewing “Malcolm X” leaves one amazed that it took Lee this long to depict the life of such a powerful figure; indeed, many writers struggled to encapsulate Malcolm’s life before Lee successfully brought it to the big screen, even with literary giants like James Baldwin attempting and ultimately failing.

Reds

Year: 1981
Running time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Director: Warren Beatty

As a passionate cinephile, I must confess that among the myriad films which might struggle to find their way onto our screens today, “Reds” undeniably stands out. This grandiose epic delves into the intricate love lives of communist intellectuals, and it’s nothing short of remarkable.

Warren Beatty and Diane Keaton gracefully embody the leading roles, with Beatty portraying our titular socialist protagonist at the twilight of his cinematic allure. Meanwhile, Jack Nicholson makes an appearance, providing a hint of what was to come in “Something’s Gotta Give,” as he embodies the enigmatic figure of Eugene O’Neill.

Under Beatty’s skilled direction, this film serves as a poignant farewell to his days of unquestionable charm.

Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Year: 2003
Running time: 3 hours 21 minutes
Director: Peter Jackson

It seems that the third film in Peter Jackson’s incredible version of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic trilogy is lengthy due to having extra conclusions; yet, it remains thoroughly deserving of being the first and only fantasy movie to receive the Best Picture award. With higher stakes and more awe-inspiring special effects, the drama becomes palpable as Frodo (Elijah Wood) confronts a colossal spider, Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) rallies elves, dwarves, and humans to safeguard Minas Tirith, and our hobbits, accompanied by Gollum, risk their lives to return the ring to Mount Doom. Gandalf would undoubtedly be impressed.

The Godfather, Part II

Year: 1974
Running time: 3 hours 22 minutes
Director: Francis Ford Coppola

Apart from being superior to its predecessor, “The Godfather, Part II” is exceptionally long too. However, Francis Ford Coppola skillfully uses this extended time: While only 25 minutes longer than the initial release, the sequel broadens the narrative significantly. It delves into the criminal ascension of Vito Corleone and the downfall of his son, spiritually speaking. Additionally, it showcases one of the saddest kisses in cinema history. (Admittedly, this is not the most prestigious aspect.)

Barry Lyndon

Year: 1974
Running time: 3 hours 23 minutes
Director: Stanley Kubrick

Stanley Kubrick’s films were always given ample time to unfold, and among them, “Barry Lyndon” stands out as his longest creation, clocking in at 203 minutes – longer than both “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Eyes Wide Shut”. Like all Kubrick’s works, it is opulent and masterful, the extended runtime allowing for a more immersive exploration of the intricate details and comprehensive vision that are hallmarks of his craft. The tale of an 18th-century Irish adventurer, “Barry Lyndon”, might not captivate as widely as “Dr. Strangelove” or “A Clockwork Orange”, but for those willing to be patient, the payoff is equally rewarding.

Gone With the Wind

Year: 1939
Running time: 3 hours 24 minutes
Director: Victor Fleming

As a movie enthusiast, I must confess that while the antiquated racial views portrayed in this classic romance might make me wince, it’s undeniable that the film, despite its age and adjusted for inflation, remains the highest-grossing of all time. Embark on a Technicolor adventure through the antebellum South, the Civil War, and Reconstruction, but don’t just stop at the captivating visuals; immerse yourself in the tumultuous love story between the headstrong Scarlett O’Hara (the remarkable Vivien Leigh) and the dashing rogue Rhett Butler (Clark Gable). And let’s not forget that Hattie McDaniel made history as the first African American actor to win an Oscar, a testament to her talent. Reflect on how far we’ve progressed — or, at times, how much further we still need to go.

Andrei Rublev

Year: 1966
Running time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Director: Andrei Tarkovsky

Andrei Tarkovsky is often considered the ‘guardian angel’ of lengthy movies, and “Andrei Rublev,” his exploration of medieval Russia and the artist’s role in Christianity, clocks in at a substantial 205 minutes. Known as the ‘director’s director,’ Tarkovsky may not seem like an obvious choice for your typical weekend iTunes rental, but watching “Andrei Rublev” might just broaden your mind.

JFK

Year: 1991
Running time: 3 hours 26 minutes
Director: Oliver Stone

Among the many unforgettable movies I’ve seen throughout my life, JFK by Oliver Stone stands out as one that will linger in my memory when I am old and wise. This gripping film follows the relentless pursuit of former New Orleans district attorney Jim Garrison (played brilliantly by Kevin Costner) who is determined to uncover the conspiracy he believes led to President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.

This captivating movie was instrumental in bringing the Warren Report to public attention, and when it first hit the screens, it sparked a wave of intense speculation and mistrust towards government agencies that can be traced back to the 9/11 conspiracy theorists and even the rise of Donald Trump. Whether the theories presented in the film are accurate or not, JFK is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of power and politics.

Killers of the Flower Moon

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=7cx9nCHsemc

Year: 2023
Running time: 3 hours, 26 minutes
Director: Martin Scorsese

Martin Scorsese has gained a reputation in recent times for taking a leisurely approach with his films, as seen in “Silence” (181 minutes), “The Irishman” (209 minutes), and now “Killers of the Flower Moon” (206 minutes). These lengthy productions have sparked fresh discussions about Extended Films. Notably, Scorsese’s method of storytelling has evolved to involve a deeper immersion into the characters’ lives, encouraging us to ponder them more profoundly. Previously, Scorsese’s rapid tempo and stylistic flourishes may have momentarily diverted our attention from his characters’ depravity. However, now there is no respite. The prolonged exploration in “Killers of the Flower Moon,” which recounts the Osage Murders of the 1920s through the lens of Ernest and Mollie Burkhart’s marriage, represents Scorsese’s most poignant application of this approach. This depiction subtly mirrors the colonization and genocide experienced by Native American communities in America.

The Brutalist

Year: 2024
Running time: 3 hours, 35 minutes
Director: Brady Corbet

A movie as grandiose as the structure it portrays. Brady Corbet’s magnum opus features Adrien Brody playing a Holocaust survivor from Hungary who finds himself in a harmful friendship with his employer (Guy Pearce), who tasks him with building a contemporary cultural center in a small-town Pennsylvania setting. The film deals with numerous themes, including the conflict between art and capitalism, postwar stress disorders, Jewish integration, among others. Structurally, it is complex, featuring an introduction, conclusion, and even an interval!

Lawrence of Arabia

Year: 1962
Running time: 3 hours 47 minutes
Director: David Lean

As a cinephile, I can tell you from experience, sitting through the entirety of David Lean’s 226-minute cinematic masterpiece might leave your derrière a bit sore. However, the secret lies in embracing and overlooking the discomfort, for the sheer joy of immersing oneself in such an extraordinary visual spectacle.

Once Upon a Time in America

Year of Release: The film was launched in the year 1984.
Duration: The European version of this movie runs for approximately 3 hours and 49 minutes, while the U.S. release version lasts about 2 hours and 19 minutes.
Filmmaker: Sergio Leone was the mastermind behind this production.

The length of Sergio Leone’s gangster opus didn’t make it easier. Originally, the European cut ran for 229 minutes, and the director intended to release it in two parts, each lasting three hours. However, American distributors trimmed it down to 139 minutes, resulting in a haphazard removal of 90 minutes from the film. The abridged version failed; the original, on the other hand, is considered one of Leone’s masterpieces in the spaghetti-western genre, an epic portraying the American dream.

Cleopatra

Year: 1963
Running time: 3 hours 53 minutes
Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz

The spectacle! The brilliance! The narrative! Every aspect of the 3-hour-48-minute “Cleopatra” is grander than ordinary – even its budget, which was unparalleled for a film at that time. However, the movie’s reputation is divided – due to extensive edits made for time in the shorter versions, fans claim the longer cuts offer a more satisfying experience. Despite these controversies, it remains captivating as a glimpse into the grandeur and magnitude of classical Hollywood cinema, a period long gone.

Nymphomaniac

Year: 2013
Running time: 4 hours 1 minute (both volumes combined)
Director: Lars von Trier

Lars von Trier’s intense portrayal of sexual depravity was divided into two distinct films. Although there are some variations between the segments – the first primarily revolves around Stacy Martin’s character Young Joe and has a slightly lighter tone, while the second centers on Charlotte Gainsbourg’s older Joe and is significantly darker – they collectively form one profoundly disturbing narrative that truly embodies von Trier’s signature style. It’s worth noting that only part one showcases Uma Thurman in a rampaging role, but for a complete experience, both parts should be watched.

Hamlet

Year: 1996
Running time: 4 hours 2 minutes
Director: Kenneth Branagh

It’s hard to believe that Mel Gibson and Laurence Olivier would choose to abridge the renowned masterpiece of English literature, “Hamlet,” for the sake of making it shorter, more cinematic, and not four hours long. Kenneth Branagh, on the other hand, plans to film every bit of “Hamlet” in 70-mm., creating a visual feast on screen, with popular stars like Robin Williams even taking on minor roles. Ultimately, whether you prefer this adaptation to its predecessors… that remains to be seen.

Until the End of the World

Year: 1991
Running time: 4 hours, 47 minutes
Director: Wim Wenders

1991’s film by Wim Wenders, titled “Until the End of the World,” presents a glimpse of a then-future (now past) world, focusing on a directionless young woman (Solveig Dommartin), who develops an intriguing fascination with a nomadic stranger (William Hurt). He’s journeying across the globe with a device to record videos intended for his blind mother (Jeanne Moreau) to witness. This film is considered the ultimate road movie, featuring music from artists like Nick Cave, U2, R.E.M., Neneh Cherry, and Talking Heads in its soundtrack. During editing, Wenders recognized that the original 4.5-hour version wouldn’t be released due to industry standards, so he saved his materials. The concept of director’s cuts was yet to gain popularity, but he anticipated that one day he could complete the film as intended. The initial U.S. release, lasting 158 minutes, was fragmented and puzzling, though it hinted at the potential for a visionary, expansive masterpiece. Years later, Wenders restored the movie to its original length and began touring with it worldwide. Today, you can find this 287-minute cinematic prophecy on the Criterion Collection.

1900

Year: 1977Running time: 5 hours, 17 minutes
Director: Bernardo Bertolucci

Following the extraordinary success of “Last Tango in Paris,” director Bernardo Bertolucci channeled his newfound influence into the creation of one of the most audaciously grand productions: A nearly six-hour cinematic masterpiece portraying the hardships faced by Italy’s working class throughout the first half of the 20th century. This epic production was funded by Hollywood and boasted an ensemble cast featuring Robert De Niro, Donald Sutherland, Gérard Depardieu, Burt Lancaster, Sterling Hayden, and Dominique Sanda. The outcome was a profoundly emotional, harrowing, provocative, and passionately political melodrama. Needless to say, Hollywood was taken aback. Protracted post-production disputes resulted in a four-hour U.S. version, but the film has since been restored to its original 5 hours and 17 minutes, which is frequently screened over two parts.

Fanny and Alexander

Year of Release: 1982

Original Running Time: 5 hours and 42 minutes

Abridged Version Running Time: Approximately 3 hours and 17 minutes

Director (Original Spelling): Ingmar Bergman

A film is considered lengthy when even its shortened version exceeds three hours. Ingmar Bergman’s epic, featuring two siblings in early 20th century Sweden, spans 312 minutes in its original, four-part TV broadcast; the condensed movie lasts for 188 minutes. Both are gems from this esteemed Swedish director, but it’s worth exploring the full version. This is especially true when you consider that 312 minutes is equivalent to a single episode of Game of Thrones.

Best of Youth

Year of Release: The film was first shown in the year 2003.
Duration: In its television broadcast, it ran for approximately 6 hours and 22 minutes. When released in theaters, the runtime was slightly shorter at around 6 hours and 6 minutes.
The film’s Director: Marco Tullio Giordana is the one responsible for directing this movie.

Similar to “Fanny and Alexander,” “Best of Youth” was initially planned as a four-part miniseries but ended up getting a shorter theatrical release. Spanning almost 40 years in the life of one family, the two-part, 366-minute version stands among the best examples of sprawling Italian cinema. If you’ve recently binged on all of Elena Ferrante’s works, this could be a perfect follow-up, although it might not be recommended to consume it in one sitting.

Sátántangó

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=npqnKe8O0dE

Year: 1994
Running time: 7 hours 30 minutes
Director: Béla Tarr

In contrast to movies like “Fanny and Alexander,” “Best of Youth,” or “Dekalog,” the epic seven-hour film “Sátántangó” by Bela Tarr stands out as a unique piece. Unlike these films, “Sátántangó” was conceived as one continuous work from its inception, which reflects Tarr’s methodical, introspective, and unyielding style. Tarr mirrored the length of his film with the duration of his shots, many of which extend up to ten minutes without a break. While it may not be an effortless viewing experience, Susan Sontag expressed that she would happily watch it every year of her life.

Dekalog

Year: 1989
Running time: 9 hours 21 minutes
Director: Krzysztof Kieślowski

Refreshed by The Criterion Collection, the ten-part opus known as Dekalog showcases the mastery of renowned Polish director Krzysztof Kieślowski, most famously recognized for his Three Colors series. In addition to those three movies, Dekalog essentially offers ten more artistic achievements, each inspired by one of the Ten Commandments. Originally produced for television, the segments of Dekalog possess a cinematic essence; regardless of whether you categorize them as TV or film, which is progressively losing significance, they are all undeniably art.

Shoah

Year: 1985
Running time: 9 hours 26 minutes
Director: Claude Lanzmann

Among all the films listed, it’s likely one of the toughest to watch due to its numerous challenging aspects. Claude Lanzmann’s renowned documentary, titled Shoah, spans nine hours and features interviews with Holocaust survivors, neighbors, and camp workers. This offers a raw, unblinking portrayal of the human impact of Hitler’s death camps, revealing the grim reality of the Holocaust.

Out 1

Year: 1971
Running time: 12 hours 53 minutes
Directors: Jacques Rivette and Suzanne Schiffman

Jacques Rivette and Suzanne Schiffman’s film “Out 1,” which runs for approximately 13 hours, was not designed to be watched in one sitting. Instead, Rivette suggested that it would be more meaningful to screen the movie, divided into eight separate feature-length segments, over a relaxing two days. Regardless of how you decide to view it, “Out 1” offers a unique viewing experience that requires viewers to yield to its expansiveness and tempo. The initial scenes consist of extended experiments in theater and seemingly disconnected characters engaged in petty scams. When the plot eventually emerges, it revolves around a secret society and some artistic conflicts; however, the true purpose is something more profound and enigmatic – a sense of disenchantment and loss following the chaotic idealism of the ’60s.

2025-01-20 19:56