In an era of shrinking attention spans and endless scrolling, a movie that runs over two hours can feel like a major commitment. But every once in a while, a film earns that extended runtime and delivers something unforgettable.
Whether it’s an epic saga, a slow-burning drama, or a cinematic masterpiece packed with detail, these longer films prove that some stories are worth every second.
The Godfather (1972) – 2h 55m
A cornerstone of cinematic history, The Godfather is a multi-generational crime saga that follows the powerful Corleone family. As aging patriarch Vito Corleone’s empire faces new threats, his youngest son Michael is slowly drawn into the dark world of organized crime. What begins as a story of reluctant duty evolves into a chilling transformation of character.
Dune (2021) – 2h 35m
Dune introduces viewers to a vast interplanetary world where noble families battle for control of the desert planet Arrakis, the source of a valuable substance called spice. At the center is Paul Atreides (played by Timothée Chalamet), a young man grappling with prophecy, politics, and survival.
Oppenheimer (2023) – 3h
Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is a biographical epic that follows the life of theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, the man behind the development of the atomic bomb. Cillian Murphy leads the cast with a deeply internal performance, capturing the moral turmoil of a man who changes the course of history. The supporting cast includes Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, and Robert Downey Jr..
Casino (1995) – 2h 58m
Directed by Martin Scorsese, Casino showcases the Las Vegas gambling empire of the 1970s. Robert De Niro stars as Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a meticulous casino operator sent by the mob to manage their interests. Joe Pesci plays Nicky Santoro, a violent enforcer whose presence unravels the operation, while Sharon Stone delivers a devastating performance as Ace’s troubled wife, Ginger. The nearly three-hour runtime allows Scorsese to dive deep into the rise and fall of these characters and the corrupt systems they inhabit.
Fight Club (1999) – 2h 19m
Directed by David Fincher and based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk. In Fight Club, Edward Norton plays a nameless narrator trapped in a soul-crushing corporate lifestyle. His life spirals into chaos after he meets Tyler Durden, an enigmatic soap maker played by Brad Pitt, and they form an underground fight club as a form of male rebellion. What begins as physical release turns into a philosophical and increasingly dangerous movement.
Titanic (1997) – 3h 14m
James Cameron’s sweeping romance blends historical tragedy with an unforgettable love story between Jack and Rose, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. Jack is a struggling artist who wins a ticket aboard the RMS Titanic, while Rose is an upper-class passenger trapped in a suffocating engagement. As their love grows aboard the ill-fated ship, the looming iceberg becomes more than just a disaster…
Interstellar (2014) – 2h 49m
In a future where Earth is no longer sustainable, a group of astronauts is sent through a wormhole to find a new planet for humanity. Interstellar blends theoretical physics with an emotional core, focusing on Cooper, a father separated from his daughter by time and space. The movie stars Matthew McConaghey and Anne Hathaway. Its length allows the story to stretch across galaxies while keeping the emotional stakes grounded.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) – 3h
Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker who turns his ambition into financial empire-building and unrestrained debauchery. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film is based on Belfort’s real-life memoir and is told with outrageous humor, and biting critique. Jonah Hill co-stars as Belfort’s eccentric business partner, while Margot Robbie delivers a breakthrough performance as Belfort’s wife. The film’s three-hour length mirrors the excess it portrays.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) – 2h 13m
Adapted from Ken Kesey’s novel. In a landmark performance, Jack Nicholson stars as Randle P. McMurphy, a rebellious man who fakes mental illness to serve his prison sentence in a psychiatric hospital. Once inside, he challenges the institution’s rigid rules and the authority of the cold and controlling Nurse Ratched, played by Louise Fletcher. As he forms bonds with fellow patients, his defiance sparks both empowerment and tragedy.
Captain Phillips (2013) – 2h 14m
Directed by Paul Greengrass and based on true events, Captain Phillips stars Tom Hanks as the commanding officer of a U.S. cargo ship hijacked by Somali pirates in 2009. The film chronicles the tense standoff that follows, highlighting the psychological strain and high-stakes decisions faced by both sides. The film’s runtime allows space for rising tension.