When The Brutalist released in late 2024, it impressed audiences with its gripping story, strong themes, and, notably, its lengthy runtime of 3 hours and 35 minutes, plus a 15-minute intermission. While its length sets it apart from many films of 2024, it’s far from being the longest movie ever made. Here are 10 iconic movies with even longer runtimes that captivated audiences worldwide.
1. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Runtime: 3 hours 36 minutes
Lawrence of Arabia is a classic film known for its breathtaking desert scenes and Peter O’Toole’s unforgettable performance as T.E. Lawrence. Winning 10 Oscars, a Golden Globe, and two BAFTAs, this World War I epic dives deep into Lawrence’s challenging journey. If you loved the depth of The Brutalist, this film’s extra minute of runtime is worth every second.
2. The Lord of the Rings Extended Editions
Runtime: Up to 4 hours 23 minutes per film
Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy already made waves in its theatrical releases, but the extended editions add even more detail. With runtimes ranging from 3 hours 28 minutes to 4 hours 23 minutes, watching all three films back-to-back means committing to around 12 hours of Middle Earth magic!
3. An Elephant Sitting Still (2018)
Runtime: 3 hours 50 minutes
This Chinese drama tells the emotional story of four people on a journey to see an elephant that refuses to move. Director Hu Bo’s final work before his tragic passing, the film stayed true to his artistic vision despite pressures to shorten it, making it a powerful, heartfelt experience.
4. Dances with Wolves (1990)
Runtime: 3 hours 56 minutes
Kevin Costner’s directorial debut became an instant Western classic. Set during the Civil War, it follows a Union soldier’s interactions with Native Americans. With seven Oscars and over $424 million earned at the box office, its long runtime never deterred fans from loving this story.
5. Gone with the Wind (1939)
Runtime: 3 hours 58 minutes
This timeless drama set during the American Civil War won 10 Academy Awards and remains iconic even decades later. Its length didn’t stop audiences from being captivated by Vivien Leigh’s stunning performance, proving that great stories can hold attention, no matter how long.
6. Cleopatra (1963)
Runtime: 4 hours 11 minutes
Starring Elizabeth Taylor as the legendary Egyptian queen, Cleopatra wowed audiences with its grand visuals and historical drama. Despite being the highest-grossing film of 1963, its massive production costs meant it didn’t initially turn a profit, but its 4-hour runtime still delivered an epic experience.
7. Trenque Lauquen (2022)
Runtime: 4 hours 22 minutes
This Argentine mystery film about a woman’s disappearance and the two men searching for her gained attention at the Venice Film Festival. Like The Brutalist, it is split into two parts, offering a deep, engaging story that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.
8. The Weathered Underground (2010)
Runtime: 5 hours 10 minutes
Unlike any other movie on this list, The Weathered Underground is an interactive film where viewers choose the story’s direction. With over 1,000 choices and 30 possible endings, its 5-hour runtime offers endless possibilities, much like a cinematic adventure book!
9. Happy Hour (2015)
Runtime: 5 hours 17 minutes
This Japanese drama explores friendship and love through the lives of four women in Kobe. Despite its length, critics praised it as one of the decade’s best films, showing that long movies can still be meaningful and memorable.
10. War and Peace (1965)
Runtime: 6 hours 30 minutes
Based on Leo Tolstoy’s famous novel, this Russian epic spans four parts, each released separately. With large-scale battle scenes supported by the USSR government, its lengthy runtime was justified by its breathtaking storytelling, earning global awards despite Cold War tensions.
While The Brutalist stands out for its length in 2024, film history is filled with long movies that have captured hearts and minds. From historical dramas to interactive adventures, these films prove that a long runtime, when done well, can create unforgettable cinematic experiences. Whether you’re a movie buff or just curious, these films are worth adding to your watchlist if you’re up for the challenge!
Source: https://screenrant.com/the-brutalist-movies-longer-runtime-list/
