Top 10 longest movies
Explore the 10 longest movies in Hollywood history, featuring epic runtimes that push the boundaries of traditional filmmaking. From sprawling historical dramas to intense crime sagas, these films captivate audiences with their depth and storytelling, proving that sometimes, great stories simply need more time to unfold.
1 ‘Cleopatra’ (1963)
Running an impressive 248 minutes (4 hours and 8 minutes), the film featuring Elizabeth Taylor was a true cinematic spectacle. It portrays the dramatic tale of Egypt’s Queen Cleopatra, who captivates both Roman leader Julius Caesar (played by Rex Harrison) and his general, Mark Antony (portrayed by Richard Burton).
2 ‘Once Upon a Time in America’ (1984)
Sergio Leone’s 1984 gangster epic originally spanned 251 minutes (4 hours and 11 minutes), chronicling the lives of a close-knit group of Jewish gangsters from New York’s Lower East Side. However, the film was trimmed to 229 minutes (3 hours and 49 minutes) for European audiences, and significantly reduced to just 139 minutes (2 hours and 19 minutes) by American distributors.
3 ‘The Irishman’ (2019)
Martin Scorsese leaned on his storied reputation when he released this 209-minute (3 hours and 29 minutes) film, placing faith in viewers’ willingness to stay engaged. Adapted from Charles Brandt’s book I Heard You Paint Houses, the story delves into the life of ex-hitman Frank Sheeran (played by Robert De Niro) as he navigates the underworld of post-war America.
4 ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ (1962)
David Lean’s acclaimed historical epic, inspired by British Colonel T.E. Lawrence’s autobiography Seven Pillars of Wisdom, boasts a substantial runtime of 222 minutes (3 hours and 42 minutes).
5 ‘Magnolia’ (1999)
Paul Thomas Anderson’s sweeping ensemble drama, which weaves together the lives of multiple characters in their quests for love, redemption, and purpose, runs for 188 minutes (3 hours and 8 minutes) and remains a beloved gem among cinephiles worldwide.
6 ‘War and Peace’ (1956)
This grand adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel shares its title and scale, with a runtime of 208 minutes (3 hours and 28 minutes). Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer take on the roles of Natasha and Andrei in this sweeping historical drama.
7 ‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979)
Francis Ford Coppola’s film, drawing inspiration from Joseph Conrad’s 1899 novella Heart of Darkness, runs 202 minutes (3 hours and 22 minutes). It follows Captain Willard (Martin Sheen), a U.S. Army officer in Vietnam assigned to track down and eliminate a rogue Special Forces Colonel, played by Marlon Brando.
8 ‘Ben-Hur’ (1959)
Remarkable for its era, this cinematic epic spans 212 minutes (3 hours and 32 minutes) and centers on the journey of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish nobleman who is betrayed by a Roman friend and sold into slavery. His path eventually leads him back home, seeking justice and redemption. The film’s ambition paid off—it became the first in history to win 11 Academy Awards.
9 ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ (2003)
Known for its lengthy runtime yet cherished by fans, Peter Jackson’s final installment of the trilogy runs 201 minutes (3 hours and 21 minutes). The story follows Gandalf and Aragorn as they fight to defend Gondor from Sauron’s army, while Frodo and Sam journey toward Mount Doom carrying the One Ring.
10 ‘The Godfather: Part II’ (1974)
Renowned as a rare sequel that surpassed its predecessor, Francis Ford Coppola’s epic crime drama runs 200 minutes (3 hours and 20 minutes) and is widely regarded as one of the greatest American films of the late 20th century.