How Long is Considered Long for a Movie?

The age-old question of movie length has puzzled filmmakers and cinephiles alike for decades. While short films are typically defined as lasting under 10 minutes, the boundaries for feature films can vary widely. Let's delve into the nuances of what constitutes a long movie in today's entertainment landscape.

Short Films and Full-Length Features

Short films, like their name suggests, tend to be relatively brief. The standard maximum length for a short film is often cited as 45 minutes, although anything over 10 minutes can still be considered a short film. Anything longer than 45 minutes typically falls into the category of a full-length feature film. However, the length varies depending on the context, with many festival organizers having a limit of 60 minutes for shorts.

There are notable exceptions to the 45-minute rule. Run Lola Run, for instance, runs around 80 minutes and is celebrated for its gripping narrative. Similarly, Gravity at 90 minutes packs a powerful cinematic experience, and Dumbo (original version) clocks in at just 67 minutes, but still leaves a lasting impact. These films demonstrate that quality can transcend the length of a film.

Commercial Feature Films: A Time-Honored Standard

The industrial standard for a commercial feature film is usually longer than 70 minutes but not exceeding 200 minutes. These films are designed to engage audiences for extended periods without prompting complaints. In the early days of cinema, intermissions were a common feature, allowing films to stretch to more than three hours. Films like Gone with the Wind (1939) and The Ten Commandments (1956) were nearly four hours long, with The Ten Commandments featuring Charlton Heston

Today, movies typically run for around two hours. This length is often seen as the ideal balance between storytelling and audience attention. However, films with durations of 3-4 hours are not unheard of, exemplified by epic cinema such as the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Why Certain Lengths Matter

There are practical reasons why movies are generally between 90 and 100 minutes. Films longer than 2.5 hours are likely to encounter reduced screenings per day, which can upset both distributors and exhibitors. For instance, Doctor Sleep, running 2.5 hours, felt somewhat lengthy even though it was a compelling watch.

For critical acclaim, it's often recommended to keep the manuscript under 120 pages, equating to approximately 2 hours of screen time. The average time allowed is considered to be one page per minute, with a 200-page screenplay translating to a 200-minute movie. However, staying within the 90-100 page range is often ideal for engaging storytelling and maintaining audience interest.

Historically, films like La Belle Noiseuse, which ran nearly 4 hours, were viewed as marvels of cinema due to their depth and artistic merit.

Understanding the length of a film is crucial for both creators and audiences. While there are no strict rules, these guidelines help ensure that the story is engaging and resonates with viewers for the duration it's on screen.