Movies that run over 3 hours are not common, but when they do arrive, they are known to contain more depth, complexity, and a more profound story overall than shorter films.
Longer movies are not for everyone, and some people may find them daunting. But if the film and story are good, they can offer an unforgettable and immersive experience to viewers. Some are so good that you might even find 180-minutes short. With the piece, we look at the 10 best movies over 3 hours that are sure to keep you watching. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below:
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Directed by Peter Jackson, The Return of the King is an epic fantasy film that runs for 3 hours and 21 minutes. The film is the third and final instalment in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and is considered to be one of the best films ever made. It won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
The Return of the King tells the story of Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who sets out on a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring, a powerful artefact that can bring ultimate destruction to middle-earth. The film’s epic battle scenes, breathtaking visuals, and superb acting make it a must-watch for all movie lovers.
Titanic (1997)
Directed by James Cameron, Titanic is a romantic disaster film that runs for 3 hours and 14 minutes. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in the lead roles and tells the story of the ill-fated voyage of the RMS Titanic, a ship that famously sank after colliding with an iceberg.
Titanic broke several box-office records and went on to become the highest-grossing film of all time when it released. It also won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Song. The film is a timeless classic, mostly due to its stunning visuals, impressive set design, and captivating storyline.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Lawrence of Arabia is a historical drama, running for 3 hours and 48 minutes. It was directed by David Lean and is based on the life of T. E. Lawrence, a British officer who played a key role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I.
The film’s sweeping landscapes, powerful performances, and epic battle scenes earned it 7 Academy Awards. Such as Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Cinematography. It’s a masterpiece of cinema and a must-watch for anyone who enjoys historical pictures.
Gone with the Wind (1939)
Directed by Victor Fleming, Gone with the Wind is a historical drama that runs for 4 hours and 3 minutes. It’s based on the novel of the same name by Margaret Mitchell and tells the story of Scarlett O’Hara, a headstrong Southern belle who falls in love with Rhett Butler, a dashing and roguish businessman.
Gone with the Wind offers an incredible experience. With its sweeping score, magnificent set design, and unforgettable performances, it is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made. The movie won 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Vivien Leigh’s portrayal of Scarlett.
Ben-Hur (1959)
Ben-Hur is a historical drama that runs for 3 hours and 32 minutes, directed by William Wyler. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Lew Wallace and tells the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who is falsely accused of treason and enslaved by the Romans.
Ben-Hur won 11 Academy Awards along with Titanic and Return of The King. It took home Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Charlton Heston’s portrayal of Ben-Hur. Its iconic chariot race, stunning visuals, and powerful performances make it a classic of cinema.
The Irishman (2019)
The Irishman is a crime drama that runs for 3 hours and 29 minutes. It was directed by Martin Scorsese, and is based on the book I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt and stars Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci.
The Irishman tells the story of Frank Sheeran, a mob hitman who becomes entangled in the web of organized crime. The film’s masterful direction, exceptional performances, and intricate storytelling make it perfect for fans of crime dramas.
Schindler’s List (1993)
Schindler’s List is a historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg. The film has a run time of 3 hours and 14 minutes. It’s based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust.
Schindler’s List won 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. The picture’s powerful performances, stunning cinematography, and emotional impact make it a masterpiece of cinema.
The Hateful Eight (2015)
The Hateful Eight is a Quentin Tarantino movie that runs for 3 hours and 8 minutes. The Western thriller stars Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, and Jennifer Jason Leigh and tells the story of a group of strangers who are stranded in a remote cabin during a blizzard.
The Hateful Eight features Tarantino’s trademark style of dialogue, violence, and humour. Its exceptional cast, atmospheric setting, and thrilling plot make it a standout in the western genre.
Seven Samurai (1954)
Seven Samurai is an Akira Kurosawa-directed Japanese epic that’s 3 hours and 27 minutes long. The film is set in 16th-century Japan and tells the story of a group of samurais who are hired by a village to defend it against bandits.
Seven Samurai is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made and has been highly influential in cinema. The movie’s exceptional direction, stunning cinematography, and complex characters make it a masterpiece when it comes to Japanese cinema.
Apocalypse Now Redux (2001)
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, Apocalypse Now Redux is a war drama that runs for 3 hours and 33 minutes. This is a re-edited and extended version of the 1979 classic Apocalypse Now and it stars Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, and Robert Duvall.
Apocalypse Now Redux tells the story of a captain who is sent on a secret mission during the Vietnam War to assassinate a rogue colonel who has gone insane. The film is essential for fans of war films due to its haunting visuals, intense performances, and thought-provoking themes.
There we have it, our list of 10 best movies over three hours. What do you think about our picks? Did we include your favourites? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below: