Ranking the 10 Longest Movies of 2024 by Their Runtime

In 2024, a notable trend emerged in the film industry, with filmmakers releasing numerous movies that clocked in between two and four hours. While long runtimes have often been a hard sell at the box office, many viewers entered theaters with renewed enthusiasm following the 2023 strikes. Leading this year’s box office were hits like Wicked, Marvel’s Wolverine & Deadpool, and Inside Out 2. The year didn’t just deliver a wealth of original content; it also featured a significant number of films exceeding two-hour runtimes.

Historically, lengthy films have posed marketing challenges in Hollywood. Remarkably, nine of the year’s ten longest films premiered in theaters rather than opting for streaming releases, a nod to the industry’s changing dynamics. While some lengthy projects captured audience excitement and fared well in terms of box office revenue, others struggled, leaving viewers questioning whether the duration was justified.

10
Goats (March 8, 2024)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 22 Minutes

One of 2024’s shorter long films, Cabrini, recounts the life of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first American Catholic saint. The biopic delves into her efforts to improve the living conditions of impoverished Italian immigrants in New York City. Spanning three decades, its runtime of 2 hours and 22 minutes allows the filmmaker, Alejandro Gomez Monteverde, to weave critical context about Cabrini’s upbringing, faith, and challenging experiences against the backdrop of societal prejudices. While some scenes felt drawn out, the film’s overall pacing strategically utilized its runtime to effectively portray Cabrini’s struggles.

9
Divorce In the Black (July 11, 2024)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 23 Minutes

In a surprising twist, Tyler Perry’s Divorce In the Black marks the only streaming title to feature among the year’s longest films. The Prime Video drama centers around a woman named Ava, who rekindles her romance with a former lover following her abusive husband’s departure. With a runtime of 2 hours and 23 minutes, the film has received harsh criticism, earning a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Despite an impressive cast, only the initial scenes capture attention. The remainder of the film suffers from weak dialogue, inconsistent tone, and clichéd plot resolutions. Even trimming unnecessary sequences wouldn’t have salvaged its disappointing critical reception.

8
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (May 10, 2024)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 25 Minutes

The latest chapter in the storied Planet of the Apes franchise, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, takes place 300 years after Caesar’s death. The plot follows a young chimpanzee named Noa and his human companion, Mae, in their pursuit of freedom against a tyrannical regime. While the 2-hour and 25-minute runtime may intimidate some, it aligns with the franchise’s expectations. However, the film could have benefitted from a concise edit, as several scenes lingered without contributing to the narrative’s momentum.

7
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (May 24, 2024)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 28 Minutes

Returning to the Mad Max universe, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga focuses on the origins of the titular character, played by a new actress after Charlize Theron. Following her abduction from the Green Place of Many Mothers, Furiosa struggles for survival. Clocking in at 2 hours and 28 minutes, this prequel significantly surpasses the runtime of its predecessors. Unfortunately, it often feels unnecessarily extended, as substantial portions are devoted to exposition and could be edited to enhance narrative coherence. Nonetheless, high-caliber performances, spectacular action, and stunning visuals keep the franchise’s spirit alive.

6
Gladiator II

Runtime: 2 Hours & 28 Minutes

Continuing the legacy of the iconic Gladiator, the sequel follows Lucius Verus “Hanno” Aurelius as he seeks vengeance against the corrupt Roman emperors. Although the original film had a running time of 2 hours and 35 minutes, the sequel’s 2-hour and 28-minute duration feels bloated at times. Shockingly, Ridley Scott’s original cut ran an astonishing 3 hours and 40 minutes, leading to significant editing to create a more succinct narrative.

5
Wicked (November 22, 2024)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 40 Minutes

After a decade of anticipation since its Broadway debut, Wicked finally graced the silver screen in a two-part film adaptation. This inaugural film explores the dynamic between Elphaba, the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda the Good after their time at Shiz University. Despite the original Broadway adaptation’s shorter runtime, the film’s 2-hour and 40-minute duration allows for deeper character exploration and development, enhancing the storytelling experience.

4
Kinds of Kindness

Runtime: 2 Hours & 44 Minutes

Following the success of Poor Things, director Yorgos Lanthimos captivated audiences with Kinds of Kindness, a dark comedy triptych that scrutinizes the human condition. The film features a consistent cast reprising multiple roles across the interconnected stories. Given that four of Lanthimos’ previous five films exceed two hours, this 2-hour and 44-minute runtime aligns with his cinematic signature. However, audience reactions are polarized as they find the extensive narrative and stylistic choices either compelling or excessive; many suggest that a tighter edit could have improved its overall impact.

3
Dune: Part 2 (March 1, 2024)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 46 Minutes

Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic continues in Dune: Part 2, following Paul Atreides’ quest for vengeance following his family’s demise. With a runtime of 2 hours and 46 minutes, the film invests heavily in character and plot development, akin to classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Avatar. Strong pacing and intense storytelling make the extended duration feel justified as each moment contributes significantly to the larger narrative.

2
Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 (June 28, 2024)

Runtime: 3 Hours & 1 Minute

Kevin Costner’s long-awaited passion project, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1, chronicles the story of American settlers in the West during 1859. With a hefty runtime of 3 hours and 1 minute, this film seeks to paint a grand epic but falls short, resembling the early episodes of a TV series rather than a cohesive movie. The sluggish pacing and extraneous character arcs hinder its overall storytelling effectiveness, ultimately impacting box office success and leaving the future of its sequels uncertain.

1
The Brutalist (December 20, 2024)

Runtime: 3 Hours & 35 Minutes

Undoubtedly the longest film of 2024, The Brutalist captured the Golden Globe for Best Drama, unfolding the poignant story of László Toth, a Jewish architect who seeks the American Dream after surviving the Holocaust. Writer-director Brady Corbet faced skepticism regarding the film’s extensive 3-hour and 35-minute runtime. However, he championed its necessity, and he was vindicated by the film’s powerful execution. Initially, it appears to narrate Toth’s architectural ambitions, but it evolves into a profound exploration of the elusive nature of the American Dream. The deliberate pacing and lengthy scenes enhance the film’s emotional impact, engaging audiences like few others have this year.

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Ranking the 10 Longest Movies of 2024 by Their Runtime