Are movies getting shorter?

Are Movies Getting Longer—or Are We Just Watching the Big Ones?

It’s a common feeling these days: movies seem longer. And in a way, they are—especially if you’re watching the blockbusters. While the average length of all movies has stayed relatively stable since the era of sound films began, the biggest hits have been steadily stretching out over the past few decades.

Take the top 10 highest-grossing films of the year. In 1993, the average runtime among those was exactly two hours. Fast forward to 2023, and that number has ballooned to 2 hours and 23 minutes. That’s an extra 23 minutes of plot, action, and spectacle—long enough for a sitcom and a half.

Why the shift? Big-budget franchises dominate the box office, and studios aren’t shy about letting stories unfold at a grander scale. Think Marvel epics, sprawling sci-fi sagas, and animated films packed with subplots. These aren’t just movies—they’re events. And events tend to run long.

Still, it’s important to remember that these blockbusters skew our perception. Outside the top tier, plenty of films—especially indie dramas, comedies, or international releases—still clock in comfortably under two hours. So while the cultural conversation is shaped by the longest films, the full picture is more balanced.

The real question might not be whether movies are getting shorter—but whether we’re noticing only the ones that aren’t. In an age of streaming and shrinking attention spans, it’s ironic that the movies we celebrate the most demand the biggest time commitment. Whether that’s a sign of cinematic ambition or studio overreach is up for debate. But one thing’s clear: if you’re heading to the theater for the latest hit, pack some snacks. You’re in for the long haul.