In recent years, blockbuster films increasingly have extended running times, often exceeding three hours or even split into multiple parts. While long films may require audiences to invest more time and limit the number of screenings per day, these films are experiencing considerable success. Titles like Avatars, Eviland other modern epics demonstrate that viewers are willing to endure longer narratives when the story demands it.
Film not for the faint of heart
Some of the longest films ever made include experimental works such as Logistics (2012) at 857 hours and that of Gérard Courant Cinemawhich lasts over 150 hours. But even mainstream versions are pushing the limits of length:
- The brutalist – 3 hours and 35 minutes (with 15 minute interval)
- Oppenheimer – 3 hours
- The Assassins of the Flower Moon – 3 hours and 26 minutes
- The Irish – 3 hours and 29 minutes
James Cameron defended Avatar: The Way of Waterexplaining that longer running times allow for a deeper exploration of the characters’ relationships and emotions. His next sequel, Avatar: Fire and Ashwill last 3 hours and 15 minutes, slightly longer than its predecessor, further underlining the narrative scope.
Divide the stories into two parts
Some films are intentionally split into multiple installments to preserve narrative integrity. The musical adaptation Evil it’s a great example. The first part, Evilran 2 hours and 40 minutes, followed by Evil: forever at 2 hours and 17 minutes. Director Jon M. Chu explained that dividing the story into two parts was necessary to maintain the original plot of the Broadway musical and give audiences a fully immersive experience.
Other iconic films have taken a similar approach:
- Dune (2021) – 2 hours and 35 minutes / Duna: second part (2024) – 2 hours and 46 minutes
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1: 2 hours 26 minutes / Part 2: 2 hours 10 minutes
Chu pointed out on social media: “The cast and crew promised to create an experience that honors the world of Wicked for all fans, delivering a magical, emotional story with dynamic characters, even for those new to the story.”
Creative choices behind longer runtimes
The filmmakers argue that longer runtimes are not arbitrary but essential to the storytelling. James Cameron noted that the extended length of Avatar: The Way of Water it allowed him to focus on emotional arcs and relationships as he explored the vast and immersive world of Pandora. The film became a commercial triumph, grossing $2.343 billion, currently ranking as the third-highest-grossing film of all time. Avatar: Fire and Ash it is expected to exceed $2 billion based on the popularity of the franchise.
Denis Villeneuve, director of Dunechose to divide the adaptation into two films from the beginning to maintain fidelity to Frank Herbert’s complex narrative. He even considered filming both parts at the same time, but production costs prevented this.
Risks and benefits
Splitting films involves financial risks. Universal Pictures invested $300 million in production and $250 million in marketing Evil AND Evil: forever. Yet the gamble was won:
- Evil (Part 1) – $758 million globally, highest-grossing Broadway adaptation at the box office
- Evil: forever – $147 million in North America and $223 million worldwide in its opening week
- Streaming and VOD sales added another $70 million in the first week alone
- 10 Oscar nominations combined for both parts
Jon M. Chu explained in 2022: “The story before, during and after the events in the land of Oz is too large to condense into a single film. To tell it properly, we had to create space, which meant making not one, but two films.”
As filmmakers continue to explore complex narratives and immersive worlds, long runtimes and multi-part releases are becoming a creative necessity rather than a marketing gimmick. While audiences may need patience, these extended epics allow for richer storytelling, emotional depth, and unforgettable cinematic experiences.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, Universal Pictures
