Movies are getting longer and longer. From big-budget action movies to quiet dramas, all kinds of films are stretching their runtimes. A researcher who studied more than 36,000 movies released between 1980 and 2025 found that their average runtime has grown from 106 minutes to 114 minutes. For people who go to the theater often, this trend is no surprise. In fact, the length of a new movie is now a popular topic. People often talk about it before the film comes out.

However, longer movies do not seem to drive viewers away. They may even be a draw. One major reason is the rise of streaming. Because the screens and services available at home have become so good, film studios want their movies to feel like special events. They hope that a long, exciting film will make people leave the house and come to the theater.

Still, not everyone agrees that bigger is always better. Some directors argue that a very long film can become an excuse to show off, with one ending after another. One director, for example, prefers to keep only what matters most. His last three films are all 90 minutes or less. For such directors, a short, focused film can be just as powerful as a long one.