20 Movies That Went On For Way Too Long
Some movies know when to end, and others just keep going until audiences start checking their watches. Boomers, millennials, and everyone in between can recall sitting through films that seemed longer than entire family vacations. Sometimes the story was truly epic, but other times it was just padded with endless scenes nobody ever asked for. These cinematic marathons turned popcorn into ashes and seats into uncomfortable prison cells. Still, people remember them because dragging on became part of the strange legend. Whether cult favorites or massive blockbusters, these films proved Hollywood can stretch a good thing well past expiration dates.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
A nostalgic journey that takes its time savoring every detail.
The Green Mile (1999)
A supernatural drama that lingered longer than expected.
The Hateful Eight (2015)
Quentin Tarantino’s snowy chamber drama with long, tension-filled scenes.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
A wild ride of excess that could’ve trimmed a few scenes.
Gladiator (2000)
Epic battles and political intrigue that sometimes felt drawn out.
The English Patient
A slow-moving romance set against the backdrop of war.
Heaven’s Gate (1980)
A Western that took forever to tell its troubled story.
Cleopatra (1963)
An over-the-top historical drama with lavish sets and lengthy dialogue.
Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
A sprawling crime saga that demanded patience and snacks.
Interstellar (2014)
Space exploration that stretched time and attention spans alike.
Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
A medieval epic with battle scenes that never seemed to end.
The Irishman (2019)
Three and a half hours of mob drama that felt like a slow descent.
Avatar (2009)
Visually stunning but a slow burn that tested viewers’ endurance.
Dances with Wolves (1990)
An Oscar winner that meandered through prairies and long speeches.
The Godfather Part II (1974)
A deep dive into family drama that some say could’ve used a tighter edit.
Ben-Hur (1959
Chariot races and moral lessons stretched over a monumental four-hour spectacle.
Titanic (1997)
A love story that somehow lasted longer than the ship’s tragic sinking.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Three hours of epic battles, speeches, and more walking than anyone wanted.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
A sprawling adventure that made audiences feel like they’d crossed deserts twice.
Gone with the Wind (1939)
An epic classic that tested patience with its marathon runtime and endless drama.