Has anybody noticed that movies these days seem to be getting longer and longer? Films likeOppenheimerclock in at three hours, andThe Brutalistpasses the 180-minute mark. Now more than ever, audiences are having to control their bladders and feel their backsides go numb from sitting for so long. The truth is, these epic runtimes can be daunting for some, and not everyone can dedicate that much time to watching something.
The good news, however, is that there are plenty of films under ninety minutes long that are just as entertaining.There are numerous other short movies (that aren’t quite short films) audiences can choose from when they want to make the most of the limited time they havethrough a rewarding viewing experience lasting less than 90 minutes.The best 90-minute movies are perfect if you feel like watching something short that won’t take up too much of your day. Sometimes the shorter, the better!
30. ‘Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit’ (2005) – 85 minutes
Directed by Nick Park and Steve Box
Wallace & Gromitare the iconic British duo who appear in a number ofclaymation shorts from Aardman. First debuting in 1989, the cheese-loving inventor and his intelligent dog made their feature film debut in 2005’sWallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. When a large and ravaging beast threatens the town’s Giant Vegetable competition, Wallace (Peter Sallis) and Gromit must track it down.
Winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature,The Curse of the Were-Rabbitis an absolute hoot from start to finish.It manages to pack plenty of action, mystery, and humor into its swift runtime, and is a brilliant example of Aardman’s detailed and lovingly crafted stop-motion animation. With its sharp wit, it is a perfect pick for both kids and adults, who will be equally entertained.
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
29. ‘Petite Maman’ (2021) – 72 minutes
Directed by Céline Sciamma
FromPortrait of a Lady on FiredirectorCéline Sciamma,Petite Mamanis a tender and touching portrait of childhood and wonder. Nelly (Joséphine Sanz) is an eight-year-old girl who is helping her mother clean out her childhood home in the wake of her grandmother’s death. One day, Nelly meets and befriends Marion (Gabrielle Sanz), another girl her age, out in the surrounding woods.
Petite Mamanis the definition of short and sweet, using magical realism to tell its story, as it is revealed the girl who Nelly meets is actually her mother as a child. At only an hour and twelve minutes,it offers a slow-burn tale with poignant themes surrounding growing up, imagination, and loss. It is gentle in every sense, and makes for a relaxed watch while also being very moving.
Petite Maman
28. ‘Shiva Baby’ (2020) – 77 minutes
Directed by Emma Seligman
Shiva Babymay only be an hour and seventeen minutes in length, but it packs so much tension into such a short period and makes for quitethe anxiety-inducing watch. While attending a Jewish funeral with her parents, college student Danielle (Rachel Sennott) runs into both her sugar daddy (Danny Deferrari) and ex-girlfriend (Molly Gordon). Forced to navigate her choices, identity and overbearing relatives, it quickly becomes an afternoon of chaos.
Set in an overcrowded house,Shiva Babyhas a claustrophobic atmosphere that is nightmarish, and the fast-paced dialogueand overlapping conversations (thinkUncut Gems) ground the film in realism. The viewer is directly placed in Danielle’s head, and her point of view is utterly stressful.Shiva Babyis also darkly funny, and features the breakout performance of the excellent Sennott, who is now one of Hollywood’s rising stars.
Shiva Baby
27. ‘Ice Age’ (2002) – 81 minutes
Directed by Chris Wedge
TheIce Agemovies are among some of the most popular animated movies of all time, and while it has spawned many sequels, the first one still remains the best. The film follows serious mammoth Manny (Ray Romano), silly sloth Sid (John Leguizamo), and cunning sabertooth tiger Diego (Denis Leary), who set out to return a human baby to his father as the world is on the brink of an ice age.
It’s a prehistoric road trip movie perfect for the entire family, and packs lots of heart and laughs into its short runtime. The film works so well thanks to the humor and chemistry between Manny, Sid, and Diego, who couldn’t be more different. It also marks the beginning of Squirrel Scrat’s (Chris Wedge) quest to find his beloved acorn, which continues in the rest of the films to come. Despite some outdated animation, it still holds up.
26. ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ (1984) – 82 minutes
Directed by Rob Reiner
Mockumentaries brilliantly satirize the very serious documentary genre, and one of the most famous mockumentary films of all time isRob Reiner’sThis Is Spinal Tap. Starring a number of huge ‘80s comedy names such asMichael McKean,Christopher Guest,Harry Shearer, andFran Drescher, the film follows director Marty DiBirgi (Reiner), a diehard fan of the fictional heavy metal band Spinal Tap. He documents their comeback tour, with hilarious results.
Featuring behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the band members,This Is Spinal Tapshamelessly pokes funat the rock and roll industry, as well as the personalities and egos of its musicians. It is endlessly quotable, ridiculous, and over-the-top, revealing more truths about the music industry in less than ninety minutes than most music biopics. Not even for a second does it take itself seriously, which is why it is so great. Turn it up to volume eleven.
This is Spinal Tap
25. ‘Hot Rod’ (2007) – 88 minutes
Directed by Akiva Schaffer
The Lonely Island’s first feature film,Hot Rod, is an hour and twenty-eight minutes of laughs, ridiculousness, absurdity, and, funnily enough, heart. An underrated comedy gem from the 2000s,Andy Sambergplays Rod Kimble, a self-proclaimed stuntman who craves his horrible stepfather’s respect.
Rod prepares for the biggest stunt of his life in order to raise money for his stepfather’s surgery – jumping over fifteen school buses. Yep,it’s as wild and over the top as it sounds. Samberg brings his signature comedy style to the role, and thefilm is an instant mood-lifter. Audiences who aren’t fans of typical stoner comedies oughta steer clear of this one, though, as it veers into so-bad-it’s-good territory.
24. ‘Attack the Block’ (2011) – 88 minutes
Directed by Joe Cornish
Before his big break as Finn inStar Wars,John Boyegastarred in a much lower-budget sci-fi film –Attack the Block. The movie follows a gang of teens who fight to protect their block from an alien invasion, and is executive produced byEdgar Wright.
At an hour and twenty-eight minutes,Attack the Blockis a refreshing genre-bending piece, with witty British comedy and lots of thrills. Its style and fast pace make for an incredibly exciting watch, and it has all the ingredients to become a potential cult classic in the future. Boyega’s potential is obvious in his portrayal of the bold Moses, whose arc is surprisingly transformative as he takes charge of the group trying to survive the invasion.
Attack the Block
23. ‘Once’(2007) – 86 minutes
Directed by John Carney
Onceis an Irish modern-day musical that follows a busker and immigrant, who meet and connect through songwriting and music, and fall in love. It will also be the most beautiful and heartwarming hour and twenty-six minutes of viewers' lives, just be warned thatOnceis aheart-wrenching romance moviethat may make audiences cry.
Despite being a scripted work of fiction, the film is shot like a home video, low budget and grainy, which adds authenticity to the story. The movie also features an incredible soundtrack of original songs, written and composed byGlen HansardandMarkéta Irglová, who are also the stars of the film.
22. ‘The Guilty’ (2018) – 85 minutes
Directed by Gustav Möller
Audiences are most likely familiar with the 2021 US remake ofThe GuiltystarringJake Gyllenhaal, but the original Danish film from 2018 is ten times more intense and the version viewers should pay attention to. Set completely in one location across an hour and twenty-five minutes, the film follows a police officer who receives an emergency call on duty, from a woman he soon realizes has been kidnaped.
The hour-and-a-half movie’s tight and tense screenplay makes for an emotional roller coaster, and will have you on the edge of your seat.The Guiltyportrays a high-stress situationin a notoriously stressful workplace and invites the viewers to imagine what decisions they would have made if they were in the same seat.
The Guilty
21. ‘Rye Lane’ (2023) – 82 minutes
Directed by Raine Allen Miller
Rye Laneis a critically acclaimed indie hit that proves rom-coms are far from dead. Set in South London, the film follows Dom (David Jonsson) and Yas (Vivian Oparah), two strangers going through bad breakups who spend an eventful day together and bond over their shared pain. While following familiar rom-com tropes, the film still manages to feel fresh in its execution.
Jonsson and Oparah have delightful chemistry as Dom and Yas, who are extremely likable characters. It also stands out thanks to its distinctive setting, sharp editing, vibrant visuals, and clever script.It benefits from its short runtime, managing to pack a punch and leave an impression. WhileRye Laneis fairly simple, the filmmaking choices made elevate it to something more.
20. ‘Tangerine’ (2015) – 88 minutes
Directed by Sean Baker
The Florida ProjectandRed RocketdirectorSean Bakerproperly burst onto the indie scene in full force with his critically acclaimed 2015 featureTangerine. The story follows sex worker Sin-Dee (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez), who finds out that her pimp boyfriend Chester (James Ransone) has been cheating on her while she was in jail. Along with her friend Alexander (Mya Taylor), she searches for Chester and is determined to teach him a lesson.
Tangerinewas shot entirely on three separate iPhones, proving that all you need is creativity and a good script to make a great film, rather than big budgets and fancy effects.The film is a high-energy romp set in the streets of L.A., and features empathetic and positive transgender representation. It is also set at Christmastime, making itan unconventional holiday movieof sorts.
19. ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (2014) – 85 minutes
Directed by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement
Before the 2019 TV series,What We Do in the Shadows, there was the eponymous movie that started it all.Taika WaititiandJemaine Clement’s vampire mockumentary follows the lives of three fanged flatmates as they deal with mundane aspects of everyday life. Clement and Waititi star alongsideJonathan Brugh,Ben Fransham,Cori Gonzalez-Macuer,Stu Rutherford, andJackie van Beek, who create hilarious chaotic scenarios.
The directors utilize their unique mockumentary format to offer audiences an hour and twenty-six minutes of satire, razor-sharp humor, hilarious performances, and all-out chaos.What We Do in the Shadows’mix of horror and comedyand the clash of time periods makes for a refreshingly originalpiece of cinema.
What We Do in the Shadows
18. ‘Paranormal Activity’ (2007) – 86 minutes
Directed by Oren Peli
While it may not be as frightening today as it was upon release, the originalParanormal Activityis still a tight and refined scare-fest that makes effective use of its low budget and simple premise. In thefound-footage shot film, young couple Katie (Katie Featherston) and Micah (Micah Sloat) move into their new home, where they experience the presence of a demonic entity.
They install cameras to record all the unusual occurrences, which are strongest at night while they try to sleep.Paranormal Activitywas a huge success, spawning an entire franchise with multiple entries. However, it is the first movie that remains the best in the series. In under ninety minutes,director Oren Peli manages tocraft some genuinely scary moments that will have viewers wanting to sleep with the lights on.
Paranormal Activity
17. ‘Borat’ (2006) – 84 minutes
Directed by Larry Charles
Undoubtedly among the best movies under 90 minutes,BoratorBorat! Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstanis a gut-busting mockumentary with pitch-black comedy. Directed byLarry Charlesand starringSacha Baron Cohenas the titular bumbling journalist from Kazakhstan, the film depicts his experiences traveling to America to learn more about the country’s culture.
The brilliant film shows Borat interacting with real people, who have no idea they’re in a comedic movie. This results in some painfully awkward and outrageously hilarious situations that also serve as biting satire of the absurdities of American society. It’s a cringe-inducing masterpiece that fans of those types of comedy films will love (and have likely already seen).
16. ‘The Squid and the Whale’ (2005) – 81 minutes
Directed by Noah Baumbach
Set in 1986, the indie comedy-drama film tells the semi-autobiographical story of the dysfunctional Berkman family, where the sons, Walt and Frank, who navigate adulthood while dealing with the recent divorce of their parents.The Squid and the Whaletakes its title from the giant squid and sperm diorama at the American Museum of Natural History, which forms an important motif of the film.
Through its wry and witty narrative,The Squid and the Whaletakes an intensely honest look at divorce and its impact on the family, especially its children. It is realistically tender and bitter at the same time, peppered with sardonic humor, which helps the audience easily cruise through the film in less than 90 minutes. On its release, the film garnered widespread acclaim for thecompelling performances by Jeff DanielsandLaura Linneyas the divorced Berkman couple, and forNoah Baumbach’sdirection and storytelling. —Maddie P
The Squid and the Whale
15. ‘Run Lola Run’ (1998) – 81 minutes
Directed by Tom Tykwer
A popular German experimental thriller film,Run Lola Runfollows the titular woman, played byFranka Potente, who must find a way to obtain 100,000 Deutsche Mark in twenty minutes to help her boyfriend, Manni (Moritz Bleibtreu), or trouble will follow. Lola races against the clock, sprinting through the city and finding ways to get that money before Manni does something dangerous out of desperation. The plot depicts three possible scenarios based on Lola’s various encounters.
Run Lola Runis a conceptually, aesthetically, and visually impressive film, with a high-energy take on existentialismframed around a love story. Potente delivers an unforgettable performance as Lola, which earned her widespread acclaim. In its crisp 80-minute runtime, the film packs everything from action, suspense, sex, and dark humor, into a fast-paced narrative with a stimulating background score.Run Lola Runis regarded as one ofthe best international films of the 1990s, which later earned cult status, influencing several films and shows in the genre. —Maddie P
Run Lola Run
14. ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ (2009) – 87 minutes
Directed by Wes Anderson
Agorgeous stop-motion animated moviebyWes Anderson,Fantastic Mr. Foxelevated the genre with its delightful story and stunning visuals. The film brings the beloved book byRoald Dahlto life, with its story centered on Mr. Fox (George Clooney), a clever character who plans on outwitting three mean and rich local farmers who threaten the safety of his community.
Providing life lessons and heartwarming moments to younger viewers while providing meticulously crafted sets for cinephiles, the renowned film has something to offer viewers of all ages.Anderson’s unique directorial style seamlessly meshes with Roald Dahl’s timeless storyin this entertaining movie perfect for the whole family – it’s a match made in cinema heaven.
The Fantastic Mr. Fox
13. ‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ (1974) – 83 minutes
Directed by Tobe Hooper
Forget the 2022 sequel, 1974’sThe Texas Chain Saw Massacreis where the real terror is at. In a lean and mean hour and twenty-three minutes, theiconic masked killer Leatherfaceand his cannibal family hunt down a group of unsuspecting friends for the first time. Set in an old farmhouse that quickly becomes a claustrophobic location, the entire movie is hair-raising and exhilarating.
While there has been a whole parade of sequels, prequels, and reboots, nothing tops the sheer dread, bloodiness, and disturbing nature of this film.The Texas Chain Saw Massacrewas banned in several countries when first released, and to this day is considered one of the scariest movies of all time. Not for the faint of heart.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
12. ‘Zombieland’ (2009) – 88 minutes
Directed by Ruben Fleischer
One of the funniesthorror comedies of the 21st centuryso far,Zombielandmanages to pack in both laughs and scares in under ninety minutes. The film is set during a zombie apocalypse and sees Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), and sisters Witchita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) team up.
Columbus is in search of his family and joins these strangers to head to L.A., where there is apparently a safe haven.Zombielandfeatures great chemistry between its stars, who viewers can’t help but root for. Being a zombie movie, there is a fair amount of gore, butthe film mostly sticks to its comedic tone and is elevated thanks to its witty script and fast pace. The zombie apocalypse has never been so much fun.
Zombieland
11. ‘Stand by Me’ (1986) – 89 minutes
Adapted fromStephen King’s novella,The Body,Stand by Mefollows the story of four boys in Castle Rock, Oregon in 1959, where Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern, set out to discover the dead body of Ray Brower, a local teenager who was found dead after getting hit by train. As the gang digs more into the truth, they experience the real trials and tribulations of growing up.Cory Feldman,River Phoenix,Wil Wheaton, andJerry O’Connellportray the four friends in what became one of their most memorable performances.
A story about friendship, mortality, survival, and self-discovery,Stand by Memakes for a short, sweet, and touching coming-of-age story that is sure to evoke nostalgia. Regarded as one of themost iconic films of the 1980sand a highly influential film in the genre,the film’s story packs sufficient mystery, drama, humor, and thrill to keep you engaged throughout its 90-minute runtime, leaving you satisfied. —Maddie P
Stand by Me
10. ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ (1993) – 76 minutes
Directed by Henry Selick
Tim BurtonandHenry Selick’s iconic stop-motion classic,The Nightmare Before Christmas, clocks in at just an hour and sixteen minutes (the closest thing audiences can get to 1-hour movies). The plot follows Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon), who grows tired of Halloween and discovers Christmas, leading him to kidnap Santa Claus (Ed Ivory) and take the holiday into his own hands.
The Nightmare Before Christmasfeatures some of the most stunning use of stop-motion seen in cinema, with kooky and wondrous production and character design. Despite its spooky exterior, it’s a heartwarming story filled with catchy tunes and doubles as both a Halloween and Christmas must-watch.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
9. ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ (1988) – 86 minutes
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
A girl under an umbrella stands next to Totoro in the rain at a bus stop in Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro.
Hayao Miyazakiis one of the greatest filmmakers and storytellers today, and there is no shortage ofexcellent films from Studio Ghiblidirected by the filmmaker. One that has particularly struck a chord with viewers over the years isMy Neighbor Totoro, at an hour and twenty-six minutes.
Ghibli films tend to resonate with audiences due to their use of fantasy grounded in reality, which is displayed here when sisters Mei and Satsuki meet Totoro, and escape to his spiritual world while their mother is sick. It’s a sweet and heartfelt story with gorgeous animation that perfectly captures how the innocent perspective of children can turn even the most frustrating situations into magical adventures.
My Neighbor Totoro
8. ‘Perfect Blue’ (1997) – 81 minutes
Directed by Satoshi Kon
Dive into the captivating yet dangerous world of Mima Kirigoe (Junko Iwao), an ambitious J-pop star who decides to abandon her career in music to pursue acting inPerfect Blue. Directed bySatoshi Kon, the dark psychological thriller depicts her bizarre experiences as the line between reality and fiction blur, which is further complicated by an enigmatic stalker.
The pitfalls ofobsession with fame are explored in the movie, which manages to delve into Mima’s struggle with identity within its 81-minute runtime. The cinematic masterpiece has a cult following and is discussed across digital spaces by fans even today, and will likely continue to be celebrated as an influential work of art for years to come.
Perfect Blue
Directed by Sam Raimi
For viewers who want to watch a film that revolutionized the horror (and specifically zombie) genre,The Evil Deadis a must-see. Directed bySam Raimi, the iconic genre classic revolves around a group of friends who stumble upon a malevolent force during their stay in a secluded cabin. Soon, they have to fight for their lives against terrifying supernatural beings.
The low-budget film launched Raimi andBruce Campbell’s careers, with the latter’s character Ash Williams now known as a cultural icon. It pushed the envelope when it came to what could be portrayed on the big screen.Praised for its innovative use of practical effects and deliciously dark humor,The Evil Deadis an influential work of artthat has cemented its place in cinematic history.
The Evil Dead
6. ‘Rope’ (1948) – 80 minutes
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
WhileRopemay beAlfred Hitchcock’s shortest movie, it is also one of his best. An early hit for the iconic director, the film follows Brandon (John Dall) and Phillip (Farley Granger), two friends who believe they are intellectually superior to their former classmate David (Dick Hogan), and therefore decide to murder him.
To prove they have committed the perfect crime, they invite his family and old teacher Rupert (James Stewart) over for dinner, with the body hidden in the room.Ropeis one of Hitchock’smany collaborations with Stewart, andduring its eighty-minute runtime, delivers a psychological thriller that is expertly written and shot. It’s a film that will have viewers unnerved and on edge, eager to see if Brandon and Phillip will be caught.
5. ‘Toy Story’ (1995) – 81 minutes
Directed by John Lasseter
The originalToy Storyis just an hour and twenty-one minutes long. The little over an hour-long movie introduces fans to Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), and the gang for the first time, where loyal Woody is threatened by Buzz’s arrival, who is unaware that he is a toy and instead believes he is a real-life space ranger.
Aside from the fact thatToy Storyis so beloved thanks to its wonderful characters, clever humor, inspired storytelling, and abundance of heart, it was also revolutionary for cinema. The film was the first full-length computer-animated movie, and the first film released by Pixar. Its visuals may be dated now, butthefirstToy Storymovieis undoubtedly still a nostalgic and rewatchable favoritethat has a special place in fans' hearts.
4. ‘Before Sunset’ (2004) – 80 minutes
Directed by Richard Linklater
The second installment in directorRichard Linklater’sBeforetrilogy,Before Sunsettells the continuation of the captivating love story between Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy), who meet once more nine years later in Paris. Now with their own careers and lives, the duo navigate their complicated emotions, fears, and hopes, all while knowing that their day together will have to end with someone catching another flight.
With poignant dialogue driving its complex characters forward, the 80-minute film feels like a whirlwind romance.Before Sunsethighlights a beautiful and celebrated part of the popular trilogy, which is its realistic portrayal of the nuances, messiness, and intricacies that relationships always have. Hawke and Delpy’s chemistry is off the charts in the film, which has become legendary in the romance genre.
Before Sunset
3. ‘The Lion King’ (1994) – 88 minutes
Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff
One of the greatest animated films of all time, as well as one of the greatest films of all time,The Lion Kingsits at just under ninety minutes long. Unless you’ve been living under apriderock (sorry), you’d know the classic follows Simba, who must take his place as king after the death of his father, and is threatened by his Uncle Scar.
This timeless film has become a cultural staple over the years, thanks to its beautiful story and animation, lovable (and hateable) characters, emotional themes, andHans Zimmer,Elton John, andTim Rice’s iconic score and songs. Anytime is the perfect time to rewatch one of the best hour-and-a-half movies by Disney.
The Lion King
2. ‘Grave of the Fireflies’ – 89 minutes
Directed by Isao Takahata
From the creator oficonic Studio Ghibli titleslikeThe Tale of Princess KaguyaandPom Poko, comes this animated war film based onAkiyuki Nosaka’s eponymous award-winning semi-autobiographical short story.Grave of the Firefliesfollows the lives of siblings Seita and Setsuko in the city of Kobe, who are orphaned during the Pacific War. Despite the turbulent political climate, the brother-sister duo set out on their own journey, desperately struggling to survive and find their place in the world.
On the one hand,Grave of the Firefliesserves as a tragic, coming-of-age story, staying faithful to the original work. But on the other hand, the film delivers a powerful and poignant narrative about the horrors of wars and their devastating cost to human lives, especially on children. A film so short yet so detailed and elaborate in storytelling,Grave of the Firefliesmakes for a hauntingly beautiful and moving film that leaves a lasting impression on the audience. —Maddie P
Grave of the Fireflies
1. ‘The Kid’ (1921) – 68 mins
Directed by Charlie Chaplin
In his first full-length feature film,Charlie Chaplinwrites, directs, produces, and stars in this dramedy featuring his iconic character, The Tramp, who stumbles upon a baby boy after a woman abandons her newborn son, leaving a note. Initially reluctant, The Tramp takes him in and raises him as his own, until the orphanage comes to reclaim the child.
The Kidis unarguably one ofChaplin’s finest and most delicately layered performances, bearing the hallmarks of his acting and storytelling style that has the power to move all kinds of audiences despite its brief runtime.Beneath the veneer of slapstick physical comedy and keen satire, the film delivers a disarmingly poignant storyof human relationships, proving once again his repertoire as the world’s greatest comedian.The Kidis a masterpiece of silent era films and is considered to be a profound influence on the art of cinema as we know it. —Maddie P
