Why Most Movies Are Between One and Three Hours Long

The question of why movies are generally between one and three hours long is a fascinating one. While it's common for films to be 90 minutes or longer, the majority of them fall into the range of one to two hours and 30 minutes. This article explores the key factors that influence the length of movies and why longer films are less common, despite strong exceptions.

Theatrical Showings and Audience Tolerance

The length of a movie is closely tied to how long a theater can show it during evenings, which is typically the busiest time for screenings. Shorter movies allow more screen time for a theater, maximizing profits. For instance, a movie that runs just under two hours can generally be shown three times in the evening, with a fifteen-minute break in between. However, if a film is just over two hours, it would typically allow only two evening showings, and a third showing might run until well after midnight.

Historical Context: Star Wars and Theatrical Showings

Consider the case of George Lucas's "Star Wars," which had its initial version running at 2 hours and 3 minutes. When studio executives and theater owners heard about this, they were lukewarm at best, concerned that such a long runtime would limit the number of showings. To address this, Lucas cut down the runtime to 1 hour and 52 minutes for the theatrical release, which convinced a few theater owners to give the film a shot.

Engagement and Storytelling

Shorter movies also have a natural advantage when it comes to audience engagement. While epic films like "The Last Emperor" (three hours) and "Dances with Wolves" (3 hours and 19 minutes) are exceptions, these are rare cases. Most long films require an intermission to maintain audience attention, though this practice has mostly disappeared. In the past, a long film would often include an intermission, allowing viewers to get a snack and regroup. Even now, filmmakers often find it beneficial to tell their story in two or three parts, which can be released as a series or standalone films.

Economics and Commissions

A significant factor in determining movie runtime is the economics of the theater. While ticket sales contribute to revenue, the real profit comes from concessions, such as snacks and merchandise. Shorter films allow theaters to show more movies per day, increasing the number of hungry customers and thus boosting sales of snacks. Additionally, the act of splitting a long film into smaller parts can also be a marketing strategy, giving filmmakers more screen time to tell their story while maintaining audience interest.

Conclusion

The runtime of a movie, whether it's 90 minutes or longer, is influenced by a combination of factors. The primary considerations are audience tolerance, theater economics, and storytelling. While longer films can offer extended narrative depth, the practical constraints of theatrical showings and financial incentives primarily limit most movies to the one to two and a half-hour range. Understanding these factors can provide insights into the business of filmmaking and the experience of moviegoers.