Has anybody noticed that movies these days seem to be getting longer and longer? Films like The Batman and No Time to Die clock in at almost three hours, and The Irishman and Avengers: Endgame pass 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 have through 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!
15 'Hot Rod' (2007) – 88 minutes
Director: 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 Samberg plays 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 the film 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.
hot rod
- Release Date
- August 3, 2007
- Director
- Akiva Schaffer
- Cast
- Andy Samberg , Jorma Taccone , Bill Hader , Danny McBride , Isla Fisher , Sissy Spacek
- Runtime
- 88
14 'Attack the Block' (2011) – 88 minutes
Director: Joe Cornish
Before his big break as Finn in Star Wars, John Boyega starred 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 by Edgar Wright.
At an hour and twenty-eight minutes, Attack the Block is 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
A teen gang in South London defend their block from an alien invasion.
- Release Date
- May 12, 2011
- Director
- Joe Cornish
- Cast
- Nick Frost , Jodie Whittaker , Luke Treadaway , John Boyega , Adam Leese , Joey Ansah
- Runtime
- 88
13 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre' (1974) – 83 minutes
Director: Tobe Hooper
Forget the 2022 sequel, 1974’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is where the real terror is at. In a lean and mean hour and twenty-three minutes, the iconic masked killer Leatherface and 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 Massacre was 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.
Texas Chain Saw Massacre
- Release Date
- October 11, 1974
- Director
- Tobe Hooper
- Cast
- Marilyn Burns , Paul A. Partain , Edwin Neal , Jim Siedow , Gunnar Hansen , Allen Danziger , William Vail , Teri McMinn
- Runtime
- 83 Minutes
12 'The Guilty' (2018) – 85 minutes
Director: Gustav Möller
Audiences are most likely familiar with the 2021 US remake of The Guilty starring Jake 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 Guilty portrays a high stress situation in a notoriously stressful workplace and invites the viewers to imagine what decisions they would have made if they were in the same seat.
11 'What We Do in the Shadows' (2014) – 85 minutes
Directors: Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement
Before the 2019 TV series, What We Do in the Shadows, there was the eponymous movie that started it all. Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement’s vampire mockumentary follows the lives of three fanged flatmates as they deal with mundane aspects of everyday life. Clement and Waititi star alongside Jonathan Brugh, Ben Fransham, Cori Gonzalez-Macuer, Stu Rutherford, and Jackie 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 comedy and the clash of time periods makes for a refreshingly original piece of cinema.
what we do in the shadows
Viago, Deacon, and Vladislav are vampires who are struggling with the mundane aspects of modern life, like paying rent, keeping up with the chore wheel, trying to get into nightclubs, and overcoming flatmate conflicts.
- Release Date
- June 19, 2014
- Director
- Jemaine Clement , Taika Waititi
- Cast
- Jemaine Clement , Taika Waititi , Jonathan Brugh , Cori Gonzales-Macuer , Stuart Rutherford , Ben Fransham
- Runtime
- 86
10 'Borat' (2006) – 84 minutes
Director: Larry Charles
Undoubtedly among the best movies under 90 minutes, Borat or Borat! Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan is a gut-busting mockumentary with pitch-black comedy. Directed by Larry Charles and starring Sacha Baron Cohen as 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).
Borat
- Release Date
- November 3, 2006
- Director
- Larry Charles
- Cast
- Sacha Baron Cohen , Ken Davitian , Luenell , Pamela Anderson , Bob Barr , Mitchell Falk
- Runtime
- 84 minutes
9 'Fantastic Mr. Fox' (2009) – 87 minutes
Director: Wes Anderson
A gorgeous stop-motion animated movie by Wes Anderson, Fantastic Mr. Fox elevated the genre with its delightful story and stunning visuals. The film brings the beloved book by Roald Dahl to 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 story in this entertaining movie perfect for the whole family – it’s a match made in cinema heaven.
The Fantastic Mr. Fox
- Release Date
- October 23, 2009
- Director
- Wes Anderson
- Cast
- George Clooney , Meryl Streep , Jason Schwartzman , Bill Murray , Wallace Wolodarsky , Eric Chase Anderson
- Runtime
- 87
8 'The Evil Dead' (1981) – 85 minutes
Director: Sam Raimi
For viewers who want to watch a film that revolutionized the horror (and specifically zombie) genre, The Evil Dead is a must-see. Directed by Sam 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 and Bruce 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 Dead is an influential work of art that has cemented its place in cinematic history.
The Evil Dead
Five friends travel to a cabin in the woods, where they unknowingly release flesh-possessing demons.
- Release Date
- October 15, 1981
- Director
- Sam Raimi
- Cast
- Bruce Campbell , Ellen Sandweiss , Richard DeManincor , Betsy Baker , Theresa Tilly , Philip A. Gillis
- Runtime
- 85
7 'Toy Story' (1995) – 81 minutes
Director: John Lasseter
The original Toy Story is 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 that Toy Story is 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, but the first Toy Story movie is undoubtedly still a nostalgic and rewatchable favorite that has a special place in fans' hearts.
Toy Story
- Release Date
- October 30, 1995
- Director
- John Lasseter
- Cast
- Tom Hanks , Tim Allen , Don Rickles , Jim Varney , Wallace Shawn , John Ratzenberger
- Runtime
- 81
6 'Once' (2007) – 86 minutes
Director: John Carney
Once is 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 that Once is a heart-wrenching romance movie that 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 by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, who are also the stars of the film.
once
- Release Date
- March 23, 2007
- Director
- John Carney
- Cast
- Glen Hansard , Marketa Irglova , Hugh Walsh , Gerard Hendrick , Alaistair Foley , Geoff Minogue
- Runtime
- 88
5 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' (1993) – 76 minutes
Director: Henry Selick
Tim Burton and Henry 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 Christmas features 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
Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home causes confusion.
- Release Date
- October 9, 1993
- Director
- Henry Selick
- Cast
- Danny Elfman , Chris Sarandon , Catherine O'Hara , William Hickey , Glenn Shadix , Paul Reubens
- Runtime
- 76
4 'My Neighbor Totoro' (1988) – 86 minutes
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Hayao Miyazaki is one of the greatest filmmakers and storytellers today, and there is no shortage of excellent films from Studio Ghibli directed by the filmmaker. One that has particularly struck a chord with viewers over the years is My 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
This acclaimed animated tale by director Hayao Miyazaki follows schoolgirl Satsuke and her younger sister, Mei, as they settle into an old country house with their father and wait for their mother to recover from an illness in an area hospital. As the sisters explore their new home, they encounter and befriend playful spirits in their house and the nearby forest, most notably the massive cuddly creature known as Totoro.
- Release Date
- April 16, 1988
- Director
- Hayao Miyazaki
- Cast
- Noriko Hidaka , Chika Sakamoto , Shigesato Itoi , Sumi Shimamoto , Tanie Kitabayashi , Hitoshi Takagi
- Runtime
- 86 Minutes
3 'The Lion King' (1994) – 88 minutes
Directors: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
One of the greatest animated films of all time, as well as one of the greatest films of all time, The Lion King sits at just under ninety minutes long. Unless you’ve been living under a pride rock (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, and Hans Zimmer, Elton John, and Tim 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 (1994)
- Release Date
- June 24, 1994
- Director
- Rob Minkoff , Roger Allers
- Cast
- Matthew Broderick , Jeremy Irons , James Earl Jones
- Runtime
- 88 minutes
2 'Perfect Blue' (1997) – 81 minutes
Director: 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 in Perfect Blue. Directed by Satoshi 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 of obsession 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.
1 'Before Sunset' (2004) – 80 minutes
Director: Richard Linklater
The second installment in director Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy, Before Sunset tells 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 Sunset highlights 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
- Release Date
- February 10, 2004
- Director
- Richard Linklater
- Cast
- Ethan Hawke , Julie Delpy , Vernon Dobtcheff , Louise Lemoine Torres , Rodolphe Pauly , Mariane Plasteig
- Runtime
- 80