The longest movies ever

MANILA, Philippines - Ever tried watching a movie that lasts for about 180 minutes or more? This clearly exceeds the duration of a regular movie which is about 105 minutes. Lengthy movies instantly catch viewers’ attention, because it is not often produced. Therefore, it’s a must-see when there’s one. Movies with long running-time are mostly about history, a novel-turned-movie, epic, a religious figure, fantasy and biography. Here are some of the longest movies ever made. (Note: Prepare an extra large bucket of popcorn if you plan to watch them):

War and Peace (511 minutes) - 1968. A classic epic-novel written by Leo Tolstoy. It is a mixture of love story and war, during the time when Napoleon and his team were invading Russia.  

Cleopatra (320 minutes) - 1963. A movie about how the enchanting beauty of Cleopatra, also known as “The Serpent of the Nile,” overpowered the most powerful men during her time, one of them Julius Caesar. It starred Elizabeth Taylor, one of the most beautiful actresses in the movie industry. 

Gettysburg (261 minutes) - 1993. This movie tackles the battle at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania during the American Civil War. It mainly features the three-day battle which is very significant in American history.  

Hamlet (242 minutes) - 1996. A movie based on Shakespeare’s play of the same title; it is about Hamlet’s quest for the truth about his father’s mysterious death. He will do everything for revenge — even to murder.

Gone with the Wind (238 minutes) - 1939. One of the classic romantic films of all times, this movie is about the love story of Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler. This is the film where the famous dialogue, “frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn” comes from.    

Once Upon a Time in America (238 minutes) - 1984. A movie about the rise and the tragic ending of a gangster in New York in the 1900s.

Dances with Wolves (236 minutes) - 1990. Set at the time during the American Civil War, it tells the story of Lt. John Dunbar (Kevin Costner), a hero to many people. His life changes after he requested for a re-assignment to a remote location in the west where he became friends with a wolf and an Indian tribe, who accepted him as part of them.

Ben-Hur (224 minutes) - 1959. Judah Ben-Hur fights for what he believes in: That is his faith in God and his will to save the Jewish people from the Roman government. The famous chariot race scene is considered the longest of its kind in movie history.  

The Ten Commandments (220 minutes) - 1956. This religious film is based on the life story and the mission of Moses (Charlton Heston) as how it is told in the Bible. “The parting of the sea” scene is truly a must-see. It feels like a miracle is happening right before the viewers’ eyes. 

The Last Emperor (219 minutes) - 1987. This movie tells about the rise and fall of Pu Yi, the last emperor of China. He innocently became the emperor of China at the age of three. His life as a royalty was entirely changed when his empire was overthrown by the Japanese.   

Nixon (212 minutes) - 1995. This movie is about the life of former American President Richard Nixon; from his childhood years up to his resignation due to the “Watergate Scandal.” Footage of President Nixon’s funeral is also included. 

JFK (206 minutes) - 1991. A controversial movie about a conspiracy behind the assassination of former American President John F. Kennedy. 

Spartacus (200 minutes) - 1960. Set during the ancient Roman times, this is a movie about the life and triumphs of legendary fighter Spartacus. It also focuses on the “Third Servile War,” a rebellious war that greatly threatened the Romans.  

Dr. Zhivago (200 minutes) - 1965. A story about a man torn between two lovers: His wife and an attractive activist who loves him dearly. Who does he choose?

The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (208 minutes) - 2001. The Two Towers (222 minutes) - 2002. Return of the King (251 minutes) - 2003. The Lord of the Rings and each of its sequels are all considered as a long movie. It is a fantasy novel written by J.R.R. Tolkien. It is about a mission to search for a precious ring and destroying it for the good of all.