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When it comes to the duration of movies, there’s a wide spectrum. Some films wrap up quickly, while others demand a substantial time commitment. Children’s movies often keep it concise, swiftly introducing and resolving a straightforward plot. On the flip side, certain films employ elaborate visuals, extended shots, and deliberate pacing to immerse viewers in intricate fictional universes.
Crime, as a genre, offers flexibility in terms of runtime. Crime thrillers tend to be brief and intense, featuring plenty of action and gunfire. Meanwhile, some crime dramas take a more leisurely approach, investing time in unfolding a captivating narrative with complex characters. These are crime dramas that fall into the latter category, spanning over three hours, providing audiences with a more extensive, albeit potentially challenging, cinematic experience.
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10 Crime Dramas That Are Over 3 Hours Long
The Godfather: Part II (1974) – 200 Minutes
In 1974, Francis Ford Coppola directed The Godfather: Part II, a monumental sequel to his initial film based on Mario Puzo’s Mafia novels. Part II unfolds two intertwined narratives: one depicting the upbringing of a young Vito Corleone (played by Robert De Niro) in the gritty neighborhoods of 1910s New York, and the other tracing the ascent to power of his son Michael (portrayed by Al Pacino) in the late 1950s.
In contrast to the already lengthy first film, Part II significantly surpasses it in terms of runtime, clocking in at 3 hours and 22 minutes. Watching it in a single sitting becomes a test of endurance. However, those who persevere commonly acknowledge it as one of the most exceptional films exploring the theme of capitalism.
Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) – 206 Minutes
In Martin Scorsese’s latest epic crime drama, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” set in 1920s Oklahoma, the narrative revolves around the Osage murders. Returning from World War I, Ernest Burkhart (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) becomes entangled with Mollie (Lilly Gladstone), an Osage woman whose family possesses valuable oil rights. However, Ernest’s motives are far from genuine, as he aims to exploit the Tribe’s wealth.
Regarded as one of the top films in 2023, “Killers of the Flower Moon” is a compelling yet challenging watch. The movie’s extensive runtime includes deliberately paced scenes and intense dialogues, making it a demanding experience. If you can invest 3 1/2 hours, the film is a worthwhile journey, though it may not be suitable for those seeking lighter fare.
Once Upon a Time in America (1984) – 269 Minutes
Once Upon a Time in America, a crime drama released in 1984, was not only directed by the renowned Western filmmaker Sergio Leone but also featured an impressive cast, including Robert De Niro, James Woods, Joe Pesci, Elizabeth McGovern, and Jennifer Connelly.
The narrative unfolds through flashbacks from the perspective of Noodles (De Niro), a former gangster revisiting his old haunts decades after leading a crime syndicate in the 1920s and 1930s. Breaking the three-hour mark, the film’s original runtime of 269 minutes set a new standard for the duration of epic crime dramas.
Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) – 321 Minutes
“Gangs of Wasseypur,” a 2012 Hindi-language crime film directed by the renowned Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, is an epic two-part saga depicting the intense power struggles among three crime families spanning from the 1940s to the late 2000s. Regarded as one of Kashyap’s masterpieces, the film has received critical acclaim for its exceptional musical score, dark humor, and ambitious narrative. Despite its lengthy 321-minute duration, even casual viewers have not been deterred, and the movie currently boasts an impressive 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.”
Carlos (2010) – 326 Minutes
“Carlos,” a film released in the 2010s, exists both as a feature film and a three-part miniseries. The movie made its debut on television simultaneously with its screening as a lengthy 5-and-a-half-hour film at the Cannes Film Festival. Edgar Ramirez takes on the role of Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, the real-life figure notorious as Carlos the Jackal for his involvement in various acts of terrorism during the 1970s and 1980s.
The narrative of “Carlos” unfolds, chronicling Sánchez’s life and his orchestration of multiple assassination attempts, bombings, and criminal activities, all in the pursuit of supporting the Palestinian cause. His targets include London, Vienna, and Budapest, with the story culminating in the wake of the Berlin Wall’s collapse in 1989. This gripping and extensive crime drama captures the intense journey of Carlos the Jackal, requiring a substantial time investment to fully immerse oneself in the epic tale.
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Nixon (1995) – 192 Minutes
In the 1995 biographical drama “Nixon,” Anthony Hopkins takes on the role of former President Richard Nixon. While the film is not exclusively a crime movie, it delves into the criminal aspects surrounding Nixon’s eventual downfall. Despite its lengthy 192-minute duration, Nixon received acclaim upon its release. Renowned critics Siskel and Ebert gave it a positive review with “two thumbs up,” and Anthony Hopkins earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his compelling performance. Additionally, the film is recognized as one of Oliver Stone’s finest works.
The Hateful Eight (2015) – 182 Minutes
In Quentin Tarantino’s 2015 film “The Hateful Eight,” the plot centers around bounty hunter John Ruth (played by Kurt Russell), who is transporting the fugitive Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh) across a perilous winter landscape to claim a bounty. Unbeknownst to Ruth, members of Domergue’s gang infiltrate a family store, cutting off his route.
While “The Hateful Eight” may not be Tarantino’s most commercially successful film, it stays true to his distinctive style, featuring his trademark elements of blood, violence, and clever dialogue. The movie, with a runtime of just over three hours, is buoyed by exceptional performances from Russell, Leigh, Samuel L. Jackson, Walter Goggins, and Tim Roth, making the extended duration feel engaging and immersive.
The Irishman (2019) – 209 Minutes
A notable addition to any list of lengthy crime dramas is Martin Scorsese’s 2019 Netflix production, “The Irishman.” Starring Robert DeNiro as Frank Sheeran, a struggling truck driver turned mob hitman, the film revolves around his association with Russell Bufalino (portrayed by Joe Pesci), a loyal yet ruthless mob figure. The stellar performances of DeNiro, Pesci, and Al Pacino, who plays the infamous Jimmy Hoffa, elevate the movie’s appeal. The convenience of Netflix allows viewers to pause and resume at their leisure, making the 3 1/2-hour runtime of “The Irishman” a compelling and worthwhile experience. In fact, it stands out as one of the finest original Netflix films to date.
It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963) – 192 Minutes
It’s understandable if you haven’t seen “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.” With a lengthy runtime of 192 minutes, it can be a bit of a challenge. The plot revolves around a thief seeking stolen money he stashed before serving time, but things take a turn when he has an accident. The story unfolds as witnesses rush to the hidden money, engaging in a competitive race.
While the film was well-received in its time and has humor, many may find it demanding to sit through such a long movie. Despite this, audiences must have had the patience for it, given its impressive $60 million box office earnings, equivalent to a staggering $587 million when adjusted for inflation.
A Brighter Summer Day (1991) – 237 Minutes
“A Brighter Summer Day” is a Taiwanese film centered on a troubled teenage boy navigating between two rival gangs. The movie, somewhat autobiographical for director Edward Yang, draws inspiration from an incident in his 1960s Taipei childhood. The film received acclaim for its staging, cinematography, and emotional performances, screening at various festivals like the Tokyo International Film Festival and the Asia Pacific Film Festival. With a runtime of 237 minutes, it has earned a remarkable 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
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