Movies Over 3 Hours Long to Watch Instead of ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’
If you’re looking to sit in front of the TV for hours on end — utterly captivated and unaware of the minutes flying by as the sun sets outside— Zack Snyder’s Justice League may not be a perfect choice. While the movie is an immense improvement on its 2017 predecessor, it’s still Justice League.
The viewing experience will not be all that “new.” Not to mention, although Snyder’s vision finally comes to life, the story is a bit overstuffed, and subplots aimed entirely at catalyzing sequels feel all-too focal. So, here are a couple of ultra-long movies that are definitely worth your time.
1. ‘Gandhi’ | 3h and 11m
The 1982 biographical drama Gandhi stars Ben Kingsley as the beloved Indian leader who stood against the British rule over his country. His nonviolent resistance is front and center, as his gatherings of passive protests — after years and years of neglect – begin to move the needle. Kingsley is phenomenal in the role, and he went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 1983. You can watch Gandhi on Vudu, starting at $2.99.
2. ‘The Deer Hunter’ | 3h and 4m
The Deer Hunter is a 1978 war drama starring the incomparable Robert DeNiro, Meryl Streep, and Christopher Walken. When it comes to A-listers shining in an ensemble masterpiece, The Deer Hunter is a must-see. The film chronicles lifelong friends who plan to ship out overseas following one last hunting trip. They dream of military honor, but the atrocities of Vietnam quickly squelch their expectations, leaving the men scarred, and haunting Nick’s (Walken) hometown sweetheart Linda (Meryl Streep). The film is available on NBC’s streaming platform, Peacock.
3. ‘JFK’ | 3h and 26m
The 1991 dramatic mystery JFK presents the investigation into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy led by New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison (Kevin Costner). Gary Oldman portrays Lee Harvey Oswald and Kevin Beacon plays Willie O’Keefe. They are joined by the likes of Tommy Lee Jones and Ed Asner. The movie is available on YouTube for $2.99.
4. ‘Cleopatra’ | 5h and 20m
Cleopatra may require two separate sittings on two different days, or at the least an intermission to use the bathroom and prepare dinner. The film is a sprawling epic helmed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, and it’s a celebrated piece of cinema that depicts Cleopatra’s manipulation of Julius Caesar and Marc Anthony in a doomed attempt to save the Egyptian Empire.
Elizabeth Taylor stars as Cleopatra, and she is joined by one of her to-be husbands at the time, Richard Burton, who portrays Marc Anthony. The movie also stars Roddy McDowall and Martin Landau. You can watch with a Max Go subscription.
5. ‘Malcolm X’ | 3h and 22m
Denzel Washington stars as Malcolm X in the 1992 Spike Lee-directed biographical drama about the Black activist and leader for Black liberation. The film is available on Hulu, and Washington was nominated for the Oscar for his performance. The movie tracks Malcolm X’s life — from the beginning to his imprisonment and up through his 1965 assassination.
