Scene from Nightcrawler (2014) (Image: Open Road Films)
If finding a film worth watching is sometimes hard, finding one that doesn’t stretch for 3 hours increasingly feels like a tougher challenge.
In an age of sprawling runtimes and multi-part epics, many of us are desperate to watch good movies that keep it tight.
Here we list 12 of the best movies that have a runtime of under 2 hours, taking into consideration online reviews, critical ratings and awards.
12. Zoolander (2001) – 1h 29m
Ben Stiller’s Zoolander is a satirical comedy that pokes fun at the fashion industry with its ridiculous, exaggerated characters. Stiller stars as Derek Zoolander, a dim-witted male model who unwittingly becomes part of a sinister plot. Alongside Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell, the film’s absurd humour and quotable lines have cemented its place as a cult comedy classic, beloved by audiences worldwide.
Zoolander features cameos from David Bowie, Donald and Melania Trump, Victoria Beckham, Natalie Portman, Sting, Paris Hilton and many more (Image: Paramount Pictures)
11. White Chicks (2004) – 1h 49m
The Wayans brothers star in this over-the-top comedy as two FBI agents who disguise themselves as wealthy socialite sisters to solve a kidnapping. Though initially polarising, White Chicks has grown a devoted fanbase thanks to its absurd humour and quotable lines. Shawn and Marlon Wayans’ energetic performances bring life to the outrageous premise, while Jaime King and Frankie Faison round out the cast. Its cult status is built on the mix of slapstick, satire, and 2000s pop culture references.
10. Mean Girls (2004) – 1h 37m
Tina Fey’s sharp screenplay captures the social dynamics of high school with wit and insight. Lindsay Lohan stars as Cady Heron, a newcomer who quickly learns the ropes of teenage cliques, especially The Plastics – a ruthless girl group led by Rachel McAdams’s Regina George. The film’s hilarious, razor-sharp dialogue and memorable performances from Fey herself, Amanda Seyfried, and Lacey Chabert helped make Mean Girls a landmark teen comedy.
Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Seyfried, Rachel McAdams and Lacey Chabert in Mean Girls (Image: @2003 by Paramount Pictures)
9. Enemy of the State (1998) – 1h 59m
In this fast-paced action thriller, Will Smith plays Robert Dean, a lawyer who becomes the target of a government surveillance conspiracy after unwittingly acquiring evidence of a political crime. Directed by Tony Scott, the film features intense chase sequences and a sharp script, with Gene Hackman as a rogue NSA operative adding complexity. Its themes around privacy and technology remain relevant today, making it a standout spy thriller.
8. Nightcrawler (2014) – 1h 57m
Jake Gyllenhaal gives a career-defining performance as Lou Bloom, an ambitious man who dives into the cutthroat world of crime journalism in Los Angeles. His character’s moral ambiguity and relentless pursuit of sensational footage create a dark, unsettling tone throughout. The film’s sharp script and tense pacing keep viewers on edge, exploring the ethics of media exploitation.
7. The Greatest Showman (2017) – 1h 45m
This musical biopic of P.T. Barnum, played by Hugh Jackman, celebrates the birth of show business spectacle. Featuring a star-studded cast including Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, and Zendaya, the film delivers uplifting themes about ambition and inclusion, backed by catchy, Oscar-nominated songs like ‘This Is Me.’ Despite mixed critical reception, its box office success and devoted fanbase have made it a modern musical staple.
Hugh Jackman in The Greatest Showman (Image: 20th Century Fox)
6. The Breakfast Club (1985) – 1h 37m
John Hughes’ teen drama brings five stereotypical high schoolers together in Saturday detention. Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, and Anthony Michael Hall portray characters who reveal surprising depths as they connect across social divides. The film’s honest, heartfelt script explores themes of identity and acceptance, making it one of the most enduring coming-of-age films ever made, relevant across generations.
5. Planet of the Apes (1968) – 1h 52m
This landmark sci-fi film stars Charlton Heston as an astronaut who crashes on a planet ruled by intelligent apes. Known for its groundbreaking makeup effects, the film explores profound themes about humanity, power, and prejudice. Its twist ending remains one of the most famous in cinematic history. Alongside Heston, Roddy McDowall and Kim Hunter provide memorable performances, with the film receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design.
4. Casablanca (1942) – 1h 42m
Often hailed as one of the greatest films of all time, Casablanca is a wartime romance set in Nazi-occupied Morocco. Humphrey Bogart stars as Rick Blaine, a nightclub owner torn between love and duty, while Ingrid Bergman plays his lost love, Ilsa. The film’s sharp dialogue, moral complexities, and unforgettable lines have stood the test of time. Casablanca is the winner of three Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Scene from Casablanca (1942) (Image: Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc.)
3. The Untouchables (1987) – 1h 59m
This stylish crime drama depicts Eliot Ness’s determined fight against Al Capone’s Chicago empire during Prohibition. Kevin Costner leads a strong ensemble cast that includes Sean Connery, who earned an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, and Robert De Niro, delivering a chilling performance as Capone. The film’s mix of gritty action, sharp dialogue, and classic shootouts – especially the famous train station scene – creates a tense atmosphere filled with old-school justice themes.
2. Top Gun (1986) – 1h 50m
Top Gun propelled Tom Cruise to global superstardom as Maverick, a daring naval aviator training at an elite fighter weapons school. Combining intense aerial dogfights with a romantic subplot featuring Kelly McGillis, the film became a cultural phenomenon. Its iconic soundtrack, including Kenny Loggins’ ‘Danger Zone’ and Berlin’s Oscar-winning ‘Take My Breath Away’, helped define the 80s. Along with Cruise and McGillis, Val Kilmer and Anthony Edwards add depth to the high-flying drama. Top Gun was nominated for four Oscars and won for Best Original Song.
1. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) – 1h 55m
Steven Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark set the gold standard for action-adventure cinema and remains one of the most beloved films ever made. Harrison Ford stars as Indiana Jones, the whip-smart archaeologist racing to find the biblical Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis. The film’s pulse-pounding sequences, from snake pits to temple chases, are perfectly scored by John Williams. Alongside Ford, Karen Allen and Paul Freeman deliver strong supporting performances that balance the film’s thrills with charm. It earned eight Academy Award nominations, winning four, including Best Art Direction and Best Film Editing.