The 30 Best 90-Minute (or Less) Movies for When You Simply Don’t Have the Time
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Some movies are too long and they know it. Right? Save it for the director’s cut. I’ll put in the work and give my precious time to a 3+ hour-long movie if I really care, but you know I’m secretly wishing it were shorter the whole time. Because I believe that life is fleeting, I keep tabs on which movies are exactly or under 90 minutes long. For when you have things to do but still want “watching a nice little movie” to be one of those things, here are my shorter film recommendations. Throw one on while you’re pre-gaming or cooking dinner or just trying to have an early night (because self-care). Technically, you could also use this information to plan a double feature that takes less time to watch than the new Avatar, but that’s up to you and your movie night.
For the purposes of this exercise, I’m keeping it strictly 90 minutes or under. No exceptions! There are some great movies between 91 and 95 minutes long that I love and still consider short (Easy A, Shattered Glass, Ibiza, Cabin in the Woods), but this is not their time!!!! That’s what I consider a loose 90 as opposed to a tight 90. We’re only doing tight 90s today. Let’s GO!
Rye Lane (2023)
Run Time: 82 minutes
This brand-new romantic comedy about two people on the rebound after bad breakups who become friends...to lovers (obvs) is charming AF and is so short, you’ll want more. Until you realize that the night is young and you can use your extra time to spend with your S.O. or find your own new crush!
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Wendy and Lucy (2008)
Run Time: 80 minutes
This independent film from director Kelly Reichardt stars Michelle Williams as an unhoused woman trying to get to a job on the other side of the country on a limited budget with her dog, Lucy. It’s beautiful but a biiiiiit stressful and sad at times. (Don’t worry—the thing you're now immediately thinking happens does not happen.) Watch when you’re in your feels.
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Shiva Baby (2020)
Run Time: 78 minutes
Rachel Sennott, who was hilarious in Bodies Bodies Bodies, is equally as funny in this cringe (in a good way) comedy about a girl who runs into multiple exes while attending a shiva with her parents. Plus, it’s not just under 90 minutes—it’s under 80 minutes. Okay, show-off!!!!!
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Kedi (2016)
Run Time: 80 minutes
It’s about cats! But unlike the musical Cats, there are no songs or “digital fur technology” and it’s under 90 minutes. This documentary is about the stray cats that run the streets in Istanbul, Turkey. Instead of getting rounded up and sent to shelters, these meow-meows are taken care of by the community.
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Sun Don’t Shine (2012)
Run Time: 90 minutes
If you’re looking for a new Bonnie & Clyde, look no further than the couple in this swampy neo-noir thriller from Amy Seimetz. They’re on the run through Florida...but why, how, and will they get away with it? You’ll have to press play to find out.
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The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Run Time: 83 minutes
Sure, the classic slasher film has a lot of sequels...but the original is so short and sweet! It doesn’t waste any time getting to the bloody bloody. When you want to be in bed early to experience all the nightmares, queue it up.
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Obvious Child (2014)
Run Time: 90 minutes
Remember how gross Jake Lacy was on the first season of The White Lotus? In this movie, he’s kind of the perfect love interest. He contains multitudes! But enough about men. Obvious Child stars Jenny Slate as a stand-up comedian who has an abortion on Valentine’s Day. It’s hilarious in the dark, kind of awkward way you may expect.
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Once (2007)
Run Time: 85 minutes
This musical romance about a busker and a flower seller who meet on the streets of Dublin is full of yearning and sad little love songs. If you loved Daisy Jones & the Six but don’t have the time to rewatch a whole-ass miniseries about two people falling for each other while making music, watch this NOW.
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Benjamin (2018)
Run Time: 85 minutes
A romantic dramedy about a filmmaker named Benjamin who starts a flirtation and then a relationship with a singer named Noah right as he’s about to premiere a film inspired by his last relationship that may or may not conclude that he’s incapable of love. Bad timing??
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For a Good Time, Call (2012)
Run Time: 86 minutes
College acquaintances (not BFFs) Lauren and Katie become roommates and start a phone-sex business to afford their fancy Manhattan apartment. It’s not just a good time–it’s a raunchy, hilarious, and most importantly short time.
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Best in Show (2000)
Run Time: 90 minutes
You know Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy from Schitt’s Creek. You know Parker Posey from...everything. But how versed are you in their collaborations with Christopher Guest? His mockumentaries are everything and usually not that long. If you want to go wild and have a double feature that’s still under 3 hours, This is Spinal Tap is only 82 minutes long.
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Koyaanisqatsi (1982)
Run Time: 86 minutes
This brief but classic documentary is great for vibing out. It’ll make you think thoughts about society and technology and consumerism...but it’s also oddly soothing at times and an interesting piece of ’80s nostalgia. Also, I would never suggest watching highbrow films to impress others, but if one were to do such a thing, it’s nice that this is a short watch, right?
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Lady Macbeth (2016)
Run Time: 89 minutes
Florence Pugh’s breakout role for most people was Midsommar, but critics and independent film lovers were already buzzing about her performance in this period piece. She plays a bored woman in a loveless arranged marriage who starts to take sexy and dangerous risks when her husband is out of town.
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Vampires vs. The Bronx (2020)
Run Time: 86 minutes
This horror comedy is one of my favorite hidden gems on Netflix, and it’s under 90 minutes! It’s about a real estate agency that’s been buying up property in The Bronx (read: gentrifying) that happens to be run by blood-sucking vampires! How’s that for a metaphor, eh?
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Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004)
Run Time: 86 minutes
Not enough people talk about the Dirty Dancing prequel, and I would like to right that wrong ASAP. Diego Luna is having a moment right now because of Andor and he’s soooo hot as the prequel’s Patrick Swayze. Like, I need you to be aware that this movie kind of slaps.
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Paris Is Burning (1990)
Run Time: 71 minutes
Not to go all “required reading” on you, but this brief and vivid documentary about ball culture and the AIDS crisis in New York City is essential, especially in this political climate where anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination is focused on the drag and transgender communities. Learn something, even if it’s just that Madonna ripped off vogue-ing!! Pass it on!!
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Eagle vs. Shark (2007)
Run Time: 88 minutes
Before Taika Waititi was Rita Ora’s fashionable S.O. and a big-time Marvel director he made this achingly awkward and charming romantic comedy. It’s like Napoleon Dynamite meets 500 Days of Summer. Waititi’s What We Do in the Shadows is also an under 90, but I think this one is a bit more obscure (in a good way ofc).
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John Tucker Must Die
Run Time: 90 minutes
Three teenage girls from different cliques make over a dork to honeytrap the boy who’s been secretly dating all of them? That’s what 2006 called girl power and, TBH, I don’t disagree. Get him!!!!
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Bachelorette (2012)
Run Time: 87 minutes
This romantic comedy went slightly under the radar. I think the fact that Bridesmaids came out the year before had something to do with it. But Bachelorette is hilarious and has so many of your favorite funny people in it: Adam Scott, Lizzy Caplan, Rebel Wilson, Isla Fisher, Andrew Rannells, James Marsden, and Kirsten Dunst.
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Hot Rod (2007)
Run Time: 88 minutes
Andy Samberg and The Lonely Island boys just get it. The worst thing that comedy can do is overstay its welcome to the point when we’re no longer laughing, which is why Hot Rod is perfect. It’s absurd and stupid funny, and it understands that timing is everything! (And another iconic Lonely Island production, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping is also under 90 minutes.)
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Welcome to the Dollhouse (1995)
Run Time: 88 minutes
Coming-of-age movies are usually wholesome and heartwarming with some struggles that the plucky protagonist overcomes. Not this movie! It’s dark and twisted and funny in a way that might make you feel guilty for laughing...but that’s the point. We won’t tell!
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Stand by Me (1986)
Run Time: 89 minutes
Think perfect movies don’t exist? Think again! Stand by Me is a story about kids that takes kids seriously and told from an adult point of view, so it’s truly “for” everybody. It is funny and suspenseful and emotionally devastating at times. And it has the courtesy to be exactly one minute under 90. Perfection!
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Palm Springs (2020)
Run Time: 90 minutes
Long live the short and sweet romantic comedy! This quirky science fiction flick came out right in the middle of lockdown, when it felt like there was nothing to watch except Tiger King and old episodes of The Office and was a lifesaver. But if you didn’t take advantage and watch it then, it’s about two people at a wedding who realize that they’re both in a time loop, Groundhog Day situation and might need each other *eyes emoji* to get out of it. Awww!
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Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Run Time: 90 minutes
Cameron Crowe straight-up went to high school undercover to research this movie like Josie in Never Been Kissed. But instead of having a weird affair with a teacher (that we know of) he made this raunchy, hilarious high school classic that really captures what it’s like to be a teenager and the last pre-internet generation.
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The Bling Ring (2013)
Run Time: 90 minutes
In 2008 and 2009, a clique of teens and 20somethings broke into the homes of celebrities and socialites emblematic of the era: Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Orlando Bloom, Megan Fox, Rachel Bilson, and Audrina Patridge. In 2013, Sofia Coppola made a film about it. It might be my favorite Emma Watson performance, like, ever?? Is that wild?? She wants to rob.
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The Long Dumb Road (2018)
Run Time: 90 minutes
The Long Dumb Road is not a long movie. It’s not a dumb movie either. But it is a road trip movie. Jason Mantzoukas and Tony Revolori play unexpected companions while traveling across the country. The odd-couple comedy is on point! It’s also kind of sweet! When the movie was over, I wanted to *boop* it on the nose! No better feeling, IMHO.
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Zola (2020)
Run Time: 87 minutes
Bless Zola, the movie based on the viral Twitter thread about a girl who got roped into a wild weekend of stripping, sex work, and a lot of suspense. Watching it felt like reading the thread, and even though our hero says her story “kind of long,” it zips by!
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Frances Ha (2012)
Run Time: 86 minutes
Once upon a time, Greta Gerwig cowrote the Frances Ha screenplay with her then-future partner Noah Baumbach, who directed the film. And 10+ years later Gerwig directed Barbie, which Baumbach cowrote with her. Isn’t that something?
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The Producers (1967)
Run Time: 88 minutes
The classic comedy is low-key perfect for fans of “scam culture” and movies about low-stakes criminals. It’s about an aging producer and a starstruck accountant whose idea of a perfect scheme is to create a Broadway show that’s doomed to fail. It’s a Mel Brooks movie so you (or, at least, your parents) know you’ll laugh so much, you’re in physical pain.
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Cloverfield (2008)
Run Time: 85 minutes
Some of the best short movies are horror movies, and this found-footage film about an alien invasion/monster attack is no exception. A group of friends grab their camera as they go to rescue someone while New York is getting stomped on and smashed...and it feels like you’re right there with them! But only for 1 hour and 25 minutes. Then you can go back to your boring, kaiju-less life.
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