In recent years, it seems that movie runtimes have been getting longer and longer. While some may argue that this allows for a more in-depth and immersive viewing experience, others have begun to voice concerns about the length of modern films. In fact, the UK cinema boss has recently spoken out about the need for films to be shorter for the sake of modern audiences.
According to the latest reports, many of the big releases of 2025 have exceeded two and a half hours. As a result, audiences are being forced to sit through lengthy films that may not necessarily hold their attention for the entire duration. This trend has prompted Phil Clapp, the chief executive of the UK Cinema Association, to speak out in favor of shorter films.
In an interview with NME, Clapp stated, “Films need to be shorter for modern audiences. With the rise of streaming services and the increasing availability of shorter, episodic content, people have become accustomed to consuming media in bite-sized chunks. This has had a significant impact on their attention spans and their willingness to sit through long movies.”
Clapp’s statement has certainly struck a chord with many moviegoers. In this fast-paced world, where time is a precious commodity, people simply do not have the patience or the desire to sit through a lengthy movie that may not even hold their interest. This is especially true for younger audiences who have grown up in the digital age and are used to instant gratification.
Moreover, shorter runtimes could also benefit the movie industry as a whole. With shorter films, theaters would be able to accommodate more screenings in a day, thereby increasing their revenue. Furthermore, shorter runtimes would also allow for a wider variety of movies to be shown, giving audiences more options to choose from.
However, this does not mean that all movies should be restricted to a specific runtime. As Clapp himself acknowledges, there are certain genres that are meant to be longer, such as epics and dramas. But the key is to strike a balance and not have every movie follow the same formula of being over two and a half hours long.
Some may argue that longer runtimes allow for a more in-depth and immersive viewing experience. However, with the rise of streaming services and the ability to pause and resume content at any time, this argument becomes less relevant. Audiences are no longer limited to a single sitting when watching a movie, making shorter runtimes more feasible.
In addition, shorter runtimes could also encourage filmmakers to be more efficient with their storytelling. With a limited amount of time, they would have to make every scene and every line of dialogue count, resulting in more concise and impactful storytelling.
It is also worth noting that shorter films do not necessarily mean sacrificing quality. In fact, some of the most critically acclaimed and successful movies of all time have been under two hours long. This further reinforces the fact that a movie’s success should not be solely based on its length.
In conclusion, the call for shorter films by the UK cinema boss is a valid one. With the changing landscape of media consumption and the need to cater to modern audiences, it is time for the movie industry to reassess its approach to film runtimes. While longer movies will always have their place, it is important to also consider the growing demand for shorter, more digestible content. By striking a balance and offering a variety of runtimes, the movie industry can continue to thrive and cater to the evolving needs of audiences.
