Amazing Films That Will Keep You Glued to the Screen, Even If They Are 3 Hours Long

Berfin Ceren Meray
Onedio Member
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Delve into the cinematic brilliance of some of the most captivating films that promise to hold you spellbound, even if they stretch for three hours or more. In a world undergoing rapid environmental, biological, and emotional transformations, the need to escape momentarily from the chaos becomes essential. From the epic saga of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' to the profound human narrative in 'Schindler's List,' each movie on this list offers a unique journey through time, space, and the complexities of human existence. Whether exploring historical trials like 'Judgment at Nuremberg' or delving into the dark corridors of crime in 'The Godfather: Part II,' these films offer more than just entertainment; they invite reflection, introspection, and a deeper understanding of the world we inhabit.

10. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

IMDb: 8.2

Summary: Jordan Belfort (DiCaprio) is a Long Island stockbroker who served nearly two years in prison for his involvement in a large-scale securities fraud case involving widespread corruption in Wall Street and the corporate banking world during the 1990s, including mafia infiltration.

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie

Director: Martin Scorsese

9. Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)

IMDb: 8.3

Summary: 'Judgment at Nuremberg' is an American drama film that revolves around the trial of Nazi leaders after World War II. The film takes place at the Nuremberg Trials presided over by American Judge Dan Haywood (Spencer Tracy). Nazi leaders like Ernst Janning (Burt Lancaster) are being tried for war crimes. Judge Haywood contemplates deep topics such as human nature, justice, and conscience while evaluating Janning's crimes. The film presents historical events and inner human conflicts in a compelling manner, offering viewers a thought-provoking experience.

Starring: Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Richard Widmark

Director: Stanley Kramer

8. The Best of Youth (2003)

IMDb: 8.5

Summary: Nicola and Matteo Carati, two Roman brothers, experience the years from 1966 to 2000 and all the events that define this period. Their adventures begin with helping a young girl named Giorgia who has been confined to a mental hospital. After the flood disaster in Florence, Nicola meets Giulia, a talented pianist with dangerous sympathies for BR (a shortening of a left-wing organization). On the other hand, Matteo, who has joined the police force, meets the optimistic photographer Mirella. These four characters and others navigate through years of terrorism and the Tangentopoli scandal (a major corruption scandal in Italy in the early 1990s).

Starring: Luigi Lo Cascio, Alessio Boni, Jasmine Trinca

Director: Marco Tullio Giordana

7. Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

IMDb: 8.3

Summary: Set in New York's Lower East Side during the Prohibition era, 'Once Upon a Time in America' follows childhood friends Max, Patsy, and Cockeye who were once ruthless yet loyal crime partners. Years later, David 'Noodles' Aaronson, an ex-gangster filled with guilt and defeated, returns to Manhattan. Noodles, with vivid memories of his deceased childhood friends engraved in his mind, reunites with his only surviving friend, Fat Moe, unsure of what he'll encounter in his quest to shed light on his dark past. The discovery of a mysterious content in a well-worn leather suitcase further complicates matters, posing more astonishing questions against the backdrop of fractured conscience, spanning over 50 years of love, death, and everything in between. What choices does a man have when he's left with nothing?

Starring: Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern

Director: Sergio Leone

6. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

IMDb: 8.3

Summary: British Lieutenant T.E. Lawrence is sent to Arabia to find Prince Faisal due to his knowledge about native Bedouin tribes and to establish contact between Arabs and British in their fight against the Turks. Lawrence defies his superiors with the help of native Sherif Ali and embarks on a brave camel journey through the desert to attack a well-guarded Turkish port.

Starring: Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn

Director: David Lean

5. Seven Samurai (1954)

IMDb: 8.6

Summary: A seasoned samurai, during tough times, responds to a village's request for protection from bandits. He gathers six more samurai to help, teaches the villagers how to defend themselves, and provides the samurai with three meals a day. The film culminates in a grand battle when 40 bandits attack the village.

Starring: Toshirô Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Keiko Tsushima

Director: Akira Kurosawa

4. The Green Mile (1999)

IMDb: 8.6

Summary: 'The Green Mile' is a story set in 1930s Louisiana. Paul Edgecomb works as a prison guard at Louisiana State Penitentiary. He is tasked with executing condemned prisoners in a corridor known as 'The Green Mile.' The story changes when a large, innocent prisoner named John Coffey is brought to the prison. It is revealed that John possesses extraordinary healing powers. However, he is accused of murder. Paul believes in John's innocence but cannot save him, and eventually, John is executed. The story concludes with Paul entering his old age, but the impact of John's healing power still lingers. This story highlights the struggle between good and evil, the fallibility of justice, and the existence of humanity even in hopeless situations.

Starring: Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse

Director: Frank Darabont

3. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

IMDb: 9.0

Summary: The final showdown between the forces of good and evil fighting to control the future of Middle-earth. As Frodo and Sam journey to destroy the One Ring in Mordor, Aragorn leads the forces of good against Sauron's evil army in the stone city of Minas Tirith.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen

Director: Peter Jackson

2. The Godfather: Part II (1974)

IMDb: 9.0

Summary: The continuing saga of the Corleone crime family follows the story of young Vito Corleone growing up in Sicily and New York in the 1910s, and follows Michael Corleone as he tries to expand the family business into Las Vegas, Hollywood, and Cuba in the 1950s.

Starring: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

1. Schindler's List (1993)

IMDb: 9.0

Summary: Oskar Schindler, a proud and greedy German businessman, becomes an unexpected humanitarian in the midst of barbaric Nazi Germany when he feels compelled to turn his factory into a sanctuary for Jews. Based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, who managed to save about 1,100 Jews from being gassed at Auschwitz concentration camp, the film is a testament to the goodness within us all.

Starring: Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley

Director: Steven Spielberg