Netflix just added a category for 90-minute movies – here's what to watch if your attention span doesn't quite last for over 3 hours
The Wolf of Wall Street. Kill Bill. All of the Lord of the Rings films. The Irishman. The Godfather. Basically every Robert De Niro film. Yep, you guessed it: the one thing these films all have in common is that they're very, very long.
We're not saying we dislike long films; in fact, some of the best movies ever made have seriously long run times. But sometimes, our brains just aren't cut out for it and we don't have the mental capacity. Sometimes, we just can't handle 3+ hours of Robert De Niro.
Let's face it, an epic 200+ minutes of drama doesn't necessarily equate to a relaxing evening in front of the telly. And when you've had a long, knackering day of WFH, constantly in and out of yet more Zoom meetings, you're probably craving an easily-digestible film with snacks, wine and a face mask (the relaxing kind, obv).
In fact, that's exactly why Netflix have added a new category which, frankly, is nothing short of pure genius. The new 'Movies Under 90 Minutes' category was apparently inspired by a viral meme, using stills from Meghan and Harry's Oprah interview, to show our collective disdain for films with long run times. We have never felt so seen:
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The category is split into various categories and genres including comedies, critically-acclaimed films and 'trending now'.
Alongside plenty of documentaries, the list of 90-minute flicks include lead Oscar contender Ma Rainey's Black Bottom starring Viola Davis and the late Chadwick Boseman; new Sarah Paulson psychological thriller Run; and the incredibly moving, BAFTA-nominated Rocks with newcomer Bukky Bakray.
So, for those sofa-bound evenings when you just don't have the mental energy for a long, drama-filled biopic or social commentary, here are the best films under an hour and a half to watch on Netflix. Praise be.
NetflixMa Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is set in Chicago, in 1927 with Ma Rainey and her band recording at a studio. Her chaotic yet vulnerable but stubborn nature makes for an emotionally intense film. The core of the film is blues music, the American singer was best known as ‘Mother of the blues’. It deals with the historic exploitation of black recording artists by white producers. The late Chadwick Boseman, who plays Levee Green, scooped a posthumous Critics Choice Award, Golden Globe and an AACTA international award for Best Actor.
NetflixYes Day (2021)
Jennifer Garner and Édgar Ramírez are loads of fun in ‘Yes Day' as they play the parents who use the word ‘no’ too many times a day. So they decide to dedicate 24hours where they have to say ’yes’, to everything.. This 2021 American comedy-drama that features singer H.E.R. is proven to be a delight for the entire family to enjoy, what you see is what you get with this movie and we say yes.
NetflixRocks (2019)
A gorgeous, heart warming British movie about Olushola "Rocks" Omotoso played by Bukky Bakray who is nominated for Best Actress at this years BAFTA film awards 2021. Rocks learns the hardships of life far too early, digesting her mothers problems whilst protecting her younger brother and herself from going into care, she’s a fighter. Being a teenager in East London is hard enough with bullies and boys let alone family struggles. ‘Rocks’ is a true testimony of friendship and definitely one to watch with the girls!
NetflixJust Like Heaven (2005)
Reese Witherspoon playing ‘Elizabeth’ in this fantasy, rom-com movie with the charming Mark Ruffalo playing ‘David’ definitely has fairytale feels. They find love somewhere between earth and heaven or reality and fantasy, its food for thought. Just Like Heaven snapped up Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Chick Flick and Reese won People's Choice Award for Favorite Leading Lady.
NetflixBad Trip (2021)
Rom-com or Prank show? We don’t quite know but Tiffany Haddish is playing 'Trina Malone' and we are laughing! This clever comedy that incorporates real people into the movie giving you real, raw reactions and more belly laughs. It is laugh-out-loud but there is also a tender friendship between the two main characters 'Chris Care' played by Eric André and 'Bud Malone' played by Lil Rel Howery that will keep you satisfied.
NetflixRun (2021)
RUN is a Psychological thriller starring Sarah Paulson as Mother ‘Diane’ to Kiera Allen playing a homeschooled Daughter ‘Chloe’. This movie is sure to send chills straight through you as the relationship of the mother and daughter is completely destroyed and twisted. Sarah Paulson wins ‘The Mommie Dearest Worst Screen Mom of the Year Award 2021’ at The Women Film Critics Circle Awards for her role as Diane.
NetflixNo Good Deed (2014)
Golden globe award winner Idris Elba and academy award nominee Taraji P. Henson star in the stalker mystery thriller ‘No Good Deed', in which a sociopathic – yet charming – escaped convict manages to invite himself into the home of a woman alone with her two children. The terrifying night quickly turns into a fight for survival. It may be under 90 minutes, but you'll be thinking about it for far longer!
NetflixHush (2016)
If you don’t want to feel alone at night anymore, watch HUSH. This film will have you jumping at every single noise in the house and overthinking all of the events that happened in your day. It’s one for the brave gals! Kate Seigal plays ‘Maddie’ who is a deaf writer fighting for her life, in silence. The film also stars John Gallagher Jr., Michael Trucco, Samantha Sloyan and Emilia Graves.
