Buzz
Debates about proper movie-watching habits occasionally arise: Is skipping through dull scenes acceptable? Younger audiences sometimes admit to speeding up slower films—though this isn't exclusive to them. When discussing attention spans, it's clear they've significantly dwindled.
I don’t entirely fault these individuals. Modern technology exploits our brain's addictive nature, conditioning us to seek constant dopamine hits from our phones. At the same time, blockbusters have grown longer, yet more frenetic and noisy—compare three hours of Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles to three hours of Avengers: Endgame. When faced with prolonged dialogue or lingering scenic shots, we instinctively reach for our phones. (I’m no exception at home, which is why I prefer theaters, where I’m compelled to focus.)
However, there’s a unique artistry in so-called boring films. Many wouldn’t be as impactful if they aimed to thrill every second. These movies embrace stillness, extended conversations, or quiet moments, offering profound emotional experiences, challenging perspectives, or even lulling you to sleep. As Mae West and Xtina might say: I appreciate a film that isn’t in a rush.
Nosferatu (2024)
Duration: 132 minutes
Robert Eggers is well-known for his deliberate pacing, and Nosferatu echoes the atmospheric tension of his acclaimed folk horror film The Witch (or The VVitch, if you like). Similar to his 2015 work, this vampire reimagining thrives on slow, eerie tension, occasionally broken by startling moments. Critics praised Nosferatu, though audiences were split: some were captivated by its rhythm, while others found it sleep-inducing. Personally, I side with the former, as the film’s haunting imagery leaves a lasting impression. You can stream Nosferatu on Prime Video.
Power of the Dog (2021)
Duration: 126 minutes
Jane Campion excels in crafting films with deliberate pacing, as seen in her latest work, which earned a Best Picture Oscar nomination and secured her a Best Director award. Benedict Cumberbatch, an unexpected western lead, portrays Phil Burbank, a reserved yet harsh cowboy leader in 1925 Montana. His tough exterior hides hidden complexities, which emerge as his quiet younger brother falls for a local widow, disrupting Phil's dominance and stability. The film avoids grand, dramatic scenes, instead revealing its characters slowly and reluctantly against a stunning western landscape. You can stream The Power of the Dog on Netflix.
Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974)
Duration: 93 minutes
Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s touching romance, Ali, explores the unlikely love story between Emmi, a 60-year-old widow (Brigitte Mira), and Ali (El Hedi ben Salem), a younger, strikingly handsome Moroccan laborer. Their relationship, marked by cultural and generational differences, faces ridicule and scorn from Emmi’s family and community, straining their bond. While the film has its dramatic moments, it thrives on subtlety, where quiet gestures carry more weight than overt actions. You can stream Ali: Fear Eats the Soul on Max and The Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video.
Skinamarink (2022)
Duration: 100 minutes
Kyle Edward Ball’s film originated from a YouTube channel where he recreated users’ childhood nightmares. The feature-length adaptation follows four-year-old Kevin, who gets injured while alone with his six-year-old sister, Kaylee. The narrative is intentionally disjointed, which explains why this low-budget film divided audiences. Its brilliance lies in capturing the eerie, dreamlike perspective of a child, where even a familiar home can transform into a strange and frightening place. Ball meticulously builds this unsettling atmosphere, making it a masterclass in mood. You can stream Skinamarink on Hulu and Shudder or rent it from Prime Video.
Inland Empire (2006)
Duration: 180 minutes
David Lynch’s Inland Empire remains one of his most enigmatic works. Released in 2006 and shot entirely on digital video, it defies easy explanation. The film follows a woman who lands a Hollywood role, only to spiral into a surreal, nearly three-hour nightmare involving sex workers and anthropomorphic rabbits. It’s either a profound exploration of the cinematic subconscious or an incomprehensible series of disjointed scenes. Lynch’s ability to evoke unease and dread is unparalleled, even when the source of that anxiety is unclear. You can stream Inland Empire on Max and The Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)
Duration: 81 minutes
At just 81 minutes, David Gelb’s documentary is unlikely to bore, though its focus is intimate rather than grandiose. Featuring a score by Philip Glass, the film centers on Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master celebrated as one of the world’s finest chefs. Day after day, Jiro and his sons craft exquisite sushi, with Jiro continually honing his craft well into his 80s. The film is a quiet meditation on finding fulfillment through mastery, yet never settling for perfection. You can stream Jiro Dreams of Sushi on Tubi and Prime Video.
Lost in Translation (2003)
Duration: 102 minutes
Bob (Bill Murray) travels to Tokyo for work during a profound midlife crisis, while Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), a recent Yale graduate, accompanies her celebrity photographer husband. The two form a bond as they navigate the city, sharing a melancholic yet not-quite-romantic connection. Though the plot is simple, the film resonates deeply. You can rent Lost in Translation from Prime Video.
Vitalina Varela (2019)
Duration: 124 minutes
Vitalina Varela stars as herself in this poignant tale of a Cape Verdean woman who travels to Portugal to reunite with her long-lost husband, only to find he has passed away. The film explores the life of a migrant worker who faded into obscurity while chasing a better future, and the wife who finally uncovers his story decades later. You can rent Vitalina Varela from Prime Video.
Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)
Duration: 132 minutes (theatrical cut)
The first Star Trek film features a divisive scene: a nearly five-minute shuttle flyby of the USS Enterprise, set to Jerry Goldsmith’s stirring score. Some view it as a mesmerizing ode to the spacecraft, while others find it tedious. Directed by Robert Wise, the film’s deliberate pacing, lack of action, and philosophical tone echo 2001: A Space Odyssey, yet it carves out its own unique appeal, especially in the director’s cut. You can stream Star Trek: The Motion Picture on Paramount+ or rent it from Prime Video.
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Duration: 81 minutes
Much of this pioneering found-footage film follows a group of increasingly frustrated individuals lost in the Maryland woods, with unsettling but subtle events heightening their paranoia. While the action is minimal until the climactic finale, the slow buildup creates an overwhelming sense of dread. The film’s impact lies in its cumulative tension, outweighing its quieter moments. You can stream The Blair Witch Project on Starz or rent it from Prime Video.
Goodbye, Dragon Inn (2003)
Duration: 81 minutes
This Taiwanese film, often compared to Cinema Paradiso, unfolds almost entirely during the final screening of the 1967 wuxia classic Dragon Inn
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
Duration: 127 minutes
Unlike the high-octane spy thrillers like Bond or Bourne, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy offers a subdued, paranoid glimpse into the murky world of 1970s espionage. Gary Oldman stars as George Smiley, pulled from retirement to uncover a mole within British intelligence. The film avoids action and loud confrontations, focusing instead on the intricate dance of information—who holds it, who manipulates it, and who can extract it. You can rent Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy from Prime Video.
Russian Ark (2002)
Duration: 96 minutes
Russian Ark is a uniquely demanding yet profoundly beautiful film, shot in a single, unbroken take. Set in Saint Petersburg’s Winter Palace, it follows an unnamed narrator who roams the halls, meeting figures from the city’s 300-year history. The film blends philosophical dialogue with a grand scale, culminating in a breathtaking sequence featuring 2,000 people and multiple orchestras. You can rent Russian Ark from Prime Video.
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Duration: 159 minutes
Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut defies expectations, blending Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, and a secretive sex cult into a film that’s more meditative than provocative. Its cold, dreamlike tone and deliberate pacing initially alienated audiences expecting a scandalous exposé. Instead, Kubrick delivers a slow-burning exploration of sexual obsession and its consequences. You can stream Eyes Wide Shut on the Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video.
Ikiru (1952)
Duration: 143 minutes
Akira Kurosawa, renowned for epics like The Seven Samurai, also crafted deeply reflective films such as Ikiru (meaning “To Live”). The story follows Kanji Watanabe (Takashi Shimura), a bureaucrat who, after learning he has terminal cancer, dedicates his final days to helping a group of parents build a playground. The film is a poignant exploration of bureaucratic heroism and the meaning of life, set against the backdrop of post-war Japan. You can stream Ikiru on Max and The Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video.
Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)
Duration: 3 hours and 10 minutes
Stanley Kramer’s Judgment at Nuremberg is a gripping courtroom drama that fictionalizes one of the Nuremberg Military Tribunals, delving into the atrocities of Nazi war crimes post-World War II. Featuring an all-star cast including Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland, William Shatner, and Montgomery Clift, the film is a powerful exploration of justice and morality. You can stream Judgment at Nuremberg on Tubi and MGM+ or buy it from Prime Video.
Beau Travail (1999)
Duration: 90 minutes
Galoup (Denis Lavant) reminisces about his time in Djibouti as a leader in the French Foreign Legion in Claire Denis’s sun-drenched queer masterpiece. His life takes a turn with the arrival of Gilles Sentain (Grégoire Colin), whose presence disrupts Galoup’s bond with his commander and stirs intense jealousy. While the film hints at potential violence, it opts for a slow, atmospheric build, using breathtaking visuals and masterful cinematography to create tension. Beau Travail is a frequent entry on all-time best film lists, and for good reason. You can stream Beau Travail on Max and The Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video.
The Straight Story (1999)
Duration: 112 minutes
David Lynch’s The Straight Story stands out as an anomaly in his filmography, offering a heartfelt tale far removed from his usual surreal style. Richard Farnsworth stars as Alvin Straight, who embarks on a cross-country journey on a lawnmower to reconcile with his ailing brother. The film’s slow pace mirrors the leisurely speed of the lawnmower, yet Lynch’s unique touch infuses the rural landscape with a sense of wonder. You can stream The Straight Story on Disney+ or rent it from Prime Video.
Weekend (2011)
Duration: 97 minutes
Andrew Haigh’s Weekend is a tender romantic drama following Tom Cullen and Chris New as two men who meet at a club and spend an intimate weekend together. They share stories, meals, walks, and candid moments of intimacy—a rarity in mainstream films even today. With one character set to move away, the film explores the emotional stakes of their fleeting connection, offering a raw and authentic portrayal of modern relationships. You can stream Weekend on AMC+ and The Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video.
Before Sunrise (1995)
Duration: 101 minutes
Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise follows Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke as they wander Vienna, engaging in deep conversations about life, art, and love. The film’s lack of traditional plot is its strength, delivering a romantic yet grounded story that feels both daring and timeless. If you enjoy it, two equally contemplative sequels await. You can rent Before Sunrise from Prime Video.
Paterson (2016)
Duration: 118 minutes
Jim Jarmusch’s Paterson stars Adam Driver as a bus driver and poet who lives a quiet, repetitive life. Each day, he drives his route, walks his wife’s dog, writes poetry, and enjoys a beer at a local bar. The film is intentionally low-key, focusing on the subtle rhythms of daily life, though a small event threatens to disrupt his routine. You can stream Paterson on Prime Video and Freevee.
Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975)
Duration: 201 minutes
Chantal Akerman’s Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles is a meticulously detailed portrait of a widowed mother’s rigid daily routine, spanning three days in over three hours. The film’s static camera captures her monotonous life, including her joyless sex work, with a quiet intensity. As her routine begins to unravel, the slow, inevitable breakdown is both mesmerizing and unsettling. You can stream Jeanne Dielman on Max and The Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video.
It Follows (2014)
Duration: 100 minutes
David Robert Mitchell’s It Follows redefines horror with its slow, relentless premise: a curse passed through sex, where an entity pursues its victim at a glacial pace. Unlike traditional chase films, the threat is patient and inevitable, creating a unique sense of dread. Often credited with sparking the “elevated horror” debate, the film’s deliberate pacing divides audiences. You can stream It Follows on Max or rent it from Prime Video.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
Duration: 121 minutes
Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his deliberate pacing, crafts a chilling atmosphere in The Killing of a Sacred Deer. Inspired by Euripides' Iphigenia in Aulis, the film follows a seemingly perfect family (Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman) whose lives are disrupted by a mysterious teenager (Barry Keoghan). His slow, calculated infiltration builds tension until the shocking final act reveals his vengeful motives. You can stream The Killing of a Sacred Deer on Max or rent it from Prime Video.
The Seventh Seal (1957)
Duration: 96 minutes
Ingmar Bergman’s The Seventh Seal is a haunting exploration of faith and mortality during the Black Plague. Max von Sydow stars as Antonius Block, a knight who challenges Death to a game of chess while encountering villagers grappling with despair and fleeting joy. The film’s quiet moments underscore its profound themes, making it a timeless masterpiece. You can stream The Seventh Seal on Max and The Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video.
A Ghost Story (2017)
Duration: 92 minutes
David Lowery’s A Ghost Story is a profound meditation on loss and the passage of time. After a man dies unexpectedly, he returns as a ghost, draped in a bedsheet, to haunt his grieving wife. The film’s minimal plot is offset by its emotional depth, exploring the pain of change and the difficulty of letting go. A standout scene involves a heart-wrenching moment of grief expressed through a simple act. You can rent A Ghost Story from Prime Video.
Drive My Car (2021)
Duration: 179 minutes
Based on Haruki Murakami’s short story, this three-hour adaptation follows a widowed theater director who forms a connection with his young chauffeur during a trip to Hiroshima. The film is sparse in dialogue and action, relying instead on stunning cinematography and sound design to convey its themes of human connection and the pain of separation. It’s a poignant reminder of the beauty found in shared silence. You can stream Drive My Car on Max or rent it from Prime Video.
Barry Lyndon (1975)
Duration: 185 minutes
Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon is a masterful historical drama, though often overlooked in his filmography. The film’s deliberate pacing and lack of genre trappings make it a challenging watch, but its technical brilliance and dry humor shine through. Ryan O’Neal stars as a cunning social climber in a story that is both visually stunning and deeply cynical. You can rent Barry Lyndon from Prime Video.
The Thin Red Line (1998)
Duration: 185 minutes
Terrence Malick’s The Thin Red Line challenges traditional war film conventions by focusing on the philosophical and psychological impacts of conflict rather than action-packed battles. The film captures the faces and thoughts of soldiers, offering a meditative exploration of war’s toll. While it may not be the definitive war movie, it stands out as a unique and thought-provoking entry in the genre. You can stream The Thin Red Line on Prime Video.
Valhalla Rising (2009)
Duration: 92 minutes
Nicolas Winding Refn’s Valhalla Rising reimagines Viking lore through a surreal lens. Mads Mikkelsen stars as One-Eye, a silent warrior escaping captivity, accompanied by a young boy. The film prioritizes atmosphere over action, blending eerie visions and sparse dialogue to create a haunting journey. You can stream Valhalla Rising on Netflix and Shudder or buy it from Prime Video.
Paris, Texas (1984)
Duration: 147 minutes
Harry Dean Stanton stars as Travis Henderson, a man who emerges from the desert with no memory of his past. Reunited with his brother Walt (Dean Stockwell), Travis embarks on a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation. Wim Wenders captures the stark beauty of the American West, portraying it as both alien and transformative. The film’s nearly three-hour runtime immerses viewers in its haunting landscapes. You can stream Paris, Texas on Max and The Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video.
Solaris (1972)
Duration: 166 minutes
Andrei Tarkovsky’s Solaris is a sci-fi film that explores the mysteries of an alien planet through slow, meditative pacing. Based on Stanislaw Lem’s novel, the story follows psychologist Kris Kelvin as he investigates the enigmatic ocean-covered planet from a remote space station. The film’s deliberate shots of waves and empty corridors create an atmosphere of unease, challenging viewers to look beyond surface-level action. Tarkovsky aimed to infuse emotional depth into the genre, achieving a hauntingly introspective experience. You can stream Solaris on Max and The Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Duration: 139 minutes
Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey is a cinematic masterpiece that spans the evolution of humanity, from prehistoric times to a future dominated by artificial intelligence. The film’s deliberate pacing and minimal dialogue are complemented by its iconic use of classical music, such as the Blue Danube Waltz during a shuttle docking sequence. Its enigmatic ending has sparked decades of debate, cementing its status as a cerebral and timeless work. You can stream 2001 on Max or rent it from Prime Video.
Stalker (1979)
Duration: 161 minutes
Andrei Tarkovsky’s Stalker begins with a deliberately slow pace, as the director famously quipped, to allow viewers who wandered into the wrong theater to leave. Set in a dystopian future, the film follows a guide, known as the Stalker, who leads two men—The Writer and The Professor—into "The Zone," a mysterious area where the laws of physics are suspended. Their quest is to find a room that grants one’s deepest desire, but the journey is as much about philosophical reflection as it is about physical exploration. You can stream Stalker on Max and The Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video.
La Notte (1961)
Duration: 122 minutes
Michelangelo Antonioni’s La Notte is a mood-driven exploration of a disintegrating marriage. Marcello Mastroianni and Jeanne Moreau portray a novelist and his wife, whose day of social engagements reveals the growing emotional distance between them. Antonioni’s ability to find beauty in mundane settings and his focus on existential ennui make the film a compelling study of human relationships. You can stream La Notte on Max and The Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video.
