Everyone loves a good movie, but let’s face it, not every film can be a thrilling rollercoaster ride of excitement. In fact, some movies are so dull that they make watching paint dry seem like a thrilling adventure. Here, we take a look at eight of the most boring films in history that have left audiences checking their watches and counting down the minutes until the end credits roll.
1. “Sleep” (1963)
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Directed by Andy Warhol, “Sleep” holds the record for one of the longest experimental films ever made. Clocking in at a whopping five hours and twenty minutes, the film consists entirely of poet John Giorno sleeping. While some may argue it’s a meditation on time and existence, others find it an exercise in extreme patience.
2. “Jeanne Dielman, 23 Commerce Quay, 1080 Brussels” (1975)
This Belgian film directed by Chantal Akerman is renowned for its slow pacing and meticulous attention to detail. The film follows the daily life of a middle-aged widow, Jeanne Dielman, as she goes about her mundane tasks. While it’s praised for its realism, its nearly three-and-a-half-hour runtime can test even the most dedicated cinephile’s endurance.
3. “Laurence Anyways” (2012)
Directed by Xavier Dolan, “Laurence Anyways” tells the story of a transgender woman’s struggles over the course of a decade. While the subject matter is undoubtedly important, the film’s excessively long runtime of over three hours coupled with its slow pacing has led many viewers to find it tedious.
4. “Empire” (1964)
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Another Andy Warhol creation, “Empire” is an eight-hour and five-minute-long film consisting solely of footage of the Empire State Building. With minimal action and virtually no narrative, this film is often cited as one of the ultimate tests of patience for any viewer brave enough to attempt watching it in its entirety.
5. “The Tree of Life” (2011)
Directed by Terrence Malick, “The Tree of Life” is known for its beautiful cinematography and ambitious storytelling. However, its nonlinear narrative and philosophical themes have left many viewers feeling disconnected and bored, especially during its nearly two-and-a-half-hour runtime.
6. “Rooftop” (1961)
Directed by George Lachman, “Rooftop” is a film that follows a man as he spends time on a rooftop, engaging in various mundane activities. Clocking in at just under three hours, the film’s lack of a compelling plot or character development makes it a challenging watch for most audiences.
7. “The Turin Horse” (2011)
Directed by Béla Tarr, “The Turin Horse” is a Hungarian film that depicts the daily lives of a father and daughter living on a desolate farm. With its slow pacing and minimal dialogue, the film’s nearly two-and-a-half-hour runtime can feel like an eternity for viewers expecting a more engaging narrative.
8. “Satantango” (1994)
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Another film by Béla Tarr, “Satantango” is a seven-and-a-half-hour epic that follows the residents of a small Hungarian village as they navigate their bleak lives. While some appreciate its atmospheric cinematography and profound themes, its extreme length and slow pace make it a daunting watch for all but the most patient viewers.
In conclusion, while these films may have their artistic merits and loyal fan bases, they also serve as a reminder that not every cinematic experience is designed for mass appeal. For those who prefer a bit more action and excitement, these films may prove to be a test of endurance rather than an enjoyable viewing experience.