Why the average moviegoer demands shorter films
This story version has been formatted as an on-air script for broadcast outlets. See the original research story here.
AMERICANS ARE READY FOR SHORTER MOVIES.
A NEW SURVEY OF 2,000 PEOPLE FROM TALKER RESEARCH FOUND THE IDEAL FILM RUNS JUST 88 MINUTES.
THAT'S FOUR MINUTES SHORTER THAN WHEN THEY ASKED THE SAME QUESTION TWO YEARS AGO, SUGGESTING AUDIENCES ARE GETTING LESS PATIENT WITH LONG RUNTIMES.
IN FACT, ONLY ONE IN TEN PEOPLE SAY THEY WANT A MOVIE TO LAST TWO HOURS OR LONGER.
YOUNGER VIEWERS ARE THE LEAST WILLING TO SIT THROUGH A LONG FILM, WITH GEN Z SAYING THEIR IDEAL MOVIE LASTS JUST 82 MINUTES.
SO WHAT ABOUT YOU? ARE TODAY'S MOVIES TOO LONG, OR DO YOU ENJOY A THREE-HOUR EPIC? WHAT’S YOUR IDEAL LENGTH?
Research methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans who have access to the internet; the survey was administered and conducted online by Talker Research between June 11–17, 2026. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.
To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.
Stories and infographics by ‘Talker Research’ are available & ready to use. Stories and videos by ‘Talker News’ are managed by Talker Inc. For queries, please submit an inquiry via our contact form.
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