In contemporary Bollywood, films typically clock in at a duration of 2 to 2.5 hours—a departure from earlier times when extensive song and dance sequences contributed to the overall length of a movie. While some may assume that a 3-hour-long film might struggle to maintain audience attention, this isn’t universally true. Interestingly, some of the longest movies in Bollywood have achieved cult classic status despite their extended durations, standing the test of time. 

The highly anticipated movie Animal is set to release soon, boasting a runtime of 3 hours and 21 minutes—one of the lengthiest in Indian cinema. Set to hit screens on December 1, this crime thriller features an ensemble cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, and Triptii Dimri, under the direction of Sandeep Reddy Vanga. 

As we await the release of Animal, let’s take a look at some of the notable lengthy Indian films that have left an indelible mark on cinematic history.

Top 14 longest Bollywood movies that are etched into the memory of audiences:

1. Jodhaa Akbar (2008)

• Running Time: 3 hours 33 mins
• IMDb Rating: 7.5/10 
• Movie Genre: Action/Drama/History 
• Movie Star Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sonu Sood
• Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
• Writer: Ashutosh Gowariker, Haidar Ali, K.P. Saxena 
• Year of release: 2008 
• Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix

The monumental historical saga, Jodhaa Akbar unfolds the compelling narrative of a 16th-century romance and union between a Muslim Emperor and a Hindu Princess. Earning its place among Bollywood’s longest movies, this epic not only soared to heights at the box office but also garnered critical acclaim for its rich storytelling and captivating performances.

2. Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)

• Running Time: 3 hours 12 mins
• IMDb Rating: 6/10
• Movie Genre: Romance/Drama
• Movie Star Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Preity Zinta, Kirron Kher
• Director: Karan Johar
• Writer: Karan Johar, Shibani Bathija, Niranjan Iyengar
• Year of release: 2006
• Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna weaves a tale of forbidden love, tracing the journey of Dev and Maya, who find themselves entangled in a romantic connection despite being married to others. This film explores the delicate themes of infidelity and fractured relationships, managing to strike a chord with audiences. It is one of the longest films in Bollywood.

3. Swades (2004)

• Running Time: 3 hours 9 mins
• IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
• Movie Genre: Drama
• Movie Star Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Gayatri Joshi, Kishori Ballal
• Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
• Writer: Ashutosh Gowariker, MG Sathya, Ayan Mukerji, Sameer Sharma, Lalit Marathe, Amin Hajee, Charlotte Whitby – Coles, Yashdeep Nigudkar
• Year of release: 2004
• Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix

Swades follows the journey of an Indian scientist who returns to his roots in an Indian village. While Swades may not have experienced success at the box office, the film received rave reviews from critics and is one of the most popular longest Indian movies on social media today.

4. Veer-Zaara (2004)

• Running Time: 3 hours 12 mins
• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
• Movie Genre: Romance/Drama
• Movie Star Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Rani Mukerji
• Director: Yash Chopra
• Writer: Aditya Chopra
• Year of release: 2004
• Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video

Veer-Zaara stands as a testament to the enduring power of love, telling a tale of star-crossed lovers. In the poignant narrative, Veer finds himself imprisoned on false charges, and a lawyer steps into the fray to fight for justice. The movie garnered widespread acclaim for its captivating story, earning its place as one of the greatest romantic films in the history of Indian cinema.

5. LOC Kargil (2003)

• Running Time: 4 hours 15 mins
• IMDb Rating: 5.4/10
• Movie Genre: Drama/History/War
• Movie Star Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Suniel Shetty
• Director: J.P. Dutta
• Writer: J.P. Dutta
• Year of release: 2003
• Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video

LOC Kargil is a historical drama film set against the backdrop of the 1999 Kargil War. Known for its extensive runtime, the film may not have achieved notable commercial success upon its release, but it has gained significant popularity and recognition over time.

6. Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)

• Running Time: 3 hours 6 mins
• IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
• Movie Genre: Romance/Drama
• Movie Star Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Saif Ali Khan, Jaya Bachchan
• Director: Nikkhil Advani
• Writer: Karan Johar, Niranjan Iyengar
• Year of release: 2003
• Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix/Amazon Prime Video

Kal Ho Naa Ho is the story of Naina, who discovers love with Aman, a benevolent presence in her life. Aman’s selfless mission is to unite Naina with her friend Rohit, who is in love with her. Despite its inclusion in the list of longest movies in Indian cinema, KHNH achieved immense success and has secured its place as a comfort movie.

7. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)

• Running Time: 3 hours 30 mins
• IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
• Movie Genre: Drama
• Movie Star Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Hrithik Roshan
• Director: Karan Johar
• Writer: Karan Johar, Sheena Parikh
• Year of release: 2001
• Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix/Amazon Prime Video

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham holds a special place in the hearts of Bollywood enthusiasts. This beloved film, centered around a fractured family and delivering a poignant message about the importance of loving and respecting one’s parents, has garnered immense love and success throughout the years.

8. Lagaan (2001)

• Running Time: 3 hours 44 mins
• IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
• Movie Genre: Sports/Drama
• Movie Star Cast: Aamir Khan, Gracy Singh
• Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
• Writer: Ashutosh Gowariker, Kumar Dave, Sanjay Dayma
• Year of release: 2001
• Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix

Lagaan is one of the most iconic sports films in the history of Hindi cinema. The story is based in a small village where residents unite to form a cricket team, embarking on a journey with the ambitious goal of defeating the British in a match. The movie achieved numerous accolades and left a large impact.

9. Mohabbatein (2000)

• Running Time: 3 hours 36 mins
• IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
• Movie Genre: Romance/Drama
• Movie Star Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jimmy Shergill, Uday Chopra, Shamita Shetty, Jugal Hansraj, Kim Sharma, Preeti Jhangiani
• Director: Aditya Chopra
• Writer: Aditya Chopra
• Year of release: 2000
• Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video

Mohabbatein is a musical romance that revolves around the love stories of three Gurukul students, where their music teacher plays the role of Cupid. Despite being one of India’s longest movies, it is an immensely celebrated film.

10. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

• Running Time: 3 hours 9 mins
• IMDb Rating: 8/10
• Movie Genre: Drama/Romance
• Movie Star Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol
• Director: Yash Chopra
• Writer: Aditya Chopra
• Year of release: 1995
• Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is the timeless love story of Raj and Simran, which has earned its place as one of the most successful and beloved Indian films. Notably, DDLJ holds the distinction of being the longest-running movie in India.

11. Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994)

• Running Time: 3 hours 26 min
• IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
• Movie Genre: Romance/Drama
• Movie Star Cast: Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit 
• Director: Sooraj Barjatya
• Writer: Sooraj Barjatya
• Year of release: 1994
• Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Netflix

Hum Aapke Hain Koun is a celebration of Indian wedding traditions, beautifully woven into the story of a married couple and the intricate relationships within their families. Despite its long runtime, it is considered one of the most influential films and has immense repeat value.

12. Sholay (1975)

• Running Time: 3 hours 24 mins
• IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
• Movie Genre: Action/Adventure
• Movie Star Cast: Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Jaya Bachchan, Amjad Khan
• Director: Ramesh Sippy
• Writer: Javed Akhtar, Salim Khan
• Year of release: 1975
• Where to Watch / OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video

Sholay stands as an immortal masterpiece and one of the greatest Indian films of all time. The narrative unfolds as two friends, Jai and Veeru, are hired to capture the formidable dacoit Gabbar Singh. It is a defining film in the masala genre.

13. Mera Naam Joker (1970)

• Running Time: 4 hours 15 mins
• IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
• Movie Genre: Romance/Drama
• Movie Star Cast: Raj Kapoor, Simi Garewal, Dharmendra, Rishi Kapoor, Manoj Kumar
• Director: Raj Kapoor
• Writer: K.A. Abbas
• Year of release: 1970

Mera Naam Joker revolves around a clown compelled to bring laughter to his audience at the expense of his own sorrows. The film is revered as an all-time great and a classic in Indian cinema. Notably, it is one of the two Indian films to have two intervals, a testament to its extensive length and immersive storytelling.

14. Sangam (1964)

• Running Time: 3 hours 58 mins
• IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
• Movie Genre: Romance/Drama
• Movie Star Cast: Raj Kapoor, Vyjayanthimala, Rajendra Kumar
• Director: Raj Kapoor
• Writer: Inder Raj Anand
• Year of release: 1964

Sangam is a classic romantic drama that revolves around a love triangle, exploring the complexities of relationships. The film achieved significant success and holds the distinction of being the first Hindi film to incorporate two intervals, thanks to its long duration.