Best films under 90 minutes that are 'perfect' for a cozy night in
If runtime is an important factor when choosing a movie, here are eight fantastic films to watch that under 90 minutes long.
Cosy movie season has arrived, with film enthusiasts choosing a quiet night in over a big night out as the evenings draw in. With countless streaming and cinema choices available today, selecting the perfect film for a Saturday night can feel overwhelming.
Yet for those seeking a shorter viewing experience or planning a late-evening start, runtime often proves crucial. Here are 8 brilliant films with runtimes under 90 minutes, handpicked by our entertainment writers at Reach Screen Time.
We've also provided exact runtimes, Rotten Tomatoes scores and streaming details across Prime Video, Disney Plus, Apple TV+ and Sky Store.
8. Click and Collect - Abbie
This criminally overlooked Christmas film runs for just 53 minutes and boasts a 74% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, reports the Express.
Despite limited reviews, The Times and the Daily Telegraph praised this hidden festive treasure featuring Stephen Merchant and Asim Chaudhry.
The synopsis reads: "Two mismatched neighbours drive across the country to pick up the one toy that will make a little girl's Christmas dreams come true."
Click & Collect is available to stream via VPN on Prime Video Canada.
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7. Before Sunset - Olivia
Next up at just 80 minutes is the Ethan Hawke romance Before Sunset, which holds an impressive 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Times dubbed it "one of the most rewarding films of the year", whilst the Hollywood Reporter praised it as a "hugely successful experiment". The synopsis states: "Nine years after Jesse and Celine first met, they encounter each other again on the French leg of Jesse's book tour."
Before Sunset can be rented or purchased on Apple TV+, Prime Video and Sky Store.
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6. This Is Spinal Tap - Katie
Clocking in at just 82 minutes, the hilarious 80s mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap makes for brilliant Saturday night viewing.
The picture boasts an impressive 98% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, whilst its sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, arrived in cinemas just last month.
The synopsis states: "Spinal Tap, one of England's loudest bands, is chronicled by film director Marty DiBergi on what proves to be a fateful tour."
This Is Spinal Tap can be rented or purchased on Apple TV+, Prime Video and Sky Store.
5. Fantastic Mr Fox - Aaliyah
With a runtime of 88 minutes, beloved childhood favourite Fantastic Mr Fox holds a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Regarded as amongst Wes Anderson's finest work, the animated comedy was hailed by the New York Post as "a retro marvel that should delight today's audience".
The synopsis states: "An urbane fox cannot resist returning to his farm raiding ways and then must help his community survive the farmers' retaliation."
Fantastic Mr Fox can be watched on Disney Plus.
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4. Stand By Me - Hayley
Rob Reiner's 1986 picture Stand By Me ranks amongst the most nostalgic offerings on this list, running for 89 minutes.
With a whopping 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the heart-wrenching comedy-drama Stand By Me has been hailed by Empire Magazine as "an absorbing, touching examination of the loss of innocence that, despite occasionally drifting towards the sappy, undeniably deserves its place in the heart of a generation".
The film's synopsis reads: "A writer recounts a childhood journey with his friends to find the body of a missing boy."
You can rent or buy Stand By Me on Apple TV+, Prime Video and Sky Store.
3. Lake Mungo - Lucas
If you fancy something a bit more eerie tonight, then the horror-mystery flick Lake Mungo could be just the ticket.
With an impressive 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this 89-minute film has been dubbed by critic Chris Stuckmann as "an underappreciated, underseen gem".
The synopsis reads: “Strange things start happening after a girl is found drowned in a lake.”
Lake Mungo is available to stream on Prime Video.
2. Best in Show - Hannah
Comedy cult classic Best in Show is the second mockumentary to make this list, coming in at exactly 90 minutes long.
The film, which has a score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, was described by legendary critic Roger Ebert as “wickedly funny”.
The synopsis reads: “A behind-the-scenes look into the highly competitive and cut-throat world of dog shows through the eyes of a group of ruthless dog owners.”
Best in Show is available to rent or buy on Apple TV+, Prime Video and Sky Store.
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1. Palm Springs - Peter
This cult classic romcom from 2020 is considered to be one of the best films in the genre, with the chemistry between Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti proving irresistible to many.
With a runtime of 90 minutes and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 94%, the Groundhog Day-inspired film was described as “one of the year’s best romances’ by the Chicago Sun-Times, while Empire said: “A wonderful, witty and weird spin on an old favourite, which seems destined to become a classic itself.”
The Synopsis reads: “Stuck in a time loop, two wedding guests develop a budding romance while living the same day over and over again.”
Palm Springs is available to stream on Prime Video.