5 movies you can watch in less than an hour on Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, and more

The one downside of having a world of content available at our fingertips is the fact that our attention spans have gotten shorter. How often do you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through your Instagram feed on a movie night? Fret not, we have shortlisted a few movies that are just long enough to draw you into their universe but short enough to not warrant your attention drifting away. From documentaries to animated classics, here are five movies that are just about 45-60 minutes long, would make perfect additions to your next movie night.

Dumbo (1941)

This Disney classic had a live-action remake made by Tim Burton in 2019, but the original version clocks in at 64 minutes, making it the perfect movie to stream when you’re not in the mood for something lengthy and just want a quick serotonin boost. The story of a circus elephant who is ridiculed for having large ears and overcomes his fears to realise his true potential is perfect to watch (and maybe cry over) on your next movie night.

Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar

7 Days in Hell (2015)

This sports mockumentary follows the (fictional) lives of tennis champions Aaron Williams (Andy Samberg) and Charles Poole (Kit Harrington) and the epic seven-day-long tennis match between the two. Narrated by Jon Hamm, the hilarious 45-minute film is filled to the brim with celebrity cameos including Serena Williams, Karen Gillan, Lena Dunham, Will Forte, June Squibb, Michael Sheen, Howie Mendel, Fred Armisen, David Copperfield, and John McEnroe.

Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar

Dancing with the Birds (2019)

If you loved the stunning eight-part Netflix documentary series Our Planet, you’re going to want to make time for this hour-long special from the same makers. As the name suggests, this movie revolves around the spectacular mating rituals of tropical birds, most of which include some form of dancing. The 51-minute film is narrated by British comedian Stephen Fry and features breathtaking footage of animal behaviours that will give you an insight into the lives of birds that you never knew you needed in life.

Streaming on Netflix

The Speed Cubers (2020)

If you’ve ever wondered how fast one can solve a Rubik’s Cube, this Netflix documentary has the answer. It throws light on the criminally-less-talked-about sport of speedcubing where players compete by solving a Rubik’s Cube as quickly as they can. The movie focuses on two speedcubing champions Feliks Zemdegs and Max Park and their journey to the 2019 WCA world Championships. It shows how the sport has affected the lives of the two players and what it means for people who don’t want to follow the beaten path.

Streaming on Netflix

It’s Such a Beautiful Day (2012)

The darkly funny animated film is two-time Academy Award-nominee Don Hertzfeld’s first feature-length film. The story about a man named Bill, who gets diagnosed with a mysterious neurological illness, is told through three chapters and a stick-figure drawing. It took Hertzfeld five years to complete this hour-long film that won over critics and earned a place in the ‘Best Movies of the Decade’ lists across the world.

Streaming on Vimeo

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