Six slow films worth every minute

Slow is not the same as boring. These six films take their time, and they pay it back. Tick off the ones you've seen as you go — the box at the top keeps count.

1. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Stanley Kubrick's journey from the first tools to the stars has long stretches with no words at all. It doesn't explain itself, and that is why people are still arguing about it.

2001: A Space Odyssey1968 · Film Watchlist

2. Tokyo Story (1953)

An elderly couple visit their grown-up children in Tokyo, and the children are too busy for them. Yasujirō Ozu tells it almost without moving the camera, and it hurts more than any drama with a louder score.

Tokyo Story1953 · Film Watchlist

3. In the Mood for Love (2000)

Two neighbours in 1960s Hong Kong suspect their partners are having an affair with each other. Wong Kar-wai makes a whole film out of corridors, rain and what people don't say.

In the Mood for Love2000 · Film Watchlist

4. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Nearly four hours long, and the desert is never just scenery. Watch it on the biggest screen you can find.

Lawrence of Arabia1962 · Film Watchlist

5. Adam (2019)

Maryam Touzani's first feature takes place almost entirely inside a small bakery in the Casablanca medina. Bread, silence and two women slowly learning to trust each other.

Adam2019 · Film Watchlist

6. The Blue Caftan (2022)

A tailor in Salé sews one caftan by hand, stitch by stitch, while his life changes around him. The patience of the work is the patience of the film.

The Blue Caftan2023 · Film Watchlist

Seen them all? Save the six as a TellyFlick list with the button at the top, and tell us which one stayed with you.