You're sitting there, popcorn in hand, wondering if you have enough time to hit the restroom before the previews end. Or maybe you're trying to coordinate a dinner reservation for after the credits roll. If you’re asking how long is the movie The Forge, the quick answer is 123 minutes. That’s two hours and three minutes of screen time.
But let's be real. Nobody just wants the raw number. You want to know if it feels like two hours or if it drags like a rainy Monday afternoon.
Directed by Alex Kendrick and produced by Stephen Kendrick—the duo behind hits like War Room and Fireproof—this 2024 release isn't a short, breezy sit. It’s a deliberate, character-driven drama. If you’ve seen Kendrick Brothers' films before, you know they don't rush the transformation of their protagonists. They let the story breathe.
Breaking down the runtime: Why is The Forge two hours?
When you look at the 123-minute duration, it sits right in the "sweet spot" for modern faith-based dramas. It isn't an epic three-hour marathon like Oppenheimer, but it’s significantly longer than your average 90-minute animated flick.
The story follows Isaiah Wright, played by Aspen Kennedy. He’s a young man with no direction, basically drifting through life until his mother gives him an ultimatum. Most of the runtime is dedicated to the mentorship between Isaiah and Joshua Moore (Cameron Arnett). Mentorship doesn't happen in a snappy five-minute montage. Well, there are montages, but the film spends a lot of time on dialogue. High-stakes, life-altering conversations take up a lot of those 123 minutes.
Comparing it to other Kendrick Brothers films
To get a sense of the pacing, look at their track record:
- War Room (2015) ran for about 120 minutes.
- Overcomer (2019) was roughly 119 minutes.
- Courageous (2011) clocked in at 129 minutes.
Basically, the Kendrick Brothers have a "type." They like the two-hour mark. It gives them enough room to establish a conflict, show a spiritual or personal breakdown, and then provide a lengthy resolution. If you felt those previous movies were well-paced, you'll likely feel the same here. If you found War Room a bit slow in the middle, pack some extra snacks for The Forge.
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Does the 123-minute length include the credits?
Yes. The how long is the movie The Forge question usually refers to the "theatrical runtime," which starts from the first frame of the production logo to the very end of the rolling credits.
The actual movie—the part with the actors talking—is closer to 115 minutes.
Here is the thing about Kendrick Brothers movies: Do not leave when the credits start. Historically, these films include "outtakes" or bloopers during the initial credit roll. They also frequently feature interviews or "behind the scenes" snippets that highlight the real-life inspirations for the story. In The Forge, the credits are worth staying for, not just for the potential extra content, but for the music. The soundtrack is a major component of the emotional payoff.
What about the previews?
If you are seeing this in a standard theater chain like AMC or Regal, add another 15 to 22 minutes to your total time commitment. If your ticket says 7:00 PM, the movie itself probably won't start until 7:20 PM. By the time you walk out of the theater, you’ve actually spent about two and a half hours in that seat. Plan your parking and babysitters accordingly.
Why the length matters for the story
Some critics might argue that a movie about a guy getting a job and finding a mentor could be told in 90 minutes. They'd be right, technically. But The Forge isn't trying to be a fast-paced thriller.
It’s a "discipleship" movie.
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The film explores the "Forge" concept—the idea that iron sharpens iron. This requires heat, pressure, and time. The movie spends its runtime building the relationship between Isaiah and Joshua. You see the friction. You see the resistance. Honestly, if Isaiah changed his entire life outlook in the first 40 minutes, the rest of the movie would feel unearned.
The 123 minutes allow for a "slow burn" transformation. We see Isaiah at the fountain, we see him at his mother's house, and we see him in the office. These repeated environments build a sense of routine that is slowly disrupted by the mentorship process. It’s intentional.
Logistics: Best time for a bathroom break?
Let’s get practical. Two hours and three minutes is a long time if you bought the large soda.
If you absolutely must step out, aim for the mid-point of the second act. Usually, around the 50-to-60-minute mark, there is a sequence where Isaiah is settling into his new job and learning basic professional habits. While these scenes build character, you won't lose the thread of the plot if you’re gone for three minutes.
Avoid leaving during the final 30 minutes. The climax and the "commissioning" scenes are the emotional heartbeat of the film. If you miss those, you've basically missed the reason the movie was made.
The "Discover" Factor: Why people are talking about this now
You might be seeing The Forge pop up in your feed because it’s part of a larger cinematic universe. It’s actually a spin-off of War Room. Priscilla Shirer reprises her role as Elizabeth Jordan.
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Because of this connection, the movie has a built-in audience that expects a certain "weight" to the story. They aren't looking for a quick fix; they're looking for an experience. This explains why the filmmakers didn't trim it down to a lean 95 minutes. They know their audience wants to sit in the emotion of the scenes.
A note on the technical side
The cinematography in The Forge is a step up from earlier Kendrick projects. Shot on high-end digital cameras with a focus on warm, natural lighting in the "Forge" locations, the visual style helps the two hours pass more quickly. It’s a "pretty" movie to look at, which helps maintain engagement during the longer dialogue-heavy stretches.
Practical tips for your viewing experience
If you’re planning to watch The Forge, keep these few things in mind to make that two-hour runtime more enjoyable:
- Check the theater's "Premium" offerings: Since this is a drama, you don't need IMAX. However, if your local theater has those reclining "luxury" seats, it makes a 123-minute drama much more comfortable.
- Group Discussions: This movie is designed for church groups and families. Many theaters allow for "buyouts" or group sales. If you're going with a group, factor in an extra 30 minutes afterward for a lobby chat. People usually want to talk about this one after it ends.
- The Soundtrack: If you like the music, stay until the very end. The credits often list the specific gospel and contemporary Christian tracks used, which are a big draw for many viewers.
- Bring Tissues: Not to be a spoiler, but the Kendrick Brothers are famous for "tear-jerker" moments in the final act. Whether it's a reconciliation or a spiritual breakthrough, the emotional weight can be heavy.
Understanding how long is the movie The Forge helps you set your expectations. It’s a commitment, but for the target audience, it’s a rewarding one. It’s a movie that asks you to slow down and think about your own life, your own mentors, and who you are "forging" in your own circle.
Before you head out, double-check your local listings. Showtimes can vary, and some smaller theaters might run fewer previews, meaning the movie starts closer to the posted time. Make sure you've accounted for the full 123 minutes so you can enjoy the journey of Isaiah Wright without checking your watch every ten minutes.
Next Steps for Your Movie Night
- Check Fandango or Atom Tickets for specific "The Forge" showtimes in your zip code to see if there are "Early Access" or "Fan Event" screenings, which sometimes include extra footage.
- Watch the War Room trailer or a quick recap if it's been a few years since you saw it; the cameos in The Forge will mean a lot more if that story is fresh in your mind.
- Coordinate your post-movie meal for exactly 2 hours and 30 minutes after the scheduled start time to give yourself a buffer for credits and exiting the building.
The movie is a significant investment of time, but for those looking for a story with spiritual depth and a focus on character growth, every minute of that 123-minute runtime serves a purpose. Enjoy the show.