Is Empire Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Empire is likely a skip if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 479 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

Verdict:Empire is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 4.2/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Documentary genre.
Answer: Maybe not, Empire is likely a skip if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 479 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1965, Empire emerges as a significant entry in the Documentary domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Filmed by Jonas Mekas from the 44th floor of the Time-Life Building, “Empire” explores the passage of time without the use of characters or a traditional narrative. Unlike standard genre fare, Empire attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and Empire features a noteworthy lineup led by Jonas Mekas .
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
In summary, our editorial assessment of Empire (1965) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.2/10, and global collection metrics, Empire stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1965 cinematic year.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.