The Red Balloon

34 min · 1956 · Directed by Albert Lamorisse · 4.1 / 5 on Letterboxd

The Red Balloon (1956) runs 34 min, directed by Albert Lamorisse. It is one of 3,647 films in the 100 Minute Movies catalog — every one rated 3.0 or higher by Letterboxd members and short enough to finish in an evening.

A young boy discovers a stray balloon, which seems to have a mind of its own, on the streets of Paris. The two become inseparable, yet the world’s harsh realities finally interfere.

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy

Where to watch: HBO Max (US, checked 9 July 2026)