The Longest Movies Ever Made in History
For most film lovers, a two-hour runtime feels like a sweet spot. But what about movies that stretch well beyond that? Whether they’re epic marathons of storytelling, experimental art projects, or historical chronicles, the longest movies in history go far beyond conventional viewing experiences. These films challenge both their creators and their audiences, serving as a testament to creative ambition and endurance.
From cinematic masterpieces to avant-garde experiments, this list takes you through the longest movies ever made. Whether you’re a dedicated cinephile, a history enthusiast, or just curious about the extremes of filmmaking, you’ll gain an appreciation for the patience, artistry, and storytelling behind these epic creations.
Why Do Directors Make Such Long Films?
Before we jump into titles and runtimes, it’s important to explore why filmmakers take on such monumental challenges. Directors and creators often use extended runtimes to explore stories deeply or craft new forms of cinematic expression. Here are some reasons behind these long films:
- Narrative Ambition: Some tales demand sprawling runtimes to cover all their intricacies. This is especially true for works based on complex novels or historical events (think Lawrence of Arabia).
- Artistic Statement: Lengthy films often serve as bold artistic experiments, challenging the audience to view cinema in an unconventional way (e.g. Empire by Andy Warhol).
- Immersion: Some filmmakers want you to feel as though you’re living within the film, and extended length promotes a more immersive experience.
Now, with some background in mind, here are the longest movies in history. Be ready to spend a full day—or much longer—for some of these!
1. Ambiancé (30 Days)
Director: Anders Weberg
Year: Unreleased (to premiere in 2020 but delayed)
Clocking in at an unbelievable 720 hours (30 days), Ambiancé may be considered the longest film in history. Created by Swedish artist Anders Weberg, this experimental art piece is as much about endurance as it is about content. The film blends abstract visuals and soundscapes, seeking to immerse viewers in a 30-day-long dreamlike experience.
Fun fact for those wondering who would watch this entire film—it’s not meant for traditional theatrical release. Weberg intends the film to serve as his final goodbye to cinema before retiring as a filmmaker.
2. Modern Times Forever (240 Hours)
Director: Superflex
Year: 2011
One of the longest films to actually be screened, Modern Times Forever runs for a staggering ten days (240 hours). The Danish art collective Superflex crafted this video installation to depict what would happen to a modern architectural landmark—the Stora Enso building in Helsinki—over thousands of years as it decays.
The pace is deliberately slow, making this a meditative experience meant for the patient viewer.
3. Resan (The Journey) (14 Hours, 33 Minutes)
Director: Peter Watkins
Year: 1987
Peter Watkins’s Resan is a politically charged documentary that examines the global arms race, militarism, and nuclear war across 14 hours and 33 minutes. The film is divided into multiple sections and was created to be shown in parts, much like a miniseries.
Though lengthy, Resan is an important look at Cold War tensions and global opinions about peace, making it a must-watch for those interested in history and world politics.
4. Out 1 (13 Hours, 52 Minutes)
Director: Jacques Rivette
Year: 1971
When it comes to French New Wave cinema, Jacques Rivette’s Out 1 often stands out—not just for its legacy, but for its colossal runtime. Spanning 13 hours and 52 minutes, the film tells the parallel stories of two theater troupes. It incorporates Rivette’s signature improvisational techniques, creating a film that feels experimental and free-flowing.
Originally released as an unfinished project and later presented as a 13-hour epic, Out 1 is a landmark in avant-garde cinema.
5. Berlin Alexanderplatz (15 Hours, 30 Minutes)
Director: Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Year: 1980
Although originally released as a TV miniseries, Fassbinder’s Berlin Alexanderplatz is frequently screened as a single feature at festivals, earning its spot among some of the longest films in history. Adapted from Alfred Döblin’s novel, the film tells the story of Franz Biberkopf’s life in Depression-era Berlin.
This 15-hour narrative dives deeply into themes of morality, modernity, and redemption, making it a fascinating and ambitious piece of storytelling that reflects Fassbinder’s genius.
6. Shoah (9 Hours, 26 Minutes)
Director: Claude Lanzmann
Year: 1985
Claude Lanzmann’s Shoah is widely regarded as one of the most crucial documentaries of all time. Chronicling the Holocaust over 9 hours and 26 minutes, the film avoids archival footage and instead relies on testimony from survivors, witnesses, and even perpetrators.
Its lengthy runtime gives space to capture the gravity of its subject matter. This masterpiece challenges its audience to reflect deeply on one of history’s darkest chapters.
7. Logistics (857 Hours)
Director: Erika Magnusson and Daniel Andersson
Year: 2012
If you want to experience every detail of logistical operations in real time, this avant-garde Swedish film delivers exactly that. Logistics spans 857 hours, following the production cycle of a pedometer—from a factory in China to its final retail point in Sweden.
The filmmakers filmed the entire process without time-lapse, presenting it as one continuous stream. It’s an exercise in patience and artistic experimentation.
Why Do People Watch These Long Films?
For casual viewers, watching a film that lasts several hours—or days—can seem daunting. Yet long films hold immense appeal for those willing to take the plunge.
- Experience: Engaging with these films feels like an achievement, much like completing a marathon or an arduous hike.
- Edification: Films like Shoah provide profound learning experiences and perspectives that shorter forms can’t fully capture.
- Immersion: Marathons like Out 1 provide an opportunity to disappear into a filmmaker’s vision for hours on end.
Tips for Watching Long Films
If you’re ready to attempt one of these cinematic marathons, here are some practical tips to keep you going:
- Break It Up: Tackle the film in segments rather than attempting to watch it in one sitting.
- Fuel Up: Keep snacks and water nearby to avoid interruptions.
- Keep an Open Mind: Long films can be mentally taxing, so go in with patience and focus.
Explore the Extremes of Cinema
The longest films in history reveal the full spectrum of what cinema can be—whether it’s a piece of visual art, a historical document, or a sprawling narrative. They serve as a reminder that film is not limited by runtime but rather defined by the stories it tells and the emotions it evokes.
For the next time you’re feeling adventurous, why not pick one of these monumental films for a viewing session? Just be sure to clear your calendar—because these movies demand your time and