The 5 Longest Movies of All Time, Ranked
Oppenheimer may be lengthy, but viewers can watch it in one sitting. Some filmmakers disregard box-office performance, critic feedback, or whether audiences can complete their films. Experimental cinema defies traditional boundaries such as plot, character development, and standard runtimes of 80 to 150 minutes. These films often don't even resemble conventional theatrical films.
Often, these lengthy experiences manifest as multi-part series on streaming platforms or television events across multiple days. However, the following films — massive achievements in cinema — cannot be confined to even a mini-series format. Only the most dedicated audience members endeavor to experience every moment. Here are the five longest films ever made, ranked from shortest to longest.
5. The Cure for Insomnia' (1987) – 87 Hours
Another challenging experience, The Cure for Insomnia showcases a recitation of a 4,080-page poem alongside explicit content and heavy metal clips for an entire 87 hours. Chicago poet L.D. Groban penned the poem, while John Henry Timmis IV directed. The film's public screening occurred from late January to early February in 1987, and it remains unclear if it has ever been shown again.
Despite receiving the Guinness World Records designation as the longest movie, it still lacks evidence to validate its supposed effectiveness as a cure for sleeplessness. Finding this film is now challenging as it follows the trend of extensive films lost to time. For now, insomniacs must find solace in other cinematic giants.
4. Beijing 2003 (2004) – 150 Hours
Director Ai Weiwei opted for a unique configuration in Beijing 2003. He attached a camera to a car, capturing every street within Beijing’s fourth ring. Filming commenced on October 18 and wrapped roughly sixteen days later, resulting in the longest film upon its 2004 release. Other noteworthy documentaries by Ai Weiwei include Coronation and Cockroach.
Surprisingly, the creation of this 150-hour film took a relatively short time. This avant-garde documentary aims to capture the geography, culture, and essence of Beijing as it adapts to contemporary realities.
3. Cinématon (2009) – 156 Hours
Cinématon, crafted by Gérard Courant, took decades to complete. This film consists of thousands of silent vignettes, each roughly three minutes and twenty-five seconds long. Courant invited artists and friends to express creativity within this short format. The range of activities includes making faces, interacting with the camera, or simply existing in an unfiltered moment.
The participants represent diverse backgrounds including acclaimed director Jean-Luc Godard and actor Julie Delpy. First screened completely in November 2009, this cumulative documentary offers insights about its subjects that surpass traditional interview methods.
2. Modern Times Forever (Stora Enso Building, Helsinki) (2011) – 240 Hours
Produced by the Danish art collective Superflex, Modern Times Forever documents the gradual decay of the Stora Enso building in Helsinki. Spanning an impressive 10 days, this film exceeds its predecessors in length. Interestingly, it was never meant to be watched in one sitting.
As a contemporary art piece, Modern Times Forever was exhibited outdoors near the Stora Enso headquarters in 2011. Viewers were not expected to observe it continuously; rather, they might glance at the screen occasionally throughout the week’s duration.
1. Logistics (2012) - 857 Hours
Ever consider how a pedometer is manufactured? If not, consider the challenge of enduring a reverse-chronological documentary that stretches an extraordinary length. In 2012, Daniel Andersson and Erika Magnusson presented Logistics, the longest film ever, running for an enormous 35 days.
This film illustrates the energy output, environmental costs, time, and labor involved in creating household commodities. Notably, it contains no dialogue, leaving viewers to deduce the underlying messages as transportation unfolds in real time. For accessibility, a 72-minute version was created, distilling the journey to its essence.