Top 10 Longest Movies of All Time

Movies have always been a captivating medium, but some filmmakers take the art of storytelling to the extreme, pushing the boundaries of conventional runtimes. Forget about two-hour films; these cinematic epics are measured in days, not minutes. In this article, we dive into the world of the longest movies ever made, from avant-garde experiments to insightful documentaries, exploring the dedication required to sit through these behemoths.

10. ‘****’ (1967) – 25 hours

Four Stars, more commonly known as ‘‘, thrusts us into the avant-garde realm with its mind-boggling 25-hour runtime. Crafted by pop artist Andy Warhol during the counter-culture movement, this film stands as a testament to Warhol’s unconventional approach. Two 33-minute reels play simultaneously, creating a unique viewing experience. An avant-garde oddity, ‘‘ was exhibited only once at a 1967 screening in a now-vanished New York City basement.

9. ‘The Burning of the Red Lotus Temple’ (1928-1931) – 27 hours

A pioneer in Chinese cinema, Zhang Shichuan delivered the 27-hour silent epic, The Burning of the Red Lotus Temple. Released in 18 feature-length sections from 1928 to 1931, this wuxia film set the stage for a unique point in film history. Each part was a hit in China, propelling the Mingxing Film Company to greatness. Unfortunately, the film has been lost to time, leaving us to imagine the action scenes that complemented its extensive length.

8. ‘The Longest Most Meaningless Movie in the World’ (1968) – 48 hours

In the late ’60s, Vincent Patouillard unleashed The Longest Most Meaningless Movie in the World, a two-day extravaganza composed of outtakes, commercials, and newsreels edited with no specific message in mind. This bizarre film from the UK experimental underground scene vanished, leaving only a poster and an image of a dinosaur as remnants of the psychedelic age. Was it the longest movie ever released at the time? The answer remains a mystery.

7. ‘The Cure for Insomnia’ (1987) – 87 hours

An experimental endurance test, The Cure for Insomnia, holds the Guinness World Records’ title as the longest movie ever made, clocking in at a staggering 87 hours. Directed by John Henry Timmis IV, this film features the recital of a 4,080-page poem mixed with family-unfriendly material and heavy-metal music clips. Despite its acclaim, the film is no longer available, leaving us to wonder if it truly lives up to its name.

6. ‘Matrjoschka’ (2006) – 95 hours

German writer-director Karin Hoerler took a unique approach with Matrjoschka, creating a 95-hour film that explores the subtleties of an image changing so slowly that it challenges human sensory perception. Released in 2006, the film’s title, derived from the matryoshka doll, reflects its theme of constant unfolding and hidden layers. A commentary on time, patience, and perception, Matrjoschka defies the traditional blockbuster mold.

5. ‘Untitled #125 (Hickory)’ (2011) – 120 hours

In 2011, director John Azzarella transformed six and a half minutes of The Wizard of Oz into a 120-hour visual experience in Untitled #125 (Hickory). This film, five real-time days long, focuses on a series of images, beginning with the destructive tornado in Kansas and ending with Dorothy meeting the Good Witch of the North. A journey of transformation, it offers a unique perspective on a classic.

4. ‘Beijing 2003’ (2004) – 150 hours

Director Ai Weiwei’s Beijing 2003 takes us on a unique journey through the streets of Beijing. Filmed by attaching a camera to a car and driving through every street within the fourth ring, this avant-garde documentary captures the geography, culture, and evolving nature of the director’s hometown. Released in 2004, it offers a modern, unobtrusive glimpse into Beijing’s ever-changing landscape.

3. ‘Cinématon’ (2009) – 156 hours

Gérard Courant’s Cinématon stands as a monumental achievement, taking decades to complete. Comprising thousands of silent vignettes, each about three minutes and twenty-five seconds long, the film features artists, friends, and various individuals engaging in spontaneous activities. The 156-hour documentary offers a unique, unfiltered glimpse into the lives of those who participated.

2. ‘Modern Times Forever (Stora Enso Building, Helsinki)’ (2011) – 240 hours

Danish artist-collective Superflex brings us Modern Times Forever (Stora Enso Building, Helsinki), a 240-hour spectacle capturing the future decay of the Stora Enso building in Helsinki. Presented in front of the actual building in 2011, the film contrasts its appearance at different points in time. While not intended for continuous viewing, it offers a fascinating exploration of architectural transformation.

1. ‘Logistics’ (2012) – 857 hours

At the top of the list sits the behemoth of them all—Logistics. Directed by Daniel Andersson and Erika Magnusson, this experimental Swedish film spans an incredible 857 hours, taking a reverse-chronological approach to document the creation of a pedometer. Released in 2012, the film unfolds over 35 days, revealing the intricate processes behind manufacturing and transporting everyday devices. For those seeking a more accessible version, a 72-minute cut is also available, condensing the journey into a more digestible format.

In the realm of these cinematic giants, patience is not just a virtue; it’s a necessity. These films challenge our perception of time and storytelling, offering unique experiences that go beyond the traditional boundaries of cinema. While not for the faint of heart, they stand as testaments to the diverse and boundary-pushing nature of the art of filmmaking.