Discover the 10 Longest Movies That Will Challenge Your Patience!

Summary

Movies have endless potential with varying lengths and storylines that captivate audiences internationally.
Some of the longest films ever made, like “Shoah” and “La Flor,” push the boundaries of storytelling with unique narratives.
The film “Exergue” showcases the challenges behind creating a groundbreaking art exhibition, spanning 14 hours of content.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I firmly believe that movies hold a unique place in human history. They are far more than mere sources of entertainment; they serve as vessels for storytelling that can captivate, educate, and preserve our collective memory. From exploring the farthest reaches of space to delving into the deepest recesses of time, films have the extraordinary ability to transport us to different worlds and eras, all while evoking a rich tapestry of emotions. It’s this versatility that makes movies an unparalleled form of media.

Films have the power to captivate countless viewers, immersing them into stories or characters that traverse lengthy paths towards an unpredictable conclusion. A movie’s content is boundless, and its runtime can be as extensive as the director chooses. Some filmmakers invest deeply in storytelling, crafting intricate journeys that may require multiple viewings to fully appreciate. Here follows a list of some of the longest movies ever produced, sorted by their running time.

8. Tie Xi Qu: West Of The Tracks

The Rise And Fall Of The UIndtiral Socialism In Tiexi

Release: 2002
Run Time: Nine Hours And Eleven Minutes

Back in the early 2000s, I stumbled upon a powerful Chinese documentary titled Tie Xi Qu. As a cinephile with a keen interest in China’s cultural and economic evolution, this film was a captivating exploration of the transformations taking place in Shenyang. The focus of the documentary is on the Tiexi district, a once-thriving industrial hub under the socialist regime that now finds itself grappling with decline and dissolution. The film offers an introspective look at the societal and economic shifts sweeping through this historic area, painting a vivid picture of China’s ongoing metamorphosis.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’d like to highlight that the movie I recently watched is masterfully directed by Wang Bing, a globally recognized documentary filmmaker who has produced remarkable works such as The Chinese Labor Camps and The Ditch series. This particular film, Tie Xi Qu, is a nine-hour, eleven-minute epic divided into three captivating segments: Rust, Remnants, and Rails.

7. Shoah

First Person Accounts Of The Horror Of The Holocaust

Release: 1985
Run Time: Nine Hours And Twenty-Six Minutes

The term “Shoah” is the Hebrew equivalent for Holocaust; the movie titled “Shoah” delves into the intricate details and events of one of the most horrific chapters in human history. This powerful film was helmed by Claude Lanzmann, a French journalist, filmmaker, and editor, who spent eleven years meticulously capturing it on camera.

The movie mainly consists of testimonies from both survivors and perpetrators, with minimal historical footage detailing the incidents. The film, titled “Shoah“, is renowned for its commitment to truth and the experiences of Jewish people, earning it international recognition. Released in 1985, “Shoah” runs for approximately nine hours and twenty-six minutes.

6. Evolution Of A Filipino Family

How A Family Deals With The Trials And Tribulations Of A Changing World

Release: 2004
Run Time: Ten Hours And Forty-Three Minutes

Born in Columbio, Lav Diaz is an acclaimed independent filmmaker recognized for his contribution to the slow cinema movement – a unique style of filmmaking that eschews flamboyant direction and instead allows visuals and time to narrate stories at their own pace. One of his most renowned works, “Evolution of a Filipino Family“, showcases the life of a humble farming community as they grapple with preserving their lifestyle following the lifting of authoritarian rule.

The movie is widely acclaimed as a masterwork due to its unique storytelling approach and meticulous craftsmanship. Spanning over ten hours and twenty-four minutes, it ranks among the longest films ever made and is one of the most popular ones in this category.

5. How Yukong Moved The Mountains

A Detailed View Of The Cultural Revolution

Release: 1976
Run Time: Twelve Hours And Forty-Three Minutes

How Yukong Moved the Mountains is a striking documentary created by the esteemed team, Jovis and Marceline Ivens – a duo of acclaimed life partners. Renowned for their numerous award-winning films, this project stands out as one of their most extensive endeavors in their impressive filmography.

The series, comprising twelve episodes, delves into the happenings of the Cultural Revolution and its impact on China. Filmed by a Chinese production team, it offers an intimate exploration of societal changes during this period. Spanning over twelve hours and forty-three minutes, the production required two years for completion.

4. Out 1

A Film Allowing Viewers To Walk A Mile In Someone Else’s Shoes

Release: 1971
Run Time: Twelve Hours And Fifty-Three Minutes

Jacques Pivette’s film Out 1 is renowned for its offbeat and intricate narratives, as well as its unconventional runtime. This movie weaves together various characters and storylines in a manner reminiscent of an unraveling ball of yarn. The interconnected tales of each character take viewers on an emotional voyage through dreams realized and lost.

In eight segments, spanning a total of 12 hours and 55 minutes, Pivette both wrote and directed the film. This production has received favorable reviews, with critics praising its deeply personal portrayal of human experiences.

3. La Flor

A Multifaceted Work Of Artistry

Release: 2018
Run Time: Thirteen Hours And Fifty-Three Minutes

The movie titled “La Flor” is undeniably captivating and thought-provoking, created by the skillful hand of director Mariano Llinas, who also penned the script. Structured into eight distinct chapters, each segment unfolds fragments of narratives from different viewpoints within the larger storyline.

The movie delves into multiple storylines, such as the haunting presence of a mummy’s curse and an unappetizing troupe of actresses working behind the scenes. Its lengthy 13 hours and 23 minutes might discourage some viewers. Nevertheless, it has garnered favorable comments from critics and audiences alike, boasting nearly a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.

2. Exergue – On Documenta 14

A Spotlight On The Documenta Art Exhibition In Greece

Release: 2024
Run Time: Fourteen Hours And Eighteen Minutes

The film titled “Exergue,” which is the second longest non-documentary movie produced, premiered just last year. This work by Dimitris Athiridis is a Greek documentary centered around the Documenta 14 art exhibition and its organizer, Adam Szymczyk.

This film chronicles the challenges faced by Adam and his crew as they worked tirelessly to create a revolutionary television show, along with the debates that ensued after certain choices he made. Spanning an incredible length of 14 hours, 18 minutes, it was filmed at two different locations while the entire production was being set up.

1. Resan (The Journey)

A Socio-political Documentary Focusing On Nuclear Weapons

Release: 1987
Run Time: Fourteen Hours And Thirty-Three Minutes

A Swedish documentary titled “Resan” delves into government and political matters, specifically focusing on expenditures, military allocations, and the risks and advancements related to nuclear weapons. The project is spearheaded by Peter Walkins who embarks on a global mission, engaging with ordinary citizens worldwide, soliciting their views, and uncovering the depth of their understanding about such topics. Over the span of two years, Walkins self-filmed the documentary across more than seven continents, amassing a total runtime of fourteen hours and thirty-three minutes for the film.

2025-03-19 09:35