15 Films That Were Shot Entirely on Phones

Smartphones have become more than just tools for calls and selfies. Filmmakers are now using them to create feature-length movies, proving that powerful storytelling doesn’t need expensive cameras.

From gritty dramas to experimental shorts, these films show the creative potential of pocket-sized devices. Below, I explore 15 standout movies shot entirely on phones, each pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with minimal gear.

9 Rides

This intense drama follows an Uber driver facing life-altering news during a hectic New Year’s Eve. Directed by Matthew A. Cherry, the film uses the iPhone 6s to capture the driver’s emotional journey through a single night of ridesharing.

Shot in 4K, the movie leverages the phone’s crisp visuals to create a taut, immersive thriller. Its innovative use of a car’s confined space makes the story feel raw and immediate.

Détour

Michel Gondry’s charming short film tracks a tricycle’s whimsical journey through the French countryside to reunite with its young owner. Shot on an iPhone 7, the 11-minute comedy bursts with Gondry’s signature playful style.

The film uses time-lapses and stop-motion to bring the tricycle’s adventure to life. It’s a perfect example of how a phone’s features can fuel boundless creativity.

Snow Steam Iron

Zack Snyder’s four-minute action short is a gritty tale of a woman seeking revenge against corrupt cops. Filmed on an iPhone in just one weekend in New York City, it packs Snyder’s bold visual style into a compact story.

The phone’s portability allowed for dynamic, fast-paced shots that match the intensity of the narrative. It’s a quick but striking showcase of smartphone filmmaking.

Night Fishing

South Korean director Park Chan-wook crafts a haunting 30-minute fantasy-horror about a fisherman who encounters a mystical shaman. Shot on an iPhone 4, the film won the Golden Bear for Best Short Film at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Its eerie atmosphere is enhanced by the phone’s raw, intimate visuals. The movie proves that even older smartphones can deliver powerful cinematic results.

I Play With the Phrase Each Other

Jay Alvarez’s experimental drama unfolds entirely through cellphone conversations. Shot on an iPhone, the black-and-white film follows a poet navigating a big city after his friend disappears.

The movie’s meta approach—using a phone to depict phone calls—creates a unique, immersive experience. It earned a Special Jury Prize at the Slamdance Film Festival for its bold vision.

Olive

This fantasy drama, directed by Hooman Khalili, tells the story of a mysterious girl with magical powers who transforms the lives of three lonely people. Shot on a Nokia N8, it holds the distinction of being the first feature-length film captured entirely on a smartphone.

The director hacked the phone to adjust its autofocus, resulting in a surprisingly polished look. The film’s success paved the way for future phone-based projects.

Searching for Sugar Man

This Oscar-winning documentary follows two South African fans searching for their musical hero, Sixto Rodriguez. While mostly shot on traditional cameras, director Malik Bendjelloul used an iPhone with the 8mm Vintage Camera app for key scenes when funds ran low.

The phone’s footage blends seamlessly, adding a raw, intimate feel to the story. It shows how smartphones can save a project without sacrificing quality.

Romance in NYC

Tristan Pope’s vibrant film captures the energy of New York City as well as realistic romance. Shot on an iPhone 6, it uses slow-motion and clever angles to highlight their physical feats in busy urban settings.

The phone’s compact size allowed Pope to film discreetly in crowded locations. The result is a dynamic, visually engaging tribute to movement and city life.

Chalga

This Bulgarian drama, directed by Marian Valev, became a box-office hit, outgrossing major Hollywood films in its home country. Shot entirely on a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, it showcases the phone’s ability to produce theatrical-quality visuals.

Cinematographer Dimitar Gochev embraced the smartphone’s flexibility to capture a compelling story. The film’s success marks a milestone for smartphone cinema on the big screen.

High Fantasy

Set in South Africa’s countryside, this body-swap comedy explores societal themes through a group of friends who wake up in each other’s bodies. Shot on a smartphone, the film uses its simple setup to focus on character-driven storytelling.

The phone’s unpolished aesthetic enhances the story’s emotional depth. It’s a heartwarming example of how minimal tools can tackle big ideas.

Uneasy Lies the Mind

Ricky Fosheim’s psychological thriller follows a movie star unraveling during a retreat at an isolated mansion. Shot on an iPhone 5 with a TurtleJacket lens adapter, it creates a raw, unsettling atmosphere.

The phone’s grainy visuals amplify the story’s themes of mental instability. It’s a bold early example of smartphone filmmaking with a cinematic edge.

Tangerine

Sean Baker’s vibrant comedy-drama follows a transgender sex worker searching for her cheating pimp in Los Angeles. Shot on three iPhone 5s models with an anamorphic lens, it stunned audiences at the Sundance Film Festival.

The phone’s portability captured the city’s gritty energy in a fresh, dynamic way. Its critical acclaim proved smartphones could rival traditional cameras.

High Flying Bird

Steven Soderbergh’s sports drama centers on a sports agent navigating an NBA lockout. Shot on an iPhone 8, the film features a star-studded cast, including André Holland and Zazie Beetz, and a polished, modern look.

Soderbergh’s creative shot choices highlight the phone’s versatility. The movie shows how smartphones can deliver professional-grade results in skilled hands.

Unsane

Another Soderbergh gem, this psychological horror follows a woman, played by Claire Foy, trapped in a mental institution. Shot on an iPhone 7 Plus in just 10 days, it uses the phone’s close-up capabilities to heighten tension.

The film’s gritty, 16mm-like aesthetic adds to its unsettling vibe. It’s a masterclass in using a phone’s limitations to enhance storytelling.

28 Years Later

Danny Boyle’s upcoming zombie blockbuster, set for release in June, revisits the world of ‘28 Days Later’. Shot on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models, it stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes.

The phones, rigged for dynamic shots, capture the chaotic, post-apocalyptic setting. With a $75 million budget, it’s the biggest film yet to rely entirely on smartphones.

Which of these phone-shot films surprised you the most, or is there another gem I missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!