Movies That Took the Longest to Make
Some movies come together quickly, hitting theaters within a year or two of conception. Others, however, face endless delays, budget issues, or creative struggles, stretching their production over years or even decades.
These films often become legendary for their troubled journeys to the screen, with stories of persistence, setbacks, and ambition. Here are movies that took the longest to make, each with its own tale of challenges and triumphs.
Boyhood (2014)
Director Richard Linklater had a bold idea to film ‘Boyhood’ over 12 years to show a boy growing up in real time. The cast and crew met annually for a few days to shoot, capturing natural changes in the actors’ lives.
This unique approach led to a film that feels authentic, with real aging and growth on display. Despite the long timeline, the actual shooting days totaled just 45, making it a remarkable feat of planning and patience.
Apocalypse Now (1979)
Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Apocalypse Now’ took about five years to complete due to a chaotic production. Storms destroyed sets, Martin Sheen suffered a heart attack, and Marlon Brando arrived unprepared, causing delays.
The film’s ambitious scope, combined with Coppola’s perfectionism, stretched the budget and timeline. Despite the struggles, the final Vietnam War epic became a classic, proving the grueling process was worth it.
The Simpsons Movie (2007)
‘The Simpsons Movie’ took nine years from concept to release, largely due to its complex script development. Writers revised the screenplay over 100 times, struggling to craft a story worthy of the iconic TV show.
Production also faced delays from coordinating the schedules of its large voice cast. The final film, packed with humor and fan-favorite characters like Spider Pig, was a box office hit.
Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Disney’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ spent eight years in production, starting with script work in 1951. The team recorded the entire film with live actors in costume to guide the intricate animation process.
Multiple script rewrites and the goal of making characters look lifelike added to the timeline. The extra effort paid off, creating a visually stunning classic that still captivates audiences.
Avatar (2009)
James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ took 10 years to make, as he waited for technology to match his vision. The creation of the Na’vi and Pandora’s lush world required groundbreaking visual effects and motion capture.
Cameron’s team spent years designing every detail, from alien species to environments. The result was a record-breaking blockbuster that changed the film industry with its immersive visuals.
Koyaanisqatsi (1982)
The experimental documentary ‘Koyaanisqatsi’ took seven years to produce, starting as a small project. Its wordless blend of slow-motion and time-lapse footage required meticulous planning and filming across diverse locations.
Director Godfrey Reggio faced funding challenges, growing the project from leftover budget scraps. The final film, a visual poem about humanity’s imbalance with nature, became a cult classic.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
George Miller conceived ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ in 1987, but production didn’t start until 2001. The 9/11 attacks caused financial and logistical issues, halting progress, and Mel Gibson aged out of the role.
The project shifted to animation before returning to live-action with Tom Hardy in 2012. After 14 years from planned start to release, the film won six Oscars for its relentless action.
Hard to Be a God (2013)
The Russian sci-fi film ‘Hard to Be a God’ took 13 years to complete, with early attempts dating back to the 1970s. Director Aleksei German faced constant interruptions, including funding shortages and creative reworks.
Filming began in earnest in 2000, but German’s meticulous style slowed progress. Released after his death, the film’s dark, immersive world earned praise for its unique vision.
A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)
Stanley Kubrick began developing ‘A.I. Artificial Intelligence’ in the 1970s, inspired by a Pinocchio-like robot story. He paused it for years, waiting for visual effects technology to catch up to his ideas.
After Kubrick’s death in 1999, Steven Spielberg took over, completing the film by 2001. The 20-plus-year journey resulted in a heartfelt sci-fi tale that still sparks debate.
Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
James Cameron announced ‘Alita: Battle Angel’ in 2002, planning to direct after his TV series ‘Dark Angel’. His focus shifted to ‘Avatar’, delaying ‘Alita’ as he prioritized other projects.
Robert Rodriguez eventually directed, with filming starting in 2016. After nearly 17 years from announcement to release, the film delivered stunning visuals but mixed reviews.
Black Adam (2022)
Dwayne Johnson began working on ‘Black Adam’ in 2007, before the Marvel Cinematic Universe took off. The project faced repeated delays due to script changes and studio shifts in the DC universe.
Filming finally started in 2021, taking 15 years from initial announcement to release. The superhero film brought Johnson’s passion project to life, though it struggled to meet expectations.
The Thief and the Cobbler (1993)
Animator Richard Williams started ‘The Thief and the Cobbler’ in 1964, aiming for a groundbreaking animated epic. Limited funding forced him to work sporadically, filming scenes over decades.
After ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ brought funding from Warner Bros., the project still faced setbacks. Completed after 29 years, the released version disappointed, but fan-made cuts remain beloved.
Megalopolis (2024)
Francis Ford Coppola began writing ‘Megalopolis’ in the early 1980s, envisioning a bold sci-fi epic. Financial struggles and his focus on other films delayed production for decades.
Filming finally started in 2022, taking over 40 years from concept to release. The ambitious film premiered to mixed reviews, showcasing Coppola’s unrelenting drive.
The Overcoat
The Russian animated film ‘The Overcoat’ holds a record for its 40-year production, started in the 1960s by Yuri Norstein. The meticulous stop-motion process and limited resources slowed progress significantly.
Only 25 minutes of the film were completed by 2004, and it remains unfinished. Its haunting story of a clerk and his lost coat still intrigues animation fans.
The Other Side of the Wind (2018)
Orson Welles began ‘The Other Side of the Wind’ in the 1970s, aiming for a bold comeback. Legal, financial, and political issues, including disputes over funding from Iran’s regime, stalled the project.
Filming stopped and started for years, and Welles died in 1985. Completed in 2018 after 48 years, the film’s release was a triumph for his legacy.
What movie’s long production journey surprised you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments!