The 10 Longest Movies of All Time, Ranked

Some movies demand hours to tell their sprawling stories, pulling you into worlds so vast they can’t be contained in a typical runtime. These cinematic giants, often ambitious epics or bold experiments, test your patience but reward you with unforgettable experiences.

I’ve ranked the 10 longest movies ever made, counting down from the tenth to the longest, based on their verified runtimes. From historical sagas to avant-garde marathons, these films redefine what a movie can be, and I’m excited to dive into their stories.

10. Out 1 (1971)

Jacques Rivette’s French film ‘Out 1’, also called ‘Out 1: Noli Me Tangere’, runs for 773 minutes (nearly 13 hours). It follows loosely connected characters in Paris, weaving a complex, improvisational narrative inspired by Honoré de Balzac’s stories.

The film’s sprawling, experimental style feels like a puzzle, rewarding patient viewers with rich character moments. Its length and depth make it a rewatchable gem for fans of French New Wave cinema.

9. Tie Xi Qu: West of the Tracks (2002)

This Chinese documentary by Wang Bing clocks in at 551 minutes (over 9 hours), split into three parts: ‘Rust’, ‘Remnants’, and ‘Rails’. It captures the decline of Shenyang’s industrial district, focusing on factory workers facing poverty and closures.

The raw, unfiltered look at human struggle is both heartbreaking and gripping. Rewatching reveals new layers of the workers’ lives, making it a powerful, immersive experience.

8. Death in the Land of Encantos (2007)

Filipino director Lav Diaz’s ‘Death in the Land of Encantos’ runs for 540 minutes (9 hours). It’s a docudrama about survivors rebuilding after Typhoon Reming devastates villages near the Mayon volcano in 2006.

The slow, emotional storytelling pulls you into the characters’ grief and resilience. Its meditative pace rewards rewatches, as you notice subtle details in its stark, human focus.

7. Heremias: Book One – The Legend of the Lizard Princess (2006)

Another Lav Diaz film, ‘Heremias’ lasts 520 minutes (just under 9 hours). This slow-cinema epic follows a Filipino farmer, Heremias, as he faces moral dilemmas and rural hardships in a minimalist narrative.

Its deliberate pacing and quiet moments demand patience but offer deep reflection. Rewatching uncovers the beauty in its simplicity, making it a haunting, personal journey.

6. Melancholia (2008)

Not to be confused with Lars von Trier’s film, this Filipino drama by Lav Diaz runs for 450 minutes (7.5 hours). Divided into three parts and an epilogue, it explores characters seeking peace through unconventional therapy.

The film’s introspective take on change and healing feels hypnotic. Its layered storytelling makes rewatches rewarding, as you catch new emotional nuances each time.

5. Satantango (1994)

Béla Tarr’s Hungarian masterpiece ‘Sátántangó’ clocks in at 432 minutes (over 7 hours). This black-and-white film follows a failing farm community, blending stark visuals with a surreal, comedic tone despite its bleak themes.

Its tight structure and dark humor make it surprisingly engaging for its length. Rewatching reveals hidden gags and deeper insights into its complex characters.

4. La Flor (2018)

Mariano Llinás’ Argentine film ‘La Flor’ runs for 808 minutes (over 13 hours), split into six episodes. Four actresses play different roles across genres, from a mummy’s curse to a spy thriller, creating a kaleidoscopic narrative.

The variety and creativity keep you hooked despite the runtime. Rewatching lets you appreciate the actresses’ versatility and the film’s bold storytelling shifts.

3. The Innocence (2019)

Known as ‘The Innocence’, this Bengali film by Ashraf Shishir lasts 1,260 minutes (21 hours). Shot over nine years, it explores the aftermath of the Bangladesh Liberation War through personal struggles and dreams.

Its black-and-white visuals and emotional depth make it a monumental watch. Rewatching uncovers new layers of its raw, human stories, cementing its epic status.

2. Modern Times Forever (2011)

This Finnish experimental film by Superflex runs for 14,400 minutes (240 hours, or 10 days). It depicts the slow decay of Helsinki’s Stora Enso headquarters over millennia, without dialogue or a traditional narrative.

The minimalist approach invites meditative viewing, focusing on time’s passage. While not a typical rewatch, its concept fascinates, encouraging reflection on impermanence.

1. Logistics (2012)

The Swedish film ‘Logistics’, directed by Daniel Andersson and Erika Magnusson, holds the record at 51,420 minutes (857 hours, or nearly 36 days). It traces a pedometer’s production cycle in reverse, from store shelves to factory, in real time.

Its sheer ambition and hypnotic pace make it a unique cinematic feat. Rewatching, even in parts, feels like a journey through time and global systems.

Which of these epic films have you tackled, or is there a long movie I missed that you love? Share your thoughts in the comments!