What Is the Longest Movie Ever Made?

The world of cinema has captivated audiences since the first motion picture hit the screen. From silent black and white films to the latest blockbuster hits, movies push the boundaries of what's possible in storytelling.

So, what is the longest movie of all time? This article will provide you with the answer.

In this article, you will learn:

1. What Is the Longest Movie Ever Made
2. 12 Longest Films in the World Across Various Categories
3. Final Thoughts About Longest Movie Ever Made

What Is the Longest Movie Ever Made

The longest movie ever made is titled 'Logistics' and was first released in 2012.

The film runs for 51,420 minutes, that's about 857 hours or 35 days and 17 hours. Its incredible length definitely makes it stand out in film history.

This experimental film was conceived and directed by two Swedish artists, Erika Magnusson, and Daniel Andersson. It was produced as part of a project for the Swedish Film Institute and the Swedish Arts Council to explore new approaches to filmmaking.

1. Creation and Length: A Unique Filmmaking Process

The process of making Logistics was unconventional, to say the least. The film is essentially a slow-motion documentary that retraces the journey of a pedometer, a device used to measure the number of steps taken, from its point of manufacture in China to its final destination in Sweden.

The entire journey was filmed in real-time, resulting in the movie's extraordinary length. The filmmakers documented every single step of the production and distribution process, from the assembly line to the shipping container, and finally, the retail store.

This unorthodox approach to filmmaking allowed the directors to create an immersive and thoroughly detailed viewing experience that challenges the traditional notions of cinematic storytelling.

2. The Purpose Behind the Film: Raising Awareness and Encouraging Reflection

The motivation behind creating Logistics was to raise awareness about the global supply chain and the complexities of consumerism.

By showcasing the entire journey of a single product, the film aims to make viewers reflect on the impact of their purchasing choices and the hidden processes behind everyday objects.

3. Reception and Reviews of the World's Longest Movie

The film Logistics has received mixed reviews from both audiences and critics.

Some viewers have praised its unique narrative style and its broadening of the definition of cinema. However, others have criticized the film for its slow pace, dull moments, and lack of engaging plot for most of its duration.

Over time, Logistics has garnered a passionate following. The film has been showcased at various film festivals and events worldwide, including the International Film Festival Rotterdam and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

The film's experimental narrative style and lengthy duration challenge conventional expectations of cinema. Additionally, it offers a unique perspective on the transportation industry and the global economy, prompting viewers to contemplate these subjects from a fresh angle.

The following YouTube video is a 72-minute excerpt from the Logistics movie.

12 Longest Films in the World Across Various Categories

Logistics holds the distinction of being the longest film in the world as an experimental movie. However, other films throughout the history of cinema have been recognized for their extended runtimes.

Here are some of the longest films in various categories:

1. The Longest Movie Certificated by Guinness World Records

The longest film ever made, according to Guinness World Records, is 'The Cure for Insomnia' (1987), directed by John Henry Timmis IV.

It lasts 85 hours. However, as previously said, most moviegoers and IMDB classify Logistics as the longest film in the world.

The Cure for Insomnia is a one-of-a-kind film in which L.D. Groban, a screenwriter and poet, reads a single scene from his poem "A Cure for Insomnia" throughout three and a half days.

The movie had some parts where they included short clips from heavy metal music videos and pornographic videos. The film is more of a performance art piece than a typical film, and it has only been shown in its entirety a few times.

2. The Longest Film Series in the World

The 'Cinématon' film series by French director Gérard Courant is considered to be the longest film series in the world. It consists of over 4,500 short films, each lasting three minutes and featuring a single shot of a person looking directly into the camera.

The director gathered fellow artists, friends, and others, allowing them to do whatever they pleased in this relatively short time.

What happens when faced with just one camera? The subjects might gaze directly into the lens, look away, smoke, drink, make faces, or do a combination of these actions.

3. The Longest Disney Animated Movie in the World

'Fantasia' (1940) is the longest Disney animated movie in the world with a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes. It features a collection of animated segments set to classical music.

4. The Longest Marvel Movie in the World

'Avengers: Endgame' (2019) is the longest Marvel movie in the world with a runtime of 3 hours and 2 minutes.

It concludes the story arc that began with 'Iron Man' in 2008 and features a massive ensemble cast of superheroes.

5. The Longest Black and White Movie in the World

Philippine director Lav Diaz's film "Evolution of a Filipino Family" runs for 643 minutes (10 hours 43 minutes).

Shot entirely in black and white, it shows the collapse of a poor Filipino farming family and its hopeful recovery. The film stands as a symbol of the Philippines' history from 1971 to 1987.

6. The Longest Hollywood Movie in the World

'Cleopatra' (1963), directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, is often considered to be the longest Hollywood movie in the world with a runtime of 4 hours and 8 minutes.

The film is an epic historical drama featuring Elizabeth Taylor as the titular queen of Egypt and Richard Burton as Mark Antony.

7. The Longest Movie on Netflix

The longest movie on Netflix was 'The Irishman,' directed by Martin Scorsese. The film has a runtime of 3 hours and 29 minutes and features an all-star cast, including Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci.

The Irishman is a crime epic that spans several decades and tells the story of a hitman's involvement with organized crime in post-World War II America.

8. The Longest Harry Potter Movie

The longest Harry Potter movie ever made is 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.' It has a runtime of 161 minutes (2 hours and 41 minutes).

The film was released in 2002 and is the second film in the Harry Potter film series. It is based on the second book in the Harry Potter book series by J.K. Rowling.

9. The Longest Lord of the Rings Movie

In the theater releases, the longest Lord of the Rings movie is the third one, 'The Return of the King', which runs for 201 minutes (the first is 178 minutes and the second is 179 minutes).

Some versions did not play in theaters. Their run times are:

• The Fellowship of the Ring: 208 minutes (extended version) or 228 minutes (Blu-ray extended)
• The Two Towers: 223 minutes (extended version) or 235 minutes (Blu-ray extended)
• The Return of the King: 254 minutes (extended version) or 263 minutes (Blu-ray extended)

10. The Longest James Cameron Movie

James Cameron's longest movie is 'Titanic,' which has a runtime of 194 minutes (3 hours and 14 minutes). It was released in 1997 and is a historical romance film.

The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt Bukater, two passengers aboard the RMS Titanic on its ill-fated maiden voyage.

Additionally, two other commercially successful films directed by James Cameron are also notably lengthy. 'Avatar' boasts a runtime of 162 minutes (2 hours and 42 minutes), while its sequel, 'Avatar: The Way of Water,' has a runtime of 192 minutes (3 hours and 12 minutes).

11. The Longest First-Run of a Film in One Cinema

'Romance on Lushan Mountain,' a film produced by Shanghai Film Studio in 1980, holds a remarkable record in cinematic history. Following its release, a small theater was established in Lushan, exclusively screening this particular film from morning till night.

Over the years, visiting Lushan and watching Romance on Lushan Mountain has become a renowned tourist activity. Presently, this film has been captivating audiences in the same theater for over four decades, officially certified by the Guinness World Records as 'The Longest First-Run of a Film in One Cinema.'

12. The Longest Star Wars Movie

'Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi' is the eighth installment in the Star Wars film franchise and was released in 2017. The movie was directed by Rian Johnson and stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Oscar Isaac, among others.

At 2 hours and 32 minutes, The Last Jedi is the longest Star Wars movie to date, surpassing the previous record holder, 'Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones,' which had a runtime of 2 hours and 22 minutes.

Despite its length, The Last Jedi was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $1.3 billion at the box office and receiving generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.

Final Thoughts About Longest Movie Ever Made

While experimental films like Logistics showcase the power of unedited footage, most movies heavily rely on post-production editing.

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And with that, we conclude our article on the longest movie ever made. Thank you for reading, and we hope it has been helpful to you.