List of longest films by running time

Like determining the list of longest novels, figuring the list of longest films yields different results depending on what criteria are used.

While most cinematic films have a broad theatrical release in multiple locations through normal distribution channels, some of the world's longest films are experimental or art films that were never simultaneously released to multiple screens or intended for mainstream audiences. They may have been shown in art galleries where audiences were intended to walk in and out. The longest film screened so far is the Danish experimental film Modern Times Forever (Stora Enso Building, Helsinki)^[1] made by Superflex. It has a runtime of 240 hours and a one-off screening began on 23 March 2011 at the IHME Contemporary Art Festival in Helsinki.^[2][3]

Experimental films

Cinematic films

Note: Some releases are extended cuts or director's cuts, and are ranked according to the longest verified running time.

The original version of Erich von Stroheim's Greed reportedly ran at about 10 hours. However, it was only ever shown once at this length, and no such copy currently exists. The length of the final release (edited against von Stroheim's wishes) was approximately 2 hours 20 minutes. Subsequently rediscovered footage has let researchers reconstruct something closer to four hours. Similarly, Sion Sono's Love Exposure ran approximately 6 hours before being edited down to four at the behest of the producers. A 2-hour version was attempted but ultimately deemed "impossible", according to Sono. Sono currently has no plans to publicly release the 6-hour cut.^[5]

Films released in separate parts

References