What Are The Longest Theatrical Movies Ever Released?
Movies today can feel lengthy, but some films took days to watch in theaters. I recently joked with a friend that Hollywood is making movies so long, we barely get a chance to leave the theater. Although that’s an exaggeration, many films now feel like an entire night’s event.
This made me curious about the longest theatrical movies ever released. We've explored this topic before, but here’s a refresher. Many of these films are experimental, often shown in art galleries, museums, or special film festivals with extreme runtimes—so don’t be alarmed.
In film school, my professor had us watch two hours of Andy Warhol's Empire. It was challenging but helped me appreciate the art and boldness behind it.
Examples of Longest Theatrical Films
These movies usually have plots or subjects and are often screened with multiple intermissions or in parts at festivals and special events. They tell a story you can follow despite the length.
- Experimental films with unusually long durations.
- Shown mainly in special venues, not typical commercial theaters.
- Often structured with intermissions or separate screenings.
- Contain narratives or themes that engage the audience across hours or days.
"In film school, my professor made us watch two hours of Andy Warhol's Empire. It was hard to do, but I do feel like I understood the art of it...or at least appreciated the bold statement."
This list is not exhaustive but highlights some of the remarkable runtimes available for those interested in cinematic extremes.
Summary: Some theatrical films challenge traditional viewing with extreme lengths and narratives, often presented at festivals with intermissions to engage audiences over extended runtimes.