Top 15 Incredible Long Takes

A long take, also referred to as a continuous shot, involves filming an extended scene without cutting the camera. This technique can evoke a wide range of emotions, as demonstrated in the examples below. A powerful tool in filmmaking, the long take has been utilized for decades, though its groundbreaking nature initially required time to gain widespread acceptance. Below is a curated list of the 15 most remarkable long takes in cinema. Note: Only films with available YouTube clips are included. Spoilers are present, so proceed with caution.

15. Children of Men 2006, Alfonso Cuarón Wikipedia

This scene earns its high ranking due to its ingenious composition of multiple long takes seamlessly combined. Despite this, the sequence remains exceptional and fully merits its inclusion on this list.

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At a time when long tracking shots were still uncommon in mainstream cinema, Jean-Luc Godard heavily utilized this technique in his film. The story follows a disillusioned married couple traveling to the countryside to visit the wife’s parents, aiming to secure their inheritance.

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This sequence is another example of a long shot crafted by merging a few shorter shots—though only three or four, making them still notably lengthy. While I’m not particularly fond of this movie, this scene undoubtedly deserves its place on this list.

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This remarkable 96-minute film was shot in a single continuous take—yes, the entire movie was filmed from start to finish without a single cut.

Kudos to Mathilda for highlighting this in Top 10 Cinematographic Masterpieces.

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Warning: This scene is quite graphic and contains spoilers. Michael Haneke has become renowned in cinema for his lengthy, unsettling shots. His 1997 film Funny Games, which follows two deranged teenagers holding a family hostage in their holiday home, was intended as a satirical critique of media violence. However, it evolved into a psychological thriller that remains a standout in the genre.

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This seven-minute sequence begins in a hotel room with Jack Nicholson lying on the bed. I can’t reveal more details as the scene contains significant spoilers. If you plan to watch the film soon, it’s best to avoid this clip. Alternatively, click the link below, purchase the movie, and experience the scene in its intended context.

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This scene stands out not only for its impressive long take—crafted by seamlessly combining two shots with expert editing—but also for its strikingly realistic fight choreography. It’s a masterful sequence: 12 adversaries, one hero, and a single hammer!

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This opening scene perfectly captures the energy and excitement of the 1970s, the era it aims to depict. Beginning with the movie’s title, the camera glides through the streets and into the Boogie Nights club. While the film features several standout moments, this was the only one I could find. Also noteworthy is the brilliant New Year’s scene featuring William Macey.

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A deliberately slow-paced scene from Last Days, Gus Van Sant’s film inspired by Kurt Cobain. If you haven’t watched this movie, it’s a must-see. The entire film employs long takes, which I believe effectively convey a sense of hopelessness. This film, along with Elephant, showcases Van Sant’s mastery of the long take technique.

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A breathtakingly beautiful shot that captures a profound sense of isolation. Only one copy of this film is available on Amazon, priced at $109—this cult classic is highly sought after and a must-have for any serious film enthusiast. The movie runs for an epic 7.5 hours! It explores the downfall of a collective farm in Hungary as Communism nears its end, filmed entirely in black and white.

Purchase the last available copy of this film on Amazon5. Hard Boiled 1992, John Woo Wikipedia

While I’ve had difficulty locating it, there appears to be a single cut/edit around the 2:00 mark in this sequence. This iconic action scene, set in a burning hospital, is a continuous handheld camera shot lasting 2 minutes and 42 seconds. Chow Yun-Fat and Tony Leung battle enemies in a frenetically choreographed sequence while exchanging emotional dialogue, moving through corridors, rooms, and even an elevator across two hospital floors.

Purchase this film on Amazon4. Goodfellas 1990, Martin Scorsese Wikipedia

In this iconic scene, Ray Liotta and Lorraine Bracco stroll through the Copacabana. The shot immerses the audience in Karen’s (Bracco) perspective as she is drawn into the allure of the gangster lifestyle. A masterful sequence from an exceptional film—purchase it if you don’t already own it.

Purchase this film on Amazon3. Tom Yung Goong 2005, Prachya Pinkaew Wikipedia

While the film itself may not be groundbreaking, this scene is extraordinary. Tony Jaa battles his way up multiple flights of stairs, hurling opponents over the edge. Despite its over-the-top nature, the scene is undeniably entertaining, and the camerawork is impeccable.

Purchase this film on Amazon2. Touch of Evil 1958, Orson Welles Wikipedia

Originally modified by the studio for supposed improvement, this scene has been restored to Orson Welles’ original vision in a new DVD edition (linked below). It stands as one of the earliest examples of a long take incorporating dynamic movement and direction. It also exemplifies how a long take can serve a precise narrative purpose—watch the clip to fully appreciate its brilliance.

Purchase this film on Amazon1. Rope 1948, Alfred Hitchcock Wikipedia

This film pioneered the use of long shots and remains one of Hitchcock’s masterpieces (it narrowly missed inclusion in the Top 10 Hitchcock Movies to make space for The Birds). Hitchcock filmed each scene in continuous segments lasting up to eight minutes—the maximum length of a film reel at the time—seamlessly panning between characters in real time. Many segments conclude by focusing on an object, like a jacket or furniture, or by having an actor obscure the camera. The next scene would then begin with a static shot of that same object, cleverly masking the cuts—a technique widely adopted since.

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Before highlighting notable omissions, I should mention that the lack of available YouTube clips prevented me from including several films that truly deserve a spot on this list. If your favorite is missing, this is likely the reason. For instance, I deeply admire Gus Van Sant’s work and regret being unable to feature the tranquil long tracking shot at the beginning of his film Elephant.

Notable Omissions: Raging Bull, Carlito’s Way, the Player, Kill Bill I, Serenity, the Longest Day, Irreversible, Timecode, I am Cuba, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and countless others.

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