10 Movies Shot in One Take

Lights, camera, action, one take! There is something truly captivating about a movie shot entirely in one take, allowing viewers to experience the story unfold in real time without interruption. From complex tracking shots to simpler, more intimate perspectives, these films are a true test of a director’s skill and a cinematographer’s vision.

In this list, we’ll explore 10 movies that were captured in one take, each providing a unique and exciting cinematic experience.

Related: The 10 best movies that changed cinema forever

10 Let’s Scare Julie (2019)

Let’s scare Julie it’s a horror movie that will have you on the edge of your seat, and possibly holding a pillow or two. The film follows a group of teenagers who decide to prank their new neighbor, Julie, on Halloween night. The capture? Julie has a reputation for being a recluse and never leaves her house.

As the night progresses, things begin to take a spooky turn. The girls realize that Julie may not be as harmless as they thought and that they may have bitten off more than they can chew. The entire movie takes place in one continuous take, adding to the intensity and suspense.

While Let’s scare Julie It might not be the most innovative horror movie out there, it definitely has its scares and jump scares. The movie does a great job building tension and keeping you on the edge of your seat. Also, the one take technique is impressive and adds a uniqueness to the movie.^[1]

9 Rendezvous (2019)

Appointment is a gripping Mexican thriller that was filmed in one take. The story follows Lili and Eduardo, who meet online. Their first date begins with a twist in Mexico City, where the streets are known to be unforgiving. Despite being late and without a phone due to a robbery, Eduardo manages to charm Lili. However, when he discovers her phone hidden in her jacket, the evening takes a chilling and unexpected turn.

As the night progresses, Lili and Eduardo find themselves in a thrilling, suspenseful race against time to unravel the mystery of the phone’s contents and the terrifying truth behind Eduardo’s late arrival. They soon become entangled in a dangerous web of deceit, violence, and betrayal.

The one-take filming style increases the tension and urgency of the story, as viewers feel like they are experiencing the events in real time. The use of gritty urban locations and a haunting score creates a palpable sense of dread throughout the film.^[2]

8 Utoya: July 22 (2018)

Utoya: July 22 is a Norwegian film that tells the harrowing story of the 2011 terrorist attack that took place on the island of Utøya. The entire movie is shot in one long take, adding to the intensity and realism of the story.

The film follows 18-year-old Kaja as she struggles to survive the attack and find her younger sister. With the sounds of gunshots and screams in the background, Kaja must navigate the island and hide from the shooter.

Despite the dark and heavy subject matter, the film manages to capture the raw emotions and terror of the situation. And if you like long takes, boy, have I got a treat for you!^[3]

7 Child. A woman. A Dream (2018)

Child. A woman. A dream focuses on the night of her life for two strangers. Cass (played by Omari Hardwick) and Frida (played by Meagan Good) meet at a Los Angeles club on the night of the 2016 presidential election. Shot in one take, the film captures the intense, electric energy of the scene. of the club and the budding romance between Cass and Frida.

As they navigate the vibrant club, the two get to know each other on a deeper level, discussing their hopes and dreams, fears and insecurities, and everything in between. But as the night progresses and tensions rise, Cass and Frida must face the realities of their past and present and decide if they have the courage to pursue a future together.

With a dynamic cast, stunning cinematography, and a captivating story, Child. A woman. A dream. takes us on a wild and unforgettable ride. And hey, if you’re looking for a movie to impress your cinephile friends, this should definitely do the trick.^[4]

6 Four Games (2018)

four games is a romantic comedy that takes place in one continuous take. The film follows the story of a group of four friends as they navigate the ups and downs of modern relationships in Los Angeles. As the camera follows the characters around town, viewers get a realistic and humorous portrayal of the dating scene.

The film begins with a group of friends in a bar, where they discuss their love life and the difficulties in finding the right person. They all have their own unique quirks and personalities, leading to some fun interactions between them. One of the characters, a struggling actor, decides to approach a beautiful woman at the bar and they hit it off. They decide to go on a date and the camera follows them as they walk through the city and have fun and candid conversations.

Meanwhile, the other friends are also dealing with their own romantic entanglements. One of them is trying to rekindle a relationship with his ex-girlfriend, while another tries to navigate the complicated world of online dating. The camera follows the journey of each character, capturing their triumphs and failures in love.^[5]

5 Invasion (2017)

Hold on to your seats because describing Invasion It’s like trying to navigate a maze: confusing but exciting. Here’s the deal: a body is found in a stadium during a sporting event (which is never revealed, by the way). The police are quick to point the finger at the coach and his team of tattooed players, ordering them to reconstruct the events of the day the murder took place.

But as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that some of the team members are not entirely innocent and are interested in committing more murder. To make the chaos worse, the victim’s twin sister shows up and takes an active role in the investigation, revealing shocking secrets along the way.

Director Shahram Mokri takes an experimental approach to the film, presenting the story in one take that is more like a stage play. But he beware: disorientation is the name of the game here, with the hazy stadium corridors adding to the confusion. And if that’s not enough, there are plenty of symbolic references to the cycle of life and identity that may leave you scratching your head (Zoroastrianism, anyone?). But despite the convoluted narrative, the story is intriguing, with plenty of plot twists to keep you guessing.^[6]

4 The Wedding Feast (2016)

Prepare for a wedding reception like no other with the wedding party. This independent film is a passion project that promises to deliver a unique and hilarious experience that will have you on the edge of your seat.

The story follows a group of old high school friends who meet at a wedding. But what was supposed to be a light-hearted celebration quickly turns into a comedy of errors when everything that can go wrong does. And to make things even more interesting, the entire movie is shot in one continuous shot in real time.

With Thane Economou at the helm, a talented filmmaker who has worked for National Lampoon, Lucas Film and 20th Century Fox, you can expect a jaw-dropping, high-quality production. The characters are well developed, each with their own quirks and personalities that make them stand out. And the one-shot technique adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation, as you never know what’s going to happen next.

If you are looking for something new and refreshing in the independent film scene, the wedding party it is the perfect choice.^[7]

3 Victory (2015)

Victory is a captivating heist film that tells the story of a young Spanish woman named Victoria who is unknowingly involved in a bank robbery in Berlin. The film was shot entirely in one take, making for an intense and exciting experience as Victoria is drawn into the daring plan by a group of strangers she meets outside a nightclub.

The use of real-time filming adds to the tension and danger of the film, making for a thrilling ride through the city streets. Additionally, there are moments of humor throughout the film, providing welcome relief from the high-stakes action.

Laia Costa gives an outstanding performance as Victoria, bringing depth and authenticity to the character and making it easy for the audience to support her. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, creating a sense of camaraderie and tension that adds to the realism of the heist.^[8]

2 Fish and Cat (2013)

Catfish is a one-shot movie that takes you on a twisted journey through time. A group of students head to a remote region to demonstrate their kite-flying skills, but stumble upon a lakeside restaurant with some shady cooks who don’t seem to have the students’ best interests in mind.

As the night progresses, strange things begin to happen, and the students find themselves caught up in a complicated web of events from which they can’t seem to escape. The circles of time seem to close in on them and they wonder if there is any way out of this strange situation.

The film takes you on a suspenseful journey, with the tension gradually building as the students try to make sense of what is going on around them. It’s a story of survival and the lengths people go to when pushed to the brink.^[9]

1 Sirens and Screams (2019)

Get ready for a wild ride through a dystopian future city that is in tragedy and ruin. sirens and screams is a one-shot that follows a group of lower-class urban dwellers searching for the corpse of a wealthy citizen who has been murdered. Even better? This motley crew of misfits isn’t exactly on the right side of the law.

Shot in one 78 minute continuous take, this movie will have you on the edge of your seat faster than a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Join our heroes as they navigate the treacherous landscape of the city, meeting all sorts of unsavory characters along the way. With more twists and turns than a roller coaster, sirens and screams will keep you guessing until the very end. So buckle up, grab some popcorn and get ready for an exciting ride that is sure to take your breath away!^[10]