Shravan Singh Have you ever watched a movie and felt like you were walking right beside the characters the entire time? That’s the magic of a single-take film. Also known as a “one-shot” film, these movies are either shot in one continuous take or edited to look like it. Either way, the result is an immersive, edge-of-your-seat experience that feels more like real life than a typical film.
Shooting a movie in one take isn’t easy. It takes meticulous planning, rehearsal, and coordination between the actors, camera crew, and every department on set. But when it works, the result is nothing short of cinematic brilliance. Let’s dive into 10 unforgettable single-take films that pushed the boundaries of filmmaking and proved that sometimes, less (editing) really is more.
1. 1917 (2019)
Director: Sam Mendes
Let’s start with one of the most well-known modern examples. 1917 is a World War I epic that follows two young British soldiers on a dangerous mission. While technically shot in several long takes and stitched together to look like one, the illusion is so seamless that audiences felt like they were right there in the trenches. Cinematographer Roger Deakins won an Oscar for his work, and it’s easy to see why.
2. Birdman (2014)
Director: Alejandro G. Iñárritu
This dark comedy-drama is another brilliant example of the one-shot illusion. Birdman follows a washed-up actor trying to stage a Broadway comeback, and the camera never seems to stop moving. The continuous flow mirrors the main character’s unraveling mind and gives the story a rhythm that keeps you hooked. It won Best Picture at the Oscars, and it deserved every bit of praise.
3. Russian Ark (2002)
Director: Alexander Sokurov
Now this one is actually filmed in a single, unbroken take. Shot in the Winter Palace of the Russian State Hermitage Museum, Russian Ark takes viewers on a 90-minute journey through 300 years of Russian history. With over 2,000 actors and dozens of rooms, the coordination is mind-blowing. If you want to see what’s possible when you throw traditional editing out the window, this is the film to watch.
4. Timecode (2000)
Director: Mike Figgis
Timecode is one of the most experimental films on this list. It shows four different continuous takes happening at the same time, all on one screen. The film plays out in real-time and explores how these storylines intersect. It’s a bit of a head-spinner, but also an exciting exploration of storytelling without traditional cuts.
5. Victoria (2015)
Director: Sebastian Schipper
This German thriller was shot in one actual take, no tricks, no cuts. It follows a young Spanish woman named Victoria through the streets of Berlin as she gets caught up in a heist. The camera never leaves her side, and the real-time approach builds suspense in a way that’s hard to beat. Considering the film is over two hours long, it’s an impressive technical and narrative achievement.
6. Silent House (2011)
Directors: Chris Kentis, Laura Lau
Based on a Uruguayan film (La Casa Muda), this American horror movie is designed to look like a single take. It follows a young woman trapped in a haunted house, and the one-shot style adds to the feeling of claustrophobia and dread. While it didn’t break box office records, it’s worth a watch for fans of psychological horror and filmmaking techniques.
7. Rope (1948)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
You can’t talk about single-take movies without mentioning Hitchcock’s Rope. While limited by the technology of his time, Hitchcock disguised his cuts by panning into the back of a character’s jacket or fading to dark. The film takes place in one apartment and unfolds in real-time, following two men who believe they’ve committed the perfect murder. It’s a masterclass in suspense and early innovation.
8. Utøya: July 22 (2018)
Director: Erik Poppe
This harrowing Norwegian film recreates the tragic 2011 terrorist attack on a youth camp. Shot in one continuous take, it follows a teenage girl named Kaja as she tries to survive and find her sister. The single-shot technique makes the terror feel immediate and real, and the film is a haunting tribute to those affected by the tragedy.
9. Boiling Point (2021)
Director: Philip Barantini
Set in a high-end London restaurant, Boiling Point follows the chaos of a dinner service gone wrong. It was filmed in one actual take and stars Stephen Graham as the stressed-out head chef. From arguments in the kitchen to tense conversations with customers, everything feels raw and unscripted. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves behind-the-scenes drama and intense character moments.
10. One Shot (2021)
Director: James Nunn
As the title suggests, this action thriller was made to look like it was filmed in one continuous shot. Starring Scott Adkins, it’s a high-octane story of an elite squad trying to protect a prisoner. While the film didn’t grab headlines like 1917 or Birdman, it’s a solid action flick that shows how single-take techniques can be used outside of indie dramas or arthouse projects.
Why Do Directors Choose the Single-Take Style?
You might be wondering, what’s the point? Why not just edit the film like everyone else?
For one, it creates a strong sense of immersion. When the camera doesn’t cut away, viewers feel like they’re in the moment. The tension is higher. The drama feels more real. It also adds a level of unpredictability, because in real life, we don’t experience life in “scenes.”
From a technical perspective, it’s a challenge that only the most confident filmmakers take on. There’s no room for mistakes, and every actor and crew member has to hit their marks perfectly. When it works, it’s a beautiful collaboration of timing, performance, and precision.
Final Thoughts
Single-take films aren’t just gimmicks. They’re powerful storytelling tools that offer a unique viewing experience. Whether it’s the heart-pounding urgency of 1917, the surreal flow of Birdman, or the raw emotion of Utøya: July 22, these films prove that sometimes, the best way to tell a story is without ever cutting away.
So next time you watch a movie and realize the camera hasn’t blinked, sit back and enjoy the ride. You’re witnessing something rare, and incredibly cool.
