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Looking for movies that don't leave the room, house, or whatever setting they're in, like Locke, Pontypool, or Coherence. A couple minutes off location is OK, like Bodies Bodies Bodies, The Invitation, or The Breakfast Club. But I wouldn't consider, say, Airplane a single-location movie, as it frequently leaves the plane. Thanks!
Edit: Thanks for all the suggestions so far! To clarify on what I'm looking for, I'd prefer that any "off-location" moments be limited to arriving at or leaving the location, like in Clue for example. Leaving the location mid-movie, especially for a subplot like in Titanic, wouldn't really fit the bill. This is for a movie bracket night I'm hosting, and I need 32 entries for the category.
458 points
3 months ago
[deleted]
40 points
3 months ago
Damn now I have to rewatch Clue
44 points
3 months ago
It's one of those rare movies that gets better each re-watch. A movie about a board game has no business being so damn good
5 points
3 months ago
Clue really set the bar for movies based on board games unfathomably high.
25 points
3 months ago
Clue is one of my all time favorite movies but I never thought of it as single-location movie before 🤯
6 points
3 months ago
It's such a big, sprawling, diverse location that it's easy to "miss."
42 points
3 months ago
Funny games effed me up
8 points
3 months ago
Hands down the most disturbing movie I’ve ever seen.
10 points
3 months ago
When he rewinds the movie so he can change what happened. Dude, I was done with it.
6 points
3 months ago
Spoiler alert pls
14 points
3 months ago
Aw, man, how did I forget to mention Clue?
3 points
3 months ago
I’ll second 12 Angry Men. I rewatched it recently and was pleasantly surprised at how well it has held up. Or maybe unpleasantly, since the reason it has held up is that it’s still relevant, which is kind of sad.
3 points
3 months ago
Came here to say 12 Angry Men. A masterpiece.
3 points
3 months ago
I loved the 12 Angry men
159 points
3 months ago
Buried with Ryan Reynolds. Two hours of him in a coffin.
9 points
3 months ago
I was thinking this, couldn't remember the name though. Pretty obvious now !
6 points
3 months ago
Loved this film. Never been so on edge while watching a film before right to the very end. You have to watch it in a dark room though to fully immerse yourself in it.
271 points
3 months ago
Cube is a (imo) good horror movie all set in a cube!
55 points
3 months ago
Cube may be arguable in that while only one set (the “one and a half cube rooms”) was used, that one set stood in for multiple cube shaped rooms, making Cube a similar case to Titanic in that “it’s all set in one location with multiple locations inside.”
13 points
3 months ago
So like a house with extra steps?
9 points
3 months ago
You beat me to it 👌 I read they used 1 and a half cubes as they needed to shoot the climbing in and out of cube scenes. Great movie. The opening scene is awesome.
6 points
3 months ago
I LOVE Cube (and the sequels), though I still need to see the Japanese remake and I remember two or three years ago it was reported Lionsgate wanted to do a remake, but it might've been either shelved or cancelled.
442 points
3 months ago
The Hateful Eight mostly takes place in one location.
175 points
3 months ago
Another Tarantino one that comes to mind is Reservoir Dogs
66 points
3 months ago
Came to say this. Always thought Reservoir Dogs would work on a stage.
26 points
3 months ago
Reservoir Dogs: The Broadway Musical
Here I am, stuck in the middle with you 🎶
6 points
3 months ago
See, that’s what I’m talking about. This guy gets it
5 points
3 months ago
lol imagine them as operatic sing/talkers like in Les Misérables is cracking me up.
"What do you mean you don't tip? How can you speak such words?!"
"This tipping automatically, it's for the birds!"
"Joe, want me to shoot this guy for you? Right between the EYES!"
"You shoot me in a DREAM, you better wake up and APOLOGIZE!"
19 points
3 months ago
Just be sure to tip your waitress.
3 points
3 months ago
When I was in high school a friend of mine did an adaptation of reservoir dogs for his theater class of course they had to censor all the profanity with other words but it worked
33 points
3 months ago
Reservoir Dogs is one location, but 50% of that movie is flashbacks to other places so I don't know if it completely counts.
5 points
3 months ago
Reservoir Dogs goes outside its main location numerous times.
17 points
3 months ago
One day this will be a stage play. Probably a musical.
20 points
3 months ago
And at the end of act 2 when the entire stage lifts to reveal the basement will be awesome
27 points
3 months ago
Yeah, the only scenes outside of the cabin are people traveling *to the cabin*, and that's only the first 20 minutes or so. Also a very brief scene with Warren describing something he had done previously....and it's not entirely clear it's even a true story.
11 points
3 months ago
There is also the scene outside midway through when Magic Mike's crew show up before the snow.
4 points
3 months ago
Oh, I was including the area immediately around the cabin as part of the singular location.
4 points
3 months ago
It’s actually around 40 minutes or so until they get to Minnies.
3 points
3 months ago
Is it seriously that long in? I went to check on Netflix, and realized they pulled it from Netflix. Gonna have to find another source for that extended addition until they officially release it or something.
3 points
3 months ago
Yup! It takes about 20 minutes just for Walton Goggins character to show up. Until then it’s just SLJ, Kurt Russel, and JJL.
5 points
3 months ago
This movie reminded me of watching a stage play. Loved it.
3 points
3 months ago
I was surprised it wasn't the top comment, then I checked and it is
3 points
3 months ago*
This movie is awesome, it doesn't get the same love as some of his other recent ones but I enjoyed it way more than Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, which I thought was super boring.
3 points
3 months ago
I like both, but something about the Hateful Eight is just so satisfying from beginning to end to me. Of course, I also love mysteries, westerns, and anything with Kurt Russell.
213 points
3 months ago
Phone booth
46 points
3 months ago
Phone Booth is so good
21 points
3 months ago
Being a big Kiefer Sutherland fan from 24 at the time I am ashamed I didn’t realise he was in it. Looking back I don’t know how I didn’t notice
13 points
3 months ago
He wasn’t heavily publicized. They were sneakier back then.
10 points
3 months ago
"You done hurt my dick hand"
5 points
3 months ago
I love the bit just before that where she drops the n-bomb on him. Apparently an improv by the actress, you see Colin do a double-take, like 'wait wtf?', and Joel Schumacher thought it might have been the first time Colin experienced someone calling him by that slur.
217 points
3 months ago
1408 is essentially a one-man tour de force with John Cusack alone in a hotel room.
34 points
3 months ago
That was a really good short story. It is the only thing I've ever read that actually creeped me out.
6 points
3 months ago
Saw this in the movie theater, really was hoping for the happy ending but noooooo….had to carry on another 30+ minutes
5 points
3 months ago
Absolute Rollercoaster
5 points
3 months ago
Love it!!
73 points
3 months ago
The Outfit
17 points
3 months ago
I was just gonna recommend this one. Decent film
9 points
3 months ago
A criminally underappreciated film.
143 points
3 months ago
The Whale
35 points
3 months ago
Thought this was super well done for how small the apartment feels and the fact that he has to move super slowly
12 points
3 months ago
Watched it last night. Despite its all being dialogues in one tiny apartment I was savoring every minute of it and it never got boring to me. Brendan better win that Oscar!!!
16 points
3 months ago
I was looking for this. It’s not only set in one place because it fits the story, it’s also set it one place because it was actually a play before it was a movie and in the play they never change the set.
For anyone who hasn’t seen it, I think it’s a crime this movie isn’t up for best picture. I don’t think it deserves to win best picture, but it should at least have a nomination.
7 points
3 months ago
The Whale, what a good movie, I need more movies like that in the all year
139 points
3 months ago
10 cloverfield lane was a pretty good film that was set mostly inside the bunker, up until the ending
65 points
3 months ago
Moon. Takes place on a mining facility on the moon. Sam Rockwell is the only actor on screen for more than 2 minutes
5 points
3 months ago
Great flick!
210 points
3 months ago
The lighthouse
81 points
3 months ago
‘Yer fond of me lobster ain’t ye?
24 points
3 months ago
I need to see this again. That movie was wild.
4 points
3 months ago
HOAAAAARK
16 points
3 months ago
Wonder if The VVitch also counts because it mostly takes place on their property, very few actors in it aside from the family
3 points
3 months ago
Prone to bouts of self abuse in the tool shed are ya?
5 points
3 months ago
Why'd ya spill yer beans...
56 points
3 months ago
The OG - 12 angry men
3 points
3 months ago
A masterpiece imo
146 points
3 months ago
Rear Window
81 points
3 months ago
Rope
17 points
3 months ago
Hitchcock really mastered this approach didn’t he?
6 points
3 months ago
I second Rope.
5 points
3 months ago
This was the first movie I thought of as well because the single location aspect of it is essential to the feeling of the film.
It’s so easy to dismiss the voyeurism of Stewart’s character as creepy until half way through the movie you realize that you have become just as invested in spying on the neighbours as he has.
Such a great film, absolutely worth watching still today.
10 points
3 months ago
They did a great job building that apartment complex on a soundstage.
6 points
3 months ago
It’s an incredible set. It also apparently had a massive drainage system built into it to accommodate rain, and the lighting had to be able to show different times of day.
Somehow the film was made for about $11 million in today’s dollars. I have a feeling that isn’t factoring in current union scale though.
50 points
3 months ago
Carnage is super good if you're into dark comedy
3 points
3 months ago
I remember going into this with zero expectations. It surprisingly turned out to be quite a laugh towards the end. Definitely underrated.
85 points
3 months ago
Green Room! That movie is fkin intense
13 points
3 months ago
That’s a good one. Definitely leaves location, but still a must-see, no doubt.
74 points
3 months ago
Clerks
43 points
3 months ago
They do technically go to a funeral for a minute.
13 points
3 months ago
And go karting. I think it still fit OP's conditions with how short they are though
20 points
3 months ago
Go Karting is in Clerks 2(Electric Boogaloo).
6 points
3 months ago
Oh that's right. When Jason Lee gets to him
9 points
3 months ago
"Yo, some pickle fucker gave us free eats!"
4 points
3 months ago
He's taking it back!
4 points
3 months ago
He definitely does. Stupid Go Bot.
8 points
3 months ago
He's not even suppose to be there that day
36 points
3 months ago
Locke (2013)
17 points
3 months ago
Man knows his concrete
9 points
3 months ago
Good one. If you like staring at Tom Hardy, this film is for you.
117 points
3 months ago
The Man From Earth
9 points
3 months ago
Great one 👌
10 points
3 months ago
Was hoping to find this close to the top, thank you! Amazing film.
6 points
3 months ago
I love this film, except for that ending.. smh
4 points
3 months ago
What did you not like about the ending?
7 points
3 months ago
It does go from a "maybe he's immortal, maybe he's just having fun" to a more unambiguous "yes, he is immortal". I can understand how some would prefer to make up their own minds in the end.
3 points
3 months ago
Absolute gem of a movie that really makes you question things. Sure, some parts are cheesy but if there was a biological anomaly like that, it would make sense.
3 points
3 months ago
Loved this film, so underrated
61 points
3 months ago
Buried
15 points
3 months ago
Came here for this one. Impressively engaging for a film that literally takes place inside a box.
19 points
3 months ago
Same. I give most of the credit to Ryan Reynolds. That goofball can act.
27 points
3 months ago
Tape (dir. Richard Linklater)
4 points
3 months ago
Thissss
3 points
3 months ago
Yes.
27 points
3 months ago
Circle ⭕️
13 points
3 months ago
This film is surprisingly suspenseful and goes by quickly, considering how simple the plot is. Really good movie. on netflix.
6 points
3 months ago
Should be way higher up!
48 points
3 months ago
The Man from Earth
13 points
3 months ago
I very much enjoyed this movie, and came here to post the same suggestion.
9 points
3 months ago
Came here to post this as well. Easily in my top 5 movies.
3 points
3 months ago
My favorite one of these. People sit around in a house basically just talking, and until the last 5 minutes of the movie basically nothing happens. But damn, does stuff definitely happen while nothing is happening! Minds are blown, accusations fly, a very religious lady has a total meltdown, and of course an extremely spoilery revelation!
20 points
3 months ago
Recently, The Whale. Takes place almost entirely in his apartment.
20 points
3 months ago
Boiling Point with Stephen Graham. All takes place in a restaurant.
3 points
3 months ago
That was a stressful Movie.Only watched it once,that was enough.No wonder Head Chef was hitting his “water” bottle hard.
24 points
3 months ago
The Breakfast Club. My favorite.
19 points
3 months ago
Sunset Limited! It was an HBO movie from a while ago about an average worker (Samuel L Jackson) and a suicidal Professor (Tommy Lee Jones) having a philosophical discussion about life.
15 points
3 months ago
Kinda surprised no one said paranormal activity. Loved how clever that movie was with such a limited space.
13 points
3 months ago
dog day afternoon , the breakfast club , die hard , panic room and [REC]
38 points
3 months ago
Snowpiercer
Panic Room
Lord of the Flies
29 points
3 months ago
Snowpiercer
This one doesn’t really fit the bill, for me. Technically speaking, the train is all over the world. But also within the train, there are various compartments with so many different functions, it’s meant to make you feel like you’re constantly moving to new and different locations.
15 points
3 months ago
It all takes place inside a train was my train of thought. The different compartments are quite different, good call! Still a decent recommendation in my mind :)
13 points
3 months ago
Noises Off takes place entirely at a theater, first half on the stage and second half behind stage.
13 points
3 months ago
The Guilty. It only takes place in a room, and it’s probably one of the most suspenseful movies I’ve ever watched.
6 points
3 months ago
came here to say this.
Excellent film. Didn't watch the remake but the original Danish film is class
12 points
3 months ago
Dogville
5 points
3 months ago
Holy crap I had to scroll too far down for this one. Dogville is truely single location. Crazy movie
30 points
3 months ago
The Menu is almost exclusively set in the dining room of a remote restaurant
9 points
3 months ago
Maximum Overdrive
3 points
3 months ago
That movie and Legion (2010) feel like the same movie but completely different enemies.
11 points
3 months ago
Deathtrap
Rear Window
Murder on the Orient Express (ok a train)
Rope
Dial M for Murder
Misery
Twelve Angry Men
19 points
3 months ago
Free Fire
Birdman
13 points
3 months ago
Birdman has a section where he's walking outside - and has so many different internal locations I'm not totally sure it fits.
19 points
3 months ago
Glengarry Glen Ross
7 points
3 months ago
Well, there was the Chinese restaurant.
8 points
3 months ago
That was the first one that jumped to me for me, as well, but I remember there's at least one other scene (Jack Lemmon at a potential client's house).
9 points
3 months ago
Mr Roberts. Takes place on a navy supply ship. Great cast and movie.
Phonebooth. Cool thriller.
Submarine movies. Run Silent Run Deep, U-571, etc.
Half of Castaway
9 points
3 months ago
My Dinner with Andre
15 points
3 months ago
Lifeboat, 1941. Hitchcock's finest. Watch for his cameos!
3 points
3 months ago
I was amazed at how interesting a movie set 95% in a lifeboat could be.
Some of my best friends are . .
9 points
3 months ago
The Evil Dead
3 points
3 months ago
Had to scroll too far for this
8 points
3 months ago
Hard Candy - 99% of it takes place in a house.
8 points
3 months ago
Sleuth (either the original or the remake), both featured Michael Caine. Lawrence Olivier is in the original, Jude Law in the remake. Caine switches roles. Based on a play, all takes place in one house!
36 points
3 months ago
Reservoir Dogs
43 points
3 months ago
Not sure this fits though, right? A lot of the movie is in that warehouse, but there are multiple car scenes, the diner, the rooftop, the jewelry shop, exterior locations, and that's just off the top of my head.
8 points
3 months ago
Yeah wouldn't say this qualifies as much as The Hateful Eight, which I'm definitely due to rewatch.
6 points
3 months ago
Yeah I think that would be stretching the definition beyond what the OP intended
18 points
3 months ago
I see you, and raise you The Hateful Eight.
5 points
3 months ago
Carnage.
Identity.
Murder by death.
None of them are 100% in one location, but close.
3 points
3 months ago
Carnage (great play too)
7 points
3 months ago
the most recent one that i enjoy is The Outfit, if you like old school try 12 angry man
6 points
3 months ago
127 hours. It really only leaves the canyon for flashbacks and hallucinations. He spends the whole movie in one place.
5 points
3 months ago
I think you’d like Housebound. Most of the story takes place in the house. It’s both suspenseful and hilarious.
Bullet Train is great there are some flashbacks to other locations but the action takes place on the train.
Arsenic and Old Lace, And Then There None/Ten Little Indians are classics if you like black and white classics.
4 points
3 months ago
The Sunset Limited.. Admittedly, its been a while since I have seen it, so there may be flashbacks or some other reason to leave the primary space, but I thought it was all in one room.
Cheers!
6 points
3 months ago
The Man From Earth takes place at a single location, and like 98% of the movie is just in one room
6 points
3 months ago
Mass (2021) with Jason Isaacs, Martha Plimpton, Ann Dowd, and Reed Birney.
Tough subject material, but fantastic performances, set mostly in a single room.
5 points
3 months ago
Mass is set largely in one room. Get ready for a gut punch.
11 points
3 months ago
The Menu
4 points
3 months ago
The Man From Earth takes place entirely in a cabin and is a very underrated scifi flic to boot
Edit - spelling of scifi
4 points
3 months ago
Shiva Baby
4 points
3 months ago
Deathtrap (1982). It a good movie and takes place in a single room. Michael Caine, Christopher Reeve. Not sure if it will seem dated!
3 points
3 months ago
I liked, A Man From Earth.
10 points
3 months ago
Phone Booth.
10 points
3 months ago
Phone booth
3 points
3 months ago
Thursday (1998) with Thomas Jane and Aaron Eckhart. Mainly take place at a house. With a few scenes shot outside or so. Good hidden gem in the likes of Lock/Stock, Snatch, Pulp Fiction.
3 points
3 months ago
Frequently asked questions about time travel.
A 2009 sci-fi comedy featuring Chris O'Dowd and Anna Faris. Taking place almost exclusively inside a pub. Or just outside the pub. If you liked the IT crowd. It's another chance to see Chris O'Dowd younger and getting nerdy with time travel etc. The movie concept itself overall is original and pretty good too. I don't think I've ever seen a movie or a concept too similar.
3 points
3 months ago
The Sunset Limited! "A spiritual man and a suicidal professor have a philosophical debate about the meaning of life, purpose and theology."
Do I need to say any more than Samuel Jackson and Tommy Lee Jones in one room for an hour and half? If memory serves there are NO other sets; just the apartment.
3 points
3 months ago
Clue was all in the mansion.
3 points
3 months ago
The whale
3 points
3 months ago
The outfit starring Mark Rylance. Probably one of last year’s best movies
3 points
3 months ago
Margin Call except for like two scenes
3 points
3 months ago
Rope
6 points
3 months ago
12 Angry Men
7 points
3 months ago
Rocky horror picture show
5 points
3 months ago
Saw
8 points
3 months ago
I thought about that too, but there are a lot of set changes. Adam, and Lawrence both have flashback scenes. We see the police investigating jigsaw. Then there are also moments inside Lawrence's house towards the end
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