26 Movies That Masterfully Capture the Art of Single-Location Filming

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In earlier times, when there were no movies, people went to the theater for their amusement. Unlike films that can whisk audiences away to any part of the world or beyond, plays on the stage lack this capacity. Although stage designs have improved over time to create an immersive atmosphere (particularly in larger and more expensive productions), the essence of theater has always required writers to craft compelling narratives within the limitations of a single stage.

While some directors might view it as restrictive, others are drawn to the allure of narrating a tale within a solitary setting, emphasizing character growth and dialogue rather than visual effects and action-packed sequences. If this concept appeals to you, here’s a list of 26 movies that unfold entirely in one location.

26
ATM (2012)

The movie “ATM” is a horror film directed by David Brooks and features Josh Peck, Alice Eve, and Brian Geraghty in leading roles. This film’s hook is quite distinct as it unfolds within an overnight ATM kiosk. The plot revolves around three colleagues who decide to withdraw some cash for pizza following a tipsy Christmas party at midnight. However, they are unaware that they are being stalked by a ruthless psychopath who has no plans of allowing them to escape the ATM booth alive.

Writer Chris Sparling Finds His Hollywood Niche

The movie titled “ATM” was created by Chris Sparling, who is known for crafting suspenseful, single-location thrillers. He had earlier written the screenplay for the 2010 claustrophobic hit “Buried,” starring Ryan Reynolds. Despite its distinctive premise and ambitious approach, this horror-thriller didn’t resonate with many critics, earning only a 12% score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it’s notable as it’s the sole film that takes place entirely within an ATM machine.

25
Circle (2015)

In the spirit of “12 Angry Men”, the 2015 film titled “Circle” was directed by Aaron Hann and Mario Miscione, categorized as a psychological sci-fi horror movie. The entire story unfolds within a single, ominous, and mysteriously empty room. Fifty strangers find themselves in this room, unaware of their arrival. Tensions rise when they learn that someone is being murdered every two minutes or if anyone tries to escape. However, the true terror begins when they discover they have the power to decide who meets a gruesome end.

A Thought-Provoking Psychological Horror Thriller

The movie titled “Circle” made a thrilling first appearance at the Seattle International Film Festival, earning acclaim for its extensive use of lesser-known actors and for tackling deep psychological, social, and political matters by filming in only one room and through a compelling script. In June 2024, it was announced that Netflix is developing a sequel to “Circle“, set 17 years after the initial events, where the survivors reunite to confront a fresh danger.

24
Free Fire (2017)

Without a doubt, Ben Wheatley is a versatile filmmaker who consistently delivers, even on smaller budgets. His films such as “Kill List”, “In the Earth”, and “A Field in England” successfully create authentic dread and unease, despite their modest scales. Interestingly, his 2016 action film “Free Fire” mirrors this feat, maintaining an eerie atmosphere all within the confines of a deserted warehouse – although it’s not categorized as a horror movie.

A Dazzling Cast of Hollywood Greats

The film “Free Fire” is set in Boston during 1978 and revolves around a failed arms deal between two rival gangs that results in a chaotic 90-minute gunfight. Despite being essentially one long shootout, the movie manages to captivate its audience due to its impressive ensemble cast, featuring stars such as Brie Larson, Cillian Murphy, Sharlto Copley, Michael Smiley, Jack Reynor, and Sam Riley, among others, who collectively make it an exhilarating viewing experience.

23
Pontypool (2009)

Pontypool is a chilling horror movie helmed by director Bruce McDonald. This film is set in the quaint town of Pontypool, Ontario, where radio personality Grant Mazzy, played by Stephen McHattie, works his night shift alongside station manager Lizzie and technical assistant Laurel-Ann. Throughout one tense night, Grant receives numerous alarms about a lethal virus spreading rapidly through their little community. With no escape routes available and only minimal connections to the outside world, it becomes increasingly evident that they may not make it through the night alive.

McDonald’s Homage to Radio Plays

The movie “Pontypool” unfolds within the limited space of Grant’s radio station. Director Bruce McDonald was inspired by old-time radio dramas from the 1930s and 1940s, particularly Orson Welles’ famous radio broadcast of “War of the Worlds.” Interestingly, a radio play adaptation of “Pontypool” was also created simultaneously with the film. The tight focus of the story intensifies the suspense, creating a genuinely nerve-wracking and intense viewing experience.

22
7500 (2019)

Patrick Vollrath’s initial directorial work, titled “7500“, was a suspenseful rollercoaster ride that went largely unnoticed (my apologies for the play on words) upon its release in 2019. The movie features Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Tobias Ellis, who serves as the co-pilot during an overnight flight from Berlin to Paris. However, the situation rapidly deteriorates when the plane is seized by terrorists with plans to crash it.

A Tense & Tightly-Wound Thriller

Although the plot may not be revolutionary, what sets this film apart is its focus on the cockpit of a plane as the main setting. The violence isn’t shown visually; instead, it’s audible. Throughout the movie, we remain within Ellis’ perspective, which creates an intense and confined atmosphere. This movie is not widely recognized enough, but it adds significant value to Gordon-Levitt’s impressive filmography.

21
Frozen (2010)

To clarify, the movie “Frozen” released in 2010 is not associated with the popular Disney series. Instead, it’s a survival thriller directed by Adam Green, known for his “Hatchet” series. In this film, actors Shawn Ashmore, Emma Bell, and Kevin Zegers play skiers who become stranded on a chairlift during a heavy snowstorm overnight. They must choose between jumping from the chair or waiting until morning, both choices potentially life-threatening.

A Truly Chilling Survival Thriller Hit

Apart from the initial scene, almost the entirety of Frozen unfolds on the frozen ski lift, keeping viewers firmly within the characters’ viewpoint. To create an authentic sense of fear and gravity, Green opted for a realistic approach in filming; this means the actors were genuinely suspended fifty feet high atop a Utah mountain. This technique proved successful, as Frozen turns out to be a heart-stopping adventure.

20
The Sunset Limited (2011)

As a film enthusiast, I’d say “The Sunset Limited” is a 2011 movie directed by the talented Tommy Lee Jones, based on a play of the same name by renowned author Cormac McCarthy. In this gripping drama, I step into the shoes of “White,” a professor grappling with cynicism and despair, contemplating ending my life in front of a subway train. However, fate has other plans when I encounter “Black” (played by Samuel L. Jackson), an optimistic former convict who challenges my pessimism and offers a different perspective on life.

An Engaging & Beautifully Written Drama

In Black’s modest NYC studio apartment, an intimate conversation unfolds between two individuals over one evening, centered around religion, philosophy, and life’s purpose. Much like certain movies on the list, “The Sunset Limited” has a strong resemblance to a stage production rather than a film (given its origins). However, the thought-provoking dialogue is captivating and skillfully acted by Jackson and Jones. Watch it on Max.

19
Exam (2009)

A 2009 British psychological thriller titled “Exam” was co-written and directed by Stuart Hazeldine, who received a BAFTA nomination for his debut feature film. This movie tells the story of eight job applicants vying for a mysterious and financially rewarding position at DATAPREV. During the final stage of their interview process, they are ushered into an exam room where they must answer a single question that remains unknown to them. The catch is, disobeying the rules during this interview could lead to their demise.

A Slow Burn Thriller Full of Twists & Turns

A captivating and tantalizing mystery is an effective method to maintain interest in a movie, even when it’s set in a monotonous exam room. The film “Exam” does precisely that by keeping viewers on their toes from the very beginning, building up to an unexpected and shocking climax that will leave them stunned. This results in a sharp, suspenseful, underappreciated thriller.

18
All is Lost (2013)

As a dedicated cinephile, I can’t help but reflect on the captivating journey of director J.C. Chandor post his initial triumph with the urban drama Margin Call. Instead of sticking to the towering skyscrapers of New York City, Chandor opted for a drastic change in scenery – venturing into the boundless expanse of the ocean with his subsequent work, the nearly wordless film All is Lost. In this cinematic masterpiece, Robert Redford portrays an anonymous sailor who encounters misfortune when his vessel crashes into a shipping container, leaving him adrift at sea.

Robert Redford’s Powerhouse Performance

In this solitary film production, Robert Redford delivers an intense, challenging acting display. The narrative primarily unfolds on his stricken yacht (later transitioning to a lifeboat) as he struggles tirelessly against the harsh open sea environment, striving to keep himself afloat and alive. Director J.C. Chandor skillfully maintains a tight camera focus on Redford throughout, masterfully emphasizing the escalating terror and utter powerlessness of his predicament.

17
Presence (2025)

In another demonstration of his groundbreaking filmmaking abilities, Steven Soderbergh masterfully directed the eerie supernatural thriller titled “Presence“. He assembled a compact yet exceptionally gifted cast featuring Lucy Liu, Chris Sullivan, and Julia Fox. The story unfolds as a troubled family, newly settled in suburban life, begins to suspect that their new home is inhabited by a mischievous poltergeist.

Soderbergh’s Sharp & Innovative Haunted House Thriller

In a surprising twist on the traditional haunted house formula, Soderbergh masterfully disorients audiences who become entangled with the family in the unsettling home throughout this suspenseful film. Filmed entirely from a first-person perspective, the movie creates an intense and claustrophobic ambiance that intensifies as the true identity and purpose of the supernatural presence are unveiled. Currently showing in cinemas.

16
The Outfit (2022)

As the esteemed screenwriter Graham Moore, recognized with an Oscar for my work on The Imitation Game, I stepped into the director’s chair for the first time in 2022 with the gripping crime thriller, The Outfit. This tale unfolds in Chicago during the year 1956, where Mark Rylance plays Leonard Burling, a skilled “cutter” who manages a tailor shop situated in a district under the control of the Irish Mob. The formidable figure of Roy Boyle, the mob boss and his gang of associates, loom large over this neighborhood.

A Riveting & Surprisingly Expansive Crime Thriller

In the story The Outfit, when Richie, Boyle’s son, is wounded by enemies from a rival mob family and taken into Boyle’s tailor shop, an old grudge between mob groups erupts into a full-blown conflict. The entire film takes place within the small space of the tailor shop over the course of a single snowy evening. However, despite its limited setting, the movie seems grand and spacious due to the impressive acting skills of its performers like Zoey Deutch, Dylan O’Brien, and Simon Russell Beale.

15
My Dinner with Andre (1981)

In essence, the movie titled “My Dinner with Andre” primarily unfolds within a restaurant in New York City, focusing mainly on a conversation happening around a table between two old acquaintances. The film features Wallace Shawn and Andre Gregory portraying their own characters named Wallace and Andre, emphasizing that these roles are fictional representations of the actors themselves.

A Wonderfully Intimate ’80s Classic

During a casual dinner, two gentlemen share intriguing tales filled with subtle humor, making the conversation remarkably captivating. Despite being merely a conversation between friends, “My Dinner with Andre” is still an enthralling experience. By the end, you’ll feel like you’ve developed a personal connection with these individuals. Since its debut more than four decades ago, this dramedy has earned acclaim and now stands as a cherished cinematic classic.

14
Dial M for Murder (1954)

Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 suspenseful movie, titled “Dial M for Murder,” possesses two distinctive features. Initially, the story primarily unfolds within our leading character’s apartment (Hitchcock created a total of four films with a confined setting, including “Lifeboat” and another pair of movies to be mentioned later in this discussion). Secondly, “Dial M” was Hitchcock’s only film he ever filmed in 3D.

Hitchcock’s Underrated Thriller Finds New Life

In this movie, Grace Kelly portrays Margot, a wealthy society woman wedded to retired tennis champion Tony (played by Ray Milland). It’s revealed that she’s having an affair with crime writer Mark Halliday (Robert Cummings). Upon learning about the infidelity, Tony tries to coerce his friend Charles into murdering Margot so he can claim her inheritance. However, as one might guess, things don’t unfold smoothly.

Initially, “Dial M for Murder” didn’t quite live up to expectations when it was initially released. Despite Alfred Hitchcock planning to present it in 3D, the technology was problematic and often malfunctioned. Consequently, the film was mostly screened in 2D nationwide, which affected its overall quality. However, over time, the movie has been re-evaluated and is now considered one of Hitchcock’s stronger works.

13
Phone Booth (2003)

Back in the early 2000s, I found myself captivated by Joel Schumacher’s gripping thriller, “Phone Booth.” Despite its somewhat cheeky title and outlandish premise, this movie has a unique charm that’s hard to ignore. In it, Colin Farrell plays Stu Shepard, a publicist who finds himself in an unexpected predicament – cornered inside a phone booth by an anonymous sniper with a chilling set of demands.

Colin Farrell Elevates a Ridiculously Wild Thriller

The Phone Booth movie might not be considered great literature, but it’s a quick watch, clocking in at just 81 minutes. Interestingly, despite being set entirely within a single phone booth, the film keeps your heart racing. Colin Farrell skillfully brings the outrageous plot to life and delivers a gripping portrayal of a man fighting for his survival trapped inside a phone booth.

12
Cube (1998)

The film “Cube” is a science fiction horror production directed and co-written by Vincenzo Natali. It’s somewhat similar to the horror movie “Saw”, but instead of a trap-filled house, the story unfolds in a labyrinthine, cube-structured environment. The plot revolves around five individuals who find themselves trapped within this complex, unaware of their location, the reason for their captivity, and the mysterious puppeteer orchestrating this intricate puzzle. As far as they are concerned, there seems to be no means of escaping their imprisonment.

A Masterclass in Small-Scale Filmmaking

In no time, the movie known as “Cube” gained a passionate fanbase and led to several spin-offs and a Japanese adaptation as late as 2021. The film’s distinctly dreamlike atmosphere is what makes it stand out, ensuring its enduring popularity. This is an example of excellent low-budget filmmaking, making it no wonder that “Cube” and its director, Vincenzo Natali, were honored with the prize for Best Canadian First Feature Film at the Toronto International Film Festival.

11
Clerks (1994)

1994 saw aspiring filmmaker Kevin Smith juggling shifts at a convenience store. Instead of chasing Hollywood, he brought Hollywood closer by producing it himself. He managed to gather $25,000 and some friends, struck a deal with his boss to use the store as a shooting location, and ultimately created the groundbreaking indie sensation, Clerks.

Kevin Smith’s Enduring Indie Classic

The story is straightforward; it portrays a typical day for Dante Hicks (Brian O’Halleran) and Randal Graves (Jeff Anderson), two convenience store employees, as their creator, Kevin Smith, brilliantly infuses humor into these relatable characters. Remarkably, all the action unfolds within the very same convenience store where they work. Released over three decades ago, this film, titled “Clerks“, was a massive success, propelling Smith’s career and giving birth to a series of three movies. To this day, it continues to be celebrated as a classic in its genre.

10
The Guilty (2018)

In a simpler, more conversational style:

The Guilty, a Danish crime thriller by co-writer/director Gustav Möller, is a brilliant demonstration of building tension quietly. The movie centers around Jakob Cedergren’s character, Asger Holm, a disgraced police officer in Copenhagen who is temporarily assigned to emergency dispatch as he awaits his hearing for the controversial shooting and killing of a young man. However, an ordinary night at work takes an unexpected turn when he receives a call from a woman who has been kidnapped.

An Engrossing Crime Thriller Sensation

Möller drew inspiration from actual 911 calls and true-crime podcasts to structure the entire film around a single setting, utilizing audio and Cedergren’s performance to build suspense. This method proved effective. While Antoine Fuqua’s 2021 remake shares the same single-location concept, the Danish original stands out as the superior film.

9
Panic Room (2002)

In the style of movies such as Rear Window and Straw Dogs, the thriller Panic Room revolves around Meg Altman (Jodie Foster) and her daughter Sarah (Kristen Stewart), who settle into a grand brownstone once belonging to a secretive millionaire. When a band of ruthless thieves break into their new residence, seeking the vanished wealth of the former owner, Meg and Sarah are compelled to seek refuge in a cutting-edge panic room to safeguard themselves.

Fincher’s Pulse-Pounding Thriller Masterpiece

Following the challenging and demanding filming experience of “Fight Club”, director David Fincher sought a less complex, sleeker project for his next venture. As the script for “Panic Room” landed on his desk, a movie primarily set within a single NYC Brownstone over the span of one night, he eagerly took on the opportunity to direct it. Contrary to expectations, filming entirely on a soundstage proved to be more challenging than “Fight Club”. The film eventually premiered in 2002 and achieved great success.

8
Rope (1948)

Similar to “Dial M for Murder,” Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rope” is mainly recognized for two distinctive aspects: it unfolds within a single apartment over real-time duration, and it seems to have been filmed in a single, uninterrupted take. To create this illusion, Hitchcock filmed four consecutive takes, skillfully splicing them together during post-production to give the impression of a continuous shot.

Hitchcock’s Exceptional Experimental Thriller

In the 1948 suspenseful movie, James Stewart and John Dall play arrogant college students named Rupert Cadell and Brandon Shaw. To prove their mental prowess, they decide to commit a murder – strangling an ex-classmate – aiming for the ultimate, flawless crime. To challenge their intellect even more (and risk further) they host a party at their apartment, keeping the rotting body of their late friend hidden in another room throughout the event.

Similar to several of Alfred Hitchcock’s films, the movie “Rope” initially received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. They admired it for its technical brilliance (which it continues to be recognized for today), but felt uneasy about its subject matter. Over time, however, it has garnered a devoted fanbase and is often regarded as one of Hitchcock’s most innovative and intriguing films.

7
The Breakfast Club (1985)

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can’t help but sing praises for John Hughes’ timeless masterpiece, The Breakfast Club. This gem is a must-watch in the coming-of-age genre and hardly needs an introduction. In this captivating film, Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, and Anthony Michael Hall (who have become known as the “Brat Pack” by the press and audience alike) take on the roles of high school students from various social circles, who find themselves unexpectedly confined to detention together on a Saturday.

An Undisputed ’80s Juggernaut

Apart from its memorable, energetic final scene, “The Breakfast Club” primarily unfolds within the school library. This classic ’80s film is a humorous, heartwarming, and everlasting masterpiece that should be treasured for future generations. Often hailed as one of the best teen movies ever made, this beloved gem not only boosted its talented cast’s careers but also solidified John Hughes’ status as one of Hollywood’s most promising figures.

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2025-02-01 02:36