Phone-shot films

Films Shot on iPhone: From Tangerine to 28 Years Later

Several notable films have been shot wholly or partly on iPhones, from an indie breakout to a major studio release. This list covers well-known examples and what each shows about phone filmmaking.

The films How they did it Lessons

Notable Films Shot on iPhone

FilmYearNote
Tangerine2015Sean Baker's indie shot on iPhone 5s phones with adapter lenses
Unsane2018Steven Soderbergh's thriller shot on an iPhone
High Flying Bird2019Soderbergh again, shot on iPhone for Netflix
28 Years Later2025Danny Boyle's film, partly shot using rigs built around iPhone 15 Pro Max phones

How These Films Were Made

  • Adapter or add-on lenses for a wider, cinematic look
  • Stabilisers and rigs
  • Professional lighting and sound
  • Manual camera apps
  • Colour grading in post
  • Multiple phones for coverage in some productions

Why Filmmakers Chose Phones

1

Intimacy

Less intimidating for actors and the public.

2

Speed

Quick setups and movement.

3

Budget

Lower camera costs on indie projects.

4

New angles

Small cameras fit tight spaces and rigs.

Lessons for Your Own Phone Film

The camera mattered less than story, performance, light, and sound. Our earlier iPhone cinema guide covers pro features. For the full workflow, see making a movie on iPhone, and for depth effects, Cinematic mode.

Professional Phone-Shot Projects

A phone-cinema production company in India can bring feature-level craft to phone shoots. An experimental format agency in India explores phone-first storytelling. A multi-phone camera crew covers scenes from many angles. In Karnataka, a Bengaluru multi-phone crew can help, and ambitious projects may involve one of the most experimental film teams in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

What films were shot on iPhone?

Tangerine (2015), Unsane (2018), High Flying Bird (2019), and partly 28 Years Later (2025).

How did Tangerine look cinematic?

It used adapter lenses, careful shooting, and colour grading.

Was 28 Years Later shot entirely on iPhone?

It was partly shot using rigs built around iPhone 15 Pro Max phones.

Can I make a professional film on an iPhone?

Yes, with strong story, light, sound, and post-production.

The Phone Is Only the Start

Films shot on iPhone prove phones can be serious cameras when craft surrounds them. Focus on story, light, and sound. For a phone-shot film with professional support, pitch your phone film to us.

Ready to plan your next video?

Tell us about your project, timeline, and goals, and the Editatease team will suggest the right approach.

Contact Editatease