Cutscenes are one of the most divisive features in video games. Some players love them, seeing them as rewards that expand the story and deepen immersion, while others groan when the action pauses so the game can deliver more exposition. No matter where you stand, there’s no denying that some developers push cinematic storytelling to its limits, creating experiences that blur the line between video game and movie.

If you’ve ever wondered which games have the most cutscenes or simply the longest runtime of cinematics, this list will take you on a tour through the biggest offenders—er, storytellers—in gaming history. From Final Fantasy’s sweeping narratives to Hideo Kojima’s legendary (and infamous) love for long cinematics, these are the games with the most cutscenes, ranked from least to most.

10. Final Fantasy XIII – ~10 Hours of Cutscenes

Square Enix’s Final Fantasy XIII may have divided fans with its linear design and heavy reliance on auto-battle combat, but it’s hard to deny how ambitious its presentation was.

The game includes nearly 10 hours of cutscenes, filled with flashy visuals and heartfelt character moments. Lightning, Snow, Hope, and the rest of the cast drive a narrative about fate, sacrifice, and survival.

For some, the story pacing felt a bit bogged down by these sequences, but if you’re a fan of cinematic storytelling, this entry set the standard for how far Square was willing to go in blending movie-quality presentation with traditional RPG elements.

9. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty – ~12 Hours

Hideo Kojima’s love for long, cinematic cutscenes became a defining trait of the Metal Gear Solid series, and MGS2 is where that reputation really took root.

At around 12 hours of cutscenes, the game dives into political conspiracies, shadow governments, and the nature of information control. Raiden’s story became infamous among fans who expected more Solid Snake, but it’s hard not to appreciate how much effort went into making the game feel like an interactive spy thriller.

The ending in particular is still debated and analyzed to this day, thanks to its heavy use of extended cinematics that border on philosophical lectures.

8. Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht – ~12 Hours

Released on the PlayStation 2, Xenosaga Episode I quickly gained a reputation for being more like an interactive anime than a traditional JRPG.

Clocking in at around 12 hours of cutscenes, this game tackles deep philosophical questions about existence, technology, and humanity. Some cutscenes go on for nearly half an hour without interruption.

The game was polarizing—some players loved being immersed in its story, while others wished there was more gameplay to balance things out. Still, Xenosaga Episode I set the tone for what would become one of the most cinematic trilogies in RPG history.

7. Final Fantasy X – ~14 Hours

Few games on the PlayStation 2 were as impactful as Final Fantasy X. It introduced fully voiced cutscenes to the series, cementing itself as a landmark RPG of the early 2000s.

With 14 hours of cutscenes, this game is remembered for its emotional storytelling—especially the love story between Tidus and Yuna. The infamous “laughing scene” may get memed endlessly, but it shows how much Square Enix was experimenting with cinematic presentation at the time.

For many fans, the long cutscenes were worth it just to witness the tragic and moving finale.

6. Final Fantasy VII Remake – ~15 Hours

Remaking one of the most beloved RPGs of all time was no small task, and Square Enix delivered by going all-in on cinematic storytelling.

With about 15 hours of cutscenes, Final Fantasy VII Remake expands its narrative in massive ways, fleshing out side characters, building relationships, and adding entirely new story beats.

For players who grew up with the original’s text boxes, this modern remake turned Final Fantasy VII into a blockbuster movie you can play. It’s no wonder fans are eagerly awaiting the rest of the remake saga.

5. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots – ~19 Hours

If there’s a single game that defines the phrase “movie disguised as a game,” it’s Metal Gear Solid 4.

With 19 hours of cutscenes, this PlayStation 3 exclusive pushed cinematic storytelling to the extreme. The final cutscene alone lasts over an hour, making it one of the longest continuous cinematic sequences in gaming history.

While some criticized it for overwhelming the actual gameplay, fans of the series got closure to Solid Snake’s story in a way only Kojima could deliver—through long, emotional, and often bizarre cutscenes.

4. Lost Odyssey – ~20 Hours

Developed by Mistwalker and exclusive to the Xbox 360, Lost Odyssey is one of the most underrated RPGs of its generation.

It features 20 hours of cutscenes, many of which are tied to the emotional “A Thousand Years of Dreams” sequences—short stories detailing the tragic life of Kaim, the game’s immortal protagonist.

While it didn’t achieve the mainstream recognition of Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey remains a cult classic, largely because of its incredible narrative depth and cinematic storytelling.

3. Death Stranding – ~21 Hours

When Kojima left Konami and started his own studio, many wondered what kind of game he would make. The answer? A mail delivery simulator with 21 hours of cutscenes starring Norman Reedus.

Death Stranding’s narrative is sprawling, bizarre, and at times extremely slow-paced, but it also delivers powerful themes about human connection, isolation, and rebuilding society.

With its Hollywood cast (including Mads Mikkelsen, Léa Seydoux, and Guillermo del Toro), it feels like a blockbuster movie stretched across a surreal open-world adventure.

2. Xenosaga Episode III: Also Sprach Zarathustra – ~23 Hours

By the time Xenosaga Episode III came out, the franchise had fully embraced its identity as a cinematic series.

Packing in 23 hours of cutscenes, this final entry in the trilogy aimed to wrap up its sprawling, philosophical narrative with maximum dramatic flair.

For fans invested in the series, it was an unforgettable conclusion. For newcomers? It was a mountain of dialogue and storytelling that could rival a full-length anime series.

1. Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Böse – ~25 Hours

Taking the crown as the most cinematic game of all time is Xenosaga Episode II.

With 25 hours of cutscenes, this PlayStation 2 RPG is practically a full television series’ worth of narrative crammed into one game. While gameplay is certainly present, the sheer volume of storytelling means players often set their controller down and watch for long stretches at a time.

It’s no wonder the Xenosaga series is remembered as one of the most ambitious, if divisive, RPG franchises ever created.

Cutscenes are one of gaming’s boldest storytelling tools. Some developers use them sparingly to highlight major moments, while others, like Square Enix and Hideo Kojima, turn them into the backbone of the experience.

Whether you love or hate them, these games prove that video games can rival movies when it comes to sheer cinematic ambition. If you’ve got the patience to sit through them, these story-heavy titles will give you dozens of hours of drama, philosophy, and jaw-dropping visuals.