The 20 Best Short Films Of All Time You Never Saw Before
Short films are a great way to get your feet wet in filmmaking, but I know firsthand that making a great short film can be incredibly tough. So many things can go wrong, and cramming everything you want into a limited time frame is challenging. But, done well, short films can be a true work of art and a masterclass in storytelling.
In this article, I wanted to share the twenty best short films of all time (according to me) with a length of under 15 minutes. This is not a typical best short film of all time list, including the standard academy award-winning Martin Scorsese, David Lynch, and Spike Jonze list.
These are all short films that I personally adore and think everyone should see at least once. So grab some popcorn and get ready for a beautiful cinematic experience!
Table of contents:
Short Film #1 — Backstory
Making this list, I concluded that I'm a romantic man and a big sucker for high-concept short films about life and love that are brilliant in their simplicity.
These films are not necessarily based on the most flashy concepts and techniques. These stories simply represent ordinary life in an extraordinary way.
The first film on this list called 'Backstory’ is a fine example of such a project. In just 479 seconds, this fantastic short film distills the cycle of life from beginning to end.
It's a story about how everything we love, everything we learn, everything we build, and everything we fear will one day be gone forever.
From the perfect idea, cinematography, acting, music, editing, and melancholic narration, this German short film is just brilliant!
Short Film #2 — The Encounter
Instead of living and experiencing things, many people in today’s world have become obsessed with creating artificial moments that can be shared on social media.
We seem to have forgotten about the conversations, relationships, and adventures we could have if we take the time to get to know people. This is a story about what happens if we do.
A heartwarming documentary short film about a young woman and an elderly man that beautifully captures the real conversation between two people from opposite worlds while getting to know each other.
Short Film #3 — Catastrophe
I’m a big fan of everything that Dutch director Jamille van Wijngaarden directs!
Her super funny and high-energy productions are always top-notch entertainment, and this hilarious two-minute animated short film directed by Jamille called ‘Catastrophe’ is no exception! Electrified storytelling at its finest!
Short Film #4 — Less Than One
The next short story is another excellent example of brilliance in its purest and most simple form—a short film about finding ‘The One.’
Because what is the chance that you’ll find your soulmate with a population of more than seven billion people?
That is the question this short film is built on—a beautiful story about faith, love, and math.
Short Film #5 — Watchtower Of Turkey
I remember the first time I saw the travel short film 'Watchtower of Turkey' and couldn't believe what I was experiencing.
The rhythm of the edit, sound design, and the oriental vibe built on Einaudi’s ‘experience’ masterpiece is just on another level. Filmmaker Leonardo Dalessandri traveled more than 3500 km in 20 days while capturing the soul of Turkey.
And man, this guy did one hell of a good job making his holiday video a worldwide phenomenon! It’s goosebumps all over the place every time I watch this short film.
Over the years, many people have tried to copy the style and techniques used in this video, but nothing has come close to the original film. I take a deep bow for this incredible result, over and over again!
Short Film #6 — The Gunfighter
The next project on this list of short movies is built on the premesis of what if a film's cast could hear the voice-over dictating the scene and interact with it?
That's the concept this beautiful western comedy short film is made on, and I f*cking love it! Quickly revealing the character's secrets one by one and escalating the scene within no time!
Perfectly written and perfectly executed! I take my (cowboy) hat off…
Short Film #7 — The Boy With A Camera For A Face
I love it when storytellers can shine a light on a modern-day society problem narratively, and that’s exactly what this short film does!
The boy with a camera for a face tells a satirical fairy tale about how we live in a Big Brother society today.
The first time I watched this live-action short film, I fell in love with how the writer used rhyme poetry for the voice-over, and I used this as an inspiration to use the same technique for the Buddha to Buddha handmade in Bali video!
Short Film #8 — Floor 9.5
I believe horror is one of the easiest and most difficult genres at the same time to use in a short film.
Regarding ingredients, you only need one main character, one location, one scary element, and a great plot! The difficult aspect I believe is making it look realistically scary.
This short film, ‘Floor 9.5’, is the perfect example of how to do it right. A super powerful bite-size horror short film with minimal ingredients.
Short Film #9 - Sonja
Sometimes, I encounter a hidden gem on one of these Vimeo strolling sessions.
This documentary short film was one of them—an emotional story about a woman whose life centers around the not-so-lucky number 13—beautifully executed with a heartwarming message.
Short Film #10 - Piper
This adorable Pixar and Disney animated short film has it all! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a cuter short movie than ‘Piper.’
It’s only 6 minutes long, but it’s such a beautiful story with a powerful message about how sometimes unexpected adventures and experiences in life are the most memorable and life-changing.
Short Film #11 - The Lift
‘The Lift’ is another elevator short film that deserves to be on this list!
Although it’s a commercial, the approach is so good, simple, recognizable, and worthy of being a short film that I consider it one of the best films ever made! One simple location, two characters, and no dialogue.
Just brilliant!
Short Film #12 - Nursery Rhymes
This two-shot haunting short film slowly reveals pieces of the puzzle while playing with your assumptions.
A beautiful cinematic piece that shows that courage sometimes asks unexpected things from you.
Love it!
Short Film #13 - Me & You
I believe as filmmakers, we should always be on the lookout for new and innovative ways to tell our stories and short films provide us with a unique opportunity to do just that.
With a limited running time (and usually a limited budget), we are forced to be creative and concise in our storytelling, and the results can be extraordinary.
‘Me & You’ is one of those short films whereby the filmmakers embraced the limitations of the short film format and turned it to their advantage.
Again, a simple but recognizable love story about a young boy and a young girl is seen in a single room from one vantage point.
Academy award-winning stuff, if you ask me!
Short Film #14 - Growth
The 14th short film on this list is another outstanding achievement from Dutch soil and a triumph in technical filmmaking!
This short film, ‘Growth,’ portrays the rise and downfall of a family over the course of 20 years. It’s a flash of memories that take place in one living room compressed in one single shot.
This next project on the list of best short films is storytelling at its finest. There are so many layers and little details in this film that you must watch it a few times before noticing them.
If you like the final result, I highly recommend giving the making-of a watch as well. It’s just insane to see how much time and effort went into creating this seamless experience.
Short Film #15 - Salt
Many filmmakers use the short film format as proof of concept for their feature film scripts, and ‘Salt’ is a brilliant example!
In my opinion, this short film perfectly shows that you don’t need much to create a big appetite for an extended version. In 123 seconds, this horror short film leaves me dying for more!
High concept, simple location, big antagonist, ticking clock, big problem, lots of drama… What else do you need to attract a potential investor to buy your film script?!
Short Film #16 - A Report Of Connected Events
Although this is not a short film but more of a commercial for a telecommunication company, I think it still deserves to be on this list as it is a project that pays tribute to some of humanity’s most outstanding motion picture projects ever made!
This short film displays iconic moments in film and television history while blurring the lines between our reality and some of our favorite stories.
Short Film #17 - A Thousand Words
Coming from a relatively small city in the Netherlands, I've always been fascinated by the concept of big-city loneliness.
Over the years, I've seen many people leave to live in cities like Amsterdam and talk about this place as if it were the universe's center.
At the same time, all these people lived cramped on top of each other while feeling very distant and lonely in search of love, connections, and human interactions.
The 'A Thousand Words' short film has been around for over a decade but perfectly embodies that big-city loneliness feeling I’ve seen all those people go through.
A Vimeo classic about human connections!
Short Film #18 - The Division Of Gravity
"So you plant your garden and decorate your own soul. Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers..." Holy moly, now that's poetry in motion! This short film is full of beautiful oneliners, which I absolutely love!
The first time I watched 'The Division Of Gravity' short film, I was going through a breakup myself, and the powerful emotions this short film portrays resonated with me on so many levels. I believe a great film can turn your world upside down, and this film definitely did at the time.
Because it resonated on such an emotional level, I still think it still is one of my favorite short films ever.
Short Film #19 - Denali
A heartwarming story about two friends fighting one of the most horrible diseases on the planet, cancer.
'Denali' is a touching short film about loyalty and unconditional friendship, told from an unconventional standpoint.
Short Film #20 - Splitscreen: A Love Story
As you probably know by now, I love romantic stories! Especially if they are made in a super simple, minimalistic way.
And in terms of simplicity, it doesn’t get much simpler than this split-screen short film.
A love story filmed with a Nokia phone about two people traveling to the same place!
<3
Frequently Asked Questions About Short Films (FAQs)
What makes a short film great?
A great short film is typically one that is well-crafted, emotionally resonant, and thought-provoking. It may have a unique or innovative style or format, and it may feature strong performances, compelling storytelling, and memorable visuals.
A great short film can also be one that is able to convey complex ideas or emotions in a concise and impactful way.
How can I find the best short films to watch?
There are many resources online for finding and watching the best short films, including film festival websites, online streaming platforms, and curated lists of short films.
Websites like Short of the Week and Vimeo Staff Picks are good resources for discovering new and exciting short films.
Can short films be profitable?
While short films are not typically a lucrative form of filmmaking, they can generate revenue through a variety of channels, including film festivals, streaming platforms, DVD or Blu-ray releases, and paid streaming services.
Additionally, short films can serve as a calling card for up-and-coming filmmakers, helping them to build their portfolios and connect with industry professionals.
Can short films be considered works of art?
Yes, short films can be considered works of art, like feature-length films or other types of creative expression.
Short films can offer a unique and innovative form of storytelling and can be a valuable medium for exploring complex ideas and emotions.
Do independent filmmakers only make short films?
Short films can be made by filmmakers of any level of experience, from amateur filmmakers to established professionals.
While short films are often associated with independent filmmakers and film festivals, they can also be produced by major film studios and may be included as bonus features on DVD and Blu-ray releases.
Are short films easier or more difficult to make than feature-length films?
While short films are typically shorter in length than feature-length films, they can be just as challenging to make.
In some ways, short films can be more difficult to create, as they require filmmakers to tell a compelling and emotionally resonant story in a very limited amount of time.
Additionally, short films may require a high level of technical skill and creativity to convey complex ideas or emotions in a concise and impactful way.
What are some of the benefits of making a short film?
Some benefits of making a short film include the opportunity to develop one's filmmaking skills, experiment with new creative ideas and build a portfolio of work.
Short films can also provide opportunities for collaboration with other creatives and can be a valuable way to gain exposure and connect with other industry professionals.
How can I support short filmmakers and the short film industry?
There are many ways to support short filmmakers and the short film industry, including attending film festivals and screenings, sharing short films on social media, and purchasing DVDs, merchandise, or digital downloads of short films.
Additionally, supporting crowdfunding campaigns or donating to organizations that support independent filmmaking can be a way to help ensure that the short film industry continues to thrive.
What are some of the best short films of all time?
La Jetée (1962) - A haunting French sci-fi constructed almost entirely from still photos, exploring time and memory after World War III.
Un Chien Andalou (1929) - Salvador Dalí and Luis Buñuel’s surrealistic venture, famous for its cutting-edge narrative and shocking imagery.
Night and Fog (1955) - Alain Resnais's documentary short using archival footage to recount the horrors of the concentration camps of World War II.
The Red Balloon (1956) - This visually stunning French short tells a heartfelt tale of a young boy and his balloon in Paris.
World of Tomorrow (2015) - Don Hertzfeldt's animated exploration of a young girl's clone visiting from the future, packed with emotional and existential depth.
Which short film is essential for every filmmaker to study?
Un Chien Andalou by Salvador Dalí and Luis Buñuel is a critical study in film schools for its abstract symbolism and dream-like sequences that challenge conventional storytelling norms.
What makes 'Night and Fog' stand out among documentary shorts?
Night and Fog stands out for its critical acclaim due to its brave, unflinching use of both contemporary interviews and archival footage to reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust. Its concise storytelling offers a profound commentary on human behavior.
Can animated short films be as impactful as live-action films?
Absolutely! World of Tomorrow is a prime example that utilizes imaginative animation to delve into complex themes such as existence, identity, and the human condition, achieving critical acclaim and emotional impact.
How has the animated short film evolved over the years?
From traditional hand-drawn animations to innovative stop-motion techniques and CGI, animated shorts like Presto (Pixar) and The Wrong Trousers (Aardman) showcase the evolution with their visually stunning styles and storytelling prowess.
What are some examples of experimental short films that gained immense popularity?
Scorpio Rising (1963) by Kenneth Anger explores themes of love, violence, and masculinity through an intercut of various symbolic images.
The Big Shave (1967) by Martin Scorsese, this stark commentary on the Vietnam war contrasts everyday routine with horrific violence.
Which short film used humor to explore deeper societal themes?
The Big Snit (1985), a hilarious yet poignant animated film, showcases marital tension and global disaster side by side, reflecting on the absurdity of human conflicts and the preciousness of life.
What role do short films play in a filmmaker's career?
Short films are often used as a proving ground for directors to showcase their style and storytelling capabilities to potential producers and investors. Examples include Wes Anderson's Bottle Rocket and Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash, which later became successful feature films.
How do short films incorporate music and sound to enhance storytelling?
Films like Hotel Chevalier (Wes Anderson) use music strategically to underscore emotional landscapes and complement the visual storytelling, creating a more immersive experience.
What are some must-watch short films for understanding power dynamics and human interaction?
Thunder Road (2016) - A single-take film that captures the complex emotions of a young man at his mother's funeral.
Dog Altogether (2007) - Explores the violent yet vulnerable sides of its protagonist as he struggles with his inner demons and societal judgement.
