My favorite short films
They are not ranked perfectly as IMDb is super clunky. I love all these movies. I don't enjoy crazy post-modernistic movies without plot. I enjoy: clever fast plot, good acting, snappy dialogue, steady camera work, well developed theme.
I will explain why these movies got their rank. I explain it from a short film writer perspective as I know a bad plot when I see it.
I tried to find the best possible high quality link to all these movies. All links are official uploads except for the Pixar and Marvel movie links.
I will explain why these movies got their rank. I explain it from a short film writer perspective as I know a bad plot when I see it.
I tried to find the best possible high quality link to all these movies. All links are official uploads except for the Pixar and Marvel movie links.
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- DirectorDevon AveryStarsBrian DietzenErinn HayesJames is all too eager to put his one-minute time machine to use in winning the heart of Regina, until he discovers the unexpected consequences of his actions.Best short film ever made. Fun from start to finish. A great short film is supposed to make you want to experience that world in a safe way, but also make you want to see the characters succeed. This one also makes you want to rewatch it. If I never want to rewatch a movie it means I don't like it enough and it's max a 7/10.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBkBS4O3yvY - DirectorPaul EmersonStarsDanny GutierrezDane HansonMike HeimDane only has one chance to make a stellar first impression. Good thing there's a lie detector present at his job interview! *BEEP* He's screwed. And he's going to find out just how much the truth really hurts.Interesting from start to finish. Fun and interactive. It's just a good concept and humor that is concept relevant.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjVVNuraly8 - DirectorLauris BeinertsStarsEleanor ByrneOrion LeeAbdiel LeRoyA funny business meeting illustrating how hard it is for an engineer to fit into the corporate world.Another classic because it makes fun of a real thing that most educated people have seen in the work life. This one was a huge smash hit online and people still mention the kitten joke from it on random forums.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKorP55Aqvg - DirectorGary RydstromStarsSheb WooleyA teenage alien is trying to abduct a sleeping human, but doesn't know which switch to use.Interesting and weird concept that still feels real because the emotions are true to real life.
Easily found online. But I'm not sure Disney has an official version online. - DirectorPhilip SansomOlly WilliamsStarsNapoleon RyanA sleep-deprived office worker photocopies a "Black Hole" late one night. Suddenly, the possibilities seem endless. Will greed get the better of him?Perfect for 3 minutes. Basically do this creative stuff if you try to stay under 3 minutes and only have 1 single actor. Try to have a clear and interesting goal from the get go and an interesting concept to go with it. Don't ever just have a concept alone!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijEfmJLV5PE - DirectorCody Blue SniderStarsMitchell JarvisJustin AbsatzPhyllis BowenFool's Day is a dark comedy about a 4th grade class that pull an innocent, April Fool's prank on their teacher...that accidentally kills her. Panicked and convinced they will go to prison, the blood splattered classmates try to cover up the murder and dispose of the body before their D.A.R.E. officer shows up for his weekly lesson.Another hit online. It's a long short film that never overstays its welcome as it keeps the story going and always looks amazing on screen. Many short films made with new digital cameras look stunning! This is also why I tend to watch newer short films as I can make out all details.
https://vimeo.com/146832939 - DirectorGiancarlo FiorentiniJonathan GrimmStarsJon GabrusHannah Pearl UttTwo strangers participate in an experiment designed to make them fall in love by asking each another 36 increasingly personal questions.Funny as hell! I coudln't stop laugthing. This guy is a comedian genius. All interacting were funny here and the jokes nearly always landed.
https://vimeo.com/148308809 - DirectorDavid MaddoxStarsAllyn CarrellCole WhitakerMykle McCoslinA well meaning math teacher finds herself trumped by a post-fact America.A woman battling greater powers. Feels like a short movie as it feels like a grand fight that you are invested in. The small woman vs. the great evil powers!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh3Yz3PiXZw - DirectorAlex CallerosStarsMikie BeattyDan BecknerAdele WatkinWhen a down-on-his-luck inventor builds a time machine to change the past, he unwittingly sets off a disastrous chain of events.This one is criminally overlooked. How come millions of people haven't watched it already? One of the people who made it made later on made a Youtube channel about screenwriting which become very popular. And this film clearly reveals some amazing writing talent.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTO0ogdNMdY - DirectorNino MancusoStarsSean WingAngela TrimburAmmar Ramzi MahmoodAfter Sean and his girlfriend watch a Jake Gyllenhaal movie, Sean suspects his girlfriend has a crush on the movie star; but as Sean's suspicion grows, his fear seems to manifest their fateful encounter.Wow, great acting, great directing, great music use. All scenes have tension and emotion and you always know what the motivation is. This is great!
https://vimeo.com/245525269 - DirectorPeter SohnStarsTony FucileLori RichardsonBabies both human and beast are created up in the stratosphere, by the clouds themselves. One cloud specializes in "dangerous" babies, creating a challenge for his loyal stork that has to deliver them.I included cartoons too, but it's cheating in a way as you can much easier include more events in a short cartoon as you can direct actors to do anything. I could easily make a top 10 list with only short cartoons. They are often really fast paced which is rule number 1 for short films.
It does exist online in HD. But I'm not sure there is a legal link to it. - DirectorCraig D. FosterStarsAinslie CloustonArka DasAdam DunnA man must race home before nightfall - or his terrible secret will be let loose.Really well done and well filmed on glorious digital camera. The pacing is great. It's weird, but the plot makes sense which is hard to pull off as most short films are either just weird or make sense but are predictable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQALKPDhXx8 - DirectorRalph EgglestonStarsRalph EgglestonA group of snooty birds roosting on a telephone wire get their just deserts when a goofy bird drops in.Just silly fun. It's to the point and you can easily follow the "plot".
Seen 7m times here so I assume it's a legal Youtube version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T63MCogI4sM - DirectorPhil JoanouStarsThomas JaneRon PerlmanSammi RotibiFrank Castle is staying in a bad neighborhood, where he encounters a gang that terrorizes its residents.This one is a fan favorite. It's great and gruesome. For sure pulls you into this world. There are actually very few raw and realistic short films that are any good. Most are silly and over the top. This one feels like a real, but violent world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWpK0wsnitc - DirectorAnthony MeltonStarsRachel BrightJake HendriksBeth CooperSet on one fateful night, six friends gather for their monthly 'games night'... and accidentally unleash a demonic force that might tear them - and their friendships - to pieces.Amazing concept! It's simple but there is no clear plot or theme. It's still really fun to watch. If it had plot it would be one of the most interesting movies on the list. Right now it's great, but not amazing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9jd6lyGvMI - DirectorRuairi RobinsonStarsMax RecordsJenni FontanaJames NardiniA young boy living in the near future looks for an escape from a home with arguing parents. As a way to cope with the recent arguments from his parents he receives a robot companion that he ends up abusing.Fun simple concept. Not much plot. The production value is high and I like how the director used slow scenes without dialogue to convey emotional points. The director is a great talent.
https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2011/03/20/blinky/ - DirectorMichael GoodeStarsNathaniel BuzolicDaniel LissingDavid RitchieA desperate lie spirals out of control for three hapless engineering students as they try to outwit their lecturer, from Emmy-nominated director Michael Goode.Fun to watch. The story is pretty much a perfect example of how you don't overstay your welcome. I see too many boring 15 min long short films that could be great fun if they were 5 minutes long. An okay editor can make gold out of the many boring short films out there. The most important thing is to have a fast paced and plot focused script. The director and writer must constantly ask for feedback as you need several drafts to even get an okay script. Learn from experience. Do not, ever, overstay your welcome.
It's reuploaded a lot. Linking to a HD version here:
https://vimeo.com/18487974 - DirectorCarles TorrensStarsJoe HursleyRonnie Gene BlevinsAesop AquarianA man wakes up one morning to realize the entire world has dreamed about him the night before.This is a pretty fucked up and over the top movie. The idea is simple and is presented in the first 10 seconds which is often essential in a short film. Of course the director is now working with popular features. The talent is obvious.
https://vimeo.com/59773155 - DirectorFrançois AlauxHervé de CrécyLudovic HouplainStarsBob StephensonSherman AugustusAja EvansPolice chase an armed criminal in a version of Los Angeles comprised entirely of corporate logos.French movie about USA. This is craziness that never slows down. The initial plot makes sense, but then suddenly it feels random. But most short films seem to focus on just some concept over story.
Unfortunately there are some short films that the director doesn't upload or that are reuploaded by multiple people in bad quality. So I'm linking to a HD version of it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAKopCwGlcc - DirectorAntonio Oreña-BarlinStarsAdam DunnAnthony GeeIsaro KayitesiThey say a picture tells a thousand words; sometimes, it's better to keep your mouth shut.Funny and keeps the motivations coming. You always know what the character wants and you feel it. This is required for any short film! 90% of short films have long stretched of time where you can't really know what any character wants or why.
https://vimeo.com/155902660 - DirectorJustin HardingStarsAva JamiesonAlana ElmerJarrett SiddallBree, a dishonest 9-year-old receives a terrifying visitor after a parenting lesson goes horribly wrong.Simple but interesting. It's about a simple daughter-mother interaction, so don't expect a huge plot. Horror short films seem to focus on a scary concept, but nearly always forget plot and story. The title is amazing. Most short films have titles like: Car, Fear, Chair. And those type of boring names make them really hard to find on IMDb and Youtube. Don't ruin your chances of success by making your movie hard to find. Of course if the movie is amazing people will track it down. But I rather spend a few minutes looking for your movie than 10 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8eif77HLN0 - DirectorKevin OeserStarsLexi AinsworthJennifer Ann BurtonJennifer L. DavisA family man returns to his hometown to settle affairs, but discovers he is the last person in town who is not part of a legendary pyramid scheme. And all the others want him in.Silly fun. The plot itself is not amazing, but the acting and quality if top notch. And I feel like the message is a needed one. But it lacks a cool ending. Yet again the concept rocks, but the story feels weak.
https://vimeo.com/106241499 - DirectorCrash BuistStarsCrash BuistJonathan MedinaMike TraversAfter stealing a magical book from a wealthy suburban home, Mike opens the artifact to discover it is prophesying his murder. Faced with his imminent death, he must return the artifact to his killer in order to rewrite his future.Super weird and feels like part of a bigger project. But what we have here is fun and interesting by itself. It's just incomplete and ends abruptly. But so do most short films. Which is why the great ones are hard to find.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WmhMePukgg - DirectorAngus MacLaneStarsAngus MacLaneTessa SwigartIf BURN-E (a welding robot) had known how much trouble he'd be caused by WALL-E's pursuit of EVE, then he'd have taken the day off.This plot takes place during the Wall-E plot. This robot reacts to the stuff that happens in that movie. Genius! Must have taken ages to write. But again, the plot is not conclusive. It's just a clever concept. Watch short films for the concept and you will feel satisfied. Unfortunately writing good plot is extremely hard. I try to do that in all my scripts, but it's just so damn hard.
Some of these films are hard to find online. Directors, please don't forget to do your writer and actors are huge service and upload the movie online in HD. Please. - DirectorJason A. KesslerStarsJonathan FlandersKatie KohlerEman EsfandiA Hollywood script reader comes across a script that may or may not lead to the horrific death of anyone who passes on it.This is pretty much a 1-to-1 illustration of the creative industries. This is how it is.
https://vimeo.com/234154930 - Episode: (2011)2007–8.8 (30)TV EpisodeDirectorJ.J. AdlerStarsCourtney BaxterWhitney Rae GrandellBrad HolbrookTwo teens visit Today Now! in the hopes of finding their kidnapped friend and letting her know that their classmate is totally knocked up.Hysterically funny and spot on. Some of the best dialogue I have seen in any media. Every single line is a new point and joke. The acting is mind-blowing. The 2 teen girls are perfect.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUT8ec24anM&app=desktop - DirectorMarcus AlqueresStarsNick SmythRick CordeiroJustin T. LeeA super powered vigilante defies the law using extreme violence to fight crime.The tension is high from start to finish just because small moments have the leads on edge. So you never know when the attack will come. It's an excellent way to create tension even in pretty by the book scenes. So the first minute of the movie makes it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gj1MqHgFnmE - DirectorRod BlackhurstBrian McGinnStarsDave FrancoChristopher Mintz-PlasseTalia TabinTwo old friends play a game of 'Would You Rather' and their choices begin to come true.A good short film is when you have a very interesting concept that then is played around with. And the characters need to really experience the concept and grow and discover something new. Here is that movie. It's interesting as the interesting concept gets explored scene by scene in a funny way.
https://vimeo.com/37930649 - DirectorZach WechterStarsJordan JacintoLexi SakowitzAri StidhamOn the day of the election for senior class president at Lyndon Johnson High School, popular candidate and charming socialite Michael Fabrizio discovers that Leah Riteman, Michael's girlfriend and vice presidential running mate...is pregnant. What's more, they're being blackmailed by one of their rivals and Michael's former best friend, Kevin Stone- if Michael doesn't drop out of the race, Kevin will tell the school about the baby. Election Day is a dramatic tale of responsibility of honor told as a political thriller set in a high school student government. The film chronicles Michael's journey to save both his shot at the presidency, and his pregnant girlfriend's reputation.Scheming evil bitch. This is great! It's exactly this sort of character that works really well in a short film as she brings a lesson along with her.
https://vimeo.com/77278284 - DirectorAngus MacLaneStarsTom HanksTim AllenJohn RatzenbergerA fast food restaurant mini variant of Buzz forcibly switches places with the real Buzz and his friends have to deal with the obnoxious impostor.Pixar can do no wrong it looks like. This is just a ton of jokes and interesting scenes. The plot could be more coherent though. It does feel a bit too simple in that I never feel like any problem is that complicated to solve here.
- DirectorDaniel 'Cloud' CamposSpencer SusserStarsDaniel 'Cloud' CamposSpencer SusserTamara LevinsonA damsel in distress gets undressed when a man from the Midwest puts to rest a world that's obsessed with the "priceless", also known as "the shiny".Very well done and action packed. Just clothes they move around on the floor which is a really cool concept. Short and fun.
https://vimeo.com/155572038 - DirectorPeter AtencioStarsKeegan-Michael KeyJordan PeeleCraig AntonAliens invade Earth, a family comes to terms with a relative's gay wedding, and a couple of racists express some surprising views.Key and Peele have many skits that just seem to linger on the same "funny" concept for too long. This is their best skit as it constantly explores the concept and doesn't just linger on one single joke. Also, it's made as a movie and not as a simple gag.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWO1pkHgrBM - DirectorLuke DaviesStarsGeoffrey A.AustinHiran AbeysekeraJosef AltinThree thugs attempting to rob a petrol station are interrupted by three stoners with a severe case of the munchies.Oh, wow. I always love it when a short film is clever about the plot and mixes several things together. This one mixes 2 different dialogues into one which is brilliant. I really like it. I would have liked to know what the hell happened to the dead body though. It kinda vanished for some reason.
https://vimeo.com/114584766 - DirectorZane RubinStarsSkyler SamuelsJennette McCurdyAshton SandersWhen Millie discovers she's the last virgin in LA, things get out of hand.This is one of those short films that clearly shows you why you need to keep things short or create a great story. Here the story is lacking, but the humor is on point. And the weirdness never has time to get boring. There is so much to unpack here.
When I look at the IMDb rating for this it makes no sense to me. I assume bots are giving it low ratings? Or she didn't pay some actors?
https://vimeo.com/184395465 - DirectorAlan BarillaroA hungry sandpiper hatchling ventures from her nest for the first time to dig for food by the shoreline. The problem is, the food is buried in the sand where scary waves roll up.Silly fun. I could make a whole top 10 of just Pixar movies.
- StarsKatie L. HallKiel KennedyMatthew MurumbaA little office gossip never hurt anyone...until now.The writing is great. The humor is great. The acting is funny. It's just really funny.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYiH0G5LYhY - DirectorDaniel ZimblerStarsJulian GloverEd ColemanChris BrandonA Christmas party in the countryside. As a parlour trick turns into a bewitching, one of the guests gets his dark desire.Pretty great. There are a million short films that go nowhere and don't really move the story forward or offer any theme or moral lecture. This is one of them and they usually are terrible. You can't really recommend a movie about a single interacting. But this one has enough to be good anyhow because the acting and editing is really good. Of course if it had some clear story I would put it in my top 20 best short films of all time.
I'm going to give you a free and essential advice. Don't name your short film stuff like: Exit, Big, Pain, Chair. There are like 50 movies called Exit on IMDb. 3 of them are short films made in 2012. Now, how hard do you think it is to find the other 2 Exit short films from that year?
https://vimeo.com/76992293 - DirectorChris W. SmithStarsJack De SenaChris W. SmithDave gets abducted for a routine examination.Another skit made as a short film. This is so damn funny and well made. The jokes never stop coming. I will do a video analysis of this skit to explain what it takes to create a great short comedy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ug6gAO8n0s - DirectorNino MancusoStarsSean WingPaul WittenMara MariniTwo friends go to see a play and realize just how terrifying supporting the arts can be.The guys who made one of the best short films ever yet again have a surprise on the table. This one is not as amazing, but it's really high quality and very fun too watch. The acting again is high quality. I'm actually surprised they couldn't get more famous people to stare in this one as their projects are very interesting.
https://vimeo.com/279564730 - DirectorDrew PearceStarsBen KingsleyScoot McNairyLester SpeightA documentary filmmaker interviews the now-famous Trevor Slattery from behind bars.Ben Kingsley is one of the greatest actors of all time. He pretty much can take any role on him and make it seem real. And this short film is just an amazing aray of actors. This is exactly the sort of script that fails horribly with mediocre actors and bad editors. I can already see how a bad director would have made it 22 minutes long with drawn out dialogue... ugh.
I don't think this movie is found in an official upload online. But this version seems to stay up so I think Marvel has nothing against it being online:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mceyJxMuYFE - DirectorTravis BibleStarsChris O'SheaRichard KohnkeDarnell TrotterA man in a time loop must work with his brother to prevent a catastrophic fire.A good time travel movie that doesn't overstay its welcome and focused on the emotional journey and not just a decent concept. It also never becomes random craziness as most short films about time travel tend to do. Go watch it. It's not amazing, but the acting is top notch and the plot is simple and to the point.
This is overlooked for some reason. The poster needs to show the actors! That's essential. We need to feel connected to the movie and we cannot do that if we just see a generic name on a black background. It can work for really popular franchises, but not for your low budget short film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68f27rqP_NY - DirectorDerin SealeStarsJosh LawsonDamon HerrimanJessica WrenThe delusional patient of a psychiatrist believes he is actually the psychiatrist. As they each attempt to treat each other the session gets out of control.Maybe the best acting of any short film on my list. The acting is so good that you pretty much don't need much else here but the plot is engaging too as it's a simple but funny mystery.
https://vimeo.com/181565462 - DirectorAnders Thomas JensenStarsUlrich ThomsenJens Jørn SpottagJohn MartinusOn his way to the polls, an idealist yet absent-minded voter must endure continuous waves of racist cab drivers and their offensive remarks.Dialogue 10/10. Can't really make better dialogue than this. And it's required as there is nothing else here.
Couldn't find it in great quality with English subs. But it won an Oscar, so go watch it anyhow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z__CPFGZNEY
No subs version:
https://filmcentralen.dk/alle/film/valgaften - DirectorMichael ShanksStarsScout JanssonMark TaylorA space wanderer crash lands on the ruined future earth, no more traveling on space. Luckily he can still travel in time.Fun watch. Go watch it. It's like a silly cartoon. There is not much plot to it, but if you keep the movie short you can get away with this plot-less stuff where there is just a single problem and not much else. But a plot is always recommended.
This is the lowest rated movie on my list. 6,8 IMDb rating. It's because it lacks a clear plot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQr4BAAdCak - DirectorRyan ConnollyStarsIeisha AuyeungLoyd BatemanJosh ConnollyWoman breaks out of high security building.So many great fight scenes in such a short time. And the funny ending makes it all work.
Film Riot has by far the best beginnings of any short film makers out there. Try to get inspired as much as you can from their beginnings. They are just nearly perfect. I actually see a lot of short films that spend the first 30% of the movie on just plain intro with very little action or concept to it. That's a no go. Silly jokes and overemotional scenes are interesting if we love the character. If we don't know the character that stuff is boring.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfYLwIYmm-M - DirectorSimon DymondStarsTom BlythTerry HaywoodRobert Francis MüllerAn aspiring journalist accidentally becomes ringleader of the very cult he is supposed to be investigating.A short film about cults that will stay with you. It's a story that only lacks an ending. The idea itself is really good and will no doubt be made into a movie in some way. It's too relevant to our current politics to be ignored.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNuaIFehIWM - DirectorChris W. SmithStarsJack De SenaKaralynn DuntonChris W. SmithCody is dead. And he has some questions.It's their first skit and it blew up the internet. Very well edited and well made.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjtQSMe0VeI&t= - DirectorRory UpholdStarsRory UpholdAhmed BharoochaBaron Vaughn'How do you know that Adam and Eve weren't black?...' An awkward comedy about first dates, race, and racism.The first 2 minutes are pure cringe short film. The "date between a pretty girl and an average looking guy", "weird unfunny quirky dialogue", "no point or plot to it". But then it really picks up pace and the ending is great. I love it.
https://vimeo.com/179806387 - DirectorBen CallnerStarsJarrod CrawfordTed CannonJudy KainWhat does a man, a woman, ice cream, chewing gum, dog food, beer, and a lot of other things have in common? Commercials.A really clever idea for a short film. I know this ad/short film idea is done a lot, but it's well done here and it's a high quality production with a ton of small stuff that is part of the larger story. Clever and never grows boring as it keeps presenting new stuff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6aQVwaUMyk&t=0s - 20114mNot Rated7.1 (10K)VideoDirectorLeythumStarsClark GreggJessica ManuelJeff PrewettAgent Coulson stops at a convenience store and deals with a coincidental robbery during his visit.This one is basic and pretty much about nothing, but it's just so much fun. I wish the agent would flirt with the clerk too or get her number. Because it does feel a bit pointless, but the action is great and the tension works.
These Marvel movies are not found in official versions online. But this is fine quality:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAE0gbp0c5E - DirectorRod BlackhurstBrian McGinnStarsPamela CedarDave FrancoRamsey KrullLove yourself before you can love others.So damn stupid. You know the ending from the get go. I really don't know why it is so funny. It's just so silly that you laugh.
https://vimeo.com/27996860 - DirectorAdam SternStarsAdam Greydon ReidJennifer SpenceA scientist with a passion for magic gets more than he bargains for when performing a new card trick.It starts out with a guy telling his girlfriend that he has a magic trick for her. So I'm grabbed from the get go. But his trick is more interesting than you would think. It's simple and interesting and the acting and effects all work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpODTsFeNbw - 2010– 3mTV-147.2 (82)TV EpisodeDirectorPeter ShukoffStarsLloyd AhlquistZach SherwinPeter ShukoffSkateboarder Tony Hawk battles against former ice hockey player Wayne Gretzky.Not a short film, but it feels like one so I include it here. Basically a music video fight. I won't include any other music videos as they are not this good and to the point.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goMYHB2Grvg - DirectorColin KrawchukStarsAndre EleamZach KochColin KrawchukA film detailing the dark underworld of hired assassins.Lol, this is laugh out funny. I do think comedies need to be more careful about serious topics though. The tinnitus joke for me is too much.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJkFYllhcf4 - DirectorJeremy HaccounStarsSimon McLindenGeorge TardiosMartin WimbushTwo men are stranded at the bottom of a well. One, with a serious injury to his head, thinks his has fallen in is own back garden in present-day Britain. But the other tells him they are really prisoners in a medieval dungeon. Who is right, and where are they really?At first I was not sold on it at all. The script was the kind beginners write. The dialogue with non-responsive answers. Hiden plot by not having characters respond to questions. But the twist at the end makes it all very clear. Good short film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnfh3qcpBxA - DirectorTaika WaititiStarsChris HemsworthMark RuffaloDaley PearsonThe story of what the hammer-wielding Nordic god Thor was up to while the rest of the Avengers were battling each other in "Captain America: Civil War". He moves into a flat with office worker Darryl Jacobson in Australia.Just a silly video. Not really a short film. I included it to illustrate how one can keep a simple concept fresh and make sure it doesn't become stale at any point.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPNBKT6JLSU - DirectorDan RoeStarsLaraine NewmanThomas Wilson BrownBrett DavernA man witnesses a shocking crime. In exchange for his life, he promises to never tell anyone what he saw.Very predictable and doesn't really go anywhere with the concept. But it's well acted and all scenes are kinda interesting. It also starts with a bang.
https://vimeo.com/306946033 - DirectorRamin SerryStarsRyan WoodleLucas KavnerKathy SearleA short film about a dad, a son, and a time-traveling killer android.It keeps going somewhere. While in most short films there are many boring and pointless scenes in this one all scenes are plot relevant which is such a great thing. The camera work is not super steady and some gags are just stupid. But the pacing saves it.
https://vimeo.com/75244383 - DirectorDave RedmanStarsBobby BrightSteven CarrollSteph Evison WilliamsRay discovers his La-Z-Boy recliner is a one-minute time machine. Will he learn from his mistakes or is he destined to repeat them forever?Time travel movies are the hardest movies to make and this just hits the basic notes it needed to hit. There is no great life lesson here, but it's still well made and fun to watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHp7ngBVnQs - DirectorDylan AllenStarsOmar MaskatiLilli SteinAlex HerraldA band struggles with a radioactive energy in their music they can't control.I was watching all short films I could find on a site that contained top 10 lists of short films. Most were bad or even terrible. They were just weird shots of actors that showed depression to the camera. They didn't make me feel anything as there was no human interaction on screen I believed in. So this one was a breath of fresh air. Right away I felt like I was among people communicating in some plot. At first I didn't know what was going on, but people were actually talking! And the concept also turned out to be good. Finally a script that has people talking and not just feeling.
https://vimeo.com/227064694 - DirectorJack AndersonA chance encounter proves fateful for 2 robots mining on a desolate planet.Silly fun. Does feel empty and we never learn what the robots were mining and we never see any great story conclusion. But the message in it is told in an effective and clever way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIx0a1vcYPc - DirectorBo MirhosseniStarsElisha YaffeStephanie HuntCraig AntonA new couple are about to get romantic when they are interrupted by the guy's future self, who has traveled back in time to expose all that lies ahead in their rocky relationship.It's a shame that the lead is so uncharismatic. He is a loser I never could root for here. The script saves it though as the story itself is great. It nearly fails with the lead, but at the same time it's nearly amazing just because of the story. Remember, have a likeable lead and have a proactive lead. Those are the 2 most important rules in film making.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6JriHfvB3g - DirectorNoah WagnerStarsMamoudou AthieJacob BatalonNatalie PaulLifelong friends and scientists Nate, Chloe and Bernard believe they are safely creating A.I. within virtual reality, until their creation, Kate, learns it's at risk of being shut down.Enough mystery and twist and turns to keep it going and make you wonder what is going on. Ends on a high note instead of giving us a conclusion but these movies are often just made as an ad for a bigger idea and this idea is for sure worst 60 minutes screentime. Maybe even a movie is there is a much bigger plot to it.
https://youtu.be/th5uJNB7VU8 - DirectorDrew MylreaStarsJodi Carol HarrisonJake RegalAmanda WestlakeA short film about falling in love. With a terrorist.Keeps the tension going. A bit weird and the world is a bit silly and over the top. But I felt like the scenes moved the plot forward in a good pace. It's another short film with a loser in the lead and no clear ending. The ending is a huge letdown for me here as a good ending would make it a must watch. But it's interesting from start to finish.
https://vimeo.com/125168455 - DirectorJames KennedyStarsKatie BeresfordEdward EastonNatalie FerrignoA hopeless romantic invents a device allowing him an infinite amount of attempts to impress the girl of his dreams...but he must die each time.Cool time travel concept. Not quite great as the lead actress is playing a disgusting slob which is a pointless and boring character. Besides that it works well but as she is in all scenes it does take it down a notch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7h_BgLxAIc - DirectorCarl BeaucheminThomas ChrétienDavid ForestStarsNicolas CharbonneauxÉlisabeth ForestCharles-André GaudreauTwo travelers undertake the construction of a gigantic bridge in order to cross a gulf blocking their way, inspiring with their courage and determination a rural community living nearby.It's a movie about nothing. It has no dialogue. But I was really invested in these 2 guys just building a bridge to nowhere. If this movie had a plot I would put it in my top 10 for sure.
https://vimeo.com/118471437 - DirectorDavid SollStarsChris GreenAria McKennaAn absurdist allegory for American decline, Silo is about a drunk white guy who can't find his missile.Probably the most impressive production budget off all the short films on my list. How the hell did they pull this off? Also, interesting that he has not made anything since. I think the story and plot writing is lacking, but the main idea is stellar enough to keep this going.
This short film works because the editing keeps the pace fast. Great editing that never lets the movie become boring.
https://vimeo.com/97765630 - DirectorRyan ConnollyStarsTodd BrunoJosh ConnollyJustin RobinsonAfter waking to find their ankles rigged with proximity triggered bombs, two men find themselves bound together while being forced to play a twisted game of survival as they are hunted by their captors.Interestingly the shaky-cam doesn't completely fully ruin it. The story just is so well paced that I couldn't stop watching it even though many scenes were messy and all over the place.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J2AhMZ7wdQ - DirectorKevin LacyStarsStevie Lynn JonesMatthew Van OssMichelle BernardOn the verge of aging out of foster care, 17-year-old Mercedes Harper needs money, and she needs it now. She manipulates Denver Thomas, a former high-school classmate who happens to have a massive crush on her, to help her plan and execute a bank robbery.There seem to be mainly 2 category of short films. Either completely insane and nonsensical short films that are a collection of seemingly random scenes and then short films that tell an extremely basic and predictable story. This is in the second category. I figured out the ending midways through it. The lead actors had a good connection in their car talking scenes and I did want to see how the robbery would go. But we are promised some conclusion to their storyline. Did they leave town? It doesn't really have a clear ending for some reason.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UcVVBXqj7Y&t=1s - DirectorMark SlutskyStarsAaron AbramsAnna HopkinsA down-on-his-luck lawyer awakes to find he's been enlisted to negotiate on behalf of the human race.These focused short films with a clear idea and a strong mystery element are always interesting. This one doesn't really go anywhere with the idea besides the typical dialogue stuff but it's fun enough to watch and the concept is cool enough to even warrant a 30 minute short film. You feel like it's a date with sparks flying about, but unfortunately there is nothing to the romance at all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv8kOzRZK8g - DirectorCharles ChaplinStarsCharles ChaplinEdna PurvianceEric CampbellThe Little Tramp escapes from prison; saves a girl and her mother from drowning; and creates havoc at a swank party.I don't need to tell you anything about Charlie Chaplin. This is basically a short movie and not a short film as such. It's a huge production.
These old movies are not copyrighted I think. Therefore you will find a ton of bad quality links of it online. But here is a good link at least. I don't know where the full quality versions are though. Probably some obscure American site:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ7jxCC1ot8 - DirectorAdam ButcherStarsShaun FrenchDuncan WigmanA fast-paced and thought-provoking film told through fragments of internet videos, animations, blogs and news articles. A series of shocking events unfolds when a young man creates a public treasure hunt for his own amusement and a video blogger decides to pursue the riddles across country.Feels like a movie that was created on the script level which means that there is more to it than a decent concept. It's a bit silly, over the top and predictable. But it never grows stale as it keeps things new and interesting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-SL4ejpP94 - DirectorGary FreedmanStarsRuta GedmintasOphelia LovibondExit Log is a stunning sci-fi short set in 2249. Two space engineers' journey through deep space takes a dramatic turn when they discover an emergency message from the past. Can they decipher the message and decide their fate forever?This is not well filmed. The camera is shaking and you rarely really get to enjoy the visual elements. And I predicted the ending right away just on the premise alone. Still, I'm a huge sucker for time travel stories and this is an interesting one. The actresses are great too. By the way, quite a few short films are stories taken from books, short stories or films. This story is taken from my favorite Star Trek episode.
https://vimeo.com/92659631 - DirectorPatrick CederbergWalter WoodmanStarsSam KantorCaitlin McConkey-PirieNina IordanovaNoah's relationship takes a rapid turn for the worse.Oh boy, this is eerie realistic to how teenagers act. But it also makes it a bit plot-less. Still, the emotional impact is great. Basically made like Searching (2018) which means it's good quality. I think that such a movie with a better title would be a smash hit online.
Again, I found the best version of it online I think:
https://vimeo.com/65935223 - DirectorMichael J. MurphyStarsBrendan MeyerMcKaley MillerMadison IsemanAfter being accused of sexually assaulting a girl at a party, ANDY uses a public twitter confessional to rewrite his story.Very well acted. The camera movement is great. The class scene had amazing camera work and the first library scene was just great film making.
The story itself was typical teenage love stuff. I would have liked there to be some point or theme to the characters and lead character. But as he is trying to take advantage of a drunk girl he doesn't really seem like a cool guy to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtJN9PGN3Qk&t=346s - DirectorShaun HigtonStarsAmir AlaviEspen AlknesClaes Friis-ThofteWhat happens when one man decides to embellish his online status?Again, simple concept that is not amazing. Had it been 15 minutes I would get really bored with it. But as it is short I really like it. The message and theme don't overstay their welcome.
https://vimeo.com/97115097 - DirectorDavid H. SteinbergStarsJosh CookeBrie LarsonJohn KapelosWhat happens when an 18-year-old babysitter finds out she's sitting for a 27-year-old slacker?Bit simple, but short and fun.
This is pretty much how you make an effective short film. Brie Larson is great here. I didn't know she could act this well. Unfortunately short films kinda disappear from the internet after a while.
I found some bad quality links:
https://video-streaming.orange.fr/comedie-humour/ils-font-appel-une-baby-sitter-pour-garder-leur-fils-de-25-ans-humour-de-mecs-VID00000020ZOD.html
https://www.koreus.com/video/the-babysitter.html - DirectorEdward F. ClineBuster KeatonStarsBuster KeatonEdward F. ClineJack DuffyA young couple who live next to each other in tenement apartments do everything they can to be together despite of their feuding families.Charlie Chaplin. Amazing actor.
I'm not sure if this is the best possible version of it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXo2-IKZA1s - DirectorRyan ConnollyStarsKen DohertyMatt ReimerRhys WilliamsHero has a briefcase, but will he have it for long?It starts out fast and never gets dull. Some of the action is covered in darkness so you can't see much. The action is very John Wick like, but here it's short and never grows old.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJEZlcT9u6E - DirectorJerome SableStarsL.J. BenetSeán CullenRick MillerWhen a ghost story around the campfire awakens an evil monster, it's up to nerdy Danny Zigwitz to be the hero and save his fellow campers from a bloody massacre. Crank up the volume and get ready to scream along to this musical gore-fest in the woods. Heads will rock'n'roll!This is the weirdest movie on my list. It's just a crazy musical. But I laughed and had a lot of fun with it. Misses a clear plot and a promised conclusion to the story.
The only movie on my list you can't really find a free version of on Youtube or Vimeo. They seem to be selling it for some perplexing reason. Someone needs to tell them that short films are not made to earn a profit:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/id588486661
You can find a 720p version of it at: https://ok.ru/video/ - DirectorDan TrachtenbergStarsDanielle RayneAlex AlbrechtBrad ArnoldA woman, named Chell, wakes up in a testing facility with no memory of how she got there. The one thing on her mind, escape.As an adaptation it fails as there is no humor here. But the technical stuff is very well done. And the actress seems fit enough to do this herself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4drucg1A6Xk - DirectorHjalti HjalmarssonColin LevyStarsThom HoffmanAgent 327 is investigating a clue that leads him to a shady barbershop in Amsterdam. Little does he know that he is being tailed by mercenary Boris Kloris.Short, silly, action packed. Just lacks a plot to be great.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN0zPOpADL4 - DirectorColin LevyStarsDaniel JonesTom NowickiTom CarleglioA psychiatrist is compelled by his patient, an obsessive mathematician, to consider the existence of a secret integer between three and four.It's a shame that it lingers just 1 to 2 seconds too long on every single scene because it's otherwise a good story. The movie should have been 2-3 minutes shorter with the same scenes, but it's still interesting from start to finish because of the good main idea. A good editor could fix this movie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXnFr1d7B9w - DirectorJohn CookRobin WalkerStarsNathan VetterleinDennis BatemanAshly BurchThe Engineer and Medic are experimenting with teleporting bread, discovering that doing so might have negative consequences. Meanwhile, Scout tries in earnest to show his romantic feelings for Miss Pauling, and asks the Spy for help.It's not perfect as it lacks a good ending, but the writing and plot is so well structured. The whole bread thing was just great writing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLlLQ3LmZWU - DirectorFederico HellerStarsMarcela Sandra BallesteroSteve KisickiIván SteinhardtA glimpse into a future where First Person Shooters have become a new drug for those disillusioned with society. The films examines the consequences of this on the global society.You will recognize the plot twist from a really fun feature film. But it's done well here too. The beginning drags a lot and is kinda a bit boring. But the twist makes it all worth it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXX0TRtg5Vk - DirectorPaul WadeSimon WadeStarsMattie BoysMichael ArmstrongBecky Leonard-CurrellJake has 5 days to perfect the disappearing trick before performing it at his birthday party. Will he become the magician he dreams of or will it end in disaster?Simple but well-made. It's focused enough to stand out from the typical meandering short films.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4KBUB5fIO4 - DirectorDaniel KwanDaniel ScheinertStarsMichael McCaffertyRandall ParkJean VillepiqueDenny Boffa wants to save viewers time with his new invention: an all-in-one multi-purpose broom tool called the Broomshakalaka. But when things go violently wrong on set, Denny is the one running out of time.It's so close to being great. I really didn't like the violence in it. Once you learn it's all fake it kinda saves it. But I really don't want to see a man getting his fingers chopped off. Who does?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt2uIhAvQZ8 - DirectorJustine BatemanStarsRae Dawn ChongBre BlairSeana KofoedA progressive elementary school's "parenting class" takes an unexpected dramatic turn.It's a bit hit and miss. The lead is hysterically funny at times. All actors are great. But some scenes are boring and drag on for too long. It's 10 minutes and there are interesting scenes here. But it's without plot, theme or point. I just love Die Hard enough to like this movie.
https://vimeo.com/321069149 - DirectorTomas VergaraStarsTomás VerdejoLuis GneccoWaking up after a car crash, a man is faced with a vicious threat he has to escape from.Again, again, again not much story. Most short film makers that are starting out know that they are crap at plot, so they often just avoid it altogether. Still, this movie has good action scenes and I'm a sucker for zombies.
https://vimeo.com/116451815 - DirectorEdward AndrewsStarsSean CroninTodd Von JoelRob TofieldAn unfit, self-conscious jogger stumbles across a dead body deep in the woods.There are way too many short films where the lead is a disgusting slob, a huge loser and completely uninteresting. It's not funny. But this short film has a very interesting premise and a good pace.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERZbxkw0PoA - DirectorRyan ConnollyStarsGraham PowellHannah WardEmily ConnollyThey thought it was their dream home, but when the unseen residents showed up, those dreams went up in flames.It's a short silly gag. There is not much here, but the acting is good. The dialogue in these Ryan Connolly movies is bad. It's all about special effects. With a good writer these guys could really make great short films, but just don't expect much deep story or cool dialogue from their movies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB_ZrwMk3lc - DirectorJeremy HershStarsRebecca HendersonTaylor HessDéa JulienA comedy about constructive criticism.As a writer I can't help but admire the unspoken plot here. It's the opposite of on the nose which creates a lot of things that the viewer has to think about. It's an LGBT short movie done right as it's not made to pander to anyone, which seems to be a rare thing in my experience.
https://vimeo.com/147391888 - DirectorChris W. SmithStarsJack De SenaNora KirkpatrickChris W. SmithMOVIES IN SPACE is a comedy sci-fi following the rise and fall of Travis Shepard, a future-earth-ambassador, who unwittingly gets caught up in an alien Hollywood-like system.Such a weird skit. It just got stuck in my head. The concept is amazing. On an alien planet your skills may be seen as extraordinary.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlo0Vp5TU8Y - DirectorChris W. SmithStarsJack De SenaJordan J. RiggsChris W. SmithJack realizes Chris is Groundhog Daying.Another great skit made as a short film. I love how a neutral person discovers the time traveler. That's the genius here. Usually you have people not believe in the time traveler, here he can't even hide his powers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5y3P5F_B5A - DirectorChris W. SmithStarsJack De SenaChris W. SmithHypnocomic "Gabriel the Great" and his roommate Ben.Not a perfect skit as it has no ending, but it's way more entertaining than an average short film and it has some plot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DtyW3ctrok - DirectorCharlotte ReganStarsAndrew PaulAlexa MordenLeon CunninghamA comedy about friendship and routines entirely set in a police patrol car. We see the day to day lives of two new partners Gary and Jenny.I hate the lack of a clear theme and plot, but the idea of fast cuts makes this work. It never gets dull as it's not too long. Another 2 minutes without plot would have ruined it. It feels new enough to not be boring. But obviously a clear theme and plot would improve it.
https://vimeo.com/207630463 - DirectorHenry ScholfieldStarsTaina DominguezTyesha HudsonKennedy LeiNew Rules is a music video for the song of the same name by Dua Lipa.The best music video ever made. It's made like a short film where she learns to be independent and then teaches another girl to be independent. That's the "new rules".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2qgadSvNyU - DirectorJared VaravaStarsPeter CarlsonGabriel MeyerThe true and historically accurate tale of one tumbleweed that did not tumble.Another movie that is not that fun to watch, but just presents new ideas in an interesting way. Sometimes the quality of a short film are the ideas you are left standing with after you have seen it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAkImoogF4E - DirectorMagali BarbéStarsPoppy PolivnickTimothy RenoufA new augmented reality game is developed to allow you to create and grow your own pet. But, how far are people willing to go to live in a fantasy environment of their own creation?Super simple and maybe too simple. But it's very short and doesn't overstay its welcome as there is enough story for the length. The great CGI also completely makes it work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeGWoh0rUvw - DirectorRuben ÖstlundStarsBahador FoladiRamtin ParvanehLeif EdlundAn attempted bank robbery. Follows the thought process of two confused witnesses, the filmographer and the producer.It's not super interesting and does get boring. But the technical aspects of it are very admirable.
https://vimeo.com/228071975