5 Short Movies Everyone Must See

Since the advent of YouTube, streaming services, and other websites, short films have become more accessible and popular. Not everybody is interested in watching long feature films, so we’ve compiled a list of five short films that everyone must see. Short films are a great way to explore inventive stories and be introduced to filmmakers and concepts in a short amount of time.

• World of Tomorrow (2015): This 15-minute science fiction film from director Don Hertzfeldt is a ground-breaking and imaginative masterpiece. Through animation, a little girl named Emily is visited by a clone version of herself from the future. This future Emily, “Third Generation,” guides the viewer through a surreal journey of mind-bending visuals and concepts about the passing of time, life and death, memory, and love. The film earned over 30 awards and nominations and was praised by audiences and critics for its boldness and creativity.

• The Second Bakery Attack (2010): Under the guidance of acclaimed Japanese director Takashi Kimura, this film presents a quirky and comedic departure from conventional crime narratives. Centered around a financially challenged couple, the story follows their unconventional decision to carry out a bakery heist, infusing humor into the crime genre. In the process, things become hilarious and unpredictable as the events unfold. The film is a great example of Japanese cinema’s artistic vision and complexity.

• Pioneer (2013): Telling a story of an astronaut battling a mysterious force in outer space, this atmospheric and surreal short film from Shane Carruth is visually captivating and emotionally charged. It’s clever melding of live action, computer animation, and special effects truly mesmerizes and draws the audience into this outer space journey.

• Last Day of Freedom (2015): This powerful and intense animation follows a man facing a difficult decision: to help his brother or put himself in danger. The story is based on the true events of a post-9/11 tragedy and is highly effective emotionally. The film won multiple awards and an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Short Subject.

• Get Out (20017): This classic and revolutionary horror-comedy has become a full-length feature-length movie, but it began as a 3-minute short film developed by writer/director Jordan Peele. The film centers around a man visiting his girlfriend’s parents and finding himself in a dangerous situation. Get Out cleverly tackles racial topics and stereotypes with hilarity and horror, making it an enjoyable and thought-provoking experience.

Chosen meticulously, these five succinct films stand out for their distinct narrative craft, ingenious scripting, and personalized visual artistry. Every piece holds a special gem, making it a valuable viewing experience. The realm of short films, enriched by platforms like YouTube and documentaries, generously unfurls a vast treasury, welcoming all to a boundless collection of narratives and cinematic forms awaiting exploration. Short films are often the first steps for filmmakers; their stories can be powerful and inventive even in limited time.