The best short films on YouTube

Many people don't know, but there are several short films award-winning, available for free on YouTube. Their wide range includes horror, comedy, romance and more, including critically acclaimed films such as Helicopter Canada e Every Child. In this list, we have selected the best ones, for you to be enchanted and excited. Check out:

Every Child (Every Child)

IMDb Note: 6,5/10

Among the best short films available on YouTube, Every Child stands out. Released in Canada in 1979, the film won the Oscar de Best Animated Short Film in 1980. The story revolves around an abandoned baby, left on the doorstep of several houses in an upper-class neighborhood. After being rejected by several families, the child finds acceptance and compassion in the only group that showed true interest and care for his situation.

The Other Side of the Box (The Other Side of The Box)

IMDb Note: 7,2/10

This horror short tells the story of a group of friends who, upon finding a mysterious box, become consumed by curiosity and decide to open it. In doing so, they are faced with a series of choices that force them to face their deepest fears and hidden secrets. As the situation intensifies, they realize that the box acts as a catalyst for revelations and consequences that could alter their lives irrevocably.

The Quiet Zone (The Quiet Zone)

IMDb Note: 5,5/10

among the best short films available on YouTube, The Quiet Zone is an unmissable highlight. In this intriguing thriller, a passenger faces the uncomfortable presence of a noisy traveler in a train carriage. However, her situation becomes complicated when she finds herself trapped at the station, confronted by something or someone determined to silence her.

Wild life (Wild life)

IMDb Note: 6,4/10

Wild life is one of the award-winning short films and is set in 1909, when a young Englishman is sent to Alberta to dedicate himself to cattle farming. However, his true passion is badminton and bird watching. Furthermore, he finds himself consumed by drink and soon realizes that he is not prepared for the challenges he faces.

Mommy (Mama)

IMDb Note: 6,9/10

The Spanish horror production, acclaimed at several festivals, inspired the feature film of the same name by Guillermo del Toro which bears the same name. The plot revolves around two girls who, after facing a problematic relationship with their maternal figure — a terrifying presence — plan to run away from home.

The old woman spinning

IMDb Note: 7,8/10

The 1964 Brazilian short film, directed by Humberto Mauro, is inspired by a popular song performed by Irakitan Trio. The film explores the idea that there is always a being or animal that is “harming” another, reflecting the theme present in the song.

The Turning Point (The Turning Point)

IMDb Note: 7,5/10

Among the free short films available on YouTube, it stands out The Turning Point. In this film, an intriguing exchange of roles takes place between animals and humans. In a world where animals take over the Earth, humans find themselves on the brink of extinction.

If You Love This Planet (If You Love This Planet)

IMDb Note: 7,3/10

In the short film awarded Oscar and released in 1982, an Australian pediatrician gives an impactful speech about the devastating consequences of a nuclear war.

Light Rain (Soft Rain)

IMDb Note: 6,6/10

Em Soft Rain, a man suffering from depression and waiting for the bus is surprised by a shower of small, pink, fluffy balls. While there, he meets a cheerful woman who offers him shelter under her umbrella, and together, they enjoy this unexpected and comforting moment.

Snack Attack (Snack Attack)

IMDb Note: 7,1/10

Snack Attack is an unmissable highlight on the list of the best short films. In the short, a lady, who wants to eat her cookies in peace while waiting for the train, is interrupted by a young man next to her. The teenager, full of good humor, tries to share the cookies with her, creating an unexpected and fun situation.

The Sand Castle (The Sand Castle)

IMDb Note: 7,1/10

In the film, we follow a humanoid figure made of sand who creates living creatures using desert sand. After building a majestic castle, the figure and his creations celebrate the achievement. However, the party is abruptly interrupted when the wind begins to dismantle the building. Faced with this threat, they need to flee to ensure their safety.

Balance (Balance)

IMDb Note: 7,9/10

The short film portrays five people who live on a floating platform in space and each individual's movement requires the others to also adjust to maintain balance and prevent the platform from destabilizing. The group works in perfect cooperation until the introduction of a box on the platform triggers an unexpected imbalance.

Paths of Hate (Paths of Hate)

IMDb Note: 7,4/10

In this short film, the story of demons that rest deeply in the human soul and are capable of pushing people into the abyss of hatred, fury and anger is explored.

The Tiger and the Gazelle

IMDb Note: 7,6/10

In the list of free short films, The Tiger and the Gazelle I couldn't stay out. The film portrays the poverty and dignity of people who live on the streets, offering a reflection on the Brazilian reality through the ideas of the philosopher and psychiatrist Frantz Fanon.

The dog (The Dog)

IMDb Note: 8,1/10

The film The Dog tells the moving story of a dog who tries to convey an important message to people, but ends up being ignored by everyone.

I'll Find a Way (I'll Find a Way)

IMDb Note: 6,8/10

In this short, we meet Nadia DeFranco, a Toronto resident living with spina bifida. The film portrays her daily life, including her trips to school, visits to relatives, moments with her family and sessions with her therapists.

The Colors of My Father: A Portrait of Sam Borenstein (The Colors of My Father: A Portrait of Sam Borenstein)

IMDb Note: 6,4/10

Here, we follow the story of Sam Borenstein, who dedicated more than 40 years to painting, but only saw his work gain recognition at the end of his life. Two decades after his death, his daughter and filmmaker Joyce Borenstein brings his father's art to a wider audience, using various animation techniques to highlight his work.

When Days Begin (When the Days Break)

IMDb Note: 6,8/10

Among the best short films is When the Day Breaks, which stands out for its unique take on an unexpected encounter, a juicy yellow lemon and a twist of fate. Together, these elements reveal the inseparable symbiotic connection between people.

A Double Desire (A Folded Wish)

IMDb Note: 7,7/10

In the film, twin sisters Chiharu and Hanako strive to fold a thousand origami cranes in the hope of curing themselves of a serious illness that can lead to death.

aruanda

IMDb Note: 6,8/10

The 1960 Brazilian short film portrays the true story of Quilombo Olho d'Água da Serra do Talhado, in Paraiba. During the colonial period, this region became institutionally isolated from the rest of the country, serving as a refuge for communities of fugitive slaves who formed quilombos.

3:03

IMDb Note: no grade

In this film, which is among the award-winning short films, we follow Dr. Michel, a brilliant neuroscientist dedicated to the search for a cure for paraplegia. Inexplicably, he loses his own movements and starts waking up every morning at 3:03.

NAPO

IMDb Note: 6,8/10

The film portrays the story of an elderly man who, due to the advancement of Alzheimer's, starts to live with his daughter Lenita and his grandson João. Over time, the disease makes him progressively forget everyone who marked his life.

Meow (Meow)

IMDb Note: 7,6/10

Em Meow, a hungry cat runs out of milk and, frustrated, tries to attack the person responsible. The situation changes when they offer you a special soda. To convince you to accept the offer, they even use a commercial kitten to attract your attention.

Turn off the Lights (L)

IMDb Note: 7,6/10

After the lights go out, a woman comes across a mysterious figure. However, when the lights are turned on again, the figure disappears.

Tail

IMDb Note: 7,2/10

Tail Couldn't be missing from the list of the best short films. The film follows a lost soul who wanders the city drunk. However, upon arriving at a park, Death finds her and reveals a variety of visions and experiences.

This is the Plan (Here's the plan)

IMDb Note: 7,0/10

In the film, we follow the story of a couple made up of a dog and a cat who dream of opening a bakery together. However, their efforts are constantly diverted by real-world challenges and problems.

The dancer (The Ballerina)

IMDb Note: 6,3/10

Em The Ballerina, the story revolves around a ballerina haunted by her own reflection in the mirror. As she begins to dance, terror unfolds, triggered by the unsettling reflection that accompanies her.

Neighbors (Neighbours)

IMDb Note: 7,9/10

In the short film, two neighbors start a dispute to determine who will keep the newly born flower, as there are no partitions between their homes. They both look very similar, wearing similar clothes, sharing matches, and sitting in almost identical chairs.

Canada Helicopter (Helicopter Canada)

IMDb Note: 6,8/10

Among the award-winning short films, Helicopter Canada is on the list of nominees for the Oscar. Produced to celebrate Canada's centennial, the film offers a stunning aerial exploration of the country's landscape, captured through stunning still photography. Widescreen.

The Overcomer (OVERCOMER)

IMDb Note: no note.

Overeating, one of the best short films, is unmissable. The film follows a young woman who, tormented by the constant feeling that no one cares about her, sees her life change when a boy contacts her through Facebook, offering friendship. As they both encourage each other to draw, they begin to remember the past, marked by anxiety and depression.

The gift (The Present)

IMDb Note: 7,5/10

In the short film, we follow young Jake, who dedicates much of his time to playing video games. His routine changes radically when, on an unexpected day, his mother presents him with something very special.

We're together

IMDb Note: 7,0/10

In this award-winning Brazilian short, two neighbors, facing the challenges and fears of the pandemic, begin to value each moment of interaction as something extremely precious.

Powers of Ten (Powers of Ten)

IMDb Note: 8,0/10

Em Powers of Ten, A couple is enjoying a picnic when, by zooming in on the scene tenfold, the film provides a fascinating view that ranges from the edge of the universe to the molecules in a person's hand.

Wave (Ripple)

IMDb Note: No note

The short chronicles how simple acts of kindness and generosity can bless others, triggering a domino effect that has the power to transform lives.

Locker room (Locker room)

IMDb Note: 6,2/10

Em Locker room, a 16-year-old girl discovers something unexpected that leads her to reevaluate her friendships with three boys on her school's football team.

Two cars, One night (Two Cars, One Night)

IMDb Note: 7,2/10

Among the best short films is Two Cars, One Night, which tells the story of two boys waiting for their parents in the parking lot of a Ads rural. What begins as a rivalry relationship quickly turns into a close friendship in an unexpected scenario.

The street (The Street)

IMDb Note: 6,6/10

The film portrays the life of a Jewish family in Montreal, Canada, who care for their grandmother in her last moments. While facing this situation, the young boy is impatient to receive the room he was promised after her death.

Tulip Street

IMDb Note: 8,1/10

In this acclaimed short film, we meet a brilliant inventor who dedicated his talent to creating useful inventions for the residents of his street, Rua das Tupilas. Seeing the joy that his creations brought to everyone, he realizes that he still needs to satisfy one person's desire in particular.

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The Cook (The Cook)

IMDb Note: 5,2/10

In this short film, we follow an enigmatic cook preparing an equally mysterious dinner for a client who is also full of mysteries.

Special delivery (Special Delivery)

IMDb Note: 7,3/10

Released in 1979, the short tells the story of a clumsy husband who forgets to clear the snow-covered path. As a result, the postman slips and suffers a serious neck injury. From this accident, a series of mistakes unfold as the man desperately tries to hide the body.

Electrodomaesthetics

IMDb Note: 6,9/10

In this film, an upper-class family lives in a house saturated with superfluous electronic devices. Even with so many devices, they eagerly await the arrival of another item for their collection: a 29-inch TV.

Guide

IMDb Note: 7,4/10

Among the free short films available on YouTube, Guide tells the story of a kind lady who has worked as an archivist in a court for 30 years. Her daily routine undergoes an unexpected transformation when she finds a newspaper advertisement about nude drawing classes at a cultural center in the city.

Mrs Tutli-Putli

IMDb Note: 7,2/10

In the short, the anachronistic Madame Tutli-Putli, exhausted and melancholy, wants to board a train. However, surrounded by a lifetime of personal belongings, she patiently awaits the locomotive's arrival.

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Singular

IMDb Note: no grade

The film portrays a lonely woman who dedicates much of her time to work. One night, her apartment doorbell rings and she finds a mysterious note on the door. What she doesn't expect is for this event to become a repeat occurrence.

The Waiting for the Bus Paradox

IMDb Note: 8,7/10

In this Brazilian comedy short, a man waits for the bus in the early hours of the morning while reflecting on waiting and other philosophical questions in a humorous way.

First Winter (First Winter)

IMDb Note: 6,6/10

among the best short films, First Winter It is among the unmissable ones. The film follows a family of Irish immigrants, with an absent father, who face difficulties surviving their first winter in the cold Canadian regions.

1500 Words

IMDb Note: 6,4/10

Here, we follow a healthy, happily married young man who faces imminent death. However, his death will not be measured in years or months, but in 1.500 words, so that his destiny is not tied to time.

Corsair Blood

IMDb Note: 7,4/10

The film Corsair Blood was one of the first Brazilian works to explore counterculture and its impacts on the behavior of a generation. Furthermore, the film pays homage to the poet Orlando Parolini.

Pleasure to meet you (Nice To Meet You)

IMDb Note: No note

On the list of best short films is Nice To Meet You, which depicts the moment a recently separated couple meets at their favorite bar. This reunion provokes a mixture of regret, bitterness and feelings of love.

The Port of Santos

IMDb Note: 7,9/10

In this brief documentary, we follow the lives of workers at the Port of Santos, the largest in São Paulo, and residents of the region in the late 1970s. The film reveals the daily activities of these people and the social dynamism that characterized the time.

The Trot (TheJog)

IMDb Note: 6,2/10

In the short film released in 2019, a man receives one of the best news of his life. However, his morning run doesn't go as expected, turning a moment of joy into an unexpected situation.

Good intentions (good intentions)

IMDb Note: 6,4/10

In this short film, the story is told of a woman involved in a car accident, who decides to flee the scene. However, the constant worry about the other driver's fate disturbs her. As her anxiety increases, strange events begin to happen around her.

Who are you? (Who are you?)

IMDb Note: 6,7/10

Em Who Are You?, a famous man feels lost until a delivery woman, who takes a package to his house, makes him reflect on life. After the question “Who are you?”, he realizes that the true answer goes beyond a simple name and reveals the story of an entire life.

Bright

IMDb Note: 6,3/10

Em Bright, we explore a world where light bulbs shine according to people's emotional state. A young man, who is lost and erased, embarks on a journey in search of recovering his inner shine.

Explore this selection of short films (short films ou shorts, in English) is like opening a box of cinematic surprises, right? Now, we want to hear from you: what are your favorites? Was there anything missing from this list? Leave your opinion or recommendation in the comments fields below.

And if you are looking for more content like this, we recommend that you access our section films and cinema.

Sources: At Film School, Bula Magazine, Screen Rant

Text revised by Vanessa Alves on August 2, 2024.

See also:

The 20 most viewed videos on YouTube to date