Top 10 Must-Watch Short Films on Youtube

The Jigsaw (2017) follows an elderly man bored with his mundane life. One day, he stumbles upon a mysterious Jigsaw puzzle and becomes obsessed with obtaining it, despite warnings from the shopkeeper. What begins as mere curiosity turns into a tense, suspense-filled experience that culminates in a shocking ending.

If you're familiar with the Saw franchise, this film offers a much gentler tone, but it is no less haunting. Running for just 8 minutes, it delivers a range of emotions and features a tight narrative. The message it imparts is clear: think carefully before making decisions, as you can never predict the outcome.

IMDb Rating: 5.8

Alternative Math (2017) tells the story of a math teacher who gives an F grade to a student for a series of incorrect calculations. What's even more disturbing is that the adults defending the child or their flawed reasoning criticize the teacher, claiming that such actions hinder the child's development.

While the plot may seem absurd, it reflects a real issue in American society: a segment of the population believes that personal freedom means being able to do anything without regard for moral standards or the consequences.

IMDb Rating: 7.3

The Candidate (2016) revolves around an office worker who starts to question his colleagues' positions, believing that neither his coworker nor his boss deserve their roles. Soon, a mysterious man approaches him, offering a chance to make his desires a reality through a secret organization. However, the truth isn't quite what he expected.

With a clear structure and captivating performances, this film creates an intriguing atmosphere that draws viewers in. Although 20 minutes might seem long for a short film, director David Karlak’s storytelling will grab you from the first few minutes, leading you down an unpredictable path.

IMDb Rating: 9.0

One-Minute Time Machine (2015) may have a simple premise, but it still manages to evoke a range of emotions. The short film, just under 6 minutes long, tells the story of James and his quest to win over the beautiful Regina using a 'time machine' that allows him to rewind just one minute. However, his lack of experience leads him to rely heavily on the machine, ignoring the long-term consequences of his actions, even though he is the inventor.

With a straightforward concept set in everyday life, director Devon Avery created a film that captivates its audience. One-Minute Time Machine has garnered several awards, including Best Short Film at various festivals. It’s an excellent choice for those moments when you’re short on time but still want a quick yet enjoyable viewing experience.

IMDb Rating: 7.7

Modern Educayshun (2015) is a film directed and written by Neel Kolhatkar, the famous Australian comedian. The story takes place in a Math classroom, where students compete for a spot at a prestigious conference in New York. In the film, a range of perspectives—such as feminism and LGBTQ+ rights—are showcased, but ironically, they are used to overpower the character who holds the most neutral and logical stance.

In just 7 minutes, viewers will find themselves laughing at the absurd and naïve arguments made by the characters. Through its humorous yet biting narrative, the filmmaker critiques modern education systems that prioritize equality and freedom without addressing the core issues. This critique is cleverly embodied in the film’s title.

IMDb Rating: 7.3

Downstairs (2015) won several prestigious awards for Best Short Film at UK film festivals. Written, produced, and directed by the Boxleitner brothers, the film centers around the night shift of a lone security guard—a familiar concept, but with a unique twist. The film shines through the comedic performance of the lead actor, which brings a sense of realism to the storyline. If you're tired of the illogical and unrealistic actions of characters in many Hollywood horror films, Downstairs offers a refreshing take by portraying a more grounded, relatable response to fear.

IMDb Rating: 6.1

Lie Detector (2011) is a 3-minute short film centered around a job interview aided by a high-tech lie detector machine. In this interview, the machine detects any falsehood with an ear-piercing sound the moment a lie is spoken.

Lie Detector brings on the laughs with absurd dialogue and the actors' hilarious expressions. On a deeper level, however, it also unsettles some viewers with its probing questions that hit uncomfortably close to the secrets they are trying to hide.

IMDb Rating: 7.6

Kissed (2020) is a horror short film with a very brief runtime of just over 6 minutes, produced by a channel known for its chilling content. The plot is simple but disturbing, revolving around a doctor with a morbid fascination for corpses. From the very beginning, the film doesn’t shy away from portraying the main character’s madness, shown through actions like applying makeup, caressing, and even kissing a dead body.

These actions, combined with the camera work and sound design, create an incredibly tense atmosphere that leaves viewers unnerved by the end. The title ‘Kissed’ implies sweetness, but after watching this film, you might see kissing in a whole new light.

IMDb Rating: 5.9

Dylan (2020) is based on a simple premise, yet the director’s talent for building tension, coupled with a stunning performance from the lead actress, takes this short film to unexpected heights. In just 12 minutes, Dylan delivers suspense and horror that rivals even the biggest Hollywood productions.

The film’s ability to evoke real fear and unease is truly impressive, and with an IMDb rating of 7.1 and numerous awards from major festivals, Dylan (2020) is bound to leave a lasting impact.

IMDb Rating: 7.1

The Neighbor’s Window (2019) follows the story of Alli and Jacob, a married couple in their forties, whose lives revolve around financial worries, work pressures, and raising children. When a young couple moves into the apartment across from theirs, they are suddenly reminded of the wild dreams and youthful freedom they once had.

Written, directed, and edited by Marshall Curry, The Neighbor’s Window marked a remarkable debut in narrative filmmaking for Curry. This short film earned him his first Oscar after several nominations, and is currently available to watch for free on YouTube.

IMDb Rating: 7.3