Buzz
The horror genre has seen a massive surge in popularity in recent years, with filmmakers coming up with endless new ways to terrify audiences. One of the most effective ways to experience horror is through its shorter forms. Horror short films have become increasingly popular over the past decade, embedding themselves in Internet culture. With Halloween in full swing, let’s pay tribute to these chilling works and take a look at the films that have left lasting impressions. Here are 10 thrilling horror short films guaranteed to keep you up at night:
10. Alone Time (2014)
In this 2014 horror-thriller directed by Rob Blackhurst, we follow the story of Ann, a young woman overwhelmed by the relentless pace of life in New York City. Stressed out by her work and personal life, Ann decides to take a spontaneous hiking trip alone in search of peace and solitude to recharge. We follow her peaceful day in the mountains before she begins to realize that something is terribly off the entire time.
The writing of Alone Time is what makes it such an effective horror film. It’s a slow and intelligent movie that lures you in with a relatable character and a sense of calm, only to slowly reveal the terrifying truth. The film doesn’t rely on jump-scares or loud noises to frighten the audience. Instead, it’s the twist that delivers the real chills, portraying a disturbingly realistic event that could happen to anyone in real life.
9. I Heard It Too (2014)
Inspired by the well-known two-sentence horror story, directors Matt Sears and Tim Knight bring to life a spine-chilling short film. I Heard It Too follows Stephanie, a young girl who is awakened in the dead of night by her mother’s voice calling her from downstairs. Baffled, she attempts to go to her, but as she approaches the stairs, her mother pulls her into another room. Holding her close, her mother whispers the eerie line: 'I heard it too.' The film then embarks on a nerve-wracking journey to uncover the source of the voice calling from below.
Matt Sears has made a remarkable name for himself in the horror genre, particularly with his shorts such as The Sky, Give Her Back, and the award-winning Charlie Boy. However, without question, I Heard It Too stands as his definitive masterpiece, demonstrating his ability to bring even more terrifying moments in the future. From its opening moments, the film grips you tightly, not releasing its hold until the very end.
8. The Sermon (2018)
A secluded church community under the strict rule of an extremist preacher captures and punishes one of its own members, a middle-aged woman caught in an affair with another woman. The preacher’s daughter, who happens to be the other woman, decides it's time to escape the church's oppressive practices. She formulates a daring plan to free herself from their control.
When it comes to psychological horror, few films have made an impression as lasting as The Sermon. Director Dean Puckett crafts a distinctive experience within the genre, offering a chilling, award-winning film that echoes the unsettling vibes of Ari Aster’s Hereditary and Midsommar. The vintage aesthetic enhances the thick, immersive atmosphere, ensuring the audience is deeply drawn into its terrifying tale. The film doesn’t shy away from its harsh themes, and the message it conveys is just as chilling as the plot itself.
7. STUCCO (2019)
In this eerie and disquieting film, Janina Gavankar (known for Star Wars, True Blood, and The Morning Show) not only wrote and directed the story but also starred as the main character, J. J is an agoraphobic, emotionally shattered woman who inadvertently damages the wall in her new home while hanging a piece of art. Behind the wall, she discovers what seems to be a hidden room. However, she hesitates to investigate further until she gets the house's original blueprints. As she waits, strange occurrences begin to unfold, and soon, her mind is consumed by the terrifying possibilities of what lies behind the wall.
Gavankar’s bold and impressive directorial debut earned her the prestigious SXSW 2020 Special Jury Prize, with widespread praise for her writing and stellar performance. STUCCO is unapologetically raw and refreshingly unconventional, making it a standout addition to the modern psychological horror landscape. Be sure not to miss this unique film.
6. There Comes A Knocking (2019)
Emma, a woman deeply mourning the loss of her husband John, installs a vintage door in her home. Upon finishing the installation, she realizes the door is mysteriously locked (something she hadn’t noticed before) and she cannot open it without a key. She decides to postpone dealing with it until the next day, but that night, strange knocks begin echoing from the other side, disturbing her fragile peace.
Written and directed by Ryan Connolly, the mind behind the popular YouTube channel Film Riot, There Comes A Knocking was conceived as a concept prototype for a feature film. What sets this film apart is its emotional depth, drawing viewers into Emma’s grief and her struggle to cope with an unimaginable loss. The visuals are as stunning as the narrative itself, with outstanding performances. When the unsettling moments arrive, they are all the more effective.
5. The Jester (2016)
A weary young man, returning home from a late-night shift on Halloween, encounters a peculiar figure dressed as a jester who insists on performing magic tricks for him. Initially humoring the stranger, the young man soon realizes that the tricks grow more disturbing as they unfold. Attempting to escape, he finds himself trapped in a terrifying game of cat and mouse, discovering that the jester is far more than he seems.
The Jester is an absolute thrill. Colin Crawchuck, both the director and star, delivers a wildly entertaining film featuring a chilling, silent masked villain. Despite his lack of dialogue, the jester’s charisma is undeniable, making him an oddly captivating figure, even as he commits unspeakable acts. The character of the jester is portrayed as an unstoppable, almost supernatural force, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you anxiously anticipate his next unpredictable move.
Thanks to its overwhelming popularity, The Jester was followed by two sequels (both directed by the same filmmaker), titled The Jester: Chapter 2 and The Jester: Chapter 3. Both sequels maintain the same high level of execution and captivating atmosphere as the original. Enjoy the ride!
4. Larry (2017)
Directed by Jacob Chase, this exceptional film follows Joe, a bored nighttime car-park attendant, who is left alone in his booth during the late hours of the night. While passing the time, Joe stumbles upon an old iPad in the Lost and Found box under his desk. As he starts to read through it, he uncovers a chilling story about Larry, a lonely and melancholic monster who lives behind a window, desperately searching for his one true friend. As Joe continues reading, an unsettling presence begins to creep outside the booth, hinting that Larry might be coming to visit.
What makes Larry so incredibly gripping is the intense sense of claustrophobia it evokes. The entire short film is set within the confines of Joe’s cramped booth, which doubles as the only light source. Once the light starts flickering, all sense of safety vanishes. This film is an absolute must-see. And for fans of the short, there’s even more good news: Larry has been adapted into a full-length feature film titled Come Play, starring Community’s Gillian Jacobs, and it is set to hit theaters this Halloween.
3. Lights Out (2013)
The iconic horror short that has captivated audiences—Lights Out—follows the terrifying ordeal of a woman who is about to retire for the night. Just as she turns off the lights, a shadowy figure appears in the hallway. Panicked, she flicks the switch on and off in a desperate attempt to figure out who it is, only to realize that the silhouette exists solely in the dark and moves when she’s unable to see it.
The viral sensation that shook the internet in 2013, Lights Out was the film that skyrocketed director David F. Sandberg's career. Not only did it lead to a full-length version in 2016, but it also paved the way for Sandberg to helm major Hollywood projects such as Annabelle: Creation and Shazam! This short film is widely regarded as the pinnacle of horror shorts, its terrifying premise continuing to send chills down spines. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re in for a terrifying treat.
2. Behind (2015)
This chilling Japanese short film, directed by Rick Kawanaka, follows a young woman working late at her computer when the door behind her starts opening on its own. After closing it multiple times, she becomes increasingly uneasy and decides to activate her webcam to figure out what’s going on behind her.
In true Japanese horror style, Behind is a masterclass in building tension, with every passing moment heightening the discomfort. With its simple yet effective premise, it perfectly taps into the potential of fear in mere minutes. Its immense success in Japan in 2015 led to it becoming the first installment in the Alone In The House series, a collection of shorts that rival this one in their creepiness.
1. The Smiling Man (2015)
Hold on a second. There are several horror shorts with the title The Smiling Man, so let’s make sure we’re on the same page: the version we’re talking about here is the award-winning one directed by A.J. Briones. It follows a young girl who, while home alone, discovers a collection of balloons carefully arranged throughout her house. As she ventures downstairs, the little girl comes face-to-face with a terrifying figure known only as the Smiling Man.
It’s impossible to truly capture the sheer terror the creature in this short evokes. This being stands as one of the most frightening figures in recent horror, and if the film were to be expanded into a feature, it could easily become a new icon of the genre. The Smiling Man is a short that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.
