9 Best Short Films of All Time

Short films pack all the goodness of a motion picture into a bite-sized runtime, typically under 40 minutes (as qualified by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences). They are perfect for filmmakers who want to keep it short and sweet.

If you’ve never really given short films a chance, check out our list of the best short films of all time.

9 Best Short Films of All Time

1. Un Chien Andalou (1929) directed by Luis Buñuel

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This 16-minute avant-garde masterpiece deliberately defies conventional narrative logic. Luis Buñuel and Salvador Dalí created a collection of shocking, dreamlike images that challenge viewers to abandon rational interpretation.

It is impossible to express your feelings after watching this short film—everyone will react differently. But, trust me, it’s worth every second.

In Un Chien Andalou, the father of cinematic surrealism depicts the unconscious mind through dream logic and Freudian free association. It’s an essential viewing experience for anyone interested in experimental cinema.

2. What’s Opera, Doc? (1957) directed by Chuck Jones

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Featuring Bugs Bunny, this seven-minute short is an animated parody of Wagner's operas.

Arguably the greatest cartoon to ever be released, “What’s Opera, Doc?” was selected for preservation in the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry back in 1992.

The story follows Elmer Fudd’s rabbit hunt at the opera. This is kids’ entertainment that even adults will love. And these are two of the best Looney Tunes characters, wreaking delightful havoc on screen.

3. Dimensions of Dialogue (1983) directed by Jan Švankarmajer

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Dimensions of Dialogue, which won the Best Short Film award at the 1983 Berlin International Film Festival, depicts failures of communication in human society through surrealism.

This 11-minute film uses stop-motion animation and is considered one of the best experimental arthouse short films.

4. The Red Balloon (1956) directed by Albert Lamorisse

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The Red Balloon snagged Best Original Screenplay at the 1957 Oscars, making Albert Lamorisse the only person to have ever received this award for a short film. This 34-minute short features a little boy running around the streets of Paris as he’s followed by a red balloon with a mind of its own.

Starring his own kids, Pascal and Sabrina Lamorisse, Lamorisse’s fantasy dramedy The Red Balloon features minimal to no dialogue. This iconic short is celebrated for its poignant storytelling and is perfect for a quick watch with your family!

5. Le Jetée (1962) directed by Chris Marker

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Composed almost entirely of still photographs, this 28-minute science fiction short explores themes of memory and time. The story follows a prisoner in post-apocalyptic Paris after World War III, whose vivid memories make him the perfect candidate for experimental time travel.

The short film inspired the sci-fi movie, 12 Monkeys.

6. A Trip to the Moon (1902) directed by Georges Méliès

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Inspired by the works of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, Méliès’ A Trip to the Moon follows a group of astronomers on their expedition to the moon. As the six chosen ones land on the moon, they realize that although it’s fantastical, their best interests lie in returning home as soon as possible.

The world-building is distinctive and vibrant, and the narrative hits the notes of humor just right, making it a delightful 13-minute watch!

7. Night and Fog (1956) directed by Alain Resnais

Written by Jean Cayrol, a survivor of the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp, Alain Resnais’ Night and Fog is a 32-minute short film, renowned for its innovative use of contrasting footage to depict the horror of the Holocaust and Nazi concentration camps.

The juxtaposition of serene present-day landscapes with harrowing historical archival images from the war highlights the passage of time and the persistence of memory. At the core, it emphasizes the universality of suffering and the dangers of a superiority complex.

8. It’s Such a Beautiful Day (2011) directed by Don Hertzfeldt

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This endearing short is a one-of-a-kind animated film about Bill, a stick figure character, struggling with memory loss and hallucinations caused by an unknown neurological condition.

Hertzfeldt blends traditional animation with stylized real-life footage, leading to an innovative visual language. The story employs dark humor and philosophical musings to explore serious themes like mortality, mental illness, memory, and a search for life’s purpose.

9. The Wrong Trousers (1993) directed by Nick Park

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Rated 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, The Wrong Trousers features Wallace and his intelligent, silent dog Gromit. Feathers McGraw is arguably one of the greatest villains, and not just in a kids’ story.

After Wallace’s modified ex-NASA Techno Trousers are stolen by Feathers McGraw (a penguin) to steal treasures from the city museum, the two fight the great villain to save the day and restore peace.

It’s a delightful comedy packed with classic cinema jokes and references. Watch this 30-minute short film with your family for that perfect lazy Sunday afternoon!

While many might consider short films a practice ground before committing to a feature film, I believe that short filmmaking is an entire genre in itself that demands a certain eye for storytelling and immense practice.

Which is your favorite short film?