Who doesn't love watching some cinematic inspiration to ring in the new year?

Whether you’re looking to watch Phantom Thread with your significant other on your couch or you’re going to a midnight screening of Stranger Things because you hate yourself, there are many options out there for sparking inspiration and reinvigorating your own filmmaking journeys in the new year.

One nice place to look for beautifully shot and directed short films is, of course, Vimeo’s Staff Picks page, which has been a long-standing showcase for some of the best up-and-coming filmmakers and their best projects. To ring in the new year, let’s take a look at some of the best short films of the year, according to Vimeo’s curation team, as shared on the Staff Picks page.


Vimeo Staff Picks Best Short Films of 2025

Highlighted in a sizzle reel that showcases some of the top picks from the Vimeo Curation Team, this has been a great year not just for Staff Picks, but for filmmakers in general.

Sure, the constant existential threat of AI looms large. But if you ever wanted proof that audacious filmmakers are finding new and creative ways to craft unique stories in this sacred medium, then look no further than these top Vimeo Staff Picks films from the year.

Here’s the full breakdown of the best shorts of 2025, hand-picked by the Vimeo Curation Team.

Best Videos

Best Branded

Breakout Creators

You can always find more shorts to watch on Vimeo’s website, or you can stay tuned as we continue to roll out lists, interviews, and features on some of our favorite films and projects from this year and heading into next here on No Film School.