Summary– We are in a generation where time is at its peak in value. Most do not have the time to sit down and watch an hour-long movie. This carefully curated list of short films on YouTube doesn’t require hours of your time but will leave a lasting impression upon watching. 

A good short film gives you the same thrill as Hollywood films. The world is changing, and the attention span of human beings is getting shorter and shorter. Years ago, people used to stay in line for hours to watch a 2-hour-long movie, but now, with all the convenience and luxury, we scroll through shorts throughout the day. Well, in this chaotic situation, short films have emerged and made their place in Hollywood. 

Sometimes a short film has a longer impact on our brain than a long one. The dialogue, the visuals, that thrilling experience, all of these, if placed correctly, can leave you with a beautiful feeling. Some of the award-winning short Hollywood films have that deep emotional intensity and narrative excellence. If you are also someone who wants to feel the satisfaction of watching a masterpiece on the screen but has a limited amount of time, then this list of short films is for you.

5. Six Shooter (2004)

Short Film - Six Shooter (2004) - Image
Six Shooter (2004)

Premiered in 2004 on YouTube, Six Shooter is an Irish short film directed by Martin McDonagh. This short has a theme of dark comedy following a widower who is in grief and goes on a train journey. In the journey, he meets different people with different characteristics. This short film has won an Oscar for best live action short movie. The exploration of death and grief as a theme is one of the most acclaimed parts of the film.

4. 1500 Words (2014)

Short Film - 1500 Words (2014) - Image
1500 Words (2014)

This movie is a short 9-minute film, the main character reveals that he has only 1500 words left for his life. The entire story is the depiction of how the lead character, Stanley Franks, uses words wisely in his life. He tries to save his marriage and his life by using a few words because of the limited words left. The film not only entertains the audience but also gives a message about how important it is to use words in the right manner. The message behind it is more meaningful. This film balances the serious meaning and funny elements in a very careful manner.

3. The Long Goodbye (2020)

Short Film - The Long Goodbye (2020) - Image
The Long Goodbye (2020)

The story delves deep into the pain, grief, sorrow of those in the marginalised society. Opening scenes consist of a British-Asian family preparing for a wedding but later some unwanted guest appears with some not so favourable circumstances. It takes a deep analysis of how the people of minor communities survive in different situations when political incidents are taking place. Through the characters, we can also feel the emotions of the life lived by the discriminated society. 

2. The Crush (2010)

Short Film - The Crush (2010) - Image
The Crush (2010)

In this film agony, jealousy, and love have been shown through the lens of a child. This theme is a little controversial, but it needed to be shown on the screen as it dives deeper into the side of a childhood that many adults refuse to talk about. The character Ardel has been beautifully played by Oran Creagh, being so young himself, it didn’t come in the way of his acting. And he has successfully delivered classic acting to a classic story.

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1. One-Minute Time Machine (2014)

Short Film - One-Minute Time Machine (2014) - Image
One-Minute Time Machine (2014)

This short film is a romantic comedy with an element of a time machine. One-Minute Time Machine has a few of the devices of ego, will, and the consequences of actions. So, the viewers are taken on an adventure, but later are surprised by the dark turn of events. This short has all the taste of those full-length Hollywood films. 

Final Thoughts

All of the short films listed here each have a unique story with commendable cinematography. Each director has done a marvellous job in satisfying the audience with their few-minute-long cinema. These movies will not only entertain you but will linger long after they have ended. The story, dialogue, dark comedy, romance, and thrilling feeling, all of these features in each of these films, will keep you thinking, “What could have happened more?”. There are tons of short films on YouTube, but these carefully chosen lists consist of the best short films, which are neck to neck with those of highly rated Hollywood films. 

Written by Kenbi Riba