Horror short films pack all the suspense, fear, and chills of a feature-length film into just a few intense minutes. These bite-sized nightmares are perfect for when you want a quick jolt of adrenaline, or if you’re just in the mood to be deeply unsettled.
Whether it's haunted chairs, mysterious birthday surprises, or that creeping feeling something’s watching you on an empty train, these films will crawl under your skin and stay there long after they’re over.
1) Best Sinister Birthday Twist: Special Day
On the surface, Special Day feels like a typical birthday celebration, but things quickly get eerie when Emily’s family reveals an unsettling secret on her 18th birthday. The story builds an unnerving atmosphere as you discover the family’s strange tradition and Emily’s connection to it. The tension is masterfully executed through its claustrophobic setting and the growing realization that Emily’s life is about to take a sinister turn. The twist at the end will leave you with chills. (Let’s just say it’s a birthday Emily won’t be forgetting anytime soon!)
2) Best Chilling Audio Terror: Play Me
What would you do if you found a mysterious cassette tape labeled “Play Me” in a seemingly abandoned house? That’s the dilemma in Play Me. As soon as the protagonist hits play, unsettling things start happening. The film plays on the tension between curiosity and dread, building to a moment of horrifying realization. The use of sound is particularly effective here, drawing viewers deeper into the mystery before delivering a punchy and creepy conclusion. (Hint: sometimes it’s better not to listen.)
3) Most Mind-Bending Mystery: Other Side of the Box
Imagine opening a package that seems to defy the laws of reality. In Other Side of the Box, a couple receives a mysterious gift with chilling consequences. What starts as curiosity rapidly turns into a fight for survival as the couple realizes they must never turn away from the contents inside the box. The simple concept, combined with a brilliantly escalating sense of dread, makes this one of the most intense horror shorts. This film is a masterclass in maintaining suspense with minimal elements. You’ll be asking yourself, “Could I have resisted looking away?”
4) Top Minimalist Psychological Horror: Curve
You ever wonder what it’s like to be trapped in a seemingly endless nightmare? Curve answers that with a heart-pounding scenario. A woman finds herself clinging to the edge of a slick, curving surface that drops into darkness. There’s no backstory, no explanation, just the raw terror of trying to stay alive. This minimalist approach is what makes it so effective—you’re right there with her, white-knuckling through every second. It’s a perfect blend of psychological and physical horror.
5) Best Creepy Clown Horror: The Smiling Man
Some clowns are creepy, but The Smiling Man takes it to a whole new level. A young girl is stalked by an unsettling figure with a permanent, eerie grin. The pacing is slow, but that only heightens the sense of dread as you realize something is horribly wrong. The film expertly captures that childhood fear of encountering something unnatural when you’re alone. (Pro tip: Never trust a guy who’s smiling for no reason!) Watch it when you’re in the mood to be thoroughly creeped out.
6) Most Unnerving Paranormal Experience: Ignore It
What if the only way to stay safe was to pretend the danger didn’t exist? In Ignore It, a family learns the hard way that acknowledging the supernatural force haunting them will make it worse. The tension builds as their struggle to “ignore” the spirit becomes unbearable. This short plays with the idea that some problems only get worse the more attention you give them, making for a unique and intense horror experience.
7) Best Slow-Burn Intruder Horror: Guest
What do you do when an unexpected visitor comes knocking in the middle of the night? In Guest, a woman is plagued by a mysterious intruder who seems to have an unnatural connection to her. The film’s sense of foreboding is amplified by the protagonist’s increasing paranoia and isolation. As the line between reality and nightmare blurs, you’re left wondering if this “guest” is just a figment of her imagination or something far worse. This is a slow-burn horror that grips you by the throat and doesn’t let go. Could you handle that kind of visitor?
8) Top Haunted Object Horror: The Chair
When you think of haunted objects, chairs might not be the first thing to come to mind, but The Chair will make you reconsider. Reese brings home an antique chair, only to find it harbors a dark presence. As the eerie occurrences intensify, he begins to question whether the chair is possessed or if he’s losing his mind. This film excels at blending psychological horror with supernatural elements, leaving you unsure of what’s real until the bitter end. (Note to self: maybe stick to new furniture next time.)
9) Most Unsettling Virtual Tour: My House Walkthrough
Who doesn’t love a good virtual tour? Well, this isn’t your typical walkthrough. In My House Walkthrough, the protagonist records a seemingly mundane video tour of their new home, but things get weird fast. Subtle shifts in the environment and unsettling background noises create a creeping sense of dread. It’s a masterclass in using minimal effects to induce maximum discomfort. The film captures the unnerving feeling that something is just off, even when you can’t quite put your finger on it.
10) Best Suspense Horror: Man on a Train
Ever taken a late-night train ride and gotten that weird feeling that someone’s watching you? Man on a Train plays on that very fear. The protagonist sits alone in a train car, or so he thinks, until a mysterious figure starts to appear. The tension in this short comes from the anticipation of the unknown—who is this man, and what does he want? The minimalist approach in both setting and dialogue allows the fear of isolation and the unknown to shine through. It’s a quick but nerve-wracking experience that will make you rethink solo commutes.
