Short films, usually underappreciated, provide a compact but effective means of storytelling. From early sci-fi of the silent era to contemporary animation classics, short films can convey feelings and concepts that resonate long after the last credits. These are five amazing short films that have contributed to the art of cinema, and are easily accessible to stream today.
1. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)
Wes Anderson puts his personal touch on The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, a very visualized adaptation of Roald Dahl’s story. Henry Sugar is a rich man who discovers he can see without his eyes and embarks on a selfless quest that compels him to question his understanding of life and money.
Where to Watch: Netflix. Genres: Short, Comedy, Adventure, Fantasy, Drama, Adaptation, Director: Wes Anderson
2. A Trip to the Moon (1902)
Considered one of the first science fiction films, A Trip to the Moon is a magical and pioneering work of cinema. French illusionist Georges Méliès made this film with groundbreaking visual effects and set design. The film tells the tale of a team of astronomers who journey to the moon and meet alien beings, inspiring audiences for centuries.
Genres: Action, Comedy, Science Fiction, Fantasy. Director: Georges Méliès. Where to Watch: Public domain; available free on YouTube
3. Piper (2016)
Piper was produced by Pixar Animation Studios and is one of the animated stories about a young sandpiper who attempts to conquer her fear of the ocean. Piper is different from other animated movies because of its beautiful animation and because of its solid message about learning, perseverance, and bravery. Piper was the recipient of the Best Animated Short Film Academy Award in 2017.
Genres: Animation, Short, Children’s Film, Adventure. Director: Alan Barillaro. Where to Watch: Disney+
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4. For the Birds (2000)
Another of Pixar’s gems, For the Birds, brings humor and commentary on group behavior and the cost of ostracism. In this knockabout comedy conveyed in economical dialogue, a cluster of little birds bullies a large, awkward one until the tables are turned.
Genres: Animation, Comedy, Short, Children’s Film, Slapstick. Director: Ralph Eggleston. Where to Watch: Apple TV and Disney+
5. La Jetée (1962)
Made up mostly of static images, La Jetée is a somber, lyrical film concerning time travel, memory, and loss. A post-apocalyptic environment is its backdrop, the tale of a man who is selected to journey through time in an effort to save humanity. Experimental in style, it is arguably most famous for having inspired the 1995 film 12 Monkeys.
Genres: Romance, Drama, Documentary, Melodrama, Science Fiction, Fantasy. Director: Chris Marker. Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Conclusion
All of these short films have an independent style of narration, ranging from the beginning of film history to modern animation and experimental video pieces. Both the older film enthusiast and the newcomer to short films will find these films a pleasure to watch and easily accessible online.
Written by Pranjal Bapna