Almost all movie and TV show formats have been acquired by Netflix and made available to the public. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that they have a sizable library of short films, which are significantly shorter than typical feature-length films and documentaries. These movieshttp://movies will therefore satisfy your desire to watch something brief but spectacular.

40. The Quilters (2024)

Directed by Jenifer McShane, ‘The Quilters’ is a short documentary that follows a unique group of men who are imprisoned in the South Central Correctional Center in rural Missouri. In their way of keeping their inner shadow at bay, the men stitch wonderful quilts for foster children in the surrounding countries. Getting into their woes and successes, the movie depicts how being together has made them better individuals. Though their future is uncertain, they focus on the here and now, and so does the camera that presents us with a close-up-and-personal look at the art of quilting, illustrating how the colors in the quilts brighten up the men’s conscience too. Emotional, intense, and uncut, ‘The Quilters’ is a film that must be seen. You can watch it here.

39. Anuja (2024)

Adam J. Graves’s short film, ‘Anuja,’ is supported by the Delhi-based NGO Salaam Baalak Trust, founded by filmmaker Mira Nair. It follows nine-year-old Anuja and her older sister Palak, who are poor but survive by working for a garment factory. When the chance to attend a boarding school comes, Anuja will have to make a choice that will alter their lives beyond their imagination. And as we watch the two children make their way around their squalid environment, which is a part of their everyday life, the movie becomes the form of an immense and moving commentary on what awaits Anuja and Palak and other children like them, condemned to spend their lives on the street. Shortlisted for Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards, ‘Anuja’ is a tale of sisterhood and its strength in the midst of intractable predicament. It can be streamed here.

38. The Only Girl in the Orchestra (2023)

Directed by Molly O’Brien, ‘The Only Girl in the Orchestra’ honors the life of double bass player Orin O’Brien, who was the first woman to be a full-time member of the New York Philharmonic, employed by legendary conductor Leonard Bernstein in 1966. Molly O’Brien, the niece of Orin, gives a concise overview of the artist’s life, career, and approach in the film by compiling interviews with Orin and her students, vintage photographs, and so on. You may view the lovely documentary movie here.

37. Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World (2024)

Julio Palacio’s short documentary ‘Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World’ focuses on Makayla Cain who is 14 years old but is non-verbal due to her rare type of autism. But self-expression finds a means, and with the help of an expert, we enter Makayla’s world through a letterboard, which she employs to voice her emotions and thoughts. A beautiful movie that gained numerous awards at film festivals around the nation, ‘Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World’ is a compelling and affecting drama that emphasizes the strength of expression and imagination above age. You can view it here.

36. The Unauthorized Bash Brothers Experience (2019)

Produced by the comedy hip-hop trio The Lonely Island, ‘The Unauthorized Bash Brothers Experience’ is a “visual poem” featuring Lonely Island member Akiva Schaffer and actor Andy Samberg. The single work of art has the actors portraying legendary Oakland Athletic baseball heroes Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire. It is a ridiculous presentation of images and wordplay to celebrate the legends. There is no adequate way of describing the 30-minute video except to watch it, appreciate it, and make sense of it in your own sweet manner. You may have the “experience” here.

35. Camp Courage (2023)

Directed by Max Lowe, ‘Camp Courage’ is a short documentary that documents Milana, a young Ukrainian woman, and her grandmother Olga as they attend a summer camp in the Austrian Alps. Milana and Olga are refugees of the Russia-Ukraine War, and the entire venture of mountain climbing, along with other families displaced by the war, becomes a metaphor for resilience in a war. But beneath all the power, there is a continuous pain that reminds us about the urgency to bring an end to all wars, particularly for our coming generations. You can view ‘Camp Courage’ here.

34. Canvas (2020)

Telling you about the storyline of a 9-minute long short film is spoiling its essence. So the only thing we can say for this lovely, sweet, and moving Frank E. Abney III directorial is that it is about a mourning grandfather whose grief had price-tagged his passion for painting until such is rekindled. How? Well, love comes in different shapes and sizes. To know what we are talking about, you can play ‘Canvas’ here.

33. The After (2023)

‘The After’ features Dayo (David Oyelowo), a taxi driver in London. To the average eye, he is merely another cab driver making a living, but Dayo accepted the work to attempt to recover from a uniquely terrible trauma. And as he attempts to become a part of the lives of other individuals in the hope that he will be able to escape his own, he finds himself face to face with a very familiar face and one that forces him to deal with his tragic past. Is it his salvation? ‘The After’ is an Oscar-nominated short film directed by Misan Harriman. You can view it here.

32. One Last Shot (1998)

By Gemini Award-winning director Mike Clattenburg is a short film that serves as a prequel to the “Trailer Park Boys” franchise. It depicts two friends, Rob (Robb Wells) and Gary (John Paul Tremblay), who are inseparable and takes them through a night of boozing before Rob relocates to Vancouver to pursue an enterprise. But there is a hidden thing in the shadows that can make or break them both. What is that? To learn, you can watch the movie here.

31. What Did Jack Do? (2017)

This documentary-short directed and written by the legendary David Lynch features a monkey named Jack who is being questioned by a detective (played by Lynch) for committing a murder. Will he admit to having committed the crime? To discover, you can see this disturbing, grungy black-and-white movie here.

30. The Elephant Whisperers (2022)

‘The Elephant Whisperers’ is a 2022 documentary film directed by Kartiki Gonsalves. Against the picturesque backdrop of Mudumalai National Park, the film beautifully tells the story of the deep relationship shared by an indigenous couple, Bomman and Bellie, and an orphaned baby elephant called Raghu. Along the way, the audience is privy to the ordeal and dedication of the couple as they try to nurse the dainty Raghu back to health.

This moving documentary does not only capture the spirit of animal-human relationships but also puts into the limelight the vibrant fabric of Indian culture and its age-old tradition of preserving the environment. Having won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film, the film aptly addresses issues of love, sacrifice, and co-existence, rightfully deserving a spot on this list. You can view it here.

29. Forgive Us Our Trespasses (2022)

Directed by Ashley Eakin, this is a powerful short film set in 1939 Germany, where we find ourselves introduced to young Peter (Knox Gibson), who has a missing right arm. Adolf Hitler has decreed the death of the physically handicapped, which Paul cannot fathom. He questions his mother, Eva (Hanneke Talbot), about it too. But when Nazi troops knock on their door, and his mother tells him to go hide in a secret location, young Paul has made a choice that will change his life for good. To discover what that is, you can stream ‘Forgive Us Our Trespasses’ here.

28. Two Distant Strangers (2020)

‘Two Distant Strangers’ is a short sci-fi drama film directed by Martin Desmond Roe and Travon Free and written by Travon Free. In a chilling depiction of déjà vu, the movie drops viewers into the terrifying existence of Carter James, a cartoonist trapped in an infinite time loop. Daily, his trip back home to his cherished dog ends in a lethal encounter with Officer Merk, which causes him to live the same horrific day over and over.

Starring Joey Bada$, Andrew Howard, and Zaria Simone in lead roles, the movie is an ominous reminder of the recurring tragic fatalities of Black Americans in encounters with the police. The film, which loops between its moments of hope and of hopelessness, builds towards a staggering climax in which names of Black American victims of brutal killings are read out. Winning the Best Live Action Short Film award at the 93rd Academy Awards, it eloquently explores systemic racism and brutality at the hands of the police, thereby sealing its place on the list. You can view it here.

27. If Anything Happens, I Love You (2020)

‘If Anything Happens, I Love You’ is an animated drama film directed by Michael Govier and Will McCormack. In a spookily quiet room, two parents move through the hollow vastness of their bereavement following the tragic death of their daughter in a school shooting. The animated short sensitively depicts their ordeal, capturing in raw, poignant brushstrokes the grief, remorse, and agonizing path to acceptance.

Its stripped-down black-and-white animation merely adds to the emotional force, emphasizing the parents’ inner torment and specters of memory. Winner of an 93rd Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film, it strongly identifies with its audience, highlighting the grim truth that so many families experience in the modern world. This film dives deep into the complexities of human emotion and the profound effect of loss, making it a deserving entry on this list. Feel free to check out the movie here.

26. Anima (2019)

‘Anima’ is a short musical film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Born from the genius of Thom Yorke, Anima isn’t just a film; it’s an otherworldly experience. Paired with Yorke’s third solo album, this visual feast weaves together stunning choreography and science fiction elements. Yorke’s protagonist, lost in a sea of similarly dressed travelers, yearns for a connection with a woman, portrayed by Dajana Roncione. Their otherworldly dance scenes against surrealistic backdrops incite emotions of yearning, isolation, and brief moments of intimacy. With inspirations coming from dystopian masterpieces such as Nineteen Eighty-Four and Metropolis and the comedic appeal of Charlie Chaplin, it’s a thinking man’s experience amidst an evocative audio landscape. The film’s Grammy for Best Music Film nomination is a reflection of its original fusion of music and visual storytelling. You may view the film here.

25. Cops and Robbers (2020)

Directed by Timothy Ware-Hill and Arnon Manor, ‘Cops and Robbers’ weaves animation, activist commentary, and poetry together to present a forceful reaction to the hate crime murder of Ahmaud Arbery. Employing a collage of styles from animation and visual effects, the short film responds to racism and police brutality by centering a poem on the same by Broadway actor Ware-Hill. ‘Cops and Robbers’ is available for streaming here.

24. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)

‘The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar’ is an adventure comedy film released by Wes Anderson. It is an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s eponymous short story and the beginning of Wes Anderson’s four-part series of adaptations of Roald Dahl’s stories. The story is about Henry Sugar, a bachelor who uses his inherited wealth to finance his gambling habit. A strange find of a book about Imdad Khan, a man with a special talent to see without his eyes, alters his fate. After finding out Imdad’s method, Henry spends three years practicing the art. He employs this new skill at a casino, and then he realizes the moral consequences of his actions.

Wes Anderson’s playful approach to filmmaking combined with Dahl’s magical realism creates an enchanting visual spectacle. Combining an engaging story with a strong cast of ensemble players in Benedict Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel, Ben Kingsley, and Richard Ayoade, the film not only showcases the changeable nature of discovery and self-discovery but also proves to be a testament to the capability of short films to engage audiences. You can view it here.

23. The Swan (2023)

This short thriller is the second film in Wes Anderson’s four-part short film series adapted from Roald Dahl’s work. The film, narrated by Rupert Friend, introduces us to Peter Watson – an intelligent boy with an innate affinity for birds. His life takes a sinister turn when he is pursued by two remorseless bullies, with Ernie leading the cruelty. The movie stars Ralph Fiennes and Asa Jennings in lead roles.

Stepping away from his stereotypical style, Wes Anderson explores the psychological depths of trauma, survival, and the unbreakable will of the human spirit to overcome hardships. The eerie storyline, sparse cast, and steadfast commitment to Dahl’s classic original work are a tribute to Anderson’s unrivaled narrating ability. ‘The Swan’ is a cinematic masterpiece, squeezing a range of emotions into a short 17-minute package, provoking greater feelings than some full-length features. You can view ‘The Swan’ here.

22. The Rat Catcher (2023)

The third installment in Wes Anderson’s four-film, Roald Dahl adapted short film series, ‘The Rat Catcher,’ confirms the director’s storytelling skills in just 17 minutes. Drawing on common human phobias, the film gives a fresh twist to what society tends to overlook or fear. Ralph Fiennes’s character as the mysterious “Rat Catcher” is an exemplar of this theme, combining horror and compassion in equal proportions. Anderson’s use of animation to realize the story heightens the dreamlike quality, leading viewers on a surprising emotional ride.

The talent-packed cast, featuring Richard Ayoade and Rupert Friend, adds further depth to Dahl’s writing, and Anderson’s trademark visual sense makes for an engrossing watch. Robert Yeoman’s camerawork masterfully intertwines the dark undertones of the movie with its fanciful charm. The movie, heart-wrenching and intellectually stimulating, does a befitting justice to the very essence of Dahl’s narrative, pointing out the very blurred lines between the humane and the monstrous. This short film is a testament to Wes Anderson’s skill at adapting and revitalizing without losing Roald Dahl’s signature storytelling. This twisted, dark ride is both haunted and enlightened, leaving audiences to reflect on the nature of monsters and the society that breeds them. You, too, can be a part of it here.

21. Poison (2023)

Wes Anderson wraps up his Roald Dahl quadrilogy with ‘Poison,’ a thrilling foray into terror, perception, and the vulnerabilities of human nature. In a colonial Indian bungalow, a tense game begins as Timber and Dr. Ganderbai have to beat the clock. In Benedict Cumberbatch’s Harry, there is a masterclass in understated panic as he understates the palpable burden of the impending danger. The tension between Dev Patel’s Timber and Ben Kingsley’s Dr. Ganderbai heightens the palpable tension Anderson works so skillfully.
Anderson’s skill at sustaining an almost claustrophobic intensity within a short time span is admirable, keeping us tense until the film’s climactic revelation. The discovery of an unreal threat is also an apt metaphor for the commonly irrational fears which beset human beings, a reflection upon the psychological anguish that may be felt based on mere perception. Anderson’s subtle portrayal of colonial India, between the mystic and the terrifying, lends depth to the narrative. As the last in Anderson’s Dahl trilogy, it makes a lasting impression, compelling one to consider the ghosts that haunt one’s own existence and the nature of fear itself. You can watch the short here.

20. All in My Family (2019)

Written, created, and directed by Hao Wu, it is a first-person story of his acceptance by his family of his same-sex marriage and his own children. Hao Wu is a Chinese filmmaker by origin, and his family is a traditional one; it was not easy for him to open up to them about his life in America. This 40-minute short film shines the light on this specific journey of his. When long-standing traditions come under conflict, then it is not easy to move out of that milieu since it conditions our thinking. From that initial hit of reality to eventually rationalizing and accepting change, it is a long and not-so-simple journey. This intimate and candid odyssey of Hao Wu leads us through all those stages as he brings his American family, with kids in tow, to his orthodox Chinese one. You can view the movie here.

19. The Claudia Kishi Club (2020)

Claudia Kishi is a fictional character in the ’80s series ‘Baby-Sitters Club’ by Ann M. Martin. Claudia Kishi can be regarded as one of the first ever portrayals of an Asian origin character in popular media. Few characters of that time were regarded as free of their stereotypes. Most Eastern girls were able to identify with her character and have been encouraged to view themselves differently. This documentary interviews numerous individuals who grew up reading the ‘Baby-Sitters Club’ novels and the influence the character, Claudia Kishi, had on them. You can view the movie here.

18. ReMastered: Who Shot the Sheriff? (2018)

ReMastered is an exclusive Netflix documentary series that presents to us the critical moments of a musician’s life. The current episode is on Bob Marley, the reggae originator and the best-selling artist of all time. This documentary particularly examines the failed assassination attempt on Bob Marley in 1976. He was ensnared in the bitter strife between Edward Seaga’s conservative Jamaica Labour Party and Micheal Manley’s social-democratic People’s National Party. This documentary points out the potential role of Seaga and the CIA in the failed assassination attempt of Bob Marley, who escaped the assault with minor injuries to the arm and chest. Feel free to watch the movie here.

17. Ram Dass, Going Home (2018)

In Derek Peck’s documentary, we encounter Baba Ram Dass, an American spiritual educator, towards the end of his life. A serene and tranquil path of a dignified and poised individual accepting his own fate makes this documentary worth viewing. Peck does not depict his subject as larger than life but sensitively presents Ram Dass in a loving and respectful manner. The short film is about his home life in Maui, where he resided after having a stroke twenty years earlier. Ram Dass discusses the power of love and expands on his spiritual practice during his final years. Watch ‘Ram Dass, Going Home’ here.

16. ReMastered: Devil at the Crossroads (2019)

Arguably the most mysterious and mysterious member of the 27 Club, Robert Johnson emerged as one of the greatest influences on generations of artists. The blues artist turns into the center of speculation due to his other-worldly skill that individuals assumed that he might have sold his soul to the Devil in return for his musical abilities. In the span of his short life of 27 years, he composed a mere 29 songs and emerged as one of the greatest guitarists of his time; he set up the next styles of music. This documentary also attempts to provide more insight into Johnson as a human being and his life in music. You can watch it here.

15. What Would Sophia Loren Do? (2021)

Directed by Ross Kauffman, ‘What Would Sophia Loren Do? ‘ is a brief documentary film. The film is mostly about the life of an Italian-American grandmother and mother who is a long-time fan of actress Sophia Loren and has derived strength and happiness from her acting. The film uncovers the unsuspected influence that celebrities usually end up exerting on their fan base, thousands of miles away without ever physically knowing them or their situation. You can view ‘What Would Sophia Loren Do?

14. Lorena, Light-Footed Woman (2019)

In Spanish originally, this Mexican documentary by Juan Carlos Rulfo features the long-distance runner Lorena Ramirez. The Raramuri people from Chihuahua in Mexico are her folk, and she proudly owns what her tribe is famous for, that is, long-distance running. “Raramuri” is “light-footed,” and that is what her folk boasts of. What is remarkable about Lorena is her near superhuman capacity for running extremely long marathons, even up to 100 km, that too in her indigenous attire of a flower-patterned skirt and sandals. The about half an hour-long documentary is a fascinating report on a female sportsperson who remains faithful to her origins as well as the Indigenous people that she belongs to. You can watch the film here.

13. The Trader (2018)

Imagine you come across a place where potatoes are the only money. Imagine money is less valuable than potatoes. It sounds ridiculous, but this Sundance competition winner for nonfiction isn’t ridiculous at all. It’s the story of Georgia, a Republic that’s being choked with poverty and desperation. The masses are plagued by hunger, unemployment, and adequate currency to support their living, and they appear to have no solution in front of the tunnel. This tear-jerking tale is both long and short enough to leave you in a deep pit of emptiness for a while. You may stream ‘The Trader’ here.

12. ReMastered: Tricky Dick & the Man in Black (2018)

This short movie captures the chemistry between American President Richard Nixon and Johnny Cash, the music icon of country music during one of the most tumultuous times in American history. Nearly an hour long, the documentary details how things went down when Johnny Cash was invited to perform at The White House. While Nixon identifies a thread of similarity between the two of them and their journey in life, we can see how Cash begins to step in the opposite direction figuratively. This sheds light on the power of art and its role in the world; the documentary presents the intermingling of politics and music. What is most notable about the film is the background, with the controversial views regarding the Vietnam War and the confrontations between the establishment and the counterculture. You can stream it here.

11. End Game (2018)

Directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, ‘End Game’ is a short documentary film. The movie also throws light on the medical professionals, most of whom are from San Francisco, that are attempting to reverse the popularity of death and life in general by presenting their patients with not only palliative care but also a new view of life. Naturally dwelling on terminally ill patients, the documentary provides an emotional and poignant view of some of the most vital moments of human existence and long-term effects of decisions people make in them. So, if you want to watch something that inspires you with a new vision for life, well, ‘End Game’ could very well be the film for you. You can watch the movie here.

10. Paradise Fire (2019)

California’s Paradise town experienced the deadliest fire ever in the state in 2018. Paradise Fire is revisited by directors Drea Cooper and Zackary Canepari through the survivors’ and emergency responders’ testimonies in personal interviews and footage of the disaster firsthand. Eighty-five individuals died in the blaze, and the city of Paradise was reduced to ashes, the deadliest fire of the century for California. The film turned out to be a contender at the Oscars after winning the Audience Award for Best Short Film at the Hamptons International Film Festival. You can view the film here.

9. Extremis (2016)

The award-winning short documentary is as authentic as it comes. It relates the life and death choices of patients’ families who are about to die. As a documentary, it effectively portrays feelings of vulnerability, uncertainty, and suffering of losing their loved ones. We see the professional dilemmas of physicians, nurses, and ancillary staff, the implementation of the right to die with dignity for the terminally ill in one way or another, and the sad realities that the families had to endure at those moments. You are free to watch the movie here.

8. Zion (2018)

Zion is the most recent addition to the list. It is a fantastic inspirational tale of a boy named Zion Clark, born without legs and raised in foster homes. Abandoned by his own mother, he was bounced from one foster home to another throughout his formative years and was subjected to a tremendous amount of neglect and hostility from those around him. But that did not deter him from making the most of his life and talent. The film hits hard with its 11-minute duration, and the emotional strength depicted by Zion is something to aspire to. You can view ‘Zion’ here.

7. Resurface (2017)

Director Josh Izenberg has directed a poignant story of war veterans battling PTSD. The brief documentary brings to light the life of Iraq war veteran Bobby Lane, who, having been discharged from the army, is suffering from extreme depression and suicidal thoughts. He wishes to check one thing out of his bucket list before ending his life, and that is surfing. But destiny had other plans for him, as surfing revolutionized his thoughts on life and his psychological state. Most is due to the therapeutic qualities of surfing and the serene quality of the expansive ocean itself. The short neither falls short on research-based facts nor the emotional appeal one has for the traumatized war heroes. You can stream it here.

6. Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower (2017)

Well, this is one docudrama you should not miss while surfing around Netflix’s huge catalog. ‘Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower’ is the story of a 14-year-old boy from Hong Kong, Joshua Wong, who challenged the titanic Chinese Communist state. Hong Kong was taken over by the Chinese in 1997 but was guaranteed autonomy in the near term. But the promise lost steam over time and was threatened with utter destruction when Pro-Communist education was brought into the schools in Hong Kong. And Joshua enters the scene here. He and fellow minds created solidarity to undo propaganda-based education and to remind China of its unkept promise. An emotional and reflective documentary on the subject of dissent against a Leviathan-like institution. You can stream ‘Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower’ here.

5. The Speed Cubers (2020)

Starring Feliks Zemdegs and Max Park, ‘Speed Cubers’ is a co-produced and directed documentary by Sue Kim. The main subject of the film is the competitive scene of speed-cubing, which has spread to become an international trend over the last few decades. Feliks Zemdegs dominated the sport for many years and established himself the best of all time until a lesser-known opponent from California took the Gold medal in 2017. The shocking victory gave rise to a rivalry and the friendship between the two quickest cubers in the world, the subject of the whole documentary. ‘The Speed Cubers’ provides useful insight into the lives of the Rubik’s Cube champions and their future challenges. You can watch it here.

4. Heroin(e) (2017)

It is a narrative that revolves around an extremely particular topic in the American society of the present, a topic that can have drastic effects on the fabric of American society in the future- the opioid crisis. The sudden surge in the consumption of opioid drugs in the USA has made living tougher for some communities, and none can withstand the scorched more than Huntington, West Virginia, whose overdose rate is virtually tenfold over the national average. The title is a tribute to three brave women of the community who are sacrificing everything to combat this growing issue. It’s highly emotional and opens our eyes to a serious issue that has been haunting America today. You can view the movie here.

3. The White Helmets (2016)

Thanks to World media and the internet wizardries, everybody is well aware of the tragedy of war-ravaged Syria and the life of citizens in hell. As we get to see the level of devastation caused by mankind, we also get to see that trust in humanity is regained by ordinary civilians. The white helmets are those Bravehearts who battled day and night to rescue humans from beneath the debris in Aleppo, Syria. A live documentary of the triumph of destruction over mankind and charitable acts of people trapped in the midst of war. You can view the movie here.

2. Period.

End of Sentence. (2019) This documentary, which won an Oscar, is inspired by Arunachalam Muruganantham’s life, a man who has been at the forefront of revolutionizing menstrual hygiene in India. This is a North Indian village of Hapur, where women did not have access to menstrual products. The denial of access to basic needs and the taboo over menstruation make many young girls withdraw from schools. All this changes once a vending machine dispensing sanitary pads is set up in the village, and the women learn how to produce and sell the pads they create. This inspiring tale was brought to life on screen by director Rayka Zehtabchi and produced by Guneet Monga. You may view the film here.

1. Out of Many, One (2018)

Netflix’s ‘Out of Many, One’ is a documentary film by John Hoffman and Nanfu Wang that throws light on the ancient socio-political strife of the nation and provides a much-needed glimpse into the politics of immigration. About 1 in every five immigrants around the world chose America as their home, which proves the country’s exceptionalism and the promise of a better life that it offers. However, moving to another country comes with challenges that are further complicated in the light of domestic politics.Feel free to check out the movie here.undefinedRead More: Best Chick Flicks on Netflix