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13 Short Horror Films to Keep You Up at Night
Hi, everybody. I had to do a project about fear a while back where I watched a lot of short horror films for research (best assignment ever!). For your viewing pleasure, I decided to compile this list of some of the best short horror films I've seen so far.
The average length of each video ranges from 3 to 5 minutes, so if you have an hour to spare, grab your teddy bear and prepare to get the creeps!
DISCLAIMER: I'm not a film critic and know nothing about filmmaking; I just like to watch scary movies.
2AM: The Smiling Man
This film is based off of a story on the subreddit Let's Not Meet. A man takes a late night stroll and encounters an unsettling stranger. The video and story both do a great job of taking something as comforting as a smile and turning it into something sinister.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u6Tt3PqIfQ&feature=share
Story: http://www.reddit.com/r/letsnotmeet/comments/rvzaq/the_smiling_man/
Bedfellows
A woman gets a call that makes her question her safety in her own home. This film plays at the uneasiness we feel when awake at night in bed.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6flB0XvmTo&feature=share
Mama
The short film that inspired Guillermo del Toro's horror movie of the same name. Del Toro gives an introduction to the video, so skip to 0:50 if you just want to see the film.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRqS6pBC42w&feature=share
Lights Out
Man, did this film give me chills. It has an amazing build up and will make you glance over your shoulder after watching, even if you're watching in daylight.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUQhNGEu2KA&feature=share
The Little Witch
This short is an adaptation to a classic short story many of us know well. Both the video and story are quite short, so this is all I'm going to say.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiKFEwI5YrI&feature=share
He Dies at the End
A man working late one night stumbles across a website that will supposedly tell him how he dies if he answers its questionnaire. The video has one of the best build ups I've ever seen.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jOU3m_tHtQ&feature=share
The Black Hole
This short is creepy for a completely different reason than all the others on this list. There are no ghosts or demons, just a portal and a bit of primal fear. Be careful not to abuse the power you have.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5_Msrdg3Hk&feature=share
Behind the Door
Two brothers run from a vampire-like monster. What really makes this film is the acting done by the two young boys.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLUQbO1V4b4&feature=share
Peekers
It's not just children who can be creepy. This video reminds me slightly of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, but with a more modern feel.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10diurwIa7Y
Jack
Ugh, who in their right mind ever thought it'd be a good idea to make a childrens' toy in which a creepy-ass clown jumps out sporadically? ThIs short has no real plot to it, but it'll remind you why nobody likes Jack-in-the-Boxes.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN6RDVsJekQ
Pictured
Made by the same guy as Lights Out, David F. Sandberg, and just as spooky. If you know anything about Weeping Angels from Doctor Who, this will add an extra shiver to your spine.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt9D55oZCnE&feature=share
White with Red
This film is based on a Creepypasta based on an urban legend. A man stays at a motel for the night and is warned not to go into the unmarked room next door.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl4kgoeSbNo&feature=share
Story: http://www.creepypasta.com/white-with-red-eyes/
The Whistler
A couple notice something strange going on with their bird feeder. That sounds lame, but give the video a shot. Many of the visuals are great and the film plays out a twisted love story.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WP3J7Tu1oi0&feature=share
Sweet dreams, imgur.
Thanks for viewing. If you have any short horror films you'd like to add and/or are interested in another installment, let me know!
DarthVoss
13? Did it have to be 13?
thatmanmoe
Upvoted for OP's effort. Not going to fucking watch any of this. Not in the mood for having to dilute my fears with porn later.
germangirl1224
If someone tells me not to go into the creepy motel room next door, you better believe I'm not going. That's how you get dead
LokiKingOfJotunheim
soridusnaku
Saw the first gif and had goosebumps... Nope.. Thank you though.. +1 for the time you took.
amlet
Favorited to watch when my bf is over
McKavian
How'd that turn out?
chowderisdead
http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140512233001/tinymonsters/images/8/80/Spongebob-o.gif Yeah, I'm not watching ANY of these.
SomeoneSometimeProbably
I put them all in a playlist for easy access: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWK7yP7rGPn7LRN0wuHQBIapHNFqqUsMD
lsteamer
God's work son.
tekkenchoir
You're a saint. :D
diregamer
I have shown Lights Out to people and all of them suffered from nightmares from it. It is literally the scariest thing I have seen since 1/2
Diddlestyx
Oh shit it got you.
OhNoIBlinked
SINCE WHAT?!
AUsernameNotTaken
Not exactly a short film, but Begotten is creepy as fuck. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHXgNn18z90
FightingEvilbyMoonlight
I'll get to this when it's not 1 am and my husband is asleep
AUsernameNotTaken
Yeah, lights on would probably make it less unsettling.
barcini
Bit older, but adding to the list: The Cat With Hands https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=n4PR9NZlAB4
saffyy
god bless you, I need more
Dart572
This is why I don't trust cats.
Dollymoo
This is my faaaaaaaave~
Poteightos
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK
OhNoIBlinked
HOLY FUCK! That was creeptastic.
ifartgalaxies
The Little Witch really got me. Something about a young girl humming is just so creepy. Also Pictured & Lights Out are terrifying.
OhNoIBlinked
I want to watch that one but I'm too much of a chicken. Is there a monster under the girls bed??
ifartgalaxies
Watch it man. There's no big surprise which is what makes it so good. It's not about shock value at all. The concept is brilliant.
bluejaydesigns
Watch it!! Very clever, without the jump-out-at-you horror
Rox2
Went to see "Mama" expecting another lame horror movie. Fuck everything about that shit.
Trumpcard814
Lol I liked it. It was adorable!
onepinksheep
TBH, I was rather disappointed by Mama. Everything from the 2nd act onwards just bored me. Same with practically every western horror movie.
onepinksheep
They have problems staying scary all the way to the end. I thought Sinister would redeem the genre for me, but the end also ruined it. :(
Skiafluff
2am: the smiling man was pretty meh. Especially when he started doing the creep.
aselfdefeatingattitude
Skiafluff
That's the other thing I was thinking of
aselfdefeatingattitude
If I wanted to put forth any effort I'd dub the music over the movie.
Skiafluff
I had to go watch it with that music overlaid and it was pretty great. Especially if you could mix the music to make it sync.
GuffTheTough
Added to the list of the hundreds of movies I'll never find the time to watch.
thedarkestcloud
Same here
aiwubf
Ugh, now I need to watch all of these. THANKS! +1 for being you and awesome.
aiwubf
Oh, and I'm not going to bed tonight btw... thanks
BallpointBastard
I can't be the only one that finds the silent hill nurse a little bit...sexy?
RobocopShootingDicks
http://s2.quickmeme.com/img/61/6117f8dc4a5b031fa9272df068bd44ddea03fa0d8d2c3c49e5d541f4a574ab51.jpg
vegansuperpowers
its the bewbs.
hashbaz
that's kinda the point. in the game they're supposed to represent a distorted sexual viewpoint.
BallpointBastard
I always suspected my mind was distorted
findingjewels
They are pretty hot, not gonna lie.
ladypoopface
I like that you dis this, now it's in my favorites, ans i Will never have the courage to see them!
spinnvill
Just watched all of these, like I knew I would. Nearly shit myself, like I knew I would. Can't get out of bed now. But have to pee. Help.
TezcaOrange
r.i.p
OurLadyBabalon
Lol...
Candymostdandy
Favoriting, although I don't really need any additional fuel for my nightmares at this point.
Ruik
Hmm... It's just after 1AM. I'll give it a go and I'll report back if i survive.
Smysha
It went well then?
Ruik
SEND HELP
Smysha
You're on your own. I just watched them and am going to assume the foetal position with all lights on... *whimper*
Ruik
The lights won't keep them away :o
wam3483
My thoughts too. Too much, too late.
catsnthings
Favoriting for not night time
whatdidyoucalleme
Me too.
wildweekendbitch
I like my sleep. did the same thing.
TheyCallMeTom
Gonna watch during the day cause I'm a fucking pussy. Might as well start now.
MissesVanbahlabahlabahloo
Me too.
BananasForScalePlz
Hello fellow mobile user
releasetheboobs
Pretty much
MissesVanbahlabahlabahloo
Me too.
rotebrink
ONLY way to watch this stuff is alone in the dark with headphones. That's the ONLY way. C'mon people.
Evmiiister
Me cc the
CerealKiller8
I did the same. Not for me, but the one reading in bed next to me gets ridiculous nightmares when creepy stuff comes on at night.
Yachisan
As the scaredy-cat in my relationship, I appreciate what you're doing there.
CinematicLaura
That's me as well. If a horror movie preview comes up even if I'm thinking of going to bed soon- have to change the channel.
grimmjohn
OP I remember a short when scifi channel just started, a man is fishing, sees an apple on the bank, takes bite, and is reeled into the lake
DarthVaderIsBadAndHisAssistantIsAMouse
I'm about a year late to this party, but is this the film you mean? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3TPU93AVvM
bloodsells
I want to know the name of this film or where I can find it. I saw it as a kid on TV.
DarthVaderIsBadAndHisAssistantIsAMouse
Is this it? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3TPU93AVvM
anotherq
Lights Out ruined my life.
IFallSoHardGorGamerBoysButImOnlyLvl24inTESV
I'm sorry lights out Ed my life too.. We can cuddle if you want. Internet cuddles
LiterallyAPotato91
Im at work and I almost threw my phone against the wall.
foxiesinsoxies
For real! I am a horror movie buff and that one still freaks me out sometimes after seeing it a couple months ago. *shivers*
anotherq
I have the same problem! I'll remember it the second I turn the light off, then I have to sprint to my bed.
andyonetime
Shitty cuz that really makes me want to watch it.
malaktose
thatshyguy
God dammit
saranoctoplate
Ya jerk!
Sharkhugger
MY LAMP JUST FLICKERED. I'M GOING TO DIE. GOODBYE IMGUR THANK YOU FOR THE LAUGHS. FUCK.
wolfmaster343
D-dude ya their.... Just checking...
ThatITdude
I read that as SharkBurger... although, by now, you well might be.
theslothmonster
rumramp
Are you dead, now??
wildweekendbitch
That's the way I am with scary stories. Good to know I'm not the only one.
CPT1NS4N0
he made a post 4 hours ago. He is ALIVE EVERYBODY!
insectman
But was it him who made that post?
Zechie
RIP Sharkhugger. He may have hugged sharks in his life, but that was nothing compared to the spooky scary ghosts of Imgur. 2013-2014
ILikeCockyEngineersAndICannotLie
IT'S BEEN 10 HOURS!!! @Sharkhugger this is not funny anymore!! :'(
MatrimBloodyCauthon
LAST COMMENT 2 DAYS AG- oh. This was 6 days ago. That's okay then.
katienicole007
I'm already creeped out.
wowTheUsernameWasAlreadyTaken
Me too! I don't think I even need to watch the movies. xp
babbzilla
Lights out made me unable to sleep. First time it happened in a while too.
prfesser
Watched three of them. Decided I have had enough sleep for...the rest of my life.
TheDickofDestiny
Then you should definitely play P.T.
Vesmic
( ͡° ͜ʖ |___|___|
xClaireBearx
Wow the peeker one was excellent.
makemepancakes
Yeah, I'm a complete pansy and just the first gif has me spooked.
Eowyneb
it horrible because I want to know the stories but not be scared :(
OhNoIBlinked
Ditto! I need someone to describe each short in vivid detail
makemepancakes
I had the same problem. Then this morning I watched them all. And now it's NIGHTTIME, and I've screwed myself over.
aselfdefeatingattitude
Laughing way too hard at the monster in He Dies At The End.
tekkenchoir
I think it was kinda cool, it's ridiculous appearance emphasizing the fact that he would die out of shameful, irrational fear.
WhoIsTheDodie
It reminded me of the things from the maxx on mtv
freefood
I had to watch just this one to see. Was not disappointed hahahahaha too scared to play the rest
onebadegg
how much better if they had used the ghost/girl thing from lights out? That was creepy as hell
MatrimBloodyCauthon
:E)
GaryTheHotSoup
It looked like a fucking meatball with dentures glued to it.
Seven7greens
The poop/chocolate melting thing with teeth? ... yeah.
sissichu
Same here. It freaking RUINED the video. Haven't seen that bad of a fuck up in a while.
Dollymoo
Anyone wanna clue a big fat wuss who's not gonna watch this at one in the morning in? o uo
sissichu
Well I'm gonna spoil the ending, not what happens before that. After the great buildup there's just some random brown plushie with 1/?
sissichu
teeth which screams in the most ridiculous way ever. Like a little girl "RAAAAA" and sped up. I can't believe how they fucked up the ending
sissichu
So bad
j3bbah
am i the only one who thinks that was deliberate? it showed how much fear the build up can create when the reality is not scary at all
sissichu
Could be. Or you are giving it too much credit. We might never know.
sissichu
Holy shit the Smiling man Creepypasta. One of the only pastas that has made me paranoid in years. I had no idea there's a video of it
onceuponaslayer
The CP scarred me. The video kinda ruined it for me.
sissichu
He dies at the end.... It was such a good little film until the ending... The ending almost made me laugh, it was so stupid
sissichu
Well the video was disappointing. Oh well.
Seven7greens
Anyone else got a Jim Carrey vibe off of the smiling guy?...
sissichu
Yep. Or Willem Dafoe. Probably both
foxiesinsoxies
Right? I got so excited that there was a video when I saw it on the list. I am also a little scared to watch it because that CP scared me
sissichu
The video isn't nearly as scary. It was little bit disappointing, the man doesn't have the unreal feel to him. He just seems insane.
sissichu
In the video that is. In the CP he felt really sinister, unreal. It was great
foxiesinsoxies
Damnit! This has the potential to be scary as fuck on film. So disappointed. I get what you mean. The writer did a great job. So creepy!
sissichu
Yeah. But the makers were amateurs so there's that. It's decent for amateur film but ech. Could have been way better.
foxiesinsoxies
Now I want some big film maker to pick the idea up and make a movie. I actually feel that way about a lot of CPs! haha!
Glorteri
Can't even look at the lights out gif let alone the movie.... Gonna go and spoon my wife with lights on
johnnytwoknees
"...plays at the uneasiness we feel when awake at night in bed." That's exactly what I'm doing right now, I think I'll pass too.
Lyrahani
I watched it and man it is scary!!
GalacticFairy
Guys, it's 4 am.. I'm scared..
GODofTimewaste
For some reason it didn't scare me at all
malaktose
1udicrousdisplay
Watch Bedfellows instead then...
Goldeagle420
WHY MUST YOU REMIND ME OF THE FACT THAT I AM A SINGLE PIECE OF SHIT. FUCK
JlHADJOE
Lights out reminds me of the "Crevices" short film in the Dark Tales of Japan DVD from 2005. Japan does horror right!
aiwubf
Watched it last night and couldn't go to sleep afterwards. Shit is scary.
foxiesinsoxies
That video actually terrified me the last time it was posted and I couldn't sleep. Even with the lights on >_<
howmanytimesdoihavetotrytogetmyuniqueusername
You lucky dawg!
everybodyfreetosayanythingtoanybody
Film was simple, obvious, and effective. Very enjoyable.
Blaised
My (at the time) long distance boyfriend thought it'd be great to show me this the day he was leaving. I didn't sleep for a week.
RipleysBelieveItOrDie
Speaking of spoons, my favorite youtube horror vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VDvgL58h_Y
DeathGirp
I haven't seen this in a long time, thanks for the laughs!
PhantomK88
hilarious, and wtf
Justalobstercowboy
Love the choose your own adventure !
RepublicofTexa
Just watched all of them, it's 11 here...guess I'll stay awake a little longer
Lobsterfarts
Did you ever fall asleep?
RepublicofTexa
Just Last night I did
Rosimussibananafussy
Indeed, this one really gave me the creeps.
darxide
That's not your wife....
BerenCamlost
...that's a space station 8)
Chouilste
you sunavabitch!
bitchlord
was thinking the same. Imagine her turn around and then...
BusterBrownies
limonchiki
I watched this and screeched in panic and my roomie stormed in, prepared to save me from .. whatever thought that happened
McKavian
You have a brave/awesome roomie.
limonchiki
i know. thank god XD but when i told him that i was watching a horrormovie, he rolled his eyes and left xD i still love him for rescuing me.
McKavian
How badly were you mocked after this?
limonchiki
it was not so bad; but probably just because he is used to me and my weird noises xD coming home singing, yawning like a wookie etc
BlightPanda
I have this same reaction. Except i have no wife. So im spooning with a Panda Teddy.
thefunbatman
You'll find a big woman soon, bud. Just give it some time.
MyxlPlyxl
Panda Teddy spooners unite!
simpleton318
I'll raise your panda teddy to my minion from despicable me.
howToLoseTheGame
I'll raise your minion from despicable me to my teddy in mr. bean
Steelthyass
Ill raise your teddy from mr bean to a cheeseburger pilliow
LaxDetail
why is everyone spooning things?!?!
GridSludge
... Mur spoons too big
mavik
snoresoutloyd
What movie is this from?
SomethingReallyAmusing
I love that man.
Ecxusemeisthisnametaken
AW! MAN that movie was AWESOME!!!!
ronswansonisthereasonihaveadadfetish
Definitely a "WTF IS GOING ON?!" movie but amazingly tied together.
lizlemon7
What movie is that?
Ggecko
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2006040/
DonkeyShitButAlsoBullshit
Thanks!
BooksAndPuns
"This film plays at the uneasiness we feel when awake at night in bed." Nah, I'm good... Already have some trouble in that department! :D
IamTheRaptorJesus
Jesus fuck WHY DID I WATCH THIS WHEN I WANTED TO SLEEP IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS
waitbutactually
Tell me why it's scary so I don't have to watch it and cry forever! Please!
BestNameEverOfAllTime
A woman thinks that he's sleeping with his husband. Suddenly a phone rings. It's her husband. So who is sleeping in her bed then...?
12Walmart12
yikes
OhNoIBlinked
What I think is the scariest part of the movie is that you see the "thing" next to the wife, and he has a HUGE smile on his face. ugh.
Arcthurus
Crap...
2112user
The gender specification in this comment is boggling my mind.
BestNameEverOfAllTime
Oops... :D It's hard being a Finn and having gender neutral words.