10 Scariest Short Horror Films You've Probably Never Seen
The scariest, weirdest, and creepiest horror short films you probably haven't seen.
There’s no limit to the creativity and terror that can be found in the horror genre. Whether it’s deranged killers, giant monsters, supernatural threats, or whatever other depraved imaginings filmmakers think of, talented directors from around the world have been scaring moviegoers senseless for decades.
While a lot of the conversation surrounding horror cinema is directed towards the feature-length films that are watched in darkened cinemas and at home on streaming platforms, there are likewise plenty of amazing horror short films out there that are more than worth our attention.
Although these films are much smaller than their feature-length peers in terms of their budget and length, this ever-growing collection of films is nevertheless bursting with fascinating and creepy ideas which demonstrate talent from upcoming filmmakers. In fact, many iconic horrors started out as short films, with Evil Dead, Smile, Oculus, and The Babadook being just some examples.
Thanks to the internet, accessing this wealth of talent is easier than ever, which has helped plenty of unsettling delights become viral sensations. However, there are still numerous other gems out there still waiting to be discovered by most audiences.
10. Polaroid (2017)
Written, directed, produced, and edited by Joey Greene, and made in collaboration with roommate Paul Houston, this 2017 short sees Alex (Ethan Mikael) uncover an old Polaroid camera while combing through some cardboard boxes. Picking it up, he decides to snap some pictures of his small and empty apartment. However, things quickly take a sinister turn when a demonic figure is seen in the photographs.
Made on a budget of $500 and filmed in Greene and Houston's own apartment, this three-minute-long film squeezes every drop of tension possible out of this familiar horror set-up.
Suspense is everything in this short. From the agonising moments of stillness before Alex snaps each photograph, to the ominous sound design which gives the apartment a creepy and claustrophobic feel, these filmmakers don't waste a second when it comes to increasing the suspense.
And while viewers will have an idea of what's going to happen, Greene's masterful delivery of the final scare nevertheless catches viewers off-guard with a creature reveal which boasts some seriously impressive visual effects.
Proving how effective jump scares can be done when done right, Polaroid is an underappreciated gem.