25 Animated Short Films Everyone Should Watch At Least Once

Home of My Memories (2020)

Home of My Memories by Kukari Animation Studio is an award-winning 3D animated short that captures nostalgia, craftsmanship, and love across generations. The story centers on a young boy inspired by his grandfather’s woodworking passion, revealing how childhood memories shape creativity and identity. Taking seven years to complete, the film stands as a tribute to patience and heartfelt storytelling.

Paperman (2012)

Disney’s Paperman blends romance, humor, and innovation in just a few minutes. The black-and-white animated short follows a lonely accountant who, after a fleeting encounter with a woman at a train station, uses paper airplanes to reconnect with her. It’s a charming and timeless reminder that even the smallest gestures can lead to life-changing moments.

Three Orphan Kittens (1935)

Walt Disney’s Three Orphan Kittens is a charming entry from the Silly Symphonies series, directed by David Hand. The story follows three abandoned kittens who find shelter in a warm home and get into adorable mischief, tumbling through household items and creating chaos around a piano. Audiences adored its warmth and humor, earning it the Oscar for Best Animated Short.

Windup (2021)

Windup is a wordless CGI animated short that delicately explores love, hope, and resilience in the face of illness. Dedicated to those bravely battling sickness and those supporting them, it tells the touching story of a sick little girl and her devoted father. Through breathtaking animation and a hauntingly beautiful score, the film captures the emotional depth of care and connection even in dark times.

Umbrella (2019)

Umbrella is an Oscar-qualified animated short that tells a deeply emotional story without a single spoken word. The film revolves around a boy, a yellow umbrella, and memories that echo through his past. Its silent storytelling emphasizes the importance of empathy, reminding viewers to observe, listen, and understand before judging others.

The Two Mouseketeers (1952)

Set in 18th-century France, The Two Mouseketeers is one of Tom and Jerry’s most iconic episodes, directed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera and produced by Fred Quimby. The short follows Jerry and Nibbles, two mischievous “Mouseketeers,” who sneak into a lavish castle feast that Tom is guarding. The short won the Academy Award for its inventive humor, rich setting, and playful reimagining of Dumas’ classic swashbuckling tale.

Snack Attack (2016)

In Snack Attack, an elderly woman waiting for her train just wants to enjoy her cookies but a mischievous teenager sitting nearby seems to have other plans. What begins as a humorous misunderstanding quickly becomes a lesson in empathy and perspective. This short, simple story carries a powerful moral: appearances can deceive, and assumptions often lead to conflict.

The Present (2014)

Directed by Jacob Frey and based on Fabio Coala’s story Perfeição, The Present follows a boy who isolates himself from the world and struggles with self-acceptance. His life changes unexpectedly when he receives a special gift; a three-legged puppy that teaches him compassion and resilience. The short beautifully captures transformation through empathy, showing how love and vulnerability can heal even the most guarded hearts.

The Little Orphan (1948)

In The Little Orphan, Tom and Jerry return in one of their most beloved adventures, directed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera and produced by Fred Quimby. The Oscar-winning short introduces Nibbles, a tiny, endlessly hungry orphan mouse who Jerry adopts just in time for Thanksgiving. As Jerry tries to treat Nibbles to a feast, Tom becomes their usual obstacle, sparking a series of chaotic and hilarious chases.

The Box (2016)

The Box is a simple yet powerful animated short that explores the devastating impact of war on children. The story follows a young boy and his cat, whose peaceful life shatters when war strikes, forcing them into hardship and loss. The boy’s box, once a playful toy, transforms into a symbol of survival, shelter, and imagination amid chaos.

One Small Step (2018)

One Small Step, directed by Andrew Chesworth and Bobby Pontillas, is a beautifully inspiring animated short about ambition and perseverance. It follows Luna, a Chinese-American girl who dreams of becoming an astronaut after witnessing a rocket launch. Each stage of her life reflects how every choice and every setback shapes her journey toward success.

The Fly (1980)

Ferenc Rofusz’s Hungarian short The Fly is a wordless yet gripping piece of animation told entirely from a fly’s perspective. As the tiny creature buzzes through a house on an autumn day, viewers experience its fleeting moments of curiosity, movement, and danger. The film’s realism and point-of-view storytelling create a sense of tension and claustrophobia rarely seen in animation.

My Love (2006)

My Love is a touching animated short film that follows a widow who can’t move on after her husband’s death. Caught between love and loss, she pretends he’s still alive, creating a fragile world of denial. But even though she knows the truth, she can't escape it as that's the only source of happiness in her life.

Knighty Knight Bugs

Knighty Knight Bugs, directed by Friz Freleng, is a Warner Bros. classic and the only Bugs Bunny cartoon to ever win an Academy Award. The short pits Bugs against Yosemite Sam, here known as the Black Knight, in a hilarious medieval showdown involving the quest for a magical singing sword. Complete with a fire-breathing dragon, clever banter, and slapstick humor, the film showcases Bugs’ trademark wit and unflappable charm.

Love Is in Small Things (2022)

Created by artist Puuung, Love Is in Small Things captures the beauty of everyday affection through gentle, heartwarming illustrations. Instead of focusing on grand romantic gestures, it highlights quiet, meaningful moments like sharing tea, holding hands, or exchanging a smile.

Hair Love (2019)

Directed by Matthew A. Cherry and Bruce W. Smith, Hair Love is a tender and uplifting short film about a father learning to style his daughter’s hair. What begins as a simple task unfolds into a touching story of love, care, and resilience within a Black family. The film delivers a powerful message about identity, representation, and family bonds.

Logorama (2009)

Logorama is a bold, Oscar-winning animated short by H5, directed by Ludovic Houplain, François Alaux, and Hervé de Crécy. Set in a version of Los Angeles built entirely from corporate logos and mascots, it turns familiar symbols into characters in a crime-noir narrative. The film cleverly satirizes consumerism and pop culture while maintaining the fast-paced charm of a gangster movie.

Let’s Eat (2020)

Let’s Eat by Anamon Studios is an award-winning animated short that celebrates family, food, and cultural identity. The film tells the story of a Chinese-American mother and her daughter, whose bond evolves as the daughter grows older. Through cooking, they reconnect, bridging generational and emotional gaps that time has created.

Are You Okay? (2021)

Are You Okay? highlights how digital cruelty doesn’t stay confined to screens, it seeps into real life, shaping emotions and behavior. The film’s visual metaphor of a slimy purple goo brilliantly symbolizes the heaviness of sadness and depression. By blending creativity with emotional honesty, the short captures the struggle of dealing with invisible pain and the importance of empathy in the digital age.

Widdershins (2018)

Simon Biggs’ Widdershins is an 11-minute animated short that charmingly contrasts automation and spontaneity. It follows a pampered gentleman living in a mechanized world whose orderly routine is disrupted when he meets a free-spirited woman, much to his robot butler’s dismay.

Frank Film (1973)

Frank Film is a groundbreaking experimental short by Frank and Caroline Mouris that combines stop-motion, collage, and autobiographical storytelling. Using thousands of magazine cutouts animated in a rapid-fire montage, Frank Mouris narrates his own life while two simultaneous voice tracks, one describing his journey, another listing random associative words.

First Born (2020)

First Born tells the story of a young boy determined to prove his worth in an upcoming martial arts competition. Driven by the desire to earn his family’s approval and match his sister’s achievements, he pushes himself to the limit. The film’s vibrant colors, expressive animation, and captivating music bring the emotional journey to life. Beyond the competition, First Born is about self-belief, perseverance, and the universal longing for recognition.

After the Rain (2008)

Directed by Chelsea Yijia Li, After the Rain tells the nostalgic story of two childhood friends, April and Yuxin, who reunite after many years apart. Featuring voice performances by Ariane Marchese, Zhang Jinggi, Blake Yuan, and Yue Zirul, the film beautifully portrays how time and distance reshape relationships.

Sundae in New York (1983)

Jimmy Picker’s Sundae in New York is a delightful clay animation tribute to the city that never sleeps. The short opens with a caricature of former New York City mayor Ed Koch snoozing on a park bench before bursting into song with “New York, New York.” From there, he takes viewers on a whimsical tour through the city’s landmarks, meeting iconic 1980s personalities along the way.

A Greek Tragedy (1986)

Nicole Van Goethem’s A Greek Tragedy is a beautifully subtle Belgian short that won the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film. The story centers on three ancient female statues holding up the ruins of a crumbling temple. As they struggle to maintain balance, the film gently explores themes of strength, perseverance, and feminine endurance.