Psychologists agree—and you can test this out with your own little experiment at home—that watching horror films enhances a person's dopamine release (when scary films are watched with a partner). This is primarily because your heightened senses produce the same effect as when you're aroused. Hence, you may want to swap out that rom-com for a supernatural flick on your next date. Another thing psychologists acknowledge is that watching films that mildly terrify you can help you manage stress better in real life, improve your decision-making abilities leading you to make far more productive choices, and create a phenomenal bonding experience when watched in larger groups (hello family film night!). With only your best interest in our mind, we've come up with a list of 8 short horror films that you can watch on YouTube for your next binge or during a quick coffee break while you work from home.
The Ballerina (2017)
Content
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the creepiest of them all? A ballerina, during practice, finds something sinister in the mirror. Produced by Victoria Fratz, this short film has been directed and edited by Aaron Fradkin. It stars Valeska Miller and has been choreographed by Amanda MacLeod.
Class Rules (2020)
Content
Two bullies get what they deserve—but are they to blame, or is it their school? A film by Phil Stainsby, Class Rules stars Jenna Hutchinson, Lewis Short, and Gareth Matthews.
The Jester (2016)
Content
All Hallows Eve, when everything strange comes out to play, just like The Jester—it was shot over three consecutive nights for a budget of just $500 and a crew of four. Along with The Jester: Chapter 2 and The Jester: Chapter 3, here are three short films about the Jester, and his sinister tricks.
Motion Detected (2021)
Content
Here's why you shouldn't watch old security footage for review purposes. Motion Detected has been written, shot, directed, and edited by Vincent Dormani. The short film has a score by Frank Dormani who also stars in it.
The Armoire (2017)
Content
Malicious hauntings can take place anywhere—even if it is just one object, or so a young actress finds out when she encounters a discarded armoire while decorating her new flat. What unfolds is a series of bizarre encounters and an equally eerie ending.
Come to Bed (2017)
Content
Young love blossoms, along with something sinister, when a lovely couple tries to go to bed in an ominously lovely house. About making the short, filmmaker Hugh Sweeney says, “I shot this on the Canon R5 camera. In fact, it's the first and only thing I've shot with the camera so far... This horror really was just a vehicle for testing out the camera, especially its low light capabilities which if I'm honest, aren't the best.”
Smiling Woman (2019)
Content
Hear us out: Don't go to deserted train platforms at 1am. This film could easily double-up as an advert for Uber—if you're trying to get somewhere after midnight, just call a cab. Starring Merlynda Sol as the Smiling Woman and Ariel Fullinwider, this short film has been written and directed by Alex Magaña. Don't forget to watch the sequels!
The Whisperer (2016)
Content
Do you live alone? Because you may want to blast some loud music tonight. A short horror film directed by Danny Donahue (of The Moonlight Man series), The Whisperer will make you question who is really whispering.
Also read:
5 ‘elevated horror’ films to watch now
5 movies you can watch in less than an hour on Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, and more