5 Insanely Good Short Films to Watch (For Free) on YouTube
Amidst the boom of quality content, from film and book breakdown videos to indie films from first-time filmmakers, YouTube has become quite the haven for short and sweet cinema.
Here are 5 short films you can watch in an afternoon—for free — on YouTube.
#1 IS NOW A GOOD TIME (2024)
Dir. Jim Cummings
“…superhero movies with the capes and the boys fighting all the time. The special effects and celebrities. It’s like…it’s like the Power Rangers.”
This is how Kyle, the Marvel employee played by Jim Cummings describes the essence of Disney-Marvel films before he shows a terminally-ill fan an unreleased copy of Captain America 4.
The film critiques the multi-billion dollar corporations that control what movies are made and released. It makes a point of highlighting how those in charge undermine the needs and expectations of their audience who would like a genuine work of art, in favour of pleasing the masses who look at these movies as nothing but a few hours of entertainment.
The film made me question the distinction between a movie and a film. It mentions the comments Martin Scorsese made about Marvel and cinema.
Is Now A Good Time is hilarious, especially if you’re open to an unforgiving critique of the superhero-verse films. The audience goes on a journey with the protagonist, as we think about what a legacy corporation truly means to culture, society, and most importantly, its fans. At what point does the entertainment turn malignant?
#2 The Laundromat Off Malibu (2021)
Dir. Fiona Nova, Pier Paolo Piccoli
“Either you walk out right now and face whatever consequences you deserve, or you can stay here with me. Forever.”
The laundromat exists, self-contained, much like the world of No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre. Jason, played by Austin Amelio, walks into the laundromat and finds himself confronting grief, guilt, and the consequences of the choices he made. Sarah (Gigi Mcquarrie) is the puppetmaster who orchestrates Jason’s reckoning.
The film can be seen as a metaphor for existentialism, in the sense that people give their lives inherent meaning; they are free to decide the course of their lives.
I particularly enjoyed the sound design and colour grading of the film. The pastel, twee 60s look complete with the cherry-red lollipop made for the perfect juxtaposition with the sinister lurkings of the story.
#3 The Last Brunch (2024)
Dir. Jim Cummings
“150 dollars for one meal?!?!”
“I will never not be myself for nobody!”
These are just some of the funniest dialogues Jameson, played by Dustin Hahn, says in this short film. (There’s one about girlfriends orchestrating brunch like the dog park visits which is so funny!)
The premise of the film is simple and its brilliance lies in painting portraits (no pun intended) of the different sorts of people we end up meeting or befriending. The message of the film can also be construed as ‘inspiration comes from the strangest places’.
This film is an altogether fun watch but just beware of some explicit sexual content if you’re iffy about that sort of thing.
#4 CRTL Z (2017)
Dir. James Kennedy
“Isn’t it better to know you’re never gonna run out of chances; never gonna run out of time?”
“We all run out of time sooner or later, Ed.”
This sci-fi/ romance/coming-of-age film blurs boundaries. While I usually don’t go for sci-fi, I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
The protagonist, Ed, has invented a sort of Rubik’s cube where he creates a save point that comes in handy if he dies. In the event of death, he’ll just come back to the last save point he created and continue living with the knowledge of what happens after. He uses this invention to try and get the attention of a girl.
It was an interesting concept to watch come to life. I particularly liked that Ed, the only guy, was surrounded by women—Carrie, his friend; the waitress; and Sarah, his love interest. The film was able, perhaps without meaning, to explore the difference between a man’s gaze and a woman’s. What Ed couldn’t see after so long in the same place, the others caught onto instantly.
I highly recommend the film if you enjoyed About Time, Black Mirror, and Palm Springs.
And ask yourself: what would you invent for love?
#5 Parent Teacher (2018)
Dir. Jim Cummings
“We’re all adults. Not being condescending.”
A new teacher attempts to hold a parent-teacher conference, but quickly realises that the line between what makes a ‘child’ and ‘adult’ is rather blurry.
Dustin Hahn plays Mr. Zahn, the teacher, impeccably. He strikes the perfect balance all teachers are expected to have, the balance which can often be impossible or superhuman to produce.
His performance is so wonderful and immersive, that it is easy to forget he is not really a teacher. The long shots highlighting the brilliant performance make the audience feel as though they are right in the room.
The film critiques the public education system and the parents who make it much harder for the teachers to do their jobs. It brings to the forefront the common reality of teachers and forces the audience to think about the education system in more than just passing.
As a teacher myself, this film was cathartic to watch.
There is so much that can be packed into a good short film, and I believe making short films is more of an extreme sport given how precarious story structure can be.
These films do a great job of telling a story and making us feel—which is, honestly, all an audience can ask of the film.
Let me know if you’ve seen any of these films, or if you’ll watch them. And when you do, do tell me what you think!
