By Lee Hamilton.
It’s time to submit your script for this season of our Short Film Fund | Enter HERE!
A short film is one of the best calling cards a writer can have. Not only is it easier to get a short produced, but some would say it’s so much more convenient for someone to watch short films that visually showcases your talent than it is for them to read your feature-length script.
Top Short Film Websites To Watch Short Films Online for Free
Writing short films is a great way to practice the craft of screenwriting too. The format comes with inherent limitations, thereby forcing writers to be more creative and encouraging innovative ways to tell their stories. And what’s more, an on-screen credit can go a long way to help you gain representation, and having your short film shown at festivals is an ideal way to get lots of industry professionals’ eyes on your work.
Writing a short film is an art form all to itself, but a great way to start getting to grips with the format is by watching some. Don’t you just love it when you get to watch movies and write it off as doing ‘research?’
Here are our top 5 online sites for viewing short films for free to get you started.
1: Short of the Week
Short of the Week stands as a prominent destination for discovering and enjoying short films online. You can easily watch short films on this platform, either directly through their website or by visiting their YouTube Channel. They consistently feature and premiere new short films on a weekly basis, making it one of the best short film websites available.
This website is renowned for being among the most current and up-to-date sources for where to watch short films, especially when it comes to recently released shorts. Short of the Week serves as an exceptional launchpad for emerging filmmakers, positioning itself as a prime scouting ground for industry professionals who are on the lookout for the next generation of talented storytellers.
Pros:
- Shorts are free to watch.
- Films are uploaded frequently.
- There is a huge selection of films available.
- The website is slick and appealing.
Cons:
- The ability to search feels very limited.
- Has award-winning shorts, but you have to hunt for them.
2: FilmDoo
FilmDoo is a great place to find international short (and feature) films of all types. There’s a community aspect to the site, and following, sharing, and commenting are encouraged. It’s free to sign up and you can watch for free or rent films. There’s a vast selection of movies with the ability to tailor your search easily.
If you’re wondering where to watch short films online, FilmDoo stands out as one of the best short film websites to explore.
Pros:
- Has multiple search options.
- Search results can also be filtered to aid your search even more.
- Films are uploaded regularly.
- There’s a huge catalog of movies to choose from.
- You don’t have to sign up to start watching.
- The community aspect allows for lots of interaction.
- Members can review and request movies.
- Rental prices are very reasonable.
Cons:
- Relies on films being hosted externally, such as on Vimeo or YouTube, etc.
3: Film Shortage
Film Shortage is one of the top leading Online Short Film Websites that’s been well-known for some time. It’s hard to gauge just how many films it offers from the website alone, and they have a Vimeo Channel too. The Daily Picks feature provides fresh content on a consistent level. The site is clearly a go-to place for upcoming filmmakers, hosting many online premieres and Film Shortage exclusives
Pros:
- Daily Picks allows for consistent fresh content.
- Their blog has a nice selection of articles, news, guides, etc.
- Films are free to watch.
Cons:
- Has a basic search function without filters.
- Relies on films being hosted externally, such as on Vimeo or YouTube, etc.
4: Klipist
When it comes to finding a platform to watch short films online, most people immediately think of Vimeo and YouTube. However, there’s a hidden gem in the world of short film websites that you should definitely check out, and that’s Klipist. Unlike some of the more well-known platforms, Klipist doesn’t bombard you with subscription prompts and distractions. Instead, it prioritizes the curation of an outstanding collection of short films that you can easily access. So, if you’re wondering where to watch short films and looking for the best short film websites, Klipist is a fantastic choice for your viewing pleasure.
Pros:
- Extensive library of over 10,000 short films
- Curators have a knack for spotlighting the cream of the crop.
- Refined search filters allow you to find short films that align with your preferences.
- Ad-free experience.
Cons:
- Much like Vimeo, the level of detail provided about a film can vary, as it ultimately depends on the uploader.
- Klipist could benefit from a more intuitive user interface. While the platform hosts a treasure trove of content, finding specific films or genres might require a bit of exploration.
5: Omeleto
When it comes to watching short films online, Omeleto on YouTube shines brightly as the go-to destination for enthusiasts seeking top-notch storytelling and cinematic artistry. Omeleto has cultivated a devoted fan base thanks to its unwavering dedication to handpicking an exceptional array of shorts. For anyone looking to watch short films, this platform is an absolute gem and should be your first choice.
Pros:
- Meticulously curated array of short films.
- Free to watch.
- Regular additions of new, high-quality shorts.
- Sense of community between film lovers.
Cons:
- While Omeleto’s focus on quality is commendable, it does mean that the platform’s library is relatively smaller compared to some of its competitors.
- Unlike some other platforms, Omeleto doesn’t offer extensive customization options for refining your search.
Bonus Website to Watch Short Films for Free
6: Shortfil.ms
shortfil.ms has a well-crafted curated collection of short films from around the world, updating with at least one new film every day. There are enough movies listed to keep you busy for quite some time (175.9 hours to be precise!) The search feature is fairly basic, but there’s the fun option to select a length (and/or genre) and have random films suggested for you.
Pros:
- Free to watch.
- The website is simple but slick.
- A large catalog of short films.
- Lots of international content.
Cons:
- Unable to search by release date.
- Relies on films being hosted externally, such as on Vimeo or YouTube, etc.
Hopefully, there’s enough here to keep you entertained, inspired, and educated all at the same time. Take notes on what stories engage you, what puts you off, and what films are most memorable (and why), and try to apply them to your own writing.
Experiment, break the rules, or keep things ultra-simple – just keep writing!
It’s time to submit your script for this season of our Short Film Fund | Enter HERE!
Lee Hamilton is a script reader, developer, and author. Lee was one of the original readers to join Shore Scripts and has since moved into education and development, penning numerous articles, workbooks, and writing courses.
Our readers are waiting to read your story. Check out all the details about our Short Film Fund today!