A curated collection of independent horror short films, featuring hand-picked short horror films from emerging filmmakers.
Method
Directed by Tyler Czajkowski
Cast: Evan Petruzzi, Sasha Das
Recommended by Buried Films (27 Films)
Hand-picked short horror films curated by Buried Films. This selection rotates regularly, spotlighting standout work that blows us away.
Ignore It
A family struggles to live with a spirit that becomes deadly if its presence is acknowledged.
Curve
Clinging to a curved surface high above a sentient abyss, a girl has to cover the few feet back to safety before she loses grip.
Close Your Eyes
A musician's quiet evening turns into a night of terror when he sees his roommate sleepwalking.
Hey Missy!
Short horror film Hey Missy from Joe Taft, premiering on Crypt TV. Missy has a pretty unique kink... luring men into a false sense of sexual bliss before brutally murdering them. She aims to rid herself of this disease, but when her past acts come back to haunt her, she's forced to face her demons head-on.
Trouble
Set in 1952, this musical thriller is what happens when a traveling salesman shows up on the doorstep of a dying old man and can't contain the song within his heart. A dark riff on a classic musical.
The Smiling Man
A little girl home alone finds herself face-to-face with pure evil.
Milk Teeth
An orphanage spirals into mayhem when a boy discovers a shadowy creature who comes to collect more than just the children's teeth...
Milk & Serial
From Curry Barker and Cooper Tomlinson, the team behind the film Obsession from Blumhouse and Focus Features. This was a found footage film they put out for free before Obsession. Check it out! A surprise birthday prank takes a turn for the worse when a popular social media duo must face the reality of the terrifying aftermath.
The Maiden
A real estate agent tries to sell a haunted house.
The Backrooms
An analog horror series revolving around a mysterious alternate dimension known as the Backrooms.
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The last 10 short horror films that have been added to Buried Films.
Cozy Christmas Carnage
Cozy Christmas Carnage, a short horror film from Jack Kudas. A cozy Christmas homecoming turns into a living nightmare. When Max arrives at his family’s beautifully decorated house for the holidays, the warmth, music, and nostalgia quickly give way to something far more sinister. As night falls and the house grows quiet, a twisted holiday figure emerges turning festive cheer into brutal survival. This is Christmas… through a frozen, blood-soaked lens.
Buddybot
Three friends test out their new “BuddyBots”—lifelike/lookalike AI companions—only to discover they may have signed up for more than just convenience… they’ve welcomed a nightmare with a smile. BuddyBot is a 5-minute horror-comedy short that takes a darkly hilarious look at our obsession with smart technology. When Jack’s newly delivered lookalike AI companion begins acting disturbingly off—sitting motionless, staring, and grinning like a nightmare version of himself—he calls his friends Eli and Big Rye for help. But while their BuddyBots seem perfectly functional (cooking pancakes and pulling weeds), Jack’s is anything but normal. As the mystery unfolds through frantic calls, strange behavior, and a suspicious instruction manual, it becomes clear that these friendly robots might be more dangerous than they seem. Blending sharp comedy, tech paranoia, and a pinch of absurdity, BuddyBot is a funny ride into the unsettling side of artificial.
Seek
Seek, a short horror film from Aaron Morgan. Two sisters stop at an abandoned roadside bathroom. When one of them goes inside, they discover something is waiting there, and it wants to play a deadly game. Official selection: SXSW, Fantastic Fest, Winner Best Horror Short - Film Quest. SEEK is an award-winning horror short film directed by Aaron Morgan, blending suspense, creature horror, practical effects and vfx into a five minute nightmare. Watch the full short film above, and if SEEK gets under your skin, please like, comment, and share it with another horror fan. We very much appreciate your support for indie horror filmmaking. Let us know what moment you enjoyed most!
Katie
Katie, a short horror film by Nathan Wright-Edwards. As her daughter retreats behind a mask and into silence, a mother's obsession with uncovering the truth forces her to confront a horrifying reality. Katie was written, shot and edited in just 48 hours! Created for the 48 Hour Film Project (Horror/Sci-Fi) - Toronto.
The Resonance
Short horror film The Resonance from Paul Robinson and Sashia Dumont. When respected psychologist Sloan Campbell inherits her predecessors last known session tapes before his untimely demise, she discovers a dark and unsettling pattern. As she delves deeper into the center of his final case, a sinister force threatens to blur the line between modern medicine and religion. Will her pursuit for the truth force her to tow a fine line between science and the supernatural, or will she become the next victim of…the resonance.
Obsessed
Short horror film Obsessed from Cliff Mello. A young woman’s pursuit of perfection spirals into madness when a miracle weight-loss drug—and its haunting VHS trainer—begin to consume her mind and body. In this 5-minute psychological horror short, Tess orders Trimexa, a revolutionary weight-loss program promising control, beauty, and power. Guided by the too-perfect Craig Powers, her reality unravels as the side effects grow darker—blurring the line between discipline and delusion. Official entry for the Jakob Owens Horror Short Film Contest 2025
Lorelei
In the short horror film Lorelei, a woman’s ordinary swim at a quiet pool leads her down a dark and twisted path. Plagued by unsettling memories at a party, she finds herself manipulated by an ancient force—the Lorelei. This siren from German folklore distorts reality, pulling her deeper into a living nightmare. What starts as a subtle shift in perception soon becomes a fight for control, as she is drawn into the Lorelei’s deadly grasp.
Psychokinetics
Short horror film from Gary Davies, Psychokinetics. A troubled psychic gets more than he bargained for when he agrees to help a desperate police detective investigate a horrific murder scene one night.
Hey Missy!
Short horror film Hey Missy from Joe Taft, premiering on Crypt TV. Missy has a pretty unique kink... luring men into a false sense of sexual bliss before brutally murdering them. She aims to rid herself of this disease, but when her past acts come back to haunt her, she's forced to face her demons head-on.
Shut Eye
Award-Winning Short Horror Film Shut Eye from Robert Gregson. A recovering addict is haunted by episodes of sleep paralysis and visions of silhouetted demons. When the episodes intensify, she's certain the haunting forces aren't only in her mind. WINNER Best Horror Short - Montreal Independent Film Festival Best Editing - Brooklyn Horror Film Festival
1-5 Minute Shorts (33 Films)
Ultra-short horror films that deliver the scares fast, all under five minutes. These bite-sized shorts focus on atmosphere, timing, and strong ideas rather than long setups or explanations.
The Veil
A woman discovers a sinister presence that can only be seen through her shower curtain.
Come Up Here
A woman is home alone, but someone's calling from upstairs... come up here. Just another quick micro horror short based on an idea I had, and a story my great grandma used to tell me when I was a kid.
Buddybot
Three friends test out their new “BuddyBots”—lifelike/lookalike AI companions—only to discover they may have signed up for more than just convenience… they’ve welcomed a nightmare with a smile. BuddyBot is a 5-minute horror-comedy short that takes a darkly hilarious look at our obsession with smart technology. When Jack’s newly delivered lookalike AI companion begins acting disturbingly off—sitting motionless, staring, and grinning like a nightmare version of himself—he calls his friends Eli and Big Rye for help. But while their BuddyBots seem perfectly functional (cooking pancakes and pulling weeds), Jack’s is anything but normal. As the mystery unfolds through frantic calls, strange behavior, and a suspicious instruction manual, it becomes clear that these friendly robots might be more dangerous than they seem. Blending sharp comedy, tech paranoia, and a pinch of absurdity, BuddyBot is a funny ride into the unsettling side of artificial.
Hobby Night
A man conceals his double life.
Whisper
A young woman is haunted by ghost that her Amazon Echo picks up on.
Obsessed
Short horror film Obsessed from Cliff Mello. A young woman’s pursuit of perfection spirals into madness when a miracle weight-loss drug—and its haunting VHS trainer—begin to consume her mind and body. In this 5-minute psychological horror short, Tess orders Trimexa, a revolutionary weight-loss program promising control, beauty, and power. Guided by the too-perfect Craig Powers, her reality unravels as the side effects grow darker—blurring the line between discipline and delusion. Official entry for the Jakob Owens Horror Short Film Contest 2025
Lights Out
When you are all alone in a small dark room, what do you fear the most? Is it the temporary blindness or is it the uneasy deep feeling that someone, or rather something, is observing your every move?
Playback
A couple stops at an old motel, and finds a mysterious VHS tape. Submission for the Jakob Owens Horror Short Film Contest 2025
Be Quiet
A young girl is woken in the night by her brother, who believes something is in the house with them.
Attic Panic
In the underlit attic, an unsuspecting woman tidies up an already cluttered space; however, in the mysterious dimness, her eye catches a motion. Is this a trick of the mind, or is there something sinister hiding in the thick shadows?
5-10 Minute Shorts (40 Films)
Short horror films running between five and ten minutes, striking a balance between tight pacing and complete storytelling. These films have enough time to build tension, establish mood, and deliver a strong payoff without dragging things out.
Don’t Tell Your Mom
In the industrial area of a seedy town where vampires roam free, Kyle rolls up to his cousin's factory...of nightmares.
Disinfectant
The janitor loves his job. The demon loves its food. Submission for the Jakob Owens Horror Short Film Contest 2023.
Ignore It
A family struggles to live with a spirit that becomes deadly if its presence is acknowledged.
Don’t Feed The Cat
Chloe finds a cat trapped in her sick grandfather's basement.
Darby After Dark
One night, during her usual shift as a late-night radio host, Darby receives a mysterious phone call from a woman who shares a chilling paranormal game with her.
Portrait of God
A religious girl prepares a presentation about a painting titled "Portrait of God". What she sees challenges her beliefs.
Selfie
An insecure teenager deletes her social media accounts but soon learns that what she put online will come back to haunt her.
Stay With Me
A woman studying for the MCAT finds her focus shattered when her automatic door lock mysteriously engages, hinting that she's not as alone as she thought.
VIDEO 4
A woman finds an old video camera with a mysterious tape labeled VIDEO 4.
Curve
Clinging to a curved surface high above a sentient abyss, a girl has to cover the few feet back to safety before she loses grip.
10-15 Minute Shorts (19 Films)
Short horror films running between ten and fifteen minutes, giving the story room to breathe and tension time to build. These films allow for stronger atmosphere, deeper setups, and more deliberate pacing than ultra-short horror.
Trouble
Set in 1952, this musical thriller is what happens when a traveling salesman shows up on the doorstep of a dying old man and can't contain the song within his heart. A dark riff on a classic musical.
TRICK or TREAT!
During their first Halloween in their new home, Travis and Beth encounter an unexpected trick or treater.
Hey Missy!
Short horror film Hey Missy from Joe Taft, premiering on Crypt TV. Missy has a pretty unique kink... luring men into a false sense of sexual bliss before brutally murdering them. She aims to rid herself of this disease, but when her past acts come back to haunt her, she's forced to face her demons head-on.
The Jester: Chapter 2
The Jester returns in this sequel short film to continue to spread his Halloween cheer.
MORA
A struggling artist searches for a mysterious woman that shows up in gruesome AI-generated images.
$TRIP
Short horror film $trip. It's Penny's first night stripping at an underground club. Will she go all the way? And what happens to her if she doesn't?
Method
When a dog sitter arrives at a house for what seems like a simple job, a list of strange rules makes him suspect that this is no ordinary dog.
Disguise
A woman encounters a malevolent presence in her house that can disguise itself as anything.
Milk Teeth
An orphanage spirals into mayhem when a boy discovers a shadowy creature who comes to collect more than just the children's teeth...
The Resonance
Short horror film The Resonance from Paul Robinson and Sashia Dumont. When respected psychologist Sloan Campbell inherits her predecessors last known session tapes before his untimely demise, she discovers a dark and unsettling pattern. As she delves deeper into the center of his final case, a sinister force threatens to blur the line between modern medicine and religion. Will her pursuit for the truth force her to tow a fine line between science and the supernatural, or will she become the next victim of…the resonance.
15-20 Minute Shorts (6 Films)
Short horror films running between fifteen and twenty minutes, offering space for deeper storytelling and more immersive worlds. These films take their time developing characters, mood, and tension without feeling rushed.
Stimulant
Stimulant, a psychological horror short written and directed by Nicholas Laughlin. Michael and his roommate Jenn decide to try the new pill that everyone is raving about. But the side effects warp more than just their minds as bodies pile up around them.
Other Side of the Box
A couple receives a mysterious package from an old friend.
Box Fort
One weekend while their parents are away, three sisters decide to build a box fort. As strange things start to happen around them, they wonder if someone or someTHING is living inside of it. Based on the Creepypasta and Reddit NoSleep short story written by Mallory Eddy.
The Review
Two young vloggers, Jamie and Ethan, set out to create a fun, positive review of their stay in a picturesque, remote County Durham treehouse. They wanted subscribers, but what they found was a terrifying local legend.
Shut Eye
Award-Winning Short Horror Film Shut Eye from Robert Gregson. A recovering addict is haunted by episodes of sleep paralysis and visions of silhouetted demons. When the episodes intensify, she's certain the haunting forces aren't only in her mind. WINNER Best Horror Short - Montreal Independent Film Festival Best Editing - Brooklyn Horror Film Festival
The Rickety Man
A father discovers his children are grieving their mother's death in their own terrifying way, after having met a mysterious entity in the woods.
Psychological Horror (41 Films)
Psychological horror short films driven by tension, dread, and the human mind. These films focus on fear that builds slowly and lingers, rather than relying on jump scares or shock alone.
The Rickety Man
A father discovers his children are grieving their mother's death in their own terrifying way, after having met a mysterious entity in the woods.
Catcher
In the short horror film Catcher from Dylan Clark, using a special device, a boy must confront and erase his recurring nightmare. If you haven't watched any of Dylan's past work, like Portrait of God, you're missing out. The team behind this short film is incredible!
There Comes a Knocking
A grieving woman installs an antique door into her home, which opens herself up to the other side.
Whisper
A young woman is haunted by ghost that her Amazon Echo picks up on.
Selfie
An insecure teenager deletes her social media accounts but soon learns that what she put online will come back to haunt her.
The Chair
The Chair, a short horror film from Curry Barker. After Reese brings home an antique chair, a series of horrific events follow, leading him to question if it's a malevolent spirit the chair possesses or the darkness inside his own mind. Make sure to check out Curry Barker and crew's new film Obsession, out now in theaters from Blumhouse and Focus Features. Awesome seeing the YouTube horror community killing it on the big screen!
Other Side of the Box
A couple receives a mysterious package from an old friend.
Box Fort
One weekend while their parents are away, three sisters decide to build a box fort. As strange things start to happen around them, they wonder if someone or someTHING is living inside of it. Based on the Creepypasta and Reddit NoSleep short story written by Mallory Eddy.
The Lonesome Thing
A man tries to convince a spirit to leave his house.
Special Day
On the night of her 18th birthday, Emily's family gather together to reveal a secret to her - a secret that will shape the rest of her life.
Supernatural (51 Films)
Supernatural horror short films focused on ghosts, hauntings, curses, and unexplained phenomena. These stories are rooted in the unknown, where fear comes from forces that can’t be fully seen or understood.
Call of the Ocean
A woman finds a beautiful seashell on the beach, and then something unexpected happens…
Psychokinetics
Short horror film from Gary Davies, Psychokinetics. A troubled psychic gets more than he bargained for when he agrees to help a desperate police detective investigate a horrific murder scene one night.
Deep End
On a hot summer day, a young man learns the terrifying secret behind an abandoned swimming pool.
The Lake
When a young man takes his girlfriend out on the lake to propose, they come face to face with the dark spirits beneath the surface.
The Maiden
A real estate agent tries to sell a haunted house.
Disinfectant
The janitor loves his job. The demon loves its food. Submission for the Jakob Owens Horror Short Film Contest 2023.
One Last Dive
With only 20 minutes left to investigate an underwater crime scene, a diver goes for one last dive.
They Hear It
There are some sounds only children can hear.
Other Side of the Box
A couple receives a mysterious package from an old friend.
Late Fees
A video store clerk collects the souls of patrons who forget to return their movies on time.
Creature (31 Films)
Creature driven horror shorts centered around monsters, entities, and physical threats. These films focus on creature design, practical effects, and the kind of primal fear that comes from facing something tangible and dangerous.
Beast of Prey
A woman finds herself locked in an isolated cabin with something sinister on the other side of the door.
After Dark
Short horror film After Dark from Jakob Owens. A woman finds out what happens when you break the rules of the cabin. Lock the doors and windows. Be quiet. Leave the lights on. And DO NOT GO OUT AFTER DARK.
Deep End
On a hot summer day, a young man learns the terrifying secret behind an abandoned swimming pool.
The Whisperer
A girl hears strange whispering while home alone at night.
We Got A Dog
Morgan comes home from a late shift to find her boyfriend Mason, decided to adopt a new pet. Though there is something odd about Mason and his behavior, Morgan quickly becomes suspicious of the new pet in their home.
Stay With Me
A woman studying for the MCAT finds her focus shattered when her automatic door lock mysteriously engages, hinting that she's not as alone as she thought.
Don’t Tell Your Mom
In the industrial area of a seedy town where vampires roam free, Kyle rolls up to his cousin's factory...of nightmares.
Come Up Here
A woman is home alone, but someone's calling from upstairs... come up here. Just another quick micro horror short based on an idea I had, and a story my great grandma used to tell me when I was a kid.
Disguise
A woman encounters a malevolent presence in her house that can disguise itself as anything.
Be Quiet
A young girl is woken in the night by her brother, who believes something is in the house with them.
Comedy (5 Films)
Horror short films that mix scares with humor, satire, or absurd ideas. These films lean into dark comedy, awkward moments, and unexpected twists while still playing with classic horror themes.
Don’t Tell Your Mom
In the industrial area of a seedy town where vampires roam free, Kyle rolls up to his cousin's factory...of nightmares.
Buddybot
Three friends test out their new “BuddyBots”—lifelike/lookalike AI companions—only to discover they may have signed up for more than just convenience… they’ve welcomed a nightmare with a smile. BuddyBot is a 5-minute horror-comedy short that takes a darkly hilarious look at our obsession with smart technology. When Jack’s newly delivered lookalike AI companion begins acting disturbingly off—sitting motionless, staring, and grinning like a nightmare version of himself—he calls his friends Eli and Big Rye for help. But while their BuddyBots seem perfectly functional (cooking pancakes and pulling weeds), Jack’s is anything but normal. As the mystery unfolds through frantic calls, strange behavior, and a suspicious instruction manual, it becomes clear that these friendly robots might be more dangerous than they seem. Blending sharp comedy, tech paranoia, and a pinch of absurdity, BuddyBot is a funny ride into the unsettling side of artificial.
Nope
A man discovers a disturbance in his home and wastes no time deciding what to do about it.
Party Demon
A rookie exorcist faces off with a demon whose only demand is to make a new friend. A comic twist on the horror genre, this short turns possession into an unlikely party invitation.
Sugar Tits
A teeth-obsessed serial killer kidnaps a new victim to complete his deranged masterpiece.
Slasher (12 Films)
Slasher horror short films centered on killers, close encounters, and escalating danger. These films lean into tension, pursuit, and the constant feeling that something bad is about to happen.
Cozy Christmas Carnage
Cozy Christmas Carnage, a short horror film from Jack Kudas. A cozy Christmas homecoming turns into a living nightmare. When Max arrives at his family’s beautifully decorated house for the holidays, the warmth, music, and nostalgia quickly give way to something far more sinister. As night falls and the house grows quiet, a twisted holiday figure emerges turning festive cheer into brutal survival. This is Christmas… through a frozen, blood-soaked lens.
The Massacrer
The Massacrer, a short horror film proof of concept from Alysm Films. A weekend reunion of old college friends at the cusp of middle age is interrupted by an undead corpse's murderous rampage.
Sugar Tits
A teeth-obsessed serial killer kidnaps a new victim to complete his deranged masterpiece.
The Jester: Chapter 3
On Halloween night, a young girl has no one to go trick-or-treating with....until The Jester offers to tag along.
Guide My Slay
Guide My Slay, a short horror film from Heath Benfield and the Misfit Parade. Let the reindeer games begin! A suburban Christmas party takes a dark turn when a menacing Santa arrives. Many of the guests are on his naughty list and he needs a makeshift "Rudolph" to help hunt them down.
Hey Missy!
Short horror film Hey Missy from Joe Taft, premiering on Crypt TV. Missy has a pretty unique kink... luring men into a false sense of sexual bliss before brutally murdering them. She aims to rid herself of this disease, but when her past acts come back to haunt her, she's forced to face her demons head-on.
The Jester: Chapter 2
The Jester returns in this sequel short film to continue to spread his Halloween cheer.
Halloween (Fan Film)
From Jakob - I've always loved the season of Halloween and even more so the Halloween movie franchise. As a fan of the movies and the holiday... I thought I'd have fun making my very own Halloween fan film!
Nightfall
Jim is working late in his garage on what seemed like a normal summer night. That quickly turns into a nightmare, when he sees a silhouette of someone standing at the end of his driveway.
The Jester
Note: This film is age restricted by the creator. You'll need to click through to watch on YouTube after logging into your account. After a closing shift on Halloween night, a man stumbles upon what seems to be the embodiment of Halloween itself. Trick or treat?
Documentary (1 Films)
Documentary-style horror films focused on real events, real people, and unsettling truths. These films lean into investigation, history, and firsthand accounts, where the fear comes from what actually happened or what might have.
The Old Baraboo Inn
Known as a frequent stop for Al Capone and his outfit, the Old Baraboo Inn has become synonymous with gangsters, girls, and ghosts. Owned and operated by B.C. Farr until his death, the old inn is now owned by B.C.'s sister Shelly who continues his legacy of inviting patrons to interact with the spirits who call this bar home.
Features (2 Films)
Feature length horror films and longer-form projects that go beyond short formats. These films have more time for character development, extended tension, and fully realized stories to unfold.
Milk & Serial
From Curry Barker and Cooper Tomlinson, the team behind the film Obsession from Blumhouse and Focus Features. This was a found footage film they put out for free before Obsession. Check it out! A surprise birthday prank takes a turn for the worse when a popular social media duo must face the reality of the terrifying aftermath.
Night Of The Living Dead
The original cult classic zombie horror film from George A. Romero. A film every horror fan should watch, and plays such an important role in cinema. A ragtag group of Pennsylvanians barricade themselves in an old farmhouse to remain safe from a horde of flesh-eating ghouls that are ravaging the Northeast of the United States.
All Films (102 Films)
A complete collection of all the horror short films featured on Buried Films. You’ll find everything from supernatural and psychological horror to creature features, slashers, and experimental shorts, all in one place.
Special Day
On the night of her 18th birthday, Emily's family gather together to reveal a secret to her - a secret that will shape the rest of her life.
The Jester: Chapter 2
The Jester returns in this sequel short film to continue to spread his Halloween cheer.
Salt
A demonic presence closes in on a mother and her sick daughter. Their only protection - a ring of salt.
Nope
A man discovers a disturbance in his home and wastes no time deciding what to do about it.
The Maiden
A real estate agent tries to sell a haunted house.
The Veil
A woman discovers a sinister presence that can only be seen through her shower curtain.
There Comes a Knocking
A grieving woman installs an antique door into her home, which opens herself up to the other side.
The Nurse
With a gauze wrapped around her eyes, a young patient wakes up to the squeaky noise of a wheeled surgical cart, utterly terrified by the palpable darkness.
The Chair
The Chair, a short horror film from Curry Barker. After Reese brings home an antique chair, a series of horrific events follow, leading him to question if it's a malevolent spirit the chair possesses or the darkness inside his own mind. Make sure to check out Curry Barker and crew's new film Obsession, out now in theaters from Blumhouse and Focus Features. Awesome seeing the YouTube horror community killing it on the big screen!
Psychokinetics
Short horror film from Gary Davies, Psychokinetics. A troubled psychic gets more than he bargained for when he agrees to help a desperate police detective investigate a horrific murder scene one night.