27 Best Short Movies On Netflix 2025, Ranked

Looking for something quick to watch? I’ve gathered the best short films under 90 minutes I’ve watched on Netflix and included highly rated movies by aggregating Rotten Tomato and IMDb scores. Here are my personal recommendations, ranked. Click on the titles to open and read a description of the movie.

Click the three dots on the left hand side to open the table of contents and quickly jump to a series or movie you haven’t seen.

You might also be interested in…
Feel-Good Movies On Netflix | Comedy Series On Netflix | Documentaries On Netflix

Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult IMDb – 6.5/10 RT – 58% AS – 61.5
Comedy 12/PG-13 1h 23m

Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult (1994)

A retired detective is pulled back into action – with disastrous results.

Directed by: Peter Segal
Run Time: 83m
Perfect for fans of: Airplane!, Hot Shots!, The Pink Panther

In a world gone mad, only one man can save us. Lieutenant Frank Drebin returns from retirement to go undercover to stop a terrorist plot at the Academy Awards. This classic comedy is filled with a rapid-fire succession of sight gags, one-liners, and hilarious visual jokes that will have you laughing until you cry. It’s the perfect culmination of the slapstick brilliance of the Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker team, and a perfect send-off for the legendary Leslie Nielsen.

Big Daddy IMDb – 6.4/10 RT – 39% AS – 51.5
Comedy 12/PG-13 1h 33m

Big Daddy (1999)

A carefree slacker suddenly finds himself responsible for a child – forcing him to grow up in ways he never expected.

Directed by: Dennis Dugan
Run time: 93 minutes
Perfect for fans of: Happy Gilmore, Liar Liar, lighthearted comedies with heart

What happens when a 32-year-old man refuses to grow up? Sonny Koufax (Adam Sandler) is a law school graduate who works one day a week and lives off a personal injury settlement. To win back his girlfriend, he adopts a 5-year-old boy who unexpectedly shows up on his doorstep. The film is a surprisingly heartwarming comedy that finds its humor in the bizarre and hilarious ways Sonny teaches the boy about life, from throwing a tantrum to peeing in public. It’s a slapstick comedy that’s a perfect showcase for Sandler’s unique comedic style.

My Neighbour Totoro IMDb – 8.1/10 RT – 94% AS – 87.5
Animation/Family U/G 1h 26m

My Neighbour Totoro (1988)

Two sisters discover a hidden world – where magic and nature intertwine.

Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Run time: 86 minutes
Awards Won: Animage Anime Grand Prix, Kinema Junpo Award for Best Film
Perfect for fans of: Spirited Away, Ponyo, whimsical animated adventures

What if the spirits of the forest were real? In this whimsical and enchanting film from legendary director Hayao Miyazaki, two young sisters move to a new house in the countryside and discover a magical world of forest spirits, including a giant, furry creature named Totoro. With a gentle pace and a timeless quality, the film is a celebration of childhood, nature, and the power of imagination.

The Lovebirds IMDb – 6.1/10 RT – 66% AS – 63.5
Comedy/Romance 15/R 1h 26m

The Lovebirds (2020)

A couple on the verge of breaking up gets caught in a crime – forcing them to work together to clear their names.

Directed by: Michael Showalter
Run time: 87 minutes
Perfect for fans of: Game Night, Date Night, fast-paced romantic comedies

A couple on the brink of a breakup accidentally gets involved in a murder mystery. As they try to clear their names, they find themselves in a high-stakes, chaotic chase. With the police hot on their heels, they must use their wits to try and survive the night. The film is a clever, hilarious, and fast-paced romantic comedy that’s a perfect showcase for the comedic chemistry of its two leads, Kumail Nanjiani and Issa Rae.

Cellular IMDb – 6.5/10 RT – 56% AS – 60.5
Thriller/Action 15/PG-13 1h 34m

Cellular (2004)

A desperate phone call turns an ordinary man into an unlikely hero.

Directed by: David R. Ellis
Run time: 94 minutes
Perfect for fans of: Phone Booth, Speed, high-stakes thrillers

What if a random phone call from a stranger was the key to saving a life? A young man (Chris Evans) receives a frantic call on his cell phone from a woman (Kim Basinger) who has been kidnapped and is in a panic. He must use all of his wit and resources to try and save her, all while he’s on the run from a group of corrupt cops. The film is a clever, fast-paced, and intense thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Rush Hour 2 IMDb – 6.7/10 RT – 51% AS – 59
Action/Comedy 12/PG-13 1h 30m

Rush Hour 2 (2001)

A vacation turns into a high-stakes mission – with plenty of chaos along the way.

Directed by: Brett Ratner
Run time: 90 minutes
Perfect for fans of: Bad Boys, Lethal Weapon, action-packed buddy comedies

The bickering, buddy-cop duo of Detective James Carter (Chris Tucker) and Chief Inspector Lee (Jackie Chan) are back for another adventure, this time in Hong Kong. They are on a much-needed vacation, but their plans are thwarted when a bomb explodes at the U.S. Embassy. The film is a perfect blend of high-flying martial arts action, laugh-out-loud comedy, and a charming on-screen chemistry that is just as good as the first film.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie IMDb – 7.0/10 RT – 59% AS – 64.5
Animation/Adventure PG/PG 1h 32m

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

Two plumbers find themselves in a world unlike anything they’ve ever seen – and must rise to the challenge to save it.

Directed by: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic
Run time: 92 minutes
Perfect for fans of: Sonic the Hedgehog, Wreck-It Ralph, animated adventure films

When two Brooklyn plumbers, Mario and Luigi, are sucked into a magical pipe, they find themselves in a fantastical world. They must team up with Princess Peach, Donkey Kong, and Toad to save the Mushroom Kingdom from the evil Bowser. This film is a vibrant, fast-paced, and hilarious love letter to the video game franchise, with a colourful animation style, a fun soundtrack, and an entertaining story.

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective IMDb – 6.9/10 RT – 48% AS – 58.5
Comedy 12/PG-13 1h 26m

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)

A detective with a flair for the ridiculous takes on his strangest case yet – finding a missing dolphin.

Directed by: Tom Shadyac
Run time: 86 minutes
Perfect for fans of: Dumb and Dumber, The Mask, offbeat comedies

An eccentric, flamboyant, and animal-loving private detective is hired to find the kidnapped mascot of the Miami Dolphins. Jim Carrey delivers a legendary, career-making performance as the goofy and brilliant pet detective who is just as comfortable talking to animals as he is to people. The film is a laugh-out-loud comedy that’s filled with iconic lines, physical comedy, and a truly unforgettable hero.

Space Jam IMDb – 6.5/10 RT – 43% AS – 54
Animation/Comedy U/PG 1h 28m

Space Jam (1996)

A basketball legend teams up with the Looney Tunes – in a game where the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Directed by: Joe Pytka
Run time: 88 minutes
Perfect for fans of: Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Ready Player One, sports comedies

What happens when the Looney Tunes are kidnapped by a group of alien invaders? They challenge them to a high-stakes basketball game, with the help of the greatest basketball player on Earth, Michael Jordan. The film is a fun and entertaining live-action and animation hybrid that’s a celebration of sports, teamwork, and the timeless appeal of the Looney Tunes characters.

The After IMDb – 6.2/10 RT – N/A AS – 31
Drama 18m

The After (2023)

A grieving man picks up a passenger – and finds himself confronting the past he’s been running from.

Directed by: Misan Harriman
Run time: 18 minutes
Awards Won: Best Live Action Short Film (HollyShorts Film Festival)
Perfect for fans of: Manchester by the Sea, The Father, introspective dramas

In a short film that packs an incredible emotional punch, a man (David Oyelowo) is struggling to cope with the loss of his daughter. When he encounters a stranger who is also grappling with grief, he finds a moment of connection that helps him begin to heal. The film is a powerful and moving exploration of loss and the human connection that can help us through our darkest moments.

Chicken Run IMDb – 7.1/10 RT – 97% AS – 84
Animation/Comedy U/G 1h 24m

Chicken Run (2000)

A group of chickens hatch a daring escape plan – before they become the main ingredient in a pie.

Directed by: Peter Lord, Nick Park
Run time: 84 minutes
Perfect for fans of: Wallace & Gromit, Fantastic Mr. Fox, animated adventure comedies

What would happen if a group of chickens plotted a great escape? In this stop-motion animated comedy from Aardman Animations, a group of chickens on a farm is in peril after their owners buy a pie-making machine. They must find a way to fly the coop with the help of a rooster who claims to have a knack for flying. The film is a charming, funny, and clever homage to classic prison-break movies.

Shrek IMDb – 7.9/10 RT – 88% AS – 83.5
Animation/Comedy U/PG 1h 30m

Shrek (2001)

An ogre sets out to reclaim his swamp – but ends up on a journey that changes everything.

Directed by: Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson
Run time: 90 minutes
Perfect for fans of: Tangled, The Princess Bride, fairy tale comedies

Once upon a time, there was an ogre named Shrek who just wanted to live in peace in his swamp. When the evil Lord Farquaad banishes all the fairytale creatures from the land to his home, Shrek must go on a quest to save a beautiful princess and win his swamp back. The film is a clever and irreverent animated comedy that satirizes the classic fairytale tropes and helped redefine the animated genre. It won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Pig IMDb – 6.9/10 RT – 97% AS – 83
Drama 15/R 1h 32m

Pig (2021)

A reclusive truffle hunter embarks on a journey – searching for the one thing he holds most dear.

Directed by: Michael Sarnoski
Run time: 92 minutes
Awards Won: Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay
Perfect for fans of: First Cow, The Wrestler, introspective character dramas

What if a former star chef lived a reclusive life in the woods with his beloved truffle pig? In this unique and emotional drama, a man (Nicolas Cage) returns to his old life in Portland to find his stolen pig. The film is a surprisingly poignant and moving meditation on grief, art, and what it means to be a human being, with a career-best performance from Nicolas Cage.

Beetlejuice IMDb – 7.5/10 RT – 83% AS – 79
Comedy/Fantasy 12/PG 1h 32m

Beetlejuice (1988)

A mischievous spirit offers his help – but his chaos quickly spirals out of control.

Directed by: Tim Burton
Run time: 92 minutes
Awards Won: Academy Award for Best Makeup, Saturn Award for Best Horror Film
Perfect for fans of: Ghostbusters, Edward Scissorhands, quirky supernatural comedies

A recently deceased couple returns to their home as ghosts to find that a pretentious family has moved in. They try to scare them away, but their attempts are futile. As a last resort, they summon a mischievous and vulgar spirit known as Beetlejuice. Directed by Tim Burton, this film is a hilarious and visually stunning dark fantasy-comedy that is filled with memorable characters, a whimsical score, and a one-of-a-kind art style.

Liar Liar IMDb – 6.9/10 RT – 83% AS – 76
Comedy 12/PG-13 1h 26m

Liar Liar (1997)

A fast-talking lawyer wakes up to a nightmare – he can’t lie for 24 hours.

Directed by: Tom Shadyac
Run time: 86 minutes
Perfect for fans of: Bruce Almighty, Yes Man, high-energy comedies

What if a fast-talking lawyer couldn’t lie for 24 hours? A lawyer (Jim Carrey) who lies for a living finds himself in a hilarious predicament when his son makes a wish that his father can’t tell a lie for 24 hours. The film is a classic Jim Carrey comedy that’s a perfect showcase for his unique brand of physical comedy and a surprisingly heartfelt story about a father who learns to tell the truth.

Here are the highest rated movies on Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb.

If Anything Happens I Love You IMDb – 7.8/10 RT – 100% AS – 89
Animation/Drama PG/NR 12m

If Anything Happens I Love You (2020)

Two grieving parents struggle to move forward – haunted by the memories of their lost child.

Directed by: Will McCormack, Michael Govier
Run time: 12 minutes
Awards Won: Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film
Perfect for fans of: The House, The Breadwinner, emotionally powerful animated films

A heartbreaking and powerful animated short film that explores a couple’s emotional aftermath following the death of their child. The film is a silent and minimalist masterpiece, using beautiful animation to tell a story of immense pain and loss, while finding a glimmer of hope in the darkness. It’s a gut-wrenching, but incredibly powerful film that won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.

Anima IMDb – 7.6/10 RT – 100% AS – 88
Short/Music NR/NR 15m

Anima (2019)

A surreal journey through movement, music, and dreams – where reality bends and emotions take centre stage.

Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson
Run time: 15 minutes
Perfect for fans of: Black Mirror, In the Mood for Love, visually striking experimental films

A short, experimental film from director Paul Thomas Anderson and singer Thom Yorke of Radiohead. The film is a surreal and haunting visual journey that follows Yorke through a series of mind-bending sequences, set to the music from his solo album of the same name. It’s a unique and stunning film that’s a perfect collaboration between two of the greatest minds in their respective fields.

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On IMDb – 7.6/10 RT – 98% AS – 87
Animation/Comedy PG/PG 1h 30m

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021)

A tiny shell with a big heart embarks on a journey – searching for family, connection, and meaning.

Directed by: Dean Fleischer Camp
Run time: 90 minutes
Awards Won: Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature
Perfect for fans of: Paddington, Fantastic Mr. Fox, heartfelt animated films

Meet Marcel, a one-inch-tall shell with one eye and a pair of tiny shoes who lives a simple but happy life with his grandmother. When a documentary filmmaker moves into his house, he decides to make a film about Marcel to help him find his family. The film is a heartwarming, funny, and deeply profound look at life, love, and what it means to be a part of a family.

The Babadook IMDb – 6.8/10 RT – 98% AS – 83
Horror 15/NR 1h 34m

The Babadook (2014)

A mother and son are haunted by a sinister presence – one that refuses to stay hidden.

Directed by: Jennifer Kent
Run time: 94 minutes
Awards Won: AACTA Award for Best Film, Best Direction, Best Original Screenplay
Perfect for fans of: Hereditary, The Witch, psychological horror films

A single mother is struggling to raise her unruly son, who has a fear of a monster from a children’s book. But as the pages turn, the monster becomes a terrifying reality, and she must fight to save her son and herself. The film is a chilling and unsettling horror film that’s also a powerful metaphor for grief and depression. It’s a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a psychological horror film.

The Squid and the Whale IMDb – 7.3/10 RT – 91% AS – 82
Drama 15/R 1h 21m

The Squid and the Whale (2005)

A family unravels after divorce – leaving two brothers caught between loyalty, resentment, and self-discovery.

Directed by: Noah Baumbach
Run time: 81 minutes
Awards Won: Sundance Film Festival Award for Best Dramatic Direction and Screenwriting
Perfect for fans of: Marriage Story, Lady Bird, sharp indie dramas

In this brutally honest and hilarious coming-of-age story, a pretentious and self-absorbed author is going through a bitter divorce from his wife. Their two sons are caught in the middle, and as they navigate their parents’ acrimony, they find themselves questioning their own identities. The film is a raw, funny, and deeply human look at the complexities of family and divorce.

Blue Jay IMDb – 7.3/10 RT – 91% AS – 82
Drama/Romance NR/NR 1h 20m

Blue Jay (2016)

Two former lovers reunite by chance – revisiting the past and wondering what could have been.

Directed by: Alex Lehmann
Run time: 80 minutes
Perfect for fans of: Before Sunrise, Lost in Translation, intimate romantic dramas

Two former high school sweethearts, who haven’t spoken in 20 years, run into each other at a grocery store and decide to spend the night together. Over the course of a night, they relive their memories, share their regrets, and try to understand what happened between them. This film is a beautifully shot and acted romance with a powerful and emotional story.

Corpse Bride IMDb – 7.4/10 RT – 84% AS – 79
Animation/Fantasy PG/PG 1h 17m

Corpse Bride (2005)

A nervous groom makes a mistake – and finds himself married to a bride from beyond the grave.

Directed by: Tim Burton, Mike Johnson
Run time: 77 minutes
Awards Won: Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature
Perfect for fans of: The Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline, gothic fantasy tales

From the mind of Tim Burton, this stop-motion animated film tells the tale of a shy young man, Victor, who is set to marry the beautiful Victoria. When he rehearses his vows in the woods, he accidentally proposes to a ghostly corpse bride who takes him to the underworld. The film is a charming, visually stunning, and macabre love story that’s a perfect showcase for Burton’s signature style.

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More IMDb – 7.8/10 RT – N/A AS – 78
Short/Drama NR/NR 39m

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More (2024)

Four tales unfold – each one exploring fate, ambition, and the unexpected.

Directed by: Wes Anderson
Run time: 88 minutes
Perfect for fans of: Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Grand Budapest Hotel, visually striking anthology films

Legendary director Wes Anderson brings his unique visual style to this collection of four short films based on the classic stories by Roald Dahl. From a man who can see without his eyes to a boy who can talk to animals, the stories are a feast for the eyes and a testament to the magic of storytelling. The film won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.

Run IMDb – 6.7/10 RT – 88% AS – 77.5
Thriller 15/PG-13 1h 30m

Run (2020)

A teenager begins to suspect that her mother’s care – is hiding something far more sinister.

Directed by: Aneesh Chaganty
Run time: 89 minutes
Perfect for fans of: Searching, Misery, psychological thrillers

A young girl in a wheelchair, who has been homeschooled by her mother her entire life, begins to suspect that her mother is hiding a dark secret from her. As she tries to escape from her home, she uncovers the horrifying truth about her mother’s intentions. The film is a tense and terrifying psychological thriller with a fantastic performance from its lead, Sarah Paulson.

The Fundamentals of Caring IMDb – 7.3/10 RT – 80% AS – 76.5
Drama/Comedy 15/TV-MA 1h 37m

The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)

A caregiver and his sarcastic patient hit the road – discovering more than just roadside attractions.

Directed by: Rob Burnett
Run time: 93 minutes
Perfect for fans of: Little Miss Sunshine, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, heartfelt road trip films

A man (Paul Rudd) who is still grieving the loss of his son takes a job as a caregiver for a sarcastic teenager with muscular dystrophy. As they go on a road trip to see a few roadside attractions, they find a new sense of purpose and an unlikely friendship. The film is a funny, heartfelt, and moving story about finding hope and humour in the face of adversity.

The Guilty IMDb – 6.3/10 RT – 74% AS – 68.5
Thriller 15/TV-MA 1h 30m

The Guilty (2021)

A 911 operator receives a call – and quickly realises that nothing is as it seems.

Directed by: Antoine Fuqua
Run time: 90 minutes
Perfect for fans of: Phone Booth, Locke, tense single-location thrillers

A demoted police detective (Jake Gyllenhaal) is working in a 911 dispatch center when he receives a frantic call from a woman who has been kidnapped. As he tries to save her, he finds himself in a high-stakes race against time, all while uncovering a shocking conspiracy. The film is a masterful and nail-biting thriller that all takes place in a single room. It’s an intense and captivating ride from start to finish.

You might also be interested in…

Best Short Movies On Netflix

Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult (1994)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply