From almost 100 shorts to watch on Disney+, here are 17 of my favourites, award winners, critically acclaimed and cult favourites.
WYALAN Ranked, Rated and Recommended
WYALAN star rating explained:
- 5 stars – Highly enjoyed and would highly recommend as a must watch
- 4 stars – Enjoyed and would watch again in the future
- 3 stars – Glad I watched it once, but I’ll probably never watch it again
- 2 stars – Watched to the end, but I wouldn’t watch it again
- 1 star – DNF (did not finish)
Bao (2018) – Pixar/Family
For fans of: Turning Red, Inside Out, The Red Turtle
This Oscar-winning short follows a lonely mother who gets a second chance at motherhood when one of her dumplings comes to life, blending surreal whimsy with emotional depth. WYALAN Rating – 5/5
The Blue Umbrella (2013) – Pixar/Romance
For fans of: Paperman, Wall-E, Amélie
Two umbrellas fall in love on a rainy city street in this atmospheric short praised for its photorealism and emotional simplicity. WYALAN Rating – 5/5
More best lists on Disney+:
Action TV Shows On Disney+ ~ Sci-Fi On Disney+ ~ Horror movies On Disney+ ~ Movies On Disney+ For Adults ~ Rom Coms On Disney+ ~ Action Movies On Disney+ ~ Disney+ Comedies For Adults ~ Dramas On Disney+ ~ Documentaries on Disney+ ~ Halloween Movies & Shows On Disney+ ~ New Shows And Movies On Disney+
Award Winners
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore (2011) – Animation/Literary
For fans of: The Little Prince, Hugo, Up
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Short, this poetic tale celebrates the healing power of stories through a whimsical library and a silent protagonist.
If Anything Happens I Love You (2020) – Drama/Animated
For fans of: Grave of the Fireflies, The Breadwinner, My Life as a Zucchini
This haunting Oscar-winning short explores grief and memory after a school shooting, using minimalist animation to evoke profound emotion.
Paperman (2012) – Romance/Animation
For fans of: Wall-E, La La Land, The Artist
Blending hand-drawn and CG animation, this Academy Award-winning short tells a silent love story through paper airplanes and serendipity.
Feast (2014) – Pixar/Pet Story
For fans of: Bolt, Lady and the Tramp, Luca
Told from the perspective of a dog named Winston, this Oscar-winning short captures the emotional journey of his owner through food, love, and change.
Critically Acclaimed
Out (2020) – LGBTQ+/Pixar
For fans of: Heartstopper, Steven Universe, Luca
This SparkShorts entry earned praise for its heartfelt portrayal of coming out, using magical realism and a talking dog to explore identity and acceptance.
Piper (2016) – Pixar/Nature
For fans of: Finding Nemo, The Blue Umbrella, Presto
A baby sandpiper learns to overcome fear in this visually stunning short praised for its photorealistic animation and gentle storytelling.
Burrow (2020) – Pixar/Animal
For fans of: Winnie the Pooh, Ernest & Celestine, Over the Hedge
A young rabbit tries to build her dream home underground, only to discover a bustling community of creatures in this charming short about vulnerability and connection.
Float (2019) – Pixar/Parenting
For fans of: The Babadook, Raising Dion, Inside Out
A father struggles to hide his son’s ability to float in this metaphorical short praised for its emotional resonance and Filipino-American representation.
La Luna (2011) – Pixar/Fantasy
For fans of: Stardust, Hugo, The Little Prince
A boy joins his father and grandfather on a magical moon-cleaning job in this lyrical short that explores tradition, wonder, and individuality.
Cult Favourites
Forky Asks a Question (2019–2020) – Pixar/Comedy
For fans of: Toy Story, Ask the StoryBots, Bluey
Forky, the confused spork from Toy Story 4, asks life’s big questions in this quirky series that blends humour with gentle life lessons.
Tin Toy (1988) – Pixar/Classic
For fans of: Toy Story, Small Soldiers, The Brave Little Toaster
This early Pixar short follows a one-man-band toy trying to survive a destructive baby, earning cult status for its pioneering CG animation.
Lava (2014) – Pixar/Musical
For fans of: Moana, Brother Bear, The Little Mermaid
A lonely volcano sings of love in this Hawaiian-inspired musical short that built a passionate fanbase for its visuals and emotional melody.
Day & Night (2010) – Pixar/Conceptual
For fans of: Fantasia, Soul, Inside Out
Two characters representing day and night discover each other’s worlds in this abstract short praised for its inventive animation and philosophical undertones.
Smash and Grab (2019) – Pixar/Sci-Fi
For fans of: Wall-E, Robots, Love, Death & Robots
Two robot workers break free from their oppressive routine in this SparkShorts entry that earned cult acclaim for its silent storytelling and emotional punch.
Kitbull (2019) – Pixar/Animal
For fans of: The Fox and the Hound, The Secret Life of Pets, Bolt
A stray kitten and an abused pit bull form an unlikely bond in this hand-drawn short that resonated deeply with animal lovers and animation fans.