10 Best Horror Shorts on YouTube for a Quick Scare

by

Short horror films are a great way for new directors to get started, or for online creators to build an audience. Horror fans just want a quick, satisfying scare, and these shorts deliver that. They’re perfect as a preview for a longer movie, or for enjoying a night of spooky short films. However, finding good ones on platforms like YouTube can be hit or miss. While there are some gems, you’ll also encounter low-quality, AI-generated content and shorts that don’t quite hit the mark.

We’ve put together a list of 10 of the best horror short films on YouTube to help you find something scary to watch.

‘Camping Fun’ (2020) by Thomas Burke

Thomas Burke’s short horror film, *Camping Fun*, isn’t a fun camping trip – and that’s the point! It delivers everything fans love in found footage horror: a group of friends venturing into the unknown, a creepy, threatening presence, and a surprising twist you won’t soon forget. The film cleverly introduces the characters before quickly throwing them into a chaotic situation – imagine a faster-paced *Blair Witch Project*, and you’ll have a good idea of what to expect. You can find other short films and trailers for Burke’s work on his channel.

‘Gacha Gacha’ (2018) by Dave Jackson

I’ve always loved the simple joy of gacha toys – you put in a coin, turn the handle, and get a little surprise! It’s something people have been enjoying for ages, even my grandparents had a version of it. But Dave Jackson’s short film, *Gacha Gacha*, takes that fun and twists it into something hilariously creepy and genuinely scary. It’s about someone getting a prize they *really* didn’t expect! There’s also this intriguing hint that there’s something bigger going on with these capsule toys, and honestly, it feels like it could be a whole movie…but I think it works perfectly as the short, punchy horror story it is.

‘My House Walk-Through’ (2016) by PiroPito

Just what *is* this unsettling experience?! “My House Walk-Through” initially gained attention online for presenting itself as a true story, before it was revealed to be an experimental film by PiroPito. The film is subtly brilliant in how it builds a truly nightmarish atmosphere. It follows a silent character walking through their family home, with text providing background details. Everything feels realistic, yet deeply disturbing, and the hidden secrets of the house slowly unnerve you. Visually, it strongly evokes the unsettling style of the game *Silent Hill* for those familiar with it.

‘Portrait of God’ (2022) by Dylan Clark

Dylan Clark’s short film, Portrait of God, is rich with unsettling atmosphere and perfectly demonstrates the power of the short film format. The story centers on a girl’s school presentation about a mysterious painting, also titled “The Portrait of God.” Her project takes a dark turn when she discovers some viewers can’t see a figure in the disturbing artwork. Unlike many horror shorts that rely on jump scares, this film creates a deeper, more unsettling feeling of existential dread that will stay with you.

‘Treevenge’ (2008) by Jason Eisener

If you enjoy holiday horror, you’re in for a treat! This Canadian short film, *Treevenge*, gives Christmas trees a voice – and a thirst for revenge! It’s a darkly comedic and gory tale about what happens when trees decide they’ve had enough of being taken for granted. Expect plenty of blood and laughs, as these pines fight back against the people who bring them home. From the director of *Hobo with a Shotgun*, Jason Eisener, *Treevenge* is a unique Christmas ‘present’ you’ll want to unwrap every year.

‘The Smiling Man’ (2016) by A.J. Briones

A.J. Briones’ short film, *The Smiling Man*, quickly gained popularity online, and it’s not hard to understand why. The film is deeply unsettling and disturbing, largely due to the genuinely frightening creature at its center. The fact that a child is the one facing this strange being adds to the feeling of unease. Briones is an accomplished visual effects artist with credits on major franchises like *Avatar* and *Planet of the Apes*, and it would be exciting to see him bring his talents to directing more horror films and creating even more terrifying monsters.

‘Warnings’ (2023) by Curry Barker

Curry Barker, a filmmaker known for his horror creations, gained a following with his feature film, *Milk & Serial*, which he released on his YouTube channel, “that’s a bad idea.” But *Milk & Serial* wasn’t a one-time project—Barker is a dedicated horror fan with a catalog of excellent short films on his channel. We especially recommend *Warnings*, a chilling short where a mysterious note leads a man (played by Barker) to question his sanity. After that, feel free to explore any of the other shorts on his channel—they’re all worth watching.

‘No Through Road’ (2009) by Steven Chamberlain

A group of British teenagers accidentally get lost on a deserted road and become trapped in a repeating cycle. The radio malfunctions, and they realize someone – or something – is following them. This early online horror film, called *No Through Road*, gained attention for how realistic it felt, genuinely frightening viewers. While it’s become a bit lost to time due to the fast-paced nature of the internet, it’s still worth watching. You can find updates and analyses of the film on YouTube and other online channels.

‘Light’s Out’ (2013) by David F. Sandberg

I first saw “Lights Out” online and it totally blew me away – it’s easily one of the scariest short horror films I’ve ever seen! The director, David F. Sandberg, did such a great job that Hollywood asked him to turn it into a full movie. Honestly, though, the short is way better – it just builds this incredibly creepy feeling that leads to a truly terrifying ending. You’ve probably already seen it because it got so popular, but if not, or even if you have, it’s worth another watch… if you want a good scare and don’t mind losing some sleep!

‘Curve’ (2016) by Tim Egan

I was genuinely disturbed watching “Curve.” It’s amazing how a film can tap into such basic fears – the image of someone hanging over a cliff with nothing but darkness underneath really got to me. What’s strange is that even though the space feels huge, it also feels incredibly closed in. And you don’t even need to *see* what’s down there to feel a real fear of heights! It’s a simple film, but incredibly effective, and it really stays with you, making you think about what the main character is going through. What I didn’t realize at first is that this film is deeply personal for the director, Tim Egan. He made it to process his own grief and trauma after a car accident, and that vulnerability makes the fear feel even more real and relatable.

Read More

2025-10-07 02:04