A curated collection of independent horror short films, featuring hand-picked short horror films from emerging filmmakers.
The Backrooms
Directed by Kane Parsons
Cast: Kane Parsons
Recommended by Buried Films (26 Films)
Hand-picked short horror films curated by Buried Films. This selection rotates regularly, spotlighting standout work that blows us away.
The Smiling Man
A little girl home alone finds herself face-to-face with pure evil.
There Comes a Knocking
A grieving woman installs an antique door into her home, which opens herself up to the other side.
Every Night I See Them
A man does everything in his power to not fall asleep in an attempt to escape certain death.
Close Your Eyes
A musician's quiet evening turns into a night of terror when he sees his roommate sleepwalking.
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?
Larry
A man. A parking lot. A friendship.
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.
Playback
A couple stops at an old motel, and finds a mysterious VHS tape. Submission for the Jakob Owens Horror Short Film Contest 2025
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...
Don’t Feed The Cat
Chloe finds a cat trapped in her sick grandfather's basement.
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The last 10 short horror films that have been added to Buried Films.
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
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.
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.
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.
1-5 Minute Shorts (32 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 Witch
A woman is haunted by a presence. Every night it comes back. But is it real, or just her imagination?
Beast of Prey
A woman finds herself locked in an isolated cabin with something sinister on the other side of the door.
Guide My Slay
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.
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?
Salt
A demonic presence closes in on a mother and her sick daughter. Their only protection - a ring of salt.
The Whisperer
A girl hears strange whispering while home alone at night.
After Hours
Short horror film After Hours by Jakob Owens. Sequel to After Dark. Vinny realizes something's wrong when a trail of blood leads inside a cabin with his friends nowhere to be found. After coming face to face with a mysterious creature, he must fight to escape the creatures that lurk at night.
Midnight Snack
A noise awakens a women who finds something sinister looking for a MIDNIGHT SNACK.
Augmented
Left with only a note and pair of sunglasses when she awakens, a young woman discovers something terrifying on the "other side" when she puts the glasses on.
Fresh Ink
A man finds a mysterious warning note tucked away inside of an old book. He soon finds out he's not alone.
5-10 Minute Shorts (38 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.
Every Night I See Them
A man does everything in his power to not fall asleep in an attempt to escape certain death.
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.
Don’t Peek
A young woman discovers a frightening video game character intent on crossing into the real world.
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.
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.
The Treatment & The Cure
Two rogue scientists strive to create the cure to save humanity from a deadly plague that could wipe out all of humankind.
Disinfectant
The janitor loves his job. The demon loves its food. Submission for the Jakob Owens Horror Short Film Contest 2023.
They Hear It
There are some sounds only children can hear.
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.
VIDEO 4
A woman finds an old video camera with a mysterious tape labeled VIDEO 4.
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.
Static
Charlotte, a sleep-deprived new mother grappling with postpartum depression, begins to hear unsettling interference noises emanating from her baby monitor.
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.
$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?
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 Jester: Chapter 2
The Jester returns in this sequel short film to continue to spread his Halloween cheer.
Disguise
A woman encounters a malevolent presence in her house that can disguise itself as anything.
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 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.
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!
Pretty Pickle
MATURE - As he spends more time with his new girlfriend, a young man begins to privately dwell upon one of her quirks, leading him to a troubling discovery.
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.
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.
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.
Other Side of the Box
A couple receives a mysterious package from an old friend.
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.
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.
Psychological Horror (40 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.
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.
Every Night I See Them
A man does everything in his power to not fall asleep in an attempt to escape certain death.
The Witch
A woman is haunted by a presence. Every night it comes back. But is it real, or just her imagination?
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 Itch
A psychological sci-fi horror story about a young man who awakens in an unfamiliar apartment only to find himself under surveillance… and decaying rapidly. He relies on an enigmatic set of vaccines he discovers in the bathroom to slow his decline, but quickly plots revenge on his unseen watcher as his condition continues to deteriorate.
The Veil
A woman discovers a sinister presence that can only be seen through her shower curtain.
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.
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.
There Comes a Knocking
A grieving woman installs an antique door into her home, which opens herself up to the other side.
Lucid
With a unique power to Lucid Dream, a widower must find his dead wife before she is consumed by a nightmarish entity.
Supernatural (50 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.
Late Fees
A video store clerk collects the souls of patrons who forget to return their movies on time.
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.
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?
Whisper
A young woman is haunted by ghost that her Amazon Echo picks up on.
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.
Catch Your Breath
A shy teenager (Andrew) is peer pressured by his older brother (Mike) into playing a game that is said to summon the ghost of the town legend, 'The Lady Beneath'. To disprove his brother and impress a girl at school he reluctantly agrees. The rules of the game are simple, as long as Andrew holds his breath, he is safe from The Lady Beneath. But how long can Andrew hold his breath?
The Whisperer
A girl hears strange whispering while home alone at night.
One Last Dive
With only 20 minutes left to investigate an underwater crime scene, a diver goes for one last dive.
Close Your Eyes
A musician's quiet evening turns into a night of terror when he sees his roommate sleepwalking.
They Hear It
There are some sounds only children can hear.
Creature (30 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.
Don’t Peek
A young woman discovers a frightening video game character intent on crossing into the real world.
Glaistig
A young woman is haunted by visions of a demon-like creature—visions she’s convinced are real, stemming from one terrifying night deep in the woods with her boyfriend and their roommate. Brushed off as drunken delusion, her warnings go unheeded… until it’s far too late.
Ding Dong
Someone-- or something-- plays Ding Dong Ditch with a girl who's home alone.
The Whisperer
A girl hears strange whispering while home alone at night.
Make It Stop
Anna Bowman’s patient, Jacob hears voices and sounds again, thinking it is God. She tries to solve this issue only to be confronted by what these voices really are.
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.
MORA
A struggling artist searches for a mysterious woman that shows up in gruesome AI-generated images.
Be Quiet
A young girl is woken in the night by her brother, who believes something is in the house with them.
Midnight Snack
A noise awakens a women who finds something sinister looking for a MIDNIGHT SNACK.
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.
Comedy (4 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.
Sugar Tits
A teeth-obsessed serial killer kidnaps a new victim to complete his deranged masterpiece.
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.
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.
Nope
A man discovers a disturbance in his home and wastes no time deciding what to do about it.
Slasher (11 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.
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.
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?
Guide My Slay
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.
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!
Hobby Night
A man conceals his double life.
The Jester: Chapter 2
The Jester returns in this sequel short film to continue to spread his Halloween cheer.
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.
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.
Sugar Tits
A teeth-obsessed serial killer kidnaps a new victim to complete his deranged masterpiece.
TRICK or TREAT!
During their first Halloween in their new home, Travis and Beth encounter an unexpected trick or treater.
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.
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.
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.
All Films (99 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.
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!
Disinfectant
The janitor loves his job. The demon loves its food. Submission for the Jakob Owens Horror Short Film Contest 2023.
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
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 Door
A mother grieving over her daughter's disappearance struggles to move on after she becomes obsessed with a mysterious door that appears in her house.
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.
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.
Call of the Ocean
A woman finds a beautiful seashell on the beach, and then something unexpected happens…
Close Your Eyes
A musician's quiet evening turns into a night of terror when he sees his roommate sleepwalking.
Ignore It
A family struggles to live with a spirit that becomes deadly if its presence is acknowledged.