20 Short Films to Watch During the Week

With the rush of everyday life, we don't always have time to watch long and complex films. With this in mind, we selected twenty short films, around 90 minutes long, perfect for watching during the week, when you leave work and take a nap in between.

The list includes several genres, ensuring that everyone will find something they like, although it is dominated by animation, due to the time of the films.

Because we constantly strive for diversity when choosing works, we had to exclude some of our favorites from the list. We also tried to include more famous titles in it, which have probably already been seen by a large part of the population so that it is easier to understand during a tiring day.

1. Toy Story (1995)

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Duration: 81 minutes

IMDb rating: 8.3

Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 100%

The Pixar classic "Toy Story" follows the adventures of Andy's toys when he's not around. With an innovative story and charismatic characters, it is a film that defined generations and introduced the magic of Pixar to the world of cinema.

2. The Lion King (1994)

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama

Duration: 88 minutes

IMDb rating: 8.5

Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 93%

Another animated classic, "The Lion King" chronicles the journey of Simba, a young lion who must claim his place as king of the Savannah after the death of his father. With memorable songs (Hakuna Matata?) and a moving story, it's a film that continues to enchant generations.

3. Spirited Away (2001)

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family

Duration: 125 minutes

IMDb rating: 8.6

Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 97%

Although it slightly exceeds 90 minutes, "Spirited Away" is an essential animation from Studio Ghibli and the first non-American animated film to receive an Oscar. The story follows Chihiro, a girl who finds herself in a magical world while trying to save her parents. Stunning animation and rich storytelling make this film a masterpiece.

4. Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Genre: Animation, Family, Fantasy

Duration: 84 minutes

IMDb rating: 8.0

Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 94%

"Beauty and the Beast" is a charming love story between an intelligent young woman and a cursed beast, teaching us that the important thing in a relationship is not beauty (as long as you are rich and a man).

With iconic songs and wonderful animation, it's a Disney classic that continues to be loved by many.

5. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Genre: Animation, Family, Fantasy

Duration: 76 minutes

IMDb rating: 8.0

Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 95%

This stop-motion film by Tim Burton is a cult classic that magically combines Halloween and Christmas. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, tries to bring Christmas to Halloween Town, with hilarious and touching results.

6. Zombieland (2009)

Genre: Action, Comedy, Horror

Duration: 88 minutes

IMDb rating: 7.6

Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 89%

"Zombieland" is a horror comedy that follows four survivors of a zombie apocalypse as they travel across the USA. With a stellar cast (Emma Stone is in the film) and a creative script, the film balances humor and scares brilliantly, making it fun and electrifying entertainment, in the same time as you can watch two episodes of a series...

7. 12 Angry Men (1957)

Genre: Drama

Duration: 96 minutes

IMDb rating: 9.0

Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 100%

This classic courtroom drama, directed by Sidney Lumet, tells the story of twelve jurors who must decide the fate of a young man accused of murder. With incredible performances and a tense narrative, it is a film that explores justice and prejudice in an incisive and engaging way.

8. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Genre: Animation, Family, Fantasy

Duration: 86 minutes

IMDb rating: 8.2

Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 94%

Another of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki's masterpieces, "My Neighbor Totoro" is a charming film that follows two sisters who move to the countryside and encounter magical creatures.

Totoro, the spirit of the forest, has become a pop culture icon, and the film is a visual and emotional delight that celebrates childhood and nature.

9. Run Lola Run (1998)

Genre: Action, Thriller

Duration: 80 minutes

IMDb rating: 7.7

Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 93%

"Run Lola Run" is a fast-paced thriller that follows Lola as she races against time to save her boyfriend. With an innovative narrative and a fast pace, the film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. It is an intense and exciting cinematic experience.

10. Moonlight (2016)

Genre: Drama

Duration: 111 minutes

IMDb rating: 7.4

Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 98%

Although slightly over 90 minutes, "Moonlight" is a powerful and moving film that was nominated for an Oscar in its debut year, chronicling the life of a young African-American man as he grapples with his sexuality and identity. With exceptional performances and sensitive direction, it is a contemporary masterpiece that provokes profound reflections on life and acceptance.

11. The Incredibles (2004)

Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure

Duration: 115 minutes

IMDb rating: 8.0

Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 97%

Another film that slightly exceeds 90 minutes, "The Incredibles" is a Pixar animation about a family of superheroes trying to live a normal life. With exciting action, a witty script and phenomenal voice acting, it's a film that will appeal to all ages.

12. The Iron Giant (1999)

Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure

Duration: 86 minutes

IMDb rating: 8.0

Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 96%

"The Iron Giant" is a classic animation that tells the story of a boy who befriends a giant robot from another planet. With a powerful message about friendship and acceptance, it's a moving film that continues to make audiences cry.

13. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Duration: 85 minutes

IMDb rating: 7.4

Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 95%

Another stop-motion animation, this time not from Tim Burton, this one follows Wallace and his dog Gromit as they try to capture a giant rabbit that is destroying the city's gardens. With British humor and charming animation, it is, like many others on this list, a fun film for the whole family.

14. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Genre: Comedy, Horror

Duration: 99 minutes

IMDb rating: 7.9

Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 92%

"Shaun of the Dead" is a British horror comedy that follows Shaun as he tries to survive a zombie apocalypse, even its title is a pun on the famous film Dawn of the Dead. With sharp humor and an engaging narrative, it is a film that brilliantly balances scares and laughs.

15. Before Sunrise (1995)

Genre: Drama, Romance

Duration: 101 minutes

IMDb rating: 8.1

Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 100%

"Before Sunrise" is 101 minutes long, not 90, but its inclusion on the list is mandatory when it comes to short films, due to its captivating and intimate narrative. The film follows two young people who meet on a train and spend a night together in Vienna, exploring the city and sharing their lives. It is a novel that enchants with its deep dialogues and authentic characters.

16. Inside Out (2015)

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Duration: 95 minutes

IMDb rating: 8.1

Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 98%

Although it also slightly exceeds 90 minutes, "Inside Out" is a Pixar animation that is worth every second. The film follows the emotions inside a young girl's mind as she deals with moving cities. With a unique and moving approach, it is a film that touches the hearts of all ages. In addition to all this, 2 has just debuted in theaters, a great time to see 1 again!

17. Finding Nemo (2003)

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Duration: 100 minutes

IMDb rating: 8.1

Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 99%

"Finding Nemo" is an adorable, classic and acclaimed Pixar animation about a clownfish who embarks on a journey to find his lost son. With memorable characters and stunning animation for its time (which has aged very well), it's a film that continues to delight viewers of all ages.

18. WALL-E (2008)

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family

Duration: 98 minutes

IMDb rating: 8.4

Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 95%

"WALL-E" is a Pixar animation that follows a lonely robot, tasked with single-handedly ridding the earth of all its trash. On an abandoned planet, he discovers love and the importance of preserving the environment. With a visually stunning narrative and a powerful message, it is a film that resonates deeply with all audiences.

19. The Little Prince (2015)

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama

Duration: 108 minutes

IMDb rating: 7.7

Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 93%

Another film that runs a little over 90 minutes, "The Little Prince" is a charming adaptation of the literary classic that combines stop-motion animation and CGI. The film tells the story of a young girl who discovers the universe of the Little Prince through an eccentric neighbor. It is a work that celebrates imagination and the importance of maintaining childhood innocence.

20. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama

Duration: 99 minutes

IMDb rating: 8.1

Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

"The Grand Budapest Hotel" is a Wes Anderson comedy-drama that follows the adventures of a concierge at a famous European hotel. With a unique visual style and a stellar cast, it's a captivating and engaging film that exceeds the time limit given by us at just 9 minutes, but deserves a place on the list for its exceptional quality.

These twenty short films offer various genres and emotions, perfect to fit into a busy week full of appointments or meetings. Each of them was chosen to bring a unique experience, whether animation, drama, comedy or adventure. Although we admit to having many animations on the list.

Which of these films have you already watched or plan to watch? Leave your opinion in the comments!