Animation is an art form that often shines in short bursts. While many people focus on full-length animated films, there’s a treasure trove of animated shorts that deserve more attention. These shorts are often overlooked but showcase incredible creativity, unique storytelling, and stunning animation. Here are some of the best animated shorts that deserve more recognition.
1. The Present (2014)
The Present tells the emotional story of a young boy who receives a gift from his mother: a puppy with only three legs. Initially, the boy rejects the puppy, but over time, they form a bond that changes his perspective on life.
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Why It Deserves Recognition: The film tackles themes of acceptance, empathy, and overcoming adversity. With beautiful animation and a touching story, The Present packs a lot of emotion into a short runtime.
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What Makes It Stand Out: The subtle yet powerful message and the way it conveys emotion without dialogue make this short stand out as a must-watch.
2. Paperman (2012)
Paperman, produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, is a black-and-white short that tells the story of a young man who uses paper airplanes to win the attention of a woman he meets on his daily commute. The film blends traditional animation with CGI and is celebrated for its beautiful visuals and romantic storyline.
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Why It Deserves Recognition: Paperman won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short, but it still doesn’t get as much attention as many other Disney classics. It perfectly captures the feeling of serendipity and the power of human connection.
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What Makes It Stand Out: The unique blend of animation techniques and its heartfelt, wordless story make this a standout piece.
3. World of Tomorrow (2015)
World of Tomorrow follows Emily, a young girl, who is visited by a clone of herself from the future. The clone explains her future, leading to a journey through time, technology, and human existence.
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Why It Deserves Recognition: It’s an experimental and thought-provoking short that blends humor with deep philosophical themes.
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What Makes It Unique: Its abstract animation and intellectual storytelling make it stand out as one of the most innovative shorts.
4. The Silent Child (2017)
The Silent Child follows Libby, a deaf girl who learns sign language from a social worker. The film highlights the challenges deaf children face in communicating with their families.
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Why It Deserves Recognition: Winner of the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film, this short raises awareness about communication barriers for the deaf.
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What Makes It Unique: Its emotional depth and focus on inclusion make it a powerful and touching film.
5. Feast (2014)
Feast is a heartwarming story about a dog named Winston who falls in love with his owner’s food habits. The short shows Winston’s journey through his owner’s changing life.
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Why It Deserves Recognition: The Academy Award-winning short conveys a deep emotional story with minimal dialogue.
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What Makes It Unique: The clever storytelling and charming animation make it a standout.
6. A Single Life (2014)
A Single Life follows a woman who finds a vinyl record that allows her to manipulate time. As she plays it, she experiences different stages of her life, prompting reflections on aging.
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Why It Deserves Recognition: The film cleverly explores the passage of time and personal choices with humor and depth.
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What Makes It Unique: Its imaginative storytelling and emotional punch in such a short period make it a gem.
7. La Maison en Petits Cubes (2008)
This Oscar-winning short follows an elderly man who dives into the flooded parts of his home to recover a lost item. Along the way, he encounters memories of his past.
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Why It Deserves Recognition: The short offers a beautiful meditation on memory, loss, and aging, using simple but stunning animation.
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What Makes It Unique: The use of water as a metaphor for memory makes this short emotionally powerful and visually unique.
8. Lava (2014)
Lava tells the story of a lonely volcano named Uku, who dreams of finding love. The film uses the eruption of a volcano as a metaphor for longing and desire.
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Why It Deserves Recognition: While charming, this Pixar short doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. It combines stunning visuals with a catchy song to convey deep emotions.
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What Makes It Unique: The use of music to tell the story and the gorgeous animation make it unforgettable.
9. Piper (2016)
Piper is about a young shorebird learning to fish. She overcomes her fear of the ocean, embarking on a journey of self-discovery. The animation is incredibly detailed and lifelike.
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Why It Deserves Recognition: Though it won an Academy Award, Piper is often overshadowed by other Pixar films. Its heartwarming narrative and realistic animation make it stand out.
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What Makes It Unique: The lifelike animation and emotional journey of growth and courage make this short a standout.
10. The Blue Umbrella (2013)
The Blue Umbrella tells the story of two umbrellas—one blue and one red—falling in love on a rainy day. The film showcases Pixar’s ability to tell a compelling story with minimal dialogue.
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Why It Deserves Recognition: The short is a hidden gem with a simple yet beautiful narrative. It captures the magic of everyday life and showcases Pixar’s creative genius.
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What Makes It Unique: The attention to detail in the animation and the heartwarming story of love make this short unforgettable.
Conclusion
These animated shorts may be short in runtime but long in creativity and emotional depth. From The Present to Paperman, each of these films deserves more recognition for their unique storytelling, stunning animation, and impactful messages. If you haven’t seen them yet, be sure to check them out and experience the magic of animated shorts at their best!
