There are a lot of different suggestions on what to watch over the Halloween period, but with so much going on in the world, many of us can find ourselves lacking the time to sit back and relax with a good film.
Bearing that in mind, we’ve been searching the web for some of the scariest short horror films you can watch, free of charge, on YouTube.
That way, you’ll be able to join in on all of the spookiness of October 31st when you get half an hour to yourself!
7. Lights Out
Released back in 2013, Lights Out is one of the most famous short horror films the world has ever seen.
It gained such critical acclaim, that an eponymous film adaptation would later be released, directed by the man who created the original - David F. Sandberg.
The film follows a simple narrative - a woman turns off the hallway light and spots a long-haired silhouette at the other end of the hallway in the darkness.
When she turns the light back on, the silhouette disappears.
Flicking the light on and off brings the silhouette closer and… saying much more would ruin the film! Check it out, you won’t regret it!
6. On My Way
Filmed in one long, continuous shot, On My Way is one of the most groundbreaking short horror films we’ve seen.
The terror woven through each minute builds as we experience the journey of one cop who comes to realise everyone in his town has lost their minds.
Going through that journey of discovery alongside our hero is something those behind the camera must have focused intently on making as enveloping as possible; because you feel the dread seeping in with every second that passes by.
Oh, did we mention that all of this is going on, on Halloween night?! You don’t get a scenario any creepier than that.
Don’t watch this one if you’ve got an irrational fear of clowns.
5. The Disappearance of Willie Bingham
What would you do if the person responsible for a heinous criminal act against your family was caught, and you had free rein over which parts of their body you could remove?
That’s the question thrown at viewers of The Disappearance of Willie Bingham.
Set in the near-future, the movie isn’t your typical horror using jump scares, instead questioning your morality with psychological twists and turns.
When all is said and done, you’ll be left stewing over the near-15-minute experience you’ve just been through.
Go in with an open mind; come out with more questions than answers…
4. 2AM: The Smiling Man
If you were walking home at two in the morning and saw somebody stumbling along the pavement close by, you’d probably chuckle to yourself about them having a little too much to drink.
That’s exactly what our lead character does here; before realising that the ‘smiling man’ in front of him may have a dangerous motive for lurking in the shadows.
This is one of those short films that draws you right in from the very start.
3. Daddy
At under four minutes, this is one of the shortest movies on our list. Despite that run-time, it’s also one of the most memorable.
Taking place entirely in the bedroom of a man who's experiencing some of the most terrifying nightmares of his life, Daddy is an emotional watch from its first moments.
Trauma, loss and other themes that may trigger higher emotion from audiences run deeply through this film, so only watch if you know you’re mentally prepared.
2. “What’s up bro?”
Karma can be a real bitch, right?
One night of browsing for investment opportunities turns into a Hellish game for a man, alone at home.
When a text message comes through from an unknown number, they at first seem harmless, but quickly grow threatening in their tone and script.
Precise lighting, a great set and some genuinely good acting combine here to make this a must-see.
1. The Passing
All of the ingredients that go into making a horror film an intense and suspenseful affair are included in The Passing, which sent a literal shiver down our spines.
When two detectives investigate an empty house, they found a woman on her own, terrified and looking for her missing daughter.
The setting is a scary one, to say the very least, with terror dripping off of every corner.
If you’re watching this one alone, make sure to have a pillow close!
MORE: Seven scary alternative Halloween movies you can watch this year to keep you entertained!
Whether you're a fan of the black-and-white horrors of many moons ago, or enjoy more recent releases, our alternative horror film collection has got you all set for a spooky Halloween... READ MORE
Tagged in Halloween