The Best European Short Films You'll Actually Want to Watch
Many treat European cinema as a repository for serious, artistic, and deeply-rooted-in-culture films. Most people think of full-length features when they talk about award-winning European cinema; however, the most exciting and compelling productions quite often happen in a shorter format. Short films—or those being of less than 40 minutes—are where sometimes the greats begin their journey, winning hearts with bold concepts and emotional depth without demanding heavy investments in time or money.
Here, we glisten over some really well-working European shorts that have won big awards, touched audience minds, and shown that even a short story on screen can really pack a punch. Whether you're a lover of cinema or just looking for something new and impactful, this is a great place to start.
Why European Short Films Matter
European short films often serve as creative laboratories where bold storytelling techniques are tested. Unlike commercial blockbusters, these shorts tend to explore:
- Social and political themes
- Experimental aesthetics
- Culturally specific narratives
- Emotional intimacy within limited runtime
These qualities make European short films not only entertaining but also culturally enriching.
Award-Winning European Short Films You Shouldn't Miss
The Red Suitcase (Luxembourg, 2022)
Director: Cyrus Neshvad
Runtime: 18 minutes
A gripping tale of a veiled Iranian teenager arriving at Luxembourg airport. As the pressure to meet a mysterious man mounts, she makes a life-altering decision. This short was nominated for an Academy Award and is celebrated for its tense atmosphere and political undertones.
Why it stands out:
The Red Suitcase showcases the emotional impact of oppressive traditions and the quiet rebellion of a young woman—a common but potent theme in European cinema.
All These Creatures (UK, 2018)
Director: Charles Williams
Runtime: 13 minutes
Award: Palme d'Or for Best Short Film at Cannes
Told through the perspective of a teenage boy trying to understand his father's mental illness, this haunting UK-Australian co-production mixes poetic narration with raw emotion.
Why it stands out:
It addresses intergenerational trauma and the confusion of adolescence with stunning visual metaphors.
Timecode (Spain, 2016)
Director: Juanjo Giménez Peña
Runtime: 15 minutes
Awards: Palme d'Or (Short Film), Academy Award Nomination
Two security guards at a parking garage communicate and connect through dance via security footage. A uniquely charming and minimalist film that says a lot without dialogue.
Why it stands out:
Its brilliant choreography and subtle human connection prove how short films can communicate volumes through silence and movement.
Rising Voices - Promising New European Short Films
Europe continues to be a breeding ground for fresh cinematic voices. These are some of the newer short films making waves at festivals.
Ice Merchants (Portugal, 2022)
Director: João Gonzalez
Runtime: 14 minutes
Achievements: First Portuguese animation to receive an Oscar nomination
An emotionally rich animated short about a father and son who parachute every day from their house hanging on a cliff to deliver ice.
Why it stands out:
With no dialogue, it masterfully conveys love, loss, and survival through a breathtaking visual style.
Censor of Dreams (Le Censeur des Rêves, France, 2021)
Directors: Léo Berne & Raphaël Rodriguez
Runtime: 17 minutes
Every night, a team controls a woman's dreams to keep her from seeing a man she lost. One night, something goes wrong.
Why it stands out:
It's a surreal sci-fi love story that combines Black Mirror-style worldbuilding with emotionally resonant storytelling.
European Short Films at Film Festivals - A Launchpad for Global Success
Many of the best short movies first get noticed at major film festivals like Cannes, Berlinale, and Clermont-Ferrand. These aren't just red-carpet events—they're real launching pads for new talent. For up-and-coming directors, getting a short film into one of these festivals can be a game-changer. It means more eyes on their work, chances to connect with producers and studios, and often, the first step toward making a feature film. A strong showing at one of these festivals can lead to awards, global recognition, and exciting career opportunities. It's where many of Europe's most celebrated filmmakers got their start.
Must-See Classics of European Short Cinema
Not all short films are recent releases. Some have become timeless pieces that continue to be studied and admired across generations.
La Jetée (France, 1962)
Director: Chris Marker
Runtime: 28 minutes
A story told almost entirely through still photographs, this iconic film inspired Terry Gilliam's 12 Monkeys and remains one of the most innovative science fiction shorts ever made.
Why it stands out:
It combines dystopian futurism with romantic longing, all within a wholly original visual structure.
Meshes of the Afternoon (Co-production with France, 1943)
Director: Maya Deren (American) but widely studied in European art circles
Runtime: 14 minutes
Though made in the US, this experimental film became a key influence on French surrealism and European feminist film.
Why it stands out:
A dreamlike exploration of identity and perception, it set a new precedent for narrative experimentation.
Best Platforms to Watch European Short Films
Getting access to European short films used to be tricky, but today, many platforms offer them legally and for free.
Recommended Platforms
- Short of the Week - Excellent curation of global shorts, including many from Europe.
- Arte.tv - Offers an extensive catalogue of French and German short films with English subtitles.
- Vimeo Staff Picks - Many European directors upload award-winning shorts here.
- Festival Websites - Like Clermont-Ferrand, Berlinale Shorts, and the European Film Awards, which sometimes offer public access.
What Makes a European Short Film Unique
European short films often share a few defining characteristics:
- Cultural specificity: They reflect local customs, politics, and values.
- Minimalism: Often, with small budgets, these films focus on storytelling over spectacle.
- Auteur vision: Directors use short formats as pure expressions of their artistic voice.
Common Themes in European Shorts
- Migration and displacement (The Red Suitcase, Brotherhood)
- Queer identity (Take Me Home, Dustin)
- Political tension (Facing It, Detainment)
- Human intimacy and relationships (Timecode, Mother)
Bullet Point: Why You Should Watch More European Shorts
- Discover new talents before they become famous
- Experience diverse cultures in bite-sized stories
- Get inspired by bold, artistic storytelling
- Perfect for short breaks or limited attention spans
- Often free to watch online
Final Thoughts
In an age where endless scrolling and binge-watching folded into one have become the norm, short films offer an uncommon rarity-a powerful story may so be told in under a few minutes. European short films have a peculiar way of making those precious few minutes count.
Big ideas, loss, identity, and politics will be explored with an honest, creative, and loving touch. There will be no-nonsense, only tight-knit storytelling that leaves a deep impression on the viewer. For any inquisitive soul looking for something mind-stimulating and different, European shorts will prove to be a rich, rewarding experience without consuming hours of their time.