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Looking for some captivating animated shorts to enjoy on YouTube? Look no further! In this list, I’ve curated the top 10 YouTube best animated shorts worth watching.
From visually stunning creations to emotionally moving stories, these gems showcase the artists’ incredible talent and creativity.
Get ready to be enthralled by the magic of animation as we delve into this collection of captivating and thought-provoking short films!
10 YouTube Best Animated Shorts
Whether you’re a fan of traditional animation, stop motion, or CGI, these YouTube best animated shorts will leave a lasting impression and remind you of the power and beauty of animated storytelling.
Let’s check!
Float
I must say, Float is a pretty special animated short. It’s not just about some dad and his floating kid, it’s about representation and empowerment. The dad discovers his son can float.
And at first, it’s all fun and games. But as the kid grows up, it becomes a burden, with people judging and jeering. The dad even loses control over his child’s behavior. It’s a metaphor for raising a child on the autism spectrum.
Director Bobby Rubio knows this firsthand, as he has a child on the spectrum. He used Float to share his experience and break down stereotypes. And it’s refreshing to see an authentic portrayal, unlike some other misguided attempts in the media.
Float gives a voice to people of color, showcasing an underrepresented perspective on autism. It’s a story that needs to be told and sparks vital conversations.
Kudos to Pixar for supporting diverse stories through their SparkShorts program. Float is a must-watch, not just for its beautiful animation but for its powerful message.
>>>Read more: Youtube’s new Shorts Platforms – a rival video app against increasing adoption of Tiktok
A Folded Wish
Let me tell you about “A Folded Wish” – an eight-minute animated short that packs an emotional punch!
It was created by a bunch of talented students from Artmoeba Production in Malaysia. They took inspiration from a Japanese legend called “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes.”
Sadako was a brave girl who battled leukemia after being exposed to chemicals from the bombing of Hiroshima. She folded origami cranes, hoping for a wish to come true.
In the animation, they turned it into a story about twin Japanese sisters fighting leukemia, folding cranes for their cure. It’s touching and tear-jerking, no doubt.
The film’s simplicity with pictures and sounds tells the tale beautifully. No wonder it won the Rookie Awards in 2020 – well deserved!
Fresh Guacamole
“Fresh Guacamole” is one quirky and delightful short film! Can you believe it got an Oscar nomination for being the shortest film ever? That’s wild!
The whole thing is about this dude making guacamole, but the twist is, it’s all done with live-action stop-motion animation – they call it pixilation, fancy lingo!
Instead of regular ingredients, he’s using crazy stuff like a hand grenade for an avocado and poker chips for potato chips.
And when he dices things up, they turn into dice – genius! The animation is so smooth, even with real people, which is seriously impressive. It’s just a fun, creative ride that takes random ideas and runs with them.
Oscar nomination or not, this film rocks and deserves some love for its creativity and technical skills. It’s like a gateway to more cool stop-motion projects – I’m all in for that!
Umbrella
You gotta check out “Umbrella” – it’s a short animated film that packs a powerful punch! It’s only eight minutes long, but it moved audiences all over the world and even got Oscar-qualified.
Directed by Helena Hilario and Mario Pece, it’s a heartwarming tale about Joseph, a boy in an orphanage dreaming of a yellow umbrella.
When he meets a little girl, memories from the past awaken, and the story takes you on a journey of empathy and hope.
The fact that there’s no dialogue makes it even more special – animation, music, and the narrative work together to hit you right in the feels. It’s been a decade in the making, and the filmmakers’ dedication and passion shine through.
Plus, it’s a Brazilian masterpiece, representing their country in the Oscars for the first time in this category – how cool is that?
So, if you’re in the mood for something touching and meaningful, “Umbrella” is the way to go!
Hair Love
Matthew Cherry wrote this sweet children’s book, and it got turned into a short film thanks to an awesome Kickstarter campaign.
And get this, Sony Pictures joined in and brought their A-game to the animation. How they pulled that off, I have no clue, but it’s the kind of collaboration we need more of!
The story itself is simple but touching. It’s about a black girl with wild and unruly hair, and her dad’s hilarious attempts to style it.
Eventually, he learns from a blog and creates something beautiful. But it’s not just about hair – it’s about love, family, and embracing who you are.
I loved it for three reasons.
First, the animation is stunning – seriously, top-notch stuff. Second, the story is so darn sweet, it’ll warm your heart like a fuzzy blanket. And third, representation matters, my friend.
It’s not often we see animated films featuring non-traditional girls, especially people of color.
This film fills that gap and does it with grace and charm. No heavy-handed messages, just pure goodness.
You can catch it for free on YouTube, so do yourself a favor and give it a watch. It’s worth your time!
WiNDUP
WiNDUP what a beautiful little film! Clocking in at just nine minutes, it tells a touching story set in China about a father’s unwavering love for his sick daughter.
He uses a music box to connect with her, hoping for a response. It’s amazing how much emotion and depth the filmmaker packs into such a short runtime.
WiNDUP reminds me of those classic silent movies, transcending language barriers with their lack of dialogue.
And the music it’s universal! That familiar tinkling tune from a music box stirs up all sorts of emotions. The animation is gorgeous, too, with vibrant colors and a film-like aesthetic. It’s like watching a living painting.
Everything feels so real, yet so beautifully animated. It’s a personal story, partially autobiographical, which adds another layer of depth.
The use of real-time engines in production allowed for quick changes, making the process efficient and impressive.
This film is a testament to the power of animation and the boundless creativity it offers. I’m excited to see what the future holds for animators and their imaginations.
Purl
If you haven’t seen Pixar’s short film, Purl, you should check it out. It’s a powerful and engaging animation that tackles the issue of conformity in the workplace, focusing on the main character, Purl, who faces pressure to fit into a “bro” culture.
It’s a timely topic, and the film showcases the importance of diversity and inclusion. I found it relatable, as it reminded me of times when I felt the need to be someone I wasn’t just to be accepted.
The video encourages us to be ourselves and create a culture that appreciates and values diversity. It’s a message that resonates with everyone, and the film shows that change takes time but is worth it.
Negative Space
Negative Space is a delightful 5-minute animated short film that tells the story of a young boy, Sam, and his distant relationship with his busy dad.
Despite the physical distance, the father imparts his love and connection to his son through the art of packing a suitcase.
Directed by Max Porter and Ru Kuwahata, this film is simple yet captivating in its peculiar way.
The animation is charming and brimming with character, just like the film itself. It manages to touch your heart while also delivering some humorous moments. It’s no wonder the Academy appreciates its unique appeal.
Fisherwoman and Tuk Tuk
‘Fisherwoman and Tuk Tuk’ is a wonderfully whimsical and imaginative animated short film that embraces the power of personal dreams.
Created by the talented team at Studio Eeksaurus, this film takes us on a journey with a fisherwoman who yearns for an autorickshaw.
The animation is bursting with vibrant colors and captivating imagery, immersing us in the fisherwoman’s eccentric world.
Written and directed by Suresh Eriyat, the film explores the depths of individual desires and the dedication we have to fulfill them.
What truly shines is the incredible background score, complementing the emotions and bringing the story to life. ‘Fisherwoman and Tuk Tuk’ is a delightful 15-minute adventure that will leave you feeling both joyous and inspired.
Tokri (The Basket)
Tokri (The Basket) is a remarkable claymation film that offers a heartfelt perspective on the struggles faced by underprivileged families in India.
The story revolves around a young girl and her working-class parents living on the streets of Mumbai. It beautifully portrays the love within the family and the innocent curiosity of the child.
The attention to detail in this 14-minute masterpiece is astounding, from the meticulously crafted clay figures to the exquisite sound design.
It’s truly a technical marvel that took over 8 years to create. Tokri is a touching and emotionally resonant film that deserves all the recognition it has received with its numerous awards and nominations.
FAQs
What were the earliest animated shorts?
Émile Cohl, a French artist, launched his movie career in 1907 with Japon de faintasie, a creative stop-motion work. His subsequent short, Fantasmagorie from 1908, can be regarded as the first animated film to employ what are now recognized as standard animation techniques.
What Pixar short film is rated G?
It is The Blue Umbrella on Disney+.
What is the most recent 2D animated movie?
It is Winnie the Pooh (2011).
Conclusion
With this compilation of the top 10 YouTube best animated shorts, you’re in for a treat! Each film on this list offers a unique and captivating experience, taking you on a journey through stunning visuals and compelling storytelling.
So grab some popcorn, sit back, and prepare to be amazed by these incredible animated creations!
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Animost – Vietnam 3D Animation Studio
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