With Halloween approaching, it is the perfect time catch up on some scary movies. But recently, the horror genre has been a disappointment. You go to the theater expecting the latest scary release, but you are instead met with a movie that is just plain corny. But these five short films prove that you don’t need a big budget or a two hour time frame to give the audience nightmares for the next month.

1. Cop Cam

This two minute short film is a roller coaster from start to finish. Shot through the lens of a police body camera, a police officer is investigating what seems to be an empty house. What makes this flick unbearable to watch is the fact that you are forced to look at whatever the officer is looking at. There are no cut aways and there is no escaping what the cop sees. The eerie silence and the sense of uncertantity will have you screaming in your seat.

2. The Smiling Man

If you are a fan of major suspense, then this movie is for you. A young girl is sitting at home and watching T.V. when a series of mysterious occurrences, caused by an intruder, leave her in a horrible state. The use of cinematography and silence make your stomach drop with dread. You know that something bad is going to happen to this girl… but you are just waiting to find out when. The director toys with your emotions, making you want to rip your hair out in anticipation of what will come next.

3. The Maiden

If you believe in ghosts or demonic spirits, you may want to steer clear of this  film. This brilliantly shot horror flick pulls you right in from the beginning, and does not waste any time setting the mood. This movie really makes a creepy mansion it’s own character, and you’ll wonder how it’s even possible to be this scared by something as simple as a house.

4.Mamá

This Spanish short is definitely one of the scariest short films out there. The famous director, Guillermo del Torro, said that this was, “one of the scariest little scenes I’ve ever seen”. As two girls are woken up one night, they venture downstairs to investigate what has happened to their mother. I promise, this ending will keep you awake at night.

5. Lights Out

This short film is by far one of the scariest. This short did so well that it was converted into a feature length film. As a person who has watched both the short and the feature, I can definitely assure you the short is scarier. The editing and timing creates an environment that will leave your pants soiled. What I love the most about this movie is the fact that it doesn’t use too many cheap jump scares to get you. It relies on the feeling of dread and that sickness in your stomach to get the scare to you. I highly recommend that you watch this short…. that is, if you don’t mind sleeping with your lights on for the next few weeks.