20 Movies You Didn't Know Started as Short Films

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - June 21st 2025, 13:00 GMT+2

Talk to me msn — Talk to Me (2023)

*Talk to Me* is a gripping Australian horror film that blends supernatural terror with emotional depth. What many fans don’t know is that the film was born from a short concept video created by directors Danny and Michael Philippou, better known as the YouTube duo RackaRacka. The short explored the idea of conjuring spirits through a mysterious embalmed hand, and its disturbing realism quickly caught the attention of horror circles online. Building on this buzz, the Philippous expanded the concept into a full-length feature, injecting it with themes of grief, addiction, and peer pressure. Sophie Wilde leads the cast with a breakout performance, supported by Joe Bird and Alexandra Jensen. The film’s raw intensity and creative lore made it a standout horror release. *Talk to Me* proves that innovative low-budget ideas can evolve into box office gold. | © Causeway Films

Cropped marcel the shell with shoes on 2021 — Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021)

*Marcel the Shell with Shoes On* began as a 2010 viral short film that charmed audiences with its soft-spoken shell protagonist and whimsical humor. Created by Dean Fleischer Camp and Jenny Slate, the original short used simple stop-motion animation and deadpan delivery to build a surprisingly emotional world in just a few minutes. Its popularity on YouTube sparked the idea for a feature-length film, which stayed true to the heart of the original while expanding the story into a deeply moving tale about community and resilience. Jenny Slate returns to voice Marcel, and Isabella Rossellini lends a warm and tender performance as Marcel’s grandmother. The film’s heartfelt story, paired with its intimate visual style, has made it a modern animated classic. | © A24

Cropped shiva baby 2020 — Shiva Baby (2020)

*Shiva Baby* began as a short film created by director Emma Seligman during her time at NYU, and it immediately stood out for its raw portrayal of uncomfortable social dynamics within Jewish communities. The short focused on a young woman awkwardly confronting her sugar daddy at a family shiva, a premise so painfully relatable and tightly executed that it begged to be expanded. The feature-length version keeps that tension front and center while exploring broader themes like identity, sexuality, and cultural expectation. Rachel Sennott shines as Danielle, bringing both comedic sharpness and emotional vulnerability to the role. With support from Dianna Agron and Polly Draper, *Shiva Baby* became a breakout indie success, celebrated for its unique voice and anxiety-fueled pacing. | © Utopia

Cropped lights out 2016 — Lights Out (2016)

*Lights Out* originated as a terrifying three-minute short film directed by David F. Sandberg and starring his wife, Lotta Losten. The short featured a shadowy figure that appears only when the lights go out – a simple but terrifying premise that went viral thanks to its masterful tension and minimalist execution. James Wan, the horror maestro behind *The Conjuring*, saw its potential and helped Sandberg develop it into a full feature. The movie tells the story of a family haunted by an entity tied to their mother’s traumatic past. Teresa Palmer delivers a strong lead performance, with Maria Bello as the troubled matriarch. *Lights Out* retains the original short's spine-chilling concept while adding emotional depth and backstory. It’s a brilliant example of how a micro-budget idea can spark a major Hollywood success. | © New Line Cinema

Cropped pixels — Pixels (2015)

*Pixels* may seem like a big-budget CGI spectacle, but it actually began as a two-minute French short film by Patrick Jean in 2010. The original short was a visual effects showcase in which pixelated video game characters like Space Invaders and Pac-Man attack New York City. The imaginative premise caught Hollywood’s eye, leading to a feature adaptation directed by Chris Columbus. The full film follows Adam Sandler, Kevin James, and Josh Gad as retro gamers turned unlikely heroes tasked with saving Earth from alien invaders who use 1980s arcade games as battle tactics. Though the tone shifted toward broad comedy, the movie retains the nostalgic spirit of the original short and includes impressive visual tributes to classic games. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped the babadook 2014 — The Babadook (2014)

*The Babadook* is a psychologically chilling horror film that first emerged from director Jennifer Kent’s 2005 short film *Monster*. The short explored a mother’s emotional unraveling through a metaphorical monster lurking in her home – a theme Kent expanded with striking intensity in the feature version. In *The Babadook*, Essie Davis gives a powerhouse performance as a grieving widow struggling to raise her troubled son while battling an eerie, top-hatted creature from a mysterious pop-up book. The film masterfully blends supernatural horror with raw emotional drama, gaining critical acclaim and becoming an unexpected cult hit. With its haunting visuals and layered narrative, *The Babadook* became an instant classic in the indie horror scene. | © Causeway Films

Cropped whiplash 2014 — Whiplash (2014)

*Whiplash* is a fiercely intense drama that began as a short film created by Damien Chazelle to pitch the concept to producers. The short featured a key scene between a young jazz drummer and his tyrannical music instructor, perfectly capturing the psychological warfare and raw ambition that would define the feature. In the full-length film, Miles Teller stars as the obsessive student, while J.K. Simmons delivers an Oscar-winning performance as the verbally abusive mentor. The film’s sharp editing, powerful soundtrack, and emotional stakes turned it into one of the most celebrated indie films of the decade. *Whiplash* is not just about music – it's about perfection, pressure, and the human cost of greatness. | © Bold Films / Blumhouse Productions

Cropped what we do in the shadows 2014 — What We Do in the Shadows (2014)

*What We Do in the Shadows* is a genre-defying horror comedy that began as a 2005 short film by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement. The short mocked the lives of vampire roommates struggling with everyday problems, from doing chores to getting invited into nightclubs. The concept was so hilarious and fresh that it naturally expanded into a feature. In the film, Waititi and Clement star alongside Jonathan Brugh as centuries-old vampires sharing a flat in New Zealand, hilariously navigating modern life. The deadpan humor, mockumentary style, and vampire lore make this film a standout in both the comedy and horror genres. Its cult success even led to a popular TV series. | © Unison Films / Madman Entertainment

Cropped obvious child 2014 — Obvious Child (2014)

*Obvious Child* is a bold romantic comedy that originated as a short film written and directed by Gillian Robespierre. The short starred Jenny Slate as a stand-up comedian navigating an unplanned pregnancy – a topic rarely handled with such honesty and humor. Encouraged by the short’s success, Robespierre expanded the idea into a feature-length film that retained its raw charm and emotional intelligence. Slate reprises her role in the full version, giving a breakout performance that’s both hilarious and heartfelt. The film tackles themes like bodily autonomy, vulnerability, and modern dating without ever feeling preachy. *Obvious Child* redefined what a rom-com could look like in the 2010s. | © A24

Cropped frankenweenie 2012 — Frankenweenie (2012)

*Frankenweenie* is Tim Burton’s gothic love letter to classic monster movies and one of the few feature films to be directly based on the director’s own earlier work. Originally released as a short film by Burton in 1984, *Frankenweenie* told the story of a boy who reanimates his beloved dog in a bizarre, Frankenstein-inspired experiment. Disney deemed the original too dark at the time, but nearly three decades later, Burton was able to expand it into a full-length stop-motion animated feature. With voices by Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, and Martin Short, the film maintains Burton’s signature spooky whimsy while offering a heartfelt tale about grief and loyalty. It’s a visually stunning homage to vintage horror with a modern emotional core. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Cropped Distric 9 — District 9 (2009)

*District 9* is a gripping science fiction thriller based on the 2006 short film *Alive in Joburg* by Neill Blomkamp. The short used a mockumentary style to explore themes of xenophobia and apartheid through the lens of alien refugees stranded in South Africa. Blomkamp adapted this concept into a visually stunning and thematically rich feature, produced by Peter Jackson. Sharlto Copley stars as a bureaucrat who becomes infected with alien DNA, sparking a desperate transformation that challenges his humanity. The film’s gritty realism, combined with its social commentary and impressive effects, set a new standard for modern sci-fi. *District 9* was a critical and commercial success, earning multiple Oscar nominations. | © TriStar Pictures / WingNut Films

Cropped 9 — 9 (2009)

9 is a dark and imaginative animated sci-fi film that came to life after the success of Shane Acker’s Oscar-nominated 2005 short of the same name. The short impressed industry heavyweights so much that it led to the feature being produced by none other than Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic world where sentient ragdoll-like beings fight for survival against deadly machines. Elijah Wood leads the voice cast as the brave protagonist “9,” joined by Jennifer Connelly, John C. Reilly, and Christopher Plummer. The movie’s haunting visuals, mature tone, and unique aesthetic helped it stand out in the animation landscape, especially for adult audiences. | © Focus Features

Saw XI — Saw (2004)

*Saw* redefined the horror genre with its twisted narrative and brutal psychological games – but it all started with a low-budget short film made by director James Wan and writer Leigh Whannell. The short was created as a proof of concept to pitch the larger story, and it successfully captured the attention of producers who helped turn it into a full-blown feature. Whannell also stars in the movie alongside Cary Elwes and Danny Glover, as their characters are forced to make horrific choices at the hands of the sadistic Jigsaw killer. The original short even introduced the infamous reverse bear trap, which became iconic in the franchise. *Saw* launched a billion-dollar franchise and helped popularize the "torture porn" subgenre. | © Lionsgate / Twisted Pictures

Cropped napoleon dynamite 2004 — Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

*Napoleon Dynamite* began as a quirky student short film titled *Peluca*, written and directed by Jared Hess. Shot in black and white and starring Jon Heder, the short captured the same awkward, deadpan humor that would define the later feature film. When expanded into a full-length movie, *Napoleon Dynamite* became an instant cult classic, with Heder returning in the title role as the lovable oddball navigating high school life in rural Idaho. The film’s dry wit, bizarre yet endearing characters, and quotable lines made it a pop culture phenomenon. Tina Majorino, Efren Ramirez, and Jon Gries round out the eccentric cast in this offbeat, indie gem. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

Cropped boogie nights 1997 — Boogie Nights (1997)

*Boogie Nights* is Paul Thomas Anderson’s explosive drama about the rise and fall of a porn star in the 1970s – but few realize it all started with a short film titled *The Dirk Diggler Story*. Shot by Anderson in 1988 when he was just 18, the mockumentary-style short introduced the fictional character Dirk Diggler, a role later brought to life by Mark Wahlberg in the feature film. The expanded version features an all-star ensemble cast including Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds, Heather Graham, Don Cheadle, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. With its rich storytelling, bold subject matter, and period-perfect soundtrack, *Boogie Nights* cemented Anderson as a major Hollywood talent. | © New Line Cinema

Cropped sling blade 1996 — Sling Blade (1996)

*Sling Blade* is a powerful Southern drama written, directed by, and starring Billy Bob Thornton. Before it became an Oscar-winning feature, it was a 1994 short film titled *Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade*. In the short, Thornton introduced the character Karl Childers – a mentally challenged man released from a psychiatric hospital – who would become the emotional heart of the full-length movie. The film follows Karl's relationship with a young boy, played by Lucas Black, and explores deep themes of redemption, violence, and humanity. With a haunting performance by Dwight Yoakam as the abusive boyfriend and solid support from Natalie Canerday and John Ritter, *Sling Blade* became a critical success and a defining film of the ’90s indie movement. | © Miramax Films

Cropped bottle rocket 1996 — Bottle Rocket (1996)

*Bottle Rocket* is the charming debut of director Wes Anderson and actor Owen Wilson, both of whom co-wrote the screenplay. The quirky caper comedy began as a 13-minute black-and-white short film in 1994 that caught the attention of producer James L. Brooks. The short introduced the eccentric dynamic between two amateur criminals – played by Owen and Luke Wilson – and served as a prototype for the laid-back, character-driven humor Anderson would become known for. Expanded into a full-length feature, the film showcases Anderson’s early stylistic touches and dry comedic tone. While not a box office hit at the time, *Bottle Rocket* has since earned cult status and launched several high-profile careers. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped 12 monkeys 1995 — 12 Monkeys (1995)

*12 Monkeys* is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller directed by Terry Gilliam, inspired by the 1962 French short film *La Jetée*. The original was a black-and-white photo-essay about time travel and memory, and Gilliam reimagined it as a dark, dystopian feature starring Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, and a scene-stealing Brad Pitt, whose performance earned him an Oscar nomination. The film follows a convict sent back in time to prevent a viral apocalypse, blurring the line between sanity and fate. With its layered storytelling and bleak atmosphere, *12 Monkeys* became a cult classic and remains one of the most thought-provoking time-travel films ever made. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped reservoir dogs 1992 — Reservoir Dogs (1992)

*Reservoir Dogs* was Quentin Tarantino’s explosive feature debut – but before it hit the big screen, he created a 1991 short film version of the opening scene to attract investors. Shot on a shoestring budget, the short helped Tarantino prove his sharp dialogue and bold vision, which would define this brutal heist-gone-wrong thriller. In the feature, Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, and Steve Buscemi play criminals whose botched robbery spirals into suspicion, betrayal, and violence. With its nonlinear storytelling, unforgettable soundtrack, and signature Tarantino style, *Reservoir Dogs* reshaped independent filmmaking in the early ’90s. | © Miramax Films

Cropped fatal attraction 1987 — Fatal Attraction (1987)

*Fatal Attraction* is the iconic psychological thriller that ignited conversations about infidelity and obsession in the late ’80s. The film is based on the 1980 British short film *Diversion* by James Dearden, which explored the emotional chaos caused by a brief extramarital affair. Dearden expanded his short into the feature screenplay, bringing in Michael Douglas as the adulterous Dan Gallagher and Glenn Close in a career-defining role as the obsessive Alex Forrest. With a memorable performance from Anne Archer as Dan’s wife, the film builds from a casual fling to a terrifying unraveling of domestic life. *Fatal Attraction* became a box office smash and cultural touchstone, influencing thrillers for decades. | © Paramount Pictures

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Did you know that some of your favorite blockbuster films actually began as short films? It's true – many iconic movies got their start as small, independent projects before capturing the attention of major studios and audiences around the world. From gritty thrillers to heartwarming dramas, these short films served as proof-of-concept pieces that launched full-length cinematic masterpieces. In this article, we’ll explore 20 movies you probably didn’t know started as short films – and the fascinating stories behind their transformation from brief experiments into full-scale successes. Whether you're a film buff, an aspiring filmmaker, or just love behind-the-scenes trivia, this list is packed with surprises.