15 Animated Shorts That Still Bring a Tear to Your Eye
Animated shorts can tell the most touching stories in just a few minutes. They have a way of showing emotion through color, movement, and music that words often cannot express. These stories speak of joy, sorrow, and the quiet beauty of life’s fleeting moments. They remind us how animation can reach straight to the heart without saying much at all. Sometimes it is a song, a look, or a small gesture that brings a lump to your throat. Each one feels like a short poem brought to life on screen.
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Bao (2018)
Pixar’s Bao, directed by Domee Shi, tells the touching story of a lonely mother who finds comfort when one of her handmade dumplings comes to life. As the short unfolds, the animated dumpling grows up and begins to drift away, mirroring a parent’s emotional struggle with letting go.
The film uses food as a symbol of love and loss, capturing a mother’s complex feelings with stunning simplicity. Its soft lighting, expressive animation, and heartfelt storytelling make it one of Pixar’s most emotionally resonant shorts.
The Present (2014)
In The Present, a young boy receives a special gift from his mother, a playful puppy missing one leg. Initially, he rejects the puppy, but as the story progresses, the boy’s attitude changes in a way that reveals a deeply personal truth.
This short film manages to convey an entire emotional arc without words. By the end, it beautifully reminds viewers that empathy and acceptance often grow from recognizing one’s own imperfections.
If Anything Happens I Love You (2020)
This Netflix short begins in silence, with shadows representing the grief of two parents mourning the loss of their child. Through minimalist black-and-white animation, the story reveals fragments of their memories, building to a heartbreaking conclusion.
The absence of dialogue gives the emotions more power, allowing viewers to connect through the simplicity of movement and music. It is a haunting exploration of loss, love, and the quiet ache that follows tragedy.
Kitbull (2019)
Kitbull, a Pixar SparkShort, follows the unlikely friendship between a stray kitten and an abused pit bull. The short contrasts the kitten’s fearful nature with the dog’s gentle soul, creating a bond that slowly heals them both.
Every frame radiates tenderness, showing how compassion can grow even in harsh environments. The combination of hand-drawn animation and delicate sound design makes their friendship feel raw and real.
Feast (2014)
In Feast, the life of a man is shown through the meals shared with his loyal dog, Winston. The narrative unfolds through food, from greasy fast food to healthy greens, symbolizing the ups and downs of the owner’s life and relationships.
This short stands out for its clever storytelling and warm humor. Yet beneath its playfulness lies a message about loyalty, change, and the small moments that shape lasting love.
Lava (2014)
Set to a romantic song, Lava tells the story of a lonely volcano longing for companionship. As he sings his tune to the ocean for years, his love eventually reaches another volcano beneath the sea, leading to a moving reunion.
The combination of music, lush visuals, and emotional storytelling makes Lava deeply memorable. It captures how hope can endure even when time and distance seem to separate hearts.
Paperman (2012)
Paperman blends hand-drawn and computer animation to tell the story of a man who tries to catch the attention of a woman using paper airplanes. The simplicity of its setting heightens the magic of connection and fate.
The short is both romantic and nostalgic, reminding viewers of the small gestures that can change the course of one’s life. Its black-and-white palette gives it an old-fashioned charm that perfectly complements its theme of love found by chance.
La Luna (2011)
Pixar’s La Luna follows a young boy who joins his father and grandfather for an unusual night’s work sweeping stars off the moon. The film beautifully portrays how traditions are passed through generations, balancing old and new perspectives.
The absence of dialogue lets the expressions and movements speak for themselves. The result is a tender story about family bonds, self-discovery, and finding one’s own way in the world.
One Small Step (2018)
Produced by Taiko Studios, One Small Step centers on Luna, a young girl who dreams of becoming an astronaut. The story follows her journey from childhood to adulthood, showing the sacrifices her single father makes to support her dream.
It is both inspiring and emotional, revealing the love that often goes unnoticed behind someone’s success. The ending delivers a quiet but powerful message about perseverance, memory, and gratitude.
The Blue Umbrella (2013)
The Blue Umbrella follows two umbrellas that find love amid a bustling city rainstorm. The environment around them—streetlights, signs, and buildings—comes alive to witness their meeting.
This Pixar short combines realistic animation with touching simplicity. It captures how beauty and connection can be found in the most ordinary places, even on a rainy day.
Dear Basketball (2017)
Based on Kobe Bryant’s heartfelt poem, Dear Basketball is an animated love letter to the sport that defined his life. Through gentle pencil strokes and emotional narration, it traces his journey from childhood dreams to the end of his career.
The short captures the bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye to something that shaped one’s identity. Its warmth and honesty earned it an Academy Award, resonating with anyone who has ever had to let go of a lifelong passion.
The Dam Keeper (2014)
Set in a town protected by a massive windmill, The Dam Keeper tells the story of a young pig who operates the machinery that keeps darkness away. Bullied by his classmates, he finds hope when a new friend enters his life.
The film uses soft pastel tones and painterly visuals to explore loneliness, friendship, and emotional resilience. It reminds viewers that kindness can light even the gloomiest places.
Father and Daughter (2000)
This Oscar-winning short by Michael Dudok de Wit follows a young girl’s lifelong longing for her father who left one day and never returned. Through changing seasons and years, she revisits the spot where she last saw him, holding on to fading hope.
Without dialogue, the film expresses love and loss through gentle watercolor animation. It is a moving reflection on the passage of time and the enduring bond between parent and child.
Hair Love (2019)
Hair Love tells the story of an African American father learning how to style his daughter’s hair for the first time. The task becomes a shared moment of love and patience, revealing the emotional strength of family connection.
What begins as a simple domestic moment turns into a touching celebration of identity and togetherness. The short’s honesty and warmth struck a chord with audiences around the world.
Out (2020)
Pixar’s Out centers on a man named Greg who struggles with revealing his true self to his parents. Through a magical twist, his consciousness switches bodies with his dog, leading to an unexpected moment of acceptance.
The short captures a deeply personal story about self-acceptance and unconditional love. Its humor and sincerity help convey the universal desire to be loved for who we are.