Only have 20 minutes? Watch one of these 5 psychological thriller short films
Short on time but craving something that'll completely scramble your brain? You're in luck.
You don't need a full-length movie to experience the gut-punch of a masterful psychological thriller — sometimes, less is much, much more.
These five short films prove that in under 20 minutes, you can experience tension, betrayal, and mind-bending twists that will stick with you long after the final scene fades.
Whether you love open-ended mysteries, intense character studies, or haunting narratives that leave you spiraling, this list is your fast track to a wild emotional ride.
The best part? You can find all of these on YouTube, so your next psychological meltdown is just a click away.
Here are 5 must-watch psychological thriller shorts that will leave your mind reeling:
1. Rashq – 14:33 mins
Prepare yourself for a serious mind game. Rashq revolves around a businessman accused of murdering his wife. But as he calmly narrates his version of events, you'll quickly realize that the truth isn't nearly as straightforward as he wants you to believe. The way the narrative twists and turns will have you second-guessing everything you thought you knew by the end.
2. Kriti – 18:51 mins
What if your own thoughts deceive you?
Starring Manoj Bajpayee, Radhika Apte, and Neha Sharma, Kriti invites you into a fragile, deeply unreliable world where reality itself feels slippery. The film masterfully lulls you into believing one thing—until the end absolutely shatters it. Buckle up for a psychological rollercoaster that will leave you questioning every moment.
3. El'ayichi – 4:55 mins
Imagine being stuck with someone... forever.
El'ayichi is a darkly comic yet chilling short starring Nimrat Kaur, about a husband who refuses to leave his wife alone—even after death. It's funny, it's eerie, and its haunting final moments are absolutely unforgettable. If you think you've seen every take on the "ghost story," this short will prove you wrong in under five minutes.
4. Tenth Race – 14:48 mins
High stakes. Flawless plan. Total chaos.
Led by Pankaj Tripathi, Tenth Race dives into the world of risk, crime, and razor-sharp betrayal. Four men attempt the "perfect crime," with everything mapped out... until it all begins to unravel in horrifying ways. It's a masterclass in tension, and the ending hits like a punch to the gut.
5. Raah – 14:26 mins
We love a good open ending—until it haunts us.
Raah follows two strangers sharing a seemingly simple car ride. But as the miles tick by, secrets seep out. One of them is a murderer... but who? The film keeps you guessing right up to the final shot, and the chilling ambiguity will stick with you for days.
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Express Tribune
09-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Only have 20 minutes? Watch one of these 5 psychological thriller short films
Short on time but craving something that'll completely scramble your brain? You're in luck. You don't need a full-length movie to experience the gut-punch of a masterful psychological thriller — sometimes, less is much, much more. These five short films prove that in under 20 minutes, you can experience tension, betrayal, and mind-bending twists that will stick with you long after the final scene fades. Whether you love open-ended mysteries, intense character studies, or haunting narratives that leave you spiraling, this list is your fast track to a wild emotional ride. The best part? You can find all of these on YouTube, so your next psychological meltdown is just a click away. Here are 5 must-watch psychological thriller shorts that will leave your mind reeling: 1. Rashq – 14:33 mins Prepare yourself for a serious mind game. Rashq revolves around a businessman accused of murdering his wife. But as he calmly narrates his version of events, you'll quickly realize that the truth isn't nearly as straightforward as he wants you to believe. The way the narrative twists and turns will have you second-guessing everything you thought you knew by the end. 2. Kriti – 18:51 mins What if your own thoughts deceive you? Starring Manoj Bajpayee, Radhika Apte, and Neha Sharma, Kriti invites you into a fragile, deeply unreliable world where reality itself feels slippery. The film masterfully lulls you into believing one thing—until the end absolutely shatters it. Buckle up for a psychological rollercoaster that will leave you questioning every moment. 3. El'ayichi – 4:55 mins Imagine being stuck with someone... forever. El'ayichi is a darkly comic yet chilling short starring Nimrat Kaur, about a husband who refuses to leave his wife alone—even after death. It's funny, it's eerie, and its haunting final moments are absolutely unforgettable. If you think you've seen every take on the "ghost story," this short will prove you wrong in under five minutes. 4. Tenth Race – 14:48 mins High stakes. Flawless plan. Total chaos. Led by Pankaj Tripathi, Tenth Race dives into the world of risk, crime, and razor-sharp betrayal. Four men attempt the "perfect crime," with everything mapped out... until it all begins to unravel in horrifying ways. It's a masterclass in tension, and the ending hits like a punch to the gut. 5. Raah – 14:26 mins We love a good open ending—until it haunts us. Raah follows two strangers sharing a seemingly simple car ride. But as the miles tick by, secrets seep out. One of them is a murderer... but who? The film keeps you guessing right up to the final shot, and the chilling ambiguity will stick with you for days.
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