The Best Short Movies and TV Shows on Free Services

What it's about: A young boy makes a snowman one Christmas Eve, which comes to life at midnight and takes the boy on a magical adventure to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus.

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (Vudu), stream on a popular subscription service (Prime Video & Ameba) & rent or buy from $0.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).

What it's about: It takes two or three generations for the monarch butterfly to reach the Canadian breeding grounds, but it is one "supergeneration" that makes the 2,000 mile return trip back south into central Mexico. The documentary film covers Dr Fred Urquhart's interest in monarch butterflies, with perspectives of Urquhart as a child wondering where the butterflies went, his years of research and study into their life and migration, to his time decades-later as a senior scientist looking back at his investigations and discoveries about the insect's life pattern.

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (Tubi), stream on a popular subscription service (Prime Video & Shout Factory TV) & rent or buy from $2.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).

What it's about: Armed with an arcane knowledge of the dark arts and a wicked wit, John Constantine fights the good fight. With his soul already damned to hell, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect the innocent. With the balance of good and evil on the line, Constantine uses his skills to face the supernatural terrors that threaten our world and send them back where they belong. After that, who knows…maybe there’s hope for him and his soul after all.

Where to Watch: 3 episodes (50%) are available to watch free online (CW Seed).

What it's about: When Day, a sunny fellow, encounters Night, a stranger of distinctly darker moods, sparks fly! Day and Night are frightened and suspicious of each other at first, and quickly get off on the wrong foot. But as they discover each other's unique qualities--and come to realize that each of them offers a different window onto the same world-the friendship helps both to gain a new perspective.

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (Tubi) & rent or buy from $1.99 on 4 services (iTunes, Google Play & 2 others).

What it's about: Heavy Metal Parking Lot documents heavy metal music fans tailgating in the parking lot outside the Capital Centre (since demolished) in Landover, Maryland, on May 31, 1986, before a Judas Priest concert (with opening act Dokken).

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (SnagFilms & Tubi) & stream on a subscription service (Fandor).

What it's about: Originally from Africa, Mari McGabe's parents were killed by local greed, corruption and wanton violence.But the orphaned Marl refuses to succumb to the terrors surrounding her.Inheriting her family's Tantu Totem, Mari can access the powers of animals - anything from the super-strength of a gorilla to the speed of a cheetah. As Vixen she fights valiantly to protect the world from threats like those that claimed her family.

Where to Watch: 3 episodes (25%) are available to watch free online (CW Seed).

What it's about: Yamishibai is a picture-story style of animation whose motif is surrounded and based off the rumors, and urban legends throughout the history of Japan.

Where to Watch: 91 episodes (100%) are available to watch free online (Crunchyroll).

What it's about: The Tramp and his dog companion struggle to survive in the inner city.

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (SnagFilms), stream on a subscription service (The Criterion Channel & Kanopy) & rent or buy from $0.99 on 1 service (Prime Video).

What it's about: A derelict, huddled under the steps of a missionary church, feels enlightened by the sermon of a passionate preacher and infatuated by the beauty of the congregation's pianist, in such a way that he tries to improve his life of poverty by becoming a policeman. His first assignment will be to patrol along Easy Street, the turf of a vicious bully and his criminal gang.

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (SnagFilms) & stream on a subscription service (Kanopy).

What it's about: A child is born. We see underwater swimmers representing this. He is young, in a jungle setting, with two fanciful "instincts" guiding him as swooping bird-like acrobats initially menace, then delight. As an adolescent, he enters a desert, where a man spins a large cube of metal tubing. He leaves his instinct-guides behind, and enters a garden where two statues dance in a pond. As he watches their sensual acrobatics of love, he becomes a man. He is offered wealth (represented by a golden hat) by a devil figure. In a richly decorated room, a scruffy troupe of a dozen acrobats and a little girl reawaken the old man's youthful nature and love.

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (Sony Crackle) & rent or buy from $2.99 on 6 services (iTunes, Google Play & 4 others).

What it's about: In this series of cartoon shorts, Mickey Mouse finds himself in silly situations all around the world! From New York to Paris to Tokyo, Mickey experiences new adventures with his friends!

Where to Watch: 3 episodes (0%) are available to watch free online (Disney). 1 episodes (0%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 2 services (Google Play & YouTube).

What it's about: A mob's punishment of a lone man proves cruel and unusual in this nightmarish short film.

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (Tubi) & stream on a subscription service (Mubi).

What it's about: Featuring the same charming animation style of the original, and new music by former Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows, this sequel was created to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Snowman (1982). A family, including young Billy and his elderly dog, is moving into the house from the original story, now in suburbia. As Christmas approaches, Billy stumbles across a box hidden by James, the boy from the original story. Night draws in, snow falls, Billy uses his new find, and a magical adventure begins...

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (Vudu), stream on a popular subscription service (Prime Video & Ameba) & rent or buy from $1.99 on 2 services (Prime Video & Vudu).

What it's about: After literally swimming across the Atlantic Ocean, an Englishman takes a country trip across Canada on a railcar.

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (IMDb TV) & stream on a subscription service (Fandor).

What it's about: Comedian Jim Norton tackles the twisted state of the 21st century, including how modern technology affects everything from free speech to hooking up.

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (Tubi & Vudu), stream on a popular subscription service (Prime Video) & rent or buy from $3.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).

What it's about: A man casually sets up for a fishing trip at the water's edge. Evening comes and a tug on his line presents him with the body of a woman.

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (Tubi) & rent or buy from $1.99 on 3 services (iTunes, Google Play & Vudu).

What it's about: Trapped in a damaged cryogenic pod, a man is forced to watch a series of horrific science-fiction tales while his life support systems run out. Featuring eight intense stories of the unknown and other-worldly, equally wonderful and terrifying. Visit the GALAXY OF HORRORS, if you dare! Curated from Rue Morgue & Unstable Ground's Little Terrors Festival.

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (Tubi & Vudu), stream on a popular subscription service (Prime Video) & rent or buy from $2.99 on 4 services (iTunes, Google Play & 2 others).

What it's about: Bananya is a series about the secret life of kitties who live in bananas.

Where to Watch: 14 episodes (78%) are available to watch free online (Crunchyroll). 1 episodes (6%) are available to stream on a subscription service (Crunchyroll).

What it's about: As Pacworlders excitedly decorate for Berry Day, Pac is saddened about missing his parents as he receives a picture ornament of them from his Aunt Spheria. The teens reminisce of their childhood Berry Day as they enjoy Christmas eggnog. Since Berry Day is one of the happiest days of the year, Betrayus launches a plan to get rid of the day by capturing Santa Pac and his Round Deer and to possess the gifts and Berry Day decorations. All Pac wants for Berry Day is to see his parents Sunny and Zac and is overjoyed when they arrive. But, his parents tell him they want to see the tree of life in the secret location which is forbidden. Are these Pac’s real parents or are they a trick from Betrayus and Dr. Slimestein? Let’s hope Berry Day can be merry after all.

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (Tubi), stream on a popular subscription service (Netflix) & rent or buy from $0.99 on 3 services (iTunes, Google Play & Vudu).

What it's about: Steal This Film focuses on Pirate Bay founders Gottfrid Svartholm, Fredrik Neij and Peter Sunde, prominent members of the Swedish filesharing community. The makers claimed that 'Old Media' documentary crews couldn't understand the internet culture that filesharers took part in, and that they saw peer-to-peer organization as a threat to their livelihoods. Because of that, they were determined to accurately represent the filesharing community from within. Notably, Steal This Film was released and distributed, free of charge, through the same filesharing networks that the film documents.

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (Tubi) & stream on a subscription service (ConTV).

What it's about: As midnight falls, all manner of terror invades the Earth. demons, cannibals, killers, ghosts and monsters swarm the world in these tales of the supernatural, the fantastic, and the just plain horrific. Featuring nine stories of horror.

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (Tubi & Vudu), stream on a popular subscription service (Prime Video) & rent or buy from $2.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).

What it's about: Comedy Dynamics sits down with Bill Hicks’ brother, Steve, who tells old stories, squashes old rumors and reveals the brother and son behind the late comedian. Told amidst old and rare footage, it’s a must watch for any fan.

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (Tubi), stream on a popular subscription service (Netflix & Prime Video) & rent or buy from $0.99 on 3 services (iTunes, Google Play & Prime Video).

What it's about: A Christmas Carol was a 1949 low-budget, black and white television special narrated by Vincent Price.

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (Tubi), stream on a popular subscription service (Prime Video) & rent or buy from $9.99 on 1 service (Prime Video).

What it's about: A paraplegic man leaves home for the first time only to discover that life on the outside is not like he had imagined it.

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (Tubi), stream on a popular subscription service (Prime Video) & rent or buy from $0.99 on 1 service (Prime Video).

What it's about: It is a story that's captivated the imagination of many generations. Mourning the death of Jesus, two first-century travelers were joined by a mysterious stranger. Over the next few hours, the stranger revealed mysteries hidden in the ancient Scriptures. Soon, the purpose of Jesus' life became clear... and the travelers' sadness turned to great joy. Now you can learn what they learned. Discover the key to life on the Road to Emmaus.

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (Tubi) & rent or buy from $2.99 on 1 service (Prime Video).

What it's about: After years of financially and emotionally draining fertility treatments, Abby Taylor is so desperate to get pregnant that she secretly turns to the online, underworld of natural insemination in order to create a miracle.

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (Tubi), stream on a popular subscription service (Prime Video) & rent or buy from $2.99 on 5 services (iTunes, Google Play & 3 others).

What it's about: The "Evil Corps," led by Don, are on a mission to conquer the universe. They set out to invade Earth first, but they struggle as some quirky Earthlings stand in their way. Eventually Don's plan to invade Earth becomes distorted...?!

Where to Watch: 2 episodes (17%) are available to watch free online (Crunchyroll).

What it's about: In the wilderness of the forests where giant bulldozers are tearing apart the woods there is a monkey that accidentally finds a shaving machine and decides to use it. Spontaneously disguised as a human being, he moves out to the city and starts a career. After a stunning success in business, he understands the need of gaining political power. Not too long after, he becomes the president. Now he is ready to make a change.

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (SnagFilms).

What it's about: After being smuggled into Israel for a suicide bombing, a Palestinian girl must convince her handler that, although she is a woman she is prepared to do it. Once on the team, strapped with a bomb, she realizes she might not be ready to die.

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (Tubi), stream on a popular subscription service (Prime Video) & rent or buy from $3.99 on 1 service (Prime Video).

What it's about: The anime centers on a young female ninja named Chidori, whose dream is to help the Warring States-era warlord Oda Nobunaga to achieve his goals.

Where to Watch: 55 episodes (49%) are available to watch free online (Crunchyroll).

What it's about: Aoi’s soaked by a sudden rainstorm and takes shelter at Rainy Color, a cozy café where the warmth of the staff compliments the sweet hot cocoa he’s served. When he falls into a job at the café he feels like things are finally looking up— until Keiichi Iwase, the man he couldn’t help but stare at on the train, shows up.

Where to Watch: 11 episodes (10%) are available to watch free online (Crunchyroll). 25 episodes (23%) are available to stream on a subscription service (Crunchyroll & Funimation). 36 episodes (34%) are available to rent or buy from $1.99 on 1 service (Prime Video).

What it's about: Anton, a slick and succesful creative at an ad agency, decides to get a tattoo to prove his girlfriend that he is still 'rock 'n' roll'. When Anton accidently hits Dr. Lee - the tattoo artist - with his car, Lee puts an old Chinese curse on him. Slowly but surely, the tattoo gets bigger and bigger, and Antons life starts to fall apart... Based on the comic by Uli Oesterle.

Where to Watch: Available to watch free online (SnagFilms) & rent or buy from $3.99 on 1 service (Prime Video).