Pixar short films have changed the animation industry. These mini masterpieces proved that a few minutes of storytelling can carry as much emotional weight as a two-hour blockbuster. In fact, Pixar shorts have become so popular that they’re featured in events like the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival.
And at Voice123, where you can hire professional voice actors for any project, we’ve seen firsthand how storytelling remains the foundation of any video project.
So in this post we’ll discuss what is a short film, some of the best Pixar short films, short film ideas for creators, and we’ll explore how to make a short film like Pixar.
What is a short film?
According to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, a short film is any film running 40 minutes or less. Short films showcase storytelling efficiency and creativity, especially in formats like Pixar shorts or Disney shorts. They allow producers to take risks without massive budgets, encouraging innovation and testing new animation techniques. They also provide opportunities for innovation in directing, animation, and voice acting.
How long is a short film?
The answer to how long is a short film, can vary, but the sweet spot is usually between 5–20 minutes. That’s enough time to tell a story, explore a theme, and connect with audiences. This is why short films have become some of the most iconic storytelling tools in animation, marketing, and advertising.
So, no that you know what is a short film, what are some of the best Pixar short films?
Iconic Pixar short films
Here are some of the Disney Pixar short films that shaped the industry and the voice acting behind them:
The playful desk lamp bouncing after a ball became Pixar’s iconic mascot. While no voice actors were used, the short relied on carefully designed sound effects to convey emotion. For filmmakers, this shows how even non-verbal storytelling can have a lasting impact when paired with inventive sound design. It’s also one of the first short Pixar films to define the studio’s future.
This heartwarming tale of a mother and her dumpling-turned-child won the Oscar for Best Animated Short. Dialogue was minimal, but subtle vocal sounds provided by actors gave the dumpling life and helped connect audiences emotionally. As one of the most recognized Pixar short movies, it also broadened the global appeal of short kids movies.
A follow-up to Luca, this Pixar short film explores Alberto’s bond with Massimo. Jack Dylan Grazer reprised his role as Alberto, adding continuity, while Marco Barricelli’s deep and grounding tone as Massimo balanced the story with warmth and gravitas. Ciao Alberto proves how casting consistency maintains character integrity across projects. It’s a great example of how cartoon shorts can expand feature film worlds.
Set in the Soul universe, this short follows rebellious soul 22. Tina Fey returned to voice the character, delivering sarcasm, wit, and charm in under 10 minutes. This short demonstrates how Disney Pixar short films can explore deep themes in playful formats. It’s also a great example of how recognizable voice actors can instantly connect audiences to a story.
A baby sandpiper learns to conquer its fear of the waves in this visually stunning short. Instead of dialogue, sound artists created subtle chirps, breaths, and squeaks that made the character believable. This is one of the most technically advanced short Pixar films, and it resonates strongly as a family-friendly short kids movie.
The role of voice actors in Pixar short films
Voice actors are often the unsung heroes of Pixar shorts. When dialogue is present, like in Ciao Alberto or 22 vs. Earth, professional performances provide continuity and personality. Whereas in films like Luxo Jr. and Piper, sound design brings the characters and world to life.
The success of short films depends on the vocal performance. From moving dialogue to sound effects, a professional actor can communicate volumes about a character.
With platforms like Voice123, you can connect with thousands of global voice actors capable of delivering exactly the nuance your project needs. Whether you’re producing short Pixar films or other cartoon, animation shorts, casting the right voice over artist ensures emotional authenticity.
Disney Shorts vs. Pixar Shorts
Disney shorts and Pixar shorts have distinct creative differences. Classics from Disney like Steamboat Willie leaned into music and spectacle, pioneering synchronized sound. Pixar shorts, starting with Luxo Jr., emphasized emotional storytelling and relatable characters. Pixar also pioneered technical breakthroughs, like realistic feathers in Piper, while Disney shorts traditionally showcased musical creativity. For producers, blending Disney’s rhythm with Pixar’s emotional depth can inspire short films with stronger storytelling.
What is the Disney and Pixar short film festival?
The Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival is a fan-favorite showcase that brings together some of the most iconic short films from both studios. Originally featured as a 4D cinematic attraction at EPCOT in Walt Disney World, the festival combines Disney shorts and Pixar short films into a curated 18-minute experience complete with immersive visuals and in-theater effects. The Disney and Pixar film festival highlights how short films are stand-alone storytelling achievements worthy of theatrical presentation.
Short film ideas: Where to begin
If you’re brainstorming short film ideas, Pixar provides inspiration in multiple directions:
- Objects with Personality: Like Luxo Jr., giving life to everyday items can spark emotional resonance in cartoon shorts.
- Slice-of-Life Stories: Ciao Alberto proves everyday relationships are just as cinematic as grand adventures in Disney Pixar short films.
- Nature and Growth: Piper shows how small creatures can embody universal fears and triumphs, making it one of the most beloved short kids movies.
- Big Themes in Small Packages: 22 vs. Earth demonstrates how to tackle profound topics playfully within short Pixar films.
- Cultural Roots: Bao highlights how cultural authenticity makes stories more powerful and relatable, shaping future Pixar short movies.
How to make a short film like Pixar
1. Start with a story
Keep the narrative simple but emotionally rich. Pixar short films often revolve around a single relatable theme, like fear, love, or curiosity. This is what makes them so effective as short films for kids and adults alike.
2. Bring it to life with storyboards
Pixar’s process emphasizes the importance of pre-visualization before animation begins. Detailed storyboarding ensures emotional beats land correctly and helps production teams stay aligned from concept to final cut.
3. Invest in sound and voice overs
Even shorts with no dialogue benefit from professional voice work. Non-verbal cues like sighs, laughs, or animal sound effects still require expert delivery. Hiring skilled actors ensures your short maintains authenticity and depth, whether it’s a Disney short or a Pixar short film.
4. Leverage technology like the Pixar short films
Pixar often uses shorts to test new animation pipelines, from realistic textures to advanced lighting. For independent projects, use shorts as opportunities to explore creative tools like stop motion animation. Many short Pixar films have been stepping stones for groundbreaking tech later used in features.
5. Expand stories like the Pixar short films
Pixar often uses its shorts as a way to spin off well-known stories or introduce brand-new ones. For example, Ciao Alberto deepened the world of Luca. For AV producers, shorts can be a powerful strategy to expand existing franchises, introduce new characters, or experiment with different narrative styles.
Final thoughts on the Pixar short films
Pixar short films are artistic showcases of storytelling, animation, and sound. Whether you’re exploring Disney Pixar short films for inspiration, brainstorming short film ideas, or researching how to make a short film, remember: every great short is powered by a compelling voice.
So when you’re ready to bring your next project to life, hire talented voice actors from Voice123. Because behind every Pixar-like masterpiece is a voice that makes it unforgettable!
FAQs
You can stream the full library of Pixar shorts on Disney+. Some are also featured at the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival.
Yes! Pixar continues to produce shorts, both original and experimental, often showcasing them on Disney+ and at festivals.
Oscar-nominated short films (documentary, live-action, and animated) are usually screened in theaters during Oscar season and later on streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, or Apple TV+.
A Pixar short is a stand-alone animated film, typically under 10 minutes, produced by Pixar to experiment with storytelling, technology, and character-driven narratives.
