5 Indie Short Movies to Watch on a Friday Night

If you are a passionate cinema lover and enjoy spending your free time watching films of all genres, sooner or later, you’ll find yourself facing the question: What should I watch tonight? If the most well-known movies by famous filmmakers have already been watched to death, here’s a lifehack—choose an indie short film.

Short films may be brief, but the best ones deliver unforgettable stories in a matter of minutes. Whether you’re in the mood for heartfelt drama, thought-provoking horror, or laugh-out-loud comedy, these five indie shorts and live movies are perfect for a Friday night watchlist.

Let’s take a more detailed look.

1. Buon Natale (2022) – A Bittersweet Christmas Tale

Buon Natale is a quiet, emotional drama that captures the awkwardness, nostalgia, and tenderness of family bonds, especially after change.

A divorced father and his young daughter navigate a traditional family lunch on Christmas Day. While the setting is familiar, both feel like strangers in a place that once felt like home.

2. Die with Me (2024) – A Poignant War Story

When young immigrant Hamza loses his parents in a tragic accident, a surrogate father steps in to guide him from this life to the next. With themes of love, loss, and human connection, Die with Me is a deeply moving short film that lingers long after the credits roll.

3. JD Lawrence’s Community Service (2024) – A Comedy with Heart

Brooklyn actor and playwright JD Stevens (iJD Lawrence) wants to help his best friend with a minor traffic ticket. But when things spiral hilariously out of control, JD finds himself sentenced to 5,000 hours of community service at a center run by the judge’s grumpy uncle, Bishop Nixon (Clifton Powell). Written and directed by NAACP Legacy Award winner JD Lawrence, this funny and feel-good short is packed with sharp dialogue and unexpected twists.

4. The Place (2021) – A Chilling Horror Mystery

After a night out takes a deadly turn, a man and woman wake up in a terrifying, unknown location. As they try to escape their horrific fate, they realize something is terribly wrong. The Place is a nerve-wracking horror short that keeps you guessing until the very end.

5. Inch by Inch (2024) – A Snail’s Epic Journey

In this charming yet surprisingly deep short film, a snail faces its fears and fights for its community. Set in a peaceful backyard, Inch by Inch explores generational trauma, courage, and identity, all through the eyes of an unlikely hero. A quirky and heartwarming tale that proves even the smallest creatures can make a difference.

Watch These Indie Shorts for Free on UVOtv

Whether you’re looking for laughs, suspense, or heartfelt drama, these five indie short films are just the beginning. If you love independent films and short stories that leave an impact, UVOtv is the perfect streaming platform.

What is UVOtv?

UVOtv is a free streaming platform dedicated to bringing live global TV and on-demand films to audiences in the United States and Canada. Unlike most streaming services, UVOtv focuses on cultural diversity, offering native-language entertainment that connects diasporic communities with their heritage. Whether it’s live TV from Italy, Latin America, the Middle East, or Asia, UVOtv ensures that authentic international content is just a click away.

And the best part? It’s completely free. No subscriptions, no credit cards—just high-quality, ad-supported entertainment available whenever and wherever you want. With films in over 40 languages and a constantly expanding selection, you’ll never run out of fresh, exciting content.

You can start watching in a few simple steps:

Download the UVOtv app from the App Store, Google Play, or your Smart TV platform.
Sign up for free (optional, but enhances your experience with personalized recommendations).
Start streaming live TV, short films, and feature-length movies instantly.

Author Profile

Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com