Modern-day shorts released with theatrical films
This is a list of short films from the modern era (that is, since 1970) which received theatrical release in the United States accompanying feature films. 1970 is the starting date for this list because most of the major studios had ceased to regularly release shorts with their features by then.
Some of them were released to DVD with the features as well, but not necessarily all of them.
This list is an ongoing project and is not complete. In particular, both Universal and United Artists continued to release animated theatrical shorts during the 1970s but, as far as I know, they were not paired for distribution with specific features as the shorts on this list were. At this time I am only covering U.S. releases; coverage of international releases would require significant additional research.
Some of them were released to DVD with the features as well, but not necessarily all of them.
This list is an ongoing project and is not complete. In particular, both Universal and United Artists continued to release animated theatrical shorts during the 1970s but, as far as I know, they were not paired for distribution with specific features as the shorts on this list were. At this time I am only covering U.S. releases; coverage of international releases would require significant additional research.
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- DirectorTom LeetchStarsSteve ForrestRoyal DanoPeter RenadayA look at the many attractions, resort hotels, and other amusements at Walt Disney World in its first year of operation.Released theatrically with Snowball Express (1972).
- DirectorDale Allan PeltonStarsElsa GamireDr. Elsa Gamire of the California Institute of Technology creates compelling abstract images, "creatures of light," through lasers and mirrors, set to an original musical score, in what has been called "the first laser-generated film."Released theatrically with Yessongs (1975).
- DirectorJohn LounsberyWolfgang ReithermanStarsSebastian CabotJunius MatthewsJohn FiedlerRabbit is tired of Tigger always bouncing him, so he gets Pooh and Piglet together to come up with an idea to get the bounce out of Tigger. Rabbit suggests they take him into the middle of nowhere and leave him overnight. The idea backfires and Rabbit, Piglet and Pooh find themselves lost, but Pooh's tummy guides them home. Then, Tigger and Roo go out for a bounce and get caught in a tree, which Tigger is too afraid to get out of, and Rabbit makes Tigger promise that if they help get Tigger down, that Tigger can never bounce again. So Tigger is rescued and feels sad that he can no longer bounce, but everyone, including Rabbit, agrees they liked the old bouncy Tigger better.Oscar nominee for Best Animated Short.
Released theatrically with The Island at the Top of the World (1974). - DirectorRichard BakerStarsJoe CampPaul HenningFrank InnA short documentary about Benji the dog released to accompany the theatrical release of the movie Hawmps! (1976) in 1976.Released theatrically with Hawmps! (1976).
- DirectorDon BluthJack CuttingWolfgang ReithermanStarsSean MarshallWilliam WoodsonOlan SouleOrdered by his father to sell his old, small donkey, named Small One, a boy in ancient Palestine takes the donkey to the Jerusalem market. Finding no buyers there, the boy is about to give up when he meets a kind man named Joseph.Released theatrically with the 1978 re-issue of Pinocchio (1940) and with the 1982 re-issue of Peter Pan (1953).
- DirectorJack SpeirsStarsRex AllenA wildlife adventure about a fox cub who teams with a badger to survive wilderness dangers.Released theatrically with the 1979 re-issue of One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961).
- DirectorJerry KramerGary RocklenStarsAurora MirandaBetty Lou GersonHans ConriedOnce Upon A Mouse: 20 minute chronological retrospective of the works of Walt Disney. Played before the re-release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1981. Directed by Ken Rudolph (Kenimation Prod.) Cameraman, Raymond Wojdynski.Released theatrically with The Fox and the Hound (1981).
- DirectorRick ReinertStarsHal SmithRalph WrightLaurie MainWinnie the Pooh and friends decide to throw a birthday celebration for gloomy, old Eeyore.Released theatrically with the 1983 re-issue of The Sword in the Stone (1963).
- DirectorBurny MattinsonStarsAlan YoungWayne AllwineHal SmithThe classic Disney animated characters play the roles in this animated retelling of the Charles Dickens masterpiece.Oscar nominee for Best Animated Short.
Released theatrically with the 1983 re-issue of The Rescuers (1977). - DirectorAnne-Marie MiévilleStarsBruno CremerAurore ClémentRebecca Hampton11 year old Marie is terribly upset by her parents' separation. Her reaction is to cut herself off from the world and take refuge in books, music and dance. This short film is a complement to Jean-Luc Godard's film Je vous salue Marie.Released theatrically with Hail Mary (1985).
- DirectorJohn LasseterA larger lamp watches while a smaller, younger lamp plays exuberantly with a ball but doesn't pick up the knack of correct handling.
- DirectorFrank MarshallRob MinkoffStarsCharles FleischerApril WinchellLou HirschBaby Herman swallows his rattle, and Roger has to take him to the hospital to get it out.Released theatrically with Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989).
- DirectorJohn LasseterA snow globe snowman wants to join the other travel souvenirs in a hot party, but the glass dome that surrounds him gets in his way, despite all his efforts.Released theatrically with Finding Nemo (2003).
- DirectorFrank MarshallRob MinkoffStarsCharles FleischerKathleen TurnerApril WinchellRoger Rabbit struggles to keep wandering Baby Herman safe in an amusement park where the usual havoc ensues.Released theatrically with Dick Tracy (1990).
- DirectorGeorge ScribnerStarsWayne AllwineBill FarmerArthur BurghardtA poor boy and a prince exchange identities and lives while the villainous Captain of the Guard plots to take advantage of this.Released theatrically with The Rescuers Down Under (1990).
- DirectorDarrell Van CittersStarsJeff BergmanJim CummingsTress MacNeilleWhen a 100 screen cineminium is built over Bugs Bunny's rabbit hole, he invades the complex to investigate but is quickly pursued when usher Elmer Fudd finds that he has no ticket.Released theatrically in 1991 with The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter (1990).
- DirectorDavid BlockStarsJeff BennettRodger BumpassNancy CartwrightA delivery cat struggles against time to meet a five minute deadline.Released theatrically with 3 Ninjas (1992).
- DirectorBarry CookThe story of an old fashioned rocking horse who tries to regain the affection of a boy whose attention has turned to video games.Released theatrically with Honey, I Blew Up the Kid (1992).
- DirectorMatthew O'CallaghanStarsJim CarreyAndrea MartinThora BirchDuring a piano lesson, a music teacher discovers a harmless spider, so she calls in The Exterminator.Released theatrically with Bebe's Kids (1992).
- DirectorBarry CookStarsCharles FleischerKathleen TurnerApril WinchellDuring a picnic, Baby Herman follows a beaver into a perilous sawmill - with Roger Rabbit in frantic pursuit.Released theatrically with A Far Off Place (1993).
- DirectorRich AronsDavid MarshallAudu PadenStarsRob PaulsenJess HarnellTress MacNeilleThe Warner Brothers, Yakko and Wakko, and their sister Dot star in their first theater short. Yakko and Dot are constantly bickering while Wakko is complaining during a car ride with their psychiatrist Dr. Otto Scratchansniff. A mostly musical cartoon.Released theatrically with Thumbelina (1994).
- DirectorChuck JonesStarsChuck JonesPaul JulianChariots of Fur is a seven-minute Looney Tunes short released in 1994 by Warner Bros. It features Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner and was directed by Chuck Jones, who introduced the pair in 1949. the first time a new short of Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner had been released theatrically since 1966. This was the final Coyote/Road Runner short to be directed by Jones.Released theatrically with Richie Rich (1994).
- DirectorChris BaileyStarsWayne AllwineRussi TaylorKelsey GrammerIn an attempt to convince Minnie that he hasn't forgotten to buy her an anniversary present, Mickey Mouse ends up promising to take her to Hawaii. Funds being short, he applies for a job as lab assistant to the sinister Dr. Frankenollie, who happens to be searching for a donor to provide his monstrous creation with a brain...Oscar nominee for Best Animated Short.
Released theatrically with A Kid in King Arthur's Court (1995). - DirectorMitch McCabeStarsMitch McCabeThis angst-ridden yet humorous portrait of the filmmaker's efforts to confront her family redefines the coming of age story in the form of a hilarious documentary.Released theatrically with Only the Brave (1994) in 1995.
- DirectorJan PinkavaStarsBob PetersonGeri sets up a chess game to play his greatest opponent - himself.
- DirectorRalph EgglestonStarsRalph EgglestonA group of snooty birds roosting on a telephone wire get their just deserts when a goofy bird drops in.
- DirectorBud LuckeyRoger GouldStarsBud LuckeyA sheep dances proudly in his southwestern landscape, until one day his wool is sheared and he is left naked. He's depressed and shy, until a cheerful jackalope comes along and shows him how to leap proudly and not to be ashamed.
- DirectorGary RydstromStarsSheb WooleyA teenage alien is trying to abduct a sleeping human, but doesn't know which switch to use.
- DirectorDoug SweetlandA stage magician's rabbit gets into a magical onstage brawl against his neglectful guardian with two magic hats.
- DirectorPeter SohnStarsTony FucileLori RichardsonBabies both human and beast are created up in the stratosphere, by the clouds themselves. One cloud specializes in "dangerous" babies, creating a challenge for his loyal stork that has to deliver them.Released theatrically with Up (2009).
- DirectorTeddy NewtonStarsMuneer LyatiWayne DyerDay encounters Night, a stranger of distinctly darker moods. But their suspicions soon turn to curiosity, and they are delighted to find the joys of their budding friendship.
- DirectorGary RydstromStarsTom HanksTim AllenJoan CusackThe toys throw Ken and Barbie a Hawaiian vacation in Bonnie's room.Released theatrically with Cars 2 (2011).
- DirectorAngus MacLaneStarsTom HanksTim AllenJohn RatzenbergerA fast food restaurant mini variant of Buzz forcibly switches places with the real Buzz and his friends have to deal with the obnoxious impostor.Released theatrically with The Muppets (2011).
- DirectorMark A. WalshDylan BrownStarsTom HanksTim AllenWallace ShawnWhen Rex finds himself left behind in the bathroom, he puts his limbs to use by getting a bath going for a bunch of new toy friends.Released theatrically with the 2012 3D re-issue of Finding Nemo (2003).
- DirectorEnrico CasarosaStarsTony FucileKrista ShefflerPhil SheridanA fable of a young boy coming of age in the most peculiar of circumstances. It's the first time his Papa and Grandpa are taking him to work. Will he be able to find his own way?
- DirectorSaschka UnseldStarsSarah JaffeAmidst the rain in a singing city, two umbrellas - one blue, one not - fall eternally in love.Released theatrically with Monsters University (2013).
- DirectorKelsey MannStarsBilly CrystalJohn GoodmanPeter SohnWith a little trickery, Mike and Sulley help their social outcast friends at Monsters University have the best frat party ever.Released theatrically with Muppets Most Wanted (2014).
- DirectorChris BuckJennifer LeeStarsKristen BellIdina MenzelJonathan GroffOn Anna's birthday, Elsa and Kristoff are determined to give her the best celebration ever, but Elsa's icy powers may put more than just the party at risk.Released theatrically with Cinderella (2015).
- DirectorPatrick OsborneStarsSteve ApostolinaKirk BailyBen BledsoeThe love life of a man as told through the meals he gives his adopted dog, Winston.
- DirectorLauren MacMullanStarsWalt DisneyMarcellite GarnerRussi TaylorMickey, Minnie, Horace Horsecollar, and Clarabelle Cow go on a musical wagon ride until Peg-Leg Pete tries to run them off the road.
- DirectorJohn KahrsStarsJohn KahrsKari WahlgrenJack GoldenbergAn office worker meets the girl of his dreams and uses a fleet of paper airplanes to get her attention.
- DirectorNathan GrenoByron HowardStarsMandy MooreZachary LeviAlan DaleRapunzel and Flynn Rider have their wedding, but Pascal and Maximus must recover the rings they lose in mid-ceremony.Released theatrically with the 2012 3D re-issue of Beauty and the Beast (1991).
- DirectorKevin DetersStevie WermersStarsBilly ConnollyKevin DetersA humorous animated poem of how a gentle displaced Scottish monster created Loch Ness.Released theatrically with Winnie the Pooh (2011).
- DirectorKevin DetersStevie WermersStarsCorey BurtonBill FarmerGoofy tries to set up his new home theater in time for the big game, with disastrous results.Released theatrically with National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007).
- DirectorDouglas McCarthyStarsJoe AlaskeyBob BergenGreg BursonA spoof of the classic film Casablanca (1942), starring Warner Bros.' Looney Tunes characters.Released theatrically with The Amazing Panda Adventure (1995).
- DirectorChuck JonesStarsFrank GorshinThurl RavenscroftEric GoldbergDaffy is supposedly a super hero and tries to show off his "super powers."Released theatrically with Carpool (1996).
- DirectorDarrell Van CittersStarsFrank GorshinStan FrebergPete Puma is trying to raid the henhouse Foghorn Leghorn is guarding; Foggy decides to have some fun with Pete. He tells Pete what he really wants is a Venezuelan Racing Chicken which has unfortunately run back to Venezuela. Pete runs there and back in jig time. Next, he really wants an Irish Wrestling Chicken, which turns out to be a rope tied to a bull's tail. When Pete makes off with a chicken, nest and all, Foghorn grabs the chicken, then says Pete's found the rare Mongolian Disappearing Chicken, and the only way to make it reappear is tap dancing; Pete dances into a hole; Foggy drops an anvil on Pete's head ("a whole lotta lumps!") . Foggy walks away, chuckling at his cleverness, when a genuine Irish Wrestling Chicken pins him ("I'm glad I didn't show him the Norwegian Exploding Chicken") .Released theatrically with Cats Don't Dance (1997).
- DirectorMatthew O'CallaghanStarsPaul JulianWile E. Coyote incorporates a bungee cord into his plans to catch the Road Runner.Released theatrically with Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (2010).
- DirectorMatthew O'CallaghanStarsPaul JulianWile E. Coyote intends to catch Road Runner while avoiding heat-seeking missiles using a makeshift copter-helmet.Released theatrically with Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole (2010).
- DirectorMatthew O'CallaghanStarsPaul JulianWile E. Coyote once again tries to ensnare his long-time adversary, the Road Runner. In this short, Wile devises various attempts of capture with the aid of a Sedway, better known in the WC/RR world as the Hyper-Sonic Transporter by ACME.Released theatrically with Yogi Bear (2010).
- DirectorMatthew O'CallaghanStarsMel BlancJune ForayIn this musical short Sylvester tries to eat tweety but this time they both sing throughout the entire film. the voices were recorded in 1950, 61 years before the release of this short.Released theatrically with Happy Feet Two (2011).
- DirectorMatthew O'CallaghanStarsMel BlancBilly WestJames Arnold TaylorWhen Daffy Duck tries to express his life about being constantly hunted down through a performance, Elmer Fudd can't help but use this as an opportunity to finally successfully hunt Daffy.Released theatrically with Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012).
- DirectorPaul ChartStarsKen KeseyWriter Ken Kesey discusses life, his work, and the 1960s in an interview conducted on his Oregon ranch.Released theatrically with Tie-died: Rock 'n Roll's Most Deadicated Fans (1995).
- DirectorPaul SabellaDavid FeissStarsMatt FrewerDan CastellanetaWallace ShawnPinky calls a taxi to get to an urgent appointment, only to find that the taxi driver is the Voodoo Man, who drives like a maniac.Released theatrically with The Pebble and the Penguin (1995).
- DirectorJohn LasseterRob GibbsVictor NavoneStarsLarry the Cable GuyKeith FergusonMichael WallisA routine tow lands Mater in Tokyo, where he is challenged to a drift-style race against a nefarious gang leader and his posse of ninjas. With the help of his friend, "Dragon" Lightning McQueen, and some special modifications, Mater attempts to drift to victory and become "Tow-ke-O Mater, King of all Drifters".Released theatrically with Bolt (2008), but only starting in Bolt's fourth week of release.
- DirectorEric ArmstrongStarsBrad SimonsenMortonette JenkinsJeff WolvertonA janitor at an alien nightclub gets his wish to be a singer.Oscar winner for Best Animated Short.
Released theatrically with Men in Black II (2002) and with Stuart Little 2 (2002). - DirectorSteve MartinoMichael ThurmeierStarsChris WedgeSimon PeggJason FricchioneScrat's pursuit of his acorn causes the earth's land to split into different continents.Released theatrically with Gulliver's Travels (2010).
- DirectorSteve MartinoMichael ThurmeierStarsRay RomanoJohn LeguizamoDenis LearyAmid the boundless ice-cold ocean, the fortunate survivor, Scrat, finally finds a tiny islet, willing to go to great lengths to get his precious acorns; however, all that glitters is not gold. Will Scrat ever learn?Released theatrically with Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (2011).
- DirectorGary TrousdaleStarsTom McGrathChris MillerChristopher KnightsThe penguins of the Central Park Zoo have an adventure in the city on Christmas Eve.Released theatrically with Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005).
- DirectorMike GabrielA gluttonous self-centered cat, Lorenzo, gets punished for his selfishness when his beautiful giant tail develops a personality of its own.
- DirectorAndrew R. JonesStarsKevin Michael RichardsonPamela AdlonJohn DiMaggioThe crew of the hovercraft Osiris must get a message back to Zion, a message of vital importance. Easy to do, but for the armada of Sentinels between them and Zion.Released theatrically with Dreamcatcher (2003).
- DirectorKunihiko YuyamaStarsIkue ÔtaniSatomi KôrogiRikako AikawaPikachu and the gang learn responsibility, team work as well as cooperation during their Summer vacation at Pokemon Island.Released theatrically with Pokémon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998) in 1999.
- DirectorKunihiko YuyamaStarsIkue ÔtaniRikako AikawaMadeleine BlausteinTogepi leads Pikachu and friends on a wild adventure.Released theatrically with Pokémon the Movie 2000 (1999) in 2000.
- DirectorKunihiko YuyamaStarsRica MatsumotoIkue ÔtaniSatomi KôrogiPikachu ends up going on a crazy adventure with some troublesome, but fun Pichu brothers.Released theatrically with Pokémon 3 the Movie: Spell of the Unown (2000) in 2001.
- DirectorJames Ford MurphyStarsNapua GreigKuana Torres KaheleMuneer LyatiA story that takes place over millions of years and is inspired by the beauty of tropical islands and the allure of ocean volcanoes.Released theatrically with Inside Out (2015).
- DirectorSanjay PatelStarsBrent SchraffSunny Singh AttarArun RaoSanjay loves cartoons and comics, while his father tries to draw him into his Hindu traditions. Reluctance turns into awe-inspiring adventure as the boy embarks on an amazing journey, returning with a new perspective they can both embrace.
- DirectorMichael ThurmeierGalen T. ChuStarsChris WedgeDenis LearyJohn LeguizamoBecause of his undying love for acorns, Scrat makes an astounding discovery that sends him deep into the black and endless space; however, his actions have consequences of cosmic proportions. Will he stay forever stranded in the void?Released theatrically with The Peanuts Movie (2015).
- DirectorSteve MooreStarsKevin SchonErnie SabellaPhillip IngramTimon enthusiastically serenades Pumbaa with the title song, completely oblivious to the myriad of painful catastrophes that befall the poor warthog as he does so.Released theatrically with Tom and Huck (1995).
- DirectorSteve MooreStarsScott WeilKeith ScottJeff BennettIn a town called Pudding on the Ritz, a sly fox attempts to trick a nitwit into opening a cursed treasure chest. However, the fox's trick comes back to bite him in the end.Released theatrically with Dudley Do-Right (1999).
- DirectorTim HillStarsHarry Connick Jr.Peter CrissAce FrehleyThe Action League is up to their greatest challenge yet when a giant baby attacks the band KISS during one of their concerts.Released theatrically with Good Burger (1997).
- DirectorAlan BarillaroA hungry sandpiper hatchling ventures from her nest for the first time to dig for food by the shoreline. The problem is, the food is buried in the sand where scary waves roll up.
- DirectorPeter CapaldiStarsRichard E. GrantCrispin LettsKen StottWhile trying to decide what Gregor Samsa wakes up as, Kafka's constantly being interrupted by knife-selling strangers, party noise, girls, fancy dress costumes, and other strange, dreamlike visions.Oscar winner for Best Live Action Short.
Released theatrically with The Secret Adventures of Tom Thumb (1993) in 1994. - DirectorLeonardo MatsudaStarsTucker GilmoreRaymond S. PersiThe heart and mind of an office worker clash over sticking to a safe routine of work and daring to try new experiences in life to enjoy.Released theatrically with Moana (2016).
- DirectorJon SaundersStarsJustin TherouxAbbi JacobsonJackie ChanMaster Wu finds his title as martial arts master challenged by his pet chicken.Released theatrically with Storks (2016).
- DirectorDave MullinsWhen a toy-stealing bully ruins recess for a playground full of kids, only one thing stands in his way: the Lost and Found box.
- DirectorGenndy TartakovskyStarsAdam SandlerSelena GomezAndy SambergTrouble ensues at Hotel Transylvania when Dennis gets a new monster-sized pet.Released theatrically with The Emoji Movie (2017).
- DirectorKevin DetersStevie WermersStarsJosh GadIdina MenzelKristen BellA Christmas-themed special featuring characters from Walt Disney Pictures' 53rd full-length animated motion picture, "Frozen (2013)".Released theatrically with Coco (2017), but only through December 7, 2017.
- DirectorDomee ShiStarsSindy LauKai LiSharmaine YeohA Chinese-Canadian woman suffering from empty nest syndrome gets a second shot at motherhood when one of her handmade dumplings comes alive.
- DirectorLauren FaustJennifer KluskaStarsTara StrongGrey GriffinNicole SullivanBatgirl has to wait for her Dad to fall asleep before she can join her friends and fight Mr. Freeze.Released theatrically with Teen Titans GO! To the Movies (2018).
- DirectorBruno ChauffardGlenn McCoyStarsPierre CoffinJody GelbDave RosenbaumThe Minions need to raise $20 to purchase an as seen on TV banana blender, so they take up lawn mowing at an old folks home, with hilarious antics.Released theatrically with The Secret Life of Pets (2016).
- DirectorSerguei KouchnerovFabien PolackStarsPierre CoffinBrian T. DelaneyCarlos AlazraquiAn adventure about two minions which try to escape from jail.Released theatrically with The Grinch (2018).
- DirectorCarlos SaldanhaStarsChris WedgeOnly one sweet, shiny little acorn prevents Scrat, the tireless prehistoric sabre-toothed squirrel, from stashing away the perfect pile of nuts. However, when is enough, enough?Released theatrically with Garfield: The Movie (2004).
- DirectorMatthew A. CherryEverett Downing Jr.Bruce W. SmithStarsIssa RaeA father tries to do his daughter's hair for the first time.
- DirectorDavid SilvermanStarsChris EdgerlyMaggie and Marge are having a play-date at Springfield's finest toddler play park when Maggie becomes smitten with a little boy. It's love at first suck and Maggie dreams about seeing him again after a day full of make-believe romance.Released theatrically with Onward (2020).
- DirectorWilliam MataStarsDiana ZermeñoAsher Colton SpenceMarc WeinerFollow Dora and Boots as they embark on an incredible adventure to the land of alebrijes, the most magical and colorful creatures in the rainforest.Released theatrically with PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie (2023).
- DirectorBob PetersonStarsEdward AsnerBob PetersonCarl Fredricksen reluctantly agrees to go on a date with a lady friend-but admittedly has no idea how dating works these days. Ever the helpful friend, Dug steps in to calm Carl's pre-date jitters and offer some tried-and-true tips for making friends-if you're a dog.Released theatrically with Elemental (2023).