“AI Films” that I actually like
Five picks—music video, dance, surreal short, and glitch-pop—that just might make you smile
I want to dedicate this issue to videos & films generated (in part or whole) by AI that I really, actually like!
I’ve watched dozens (maybe hundreds?) of “AI videos”—festivals, student work, links from friends, doomscrolling. Even though I’m more interested in and optimistic about AI’s role in film than most filmmakers I know, I secretly hate most of it. Lots of super-popular pieces feel viral mainly because they flaunt shiny new tech, but I don’t think they’ll hold up once the shine fades.
But there are gems—beautiful, funny, mind-bending pieces that feel evergreen and expand what’s possible. Here are a few of those, in no particular order. I’ve enjoyed them, and hope you do too! In no particular order:
Kendrick Lamar — The Heart Part 5
Why I like it: It subverts the most controversial AI technique (face-swapping) with intention. The static background and wardrobe keep the focus on lyrics and expression as his face morphs—playful, unsettling, and perfectly aligned with the song and lyrics.
Team: Directed by Kendrick Lamar & Dave Free. Deepfake work by Deep Voodoo.
Paul Trillo — Clouds
Why I like it: Short, sweet, beautiful, whimsical. It’s the kind of sequence that would be prohibitively hard (or wildly expensive) any other way. Trillo has done a few different AI-gen clouds pieces, and I love them all.
Team: Directed by Paul Trillo. Choreography/co-direction/dance by Hok Konishi; additional choreography by Erica Klein; ComfyUI animation by Brad Tucker (plus a long, well-earned credits list).
Holly Herndon — “Jolene (feat. Holly+)”
Why I like it: Gloriously glitchy on purpose. Instead of hiding limitations, it embraces them as an aesthetic. While the technology is obviously advancing super fast, to me, a lot of AI generated videos trying to look “real” still look...unreal, and uncanny, and sometimes a little off-putting. Personally, I have a soft spot for projects that embrace that instead of trying to sidestep it.
Team: Holly Herndon, using her AI “twin,” Holly+.
Ryan Turner —Wi-Fi Kingdom
Why I like it: Cheerfully absurd. It’s a prime example of “this would never get made at this scale without AI,” in the best way—ambitious worldbuilding, scrappy budget. Clever and funny concept, and great execution.
Team: Written & directed by Ryan Turner.
Nik Kleverov — The Somniloquist
Why I like it: Dream logic done right. The AI-generated imagery leans into the surreal and otherworldly while serving the core idea—using recordings of Dion McGregor describing his dreams. Charmingly trippy.
Team: Directed by Nik Kleverov; produced by Pippa Lambert; music by Marius de Vries.
Honorable mentions
Gary Hustwit’s Eno—an ever-changing edit that made Brian Eno, a doc-averse subject, say yes. Verena Puhm’s Milk, a surreal world where people work under the watchful eyes of animal foremen. Karen X has a bunch of fun lil experiments on her IG; I love this one where she uses AI to make a video look like it’s made of origami. The Wizard of AI—a sharp, self-aware visual essay using AI to talk about AI. Welcome to Chechnya—early, groundbreaking face-protection work.
Did you love or hate any of these? What did I miss? Send me your faves that actually moved you, made you laugh, or expanded your idea of the medium—just hit reply. (Seriously!! It would give me great joy.)
This issue’s baby animal gif:
xoxo,
Kris
P.S. Shout-out to Souki Monsoor, who has introduced me and many others to lots of great genAI films & filmmakers. She hosted and curated the Sora Selects showcase, hands down my favorite collection of AI-generated films I’ve seen; two picks above were featured there :)
