Flash fiction is evolving as writers experiment with new forms and subjects that align with today’s realities. In our fast-paced digital world, social media and online magazines encourage stories that are shorter, bolder, and more interactive, often blending genres and using unconventional structures. Selecting these stories was a thrilling challenge–my gratitude to the talented flash fiction writers for this difficult task. One of the things common in these pieces, as you’ll see, is how they steer clear of mediocrity as well as mundane issues around man-woman relationship. They reassert familiarity with the Self, even as they bridge persistent issues of a more serious nature that beg highlighting. 2025’s TOP 10 Best Flash Fiction List is in no way an exhaustive list, but as previously, I’ve strived to spotlight the often overlooked ones (though not in any manner lesser in merit), particularly championing pieces written by emerging writers residing in the global south, alongside more established names. If you’re eager to explore more, dive into my lists for 2023 and 2024.
“The Devil Alive in Jersey” by Catherine Buck (January 2025) Why I like it? A dialogue-only flash fiction, this piece spins and snaps erratically to complement the nature of rumor and gossip in its structure.
“Sad Library Things” by Eileen Frankel Tomarchio (October 2025) Why I like it? Sometimes a piece is so wacky, you read it again and again for a grasp on it, this piece is exactly that — “a glimpse into the repository!”
“Imperial March” by Amit Majmudar (Spring 2025) Why I like it? Language! Plus, the context hits closer home. “Eyes as blue as opium poppies harvested by orphans in authentic traditional costumes.”
“True Story 1-10” by Sarvin Parviz (November 2025) Why I like it? The themes of home, tradition, longing, exile, and mother-daughter relationship– all rolled into one brief piece! Plus, structure!
“Body as a Single-Family Home” by Kara Oakleaf (December 2025) Why I like it? 2025 New Flash Fiction Prize’s winning piece feels too resonant and near–both as a mother and as a reader/writer who digs motherhood stories. It says a lot in spite of its brevity and ends beautifully with the lines: “When I feel anything foreign under my skin—a minor cramp, a sharp twinge, any old ache—I tell myself it’s only the children, running down the hall, jumping on their beds, giggling from under a kitchen table. I tell myself they never came out because they were already home.”
“Review: When the Baby Sleeps” by Lyndsie Manusos (December 2025) Why I like it? The author says’: “…this story was a writing prompt I saw online about writing a review for a horror movie that doesn’t exist”, and the piece uses the format beautifully, as well as the premise fully. A horror flash-fiction that ensures you get the chills.
“The Second Law of Thermodynamics” by Shweta Ravi (September 2025); Why I like it? Lush language and the irresistible mash-up of science with general narrative of everyday existence. “Existentially, inevitably, someday, the wearer and the worn shall become one. But today they are alive and kicking chlorophyll off Himalayan bridges, the sneakers getting old, each time Mahira learns something new.”
“Forever is a Circle” by Mulenga Mupinde (April 2025) Why I like it? Rich details and the embedded, deeply philosophical musings. “It told me everything returns. Like the full moon, the clouds of rain, the tree leaves, the winds of cold, the migrating birds and the flying termites. These all leave but they return to stake their claim because they belong to the world, and the world guards all its things jealously. Even your friend.”
“false revelation” by Yangon-based T. R. San (October 2025) Why I like it? The experimentation here! Although classified as a micro, this piece is actually many things at once.
“Archive” by Lucy Zhang (April 2025) Why I like it? Blend of culture, food and science fiction! The storytelling style makes it a truly engaging read, and by the time one reaches the end, one is left to ponder over our near future possibilities. A rare sight in the Alternate World, where most visitors prefer symmetry and order, the landscape flowing in straight, clean lines with even numbers of fish hook cacti growing from both sides. The Garden rotates the Bonsai out once a month, the only regularly repeated Scene we’ve grown bored of.”
DISCLAIMER: These 10 stories are NOT in any particular order. Additionally, since I am associated with the publications IHLR, trampset and Vestal Review, I have not included any stories from these, although I absolutely believe at least a couple would easily make my list!
Feel free to add your own favorite stories/flash fiction in the comments BELOW:
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