As our thirst for horror becomes ever more insatiable; there is a surprisingly long list of horror Christmas movies to watch, with several being made every year now. Many of these films barely feature the holiday, which we think is lame, and they have been excluded from this list. Merry Horror-mas!
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
If you haven't quite let go of Spooktober, maybe you should start here to transition yourself into a festive mood. Is it a Halloween movie or Christmas movie? It's both! Honestly, we wish this had been sequel to a movie just about about Halloween.
Black Christmas (1974)
This Slasher is not only the best Christmas horror film ever made, it is also one of the best Slashers ever made, and is often credited as one of the earliest slasher films that helped define the genre. The film combines suspense, horror, and a claustrophobic atmosphere to create a sense of dread. It also features strong elements of mystery, as the identity of the killer is not revealed until the climax. The use of POV shots from the killer's perspective was groundbreaking at the time and has since become a staple in the slasher genre. This masterpiece is a must-see terrifying cult classic.
Black Christmas (2006)
Although the title would make it seem like this is a remake, it is a sequel and a remake, a requel. The film also dives deep into the villain's past, giving us some elements of an origin story prequel too. This definitely doesn't come close to the original which is a masterpiece, but it is still very good. This requel emphasizes gore and shock value, with disturbing graphic violence and intense scenes you may have to watch through your fingers. There is another requel, of the same name from 2019 that is watchable but achieves less greatness than this film.
Gremlins (1984)
A Christmas gift gone terribly wrong! This 80's horror comedy from the Golden Age of Cinema is a must-see classic. Incredible sets and special effects. The film has very memorable characters, scenes, and deaths. The gremlins were brought to life using a combination of practical effects, including puppets, animatronics, and stop-motion animation. To be noted: it was the 80's, the portrayal of Chinese Americans as mystical and otherworldly beings is pretty cringe to watch even if no harm was meant.
Krampus (2015)
The film is based on the eponymous character from Austro-Bavarian folklore, who is said to punish naughty children during the holiday season, kind of like a co-worker of Santa Claus. The film blends dark comedy with horror, creating a unique and entertaining holiday movie. there are some intense and violent scenes, not too much gore, the scares come more from the suspense, the unsettling atmosphere, and the terrifying presence of Krampus and his minions.
The Advent calendar (2021)
This French film takes a classic Christmas tradition and turns it into something dark and twisted. It's very interesting to have a paraplegic protagonist, particularly how they weave their disability into the plot, really going deep into their psyche. The film features quite a bit of eye candy for everyone, with multiple nude scenes. There is definitely gore, but the scariness is mostly psychological. Really great and unexpected ending.
Trigger warning: An animal is killed in the film.
Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022)
A robot Santa Slasher! The film is set in a neon-drenched, snow-covered landscape and features a mix of drugs, sex, metal music, and violence.
The film does an excellent job with characterization, you really get to know the fleshed out characters before their brutal deaths. This is a great film to enjoy under the influence of alcohol or cannabis, and the soundtrack really makes it an unusual and fun Christmas film. Is the portrayal of the Santa Killer a believable robot? Well, not totally, but don't take it too seriously.
Anna And The Apocalypse (2017)
A zombie apocalypse Christmas musical! The film combines elements of horror, comedy, and musical genres, creating a unique and entertaining experience. It takes place in Scotland and definitely shows some British culture, you won't need subtitles to understand the subtle Scottish accents. Think 'High School Musical' (2006) meets 'Shaun of the Dead' (2004). Some great gore and deaths, quite a few laughs, and the musical numbers are enjoyable. The film is perhaps a bit long, dragging a bit, but it has rightfully become a cult favourite.
Red Snow (2021)
A quirky vampire flick to tickle extreme fans of the genre. If you are a vampire enthusiast, this was made for you to enjoy. There is some sexy vampire eye candy, some gore, and some meta thoughts about the genre. Although it does take place at Christmas, it is low on Christmas magic.
The Day Of The Beast (1995)
This Spanish film is easily one of the best Christmas Horror films, a Devil movie, a setting and atmosphere reminiscent of 'Basketcase' (1982). You will need subtitles if you aren't fluent in Spanish. The film is hilarious, great clever dialogue and lots of laughs. Madrid Spain in the 90's is half the entertainment, a fascinating look into the world of the past. The characterization is excellent, and so is the menacing score. We love the unorthodox but satisfactory ending. Trigger warnings: drug use, black face, forcible confinement, and burning someone alive.
Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
This first of its kind slasher film received substantial controversy over its promotional material and content, which featured a killer Santa Claus. The film was pulled from theaters a week after its release due to protests, but it has since developed a cult following. Trigger warnings: The film explores themes of trauma, abuse, and the psychological impact of childhood experiences. There are 4 sequels and a remake, all of varying success. If you're into classic slasher films, lots of graphic gore, with a dark holiday twist, this one should be right up your alley!
Better Watch Out (2016)
A classic Babysitter horror story. This thrilling psychological film has very unexpected twists and great performances from this young cast. Shocking and disturbing deaths, and a wildly terrifying psychopathic killer that makes an excellent villain. Although it does take place at Christmas, it is low on Christmas magic, an exception we will allow because the film is good. We really can't say much else without spoiling the film.
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)
Reindeer Hunters! This Finnish folklore tale takes place in Lapland, Northern Finland. It combines fantasy, action, horror, and comedy. Most of the film is in Finnish, so subtitles will be required. While there are some intense scenes, the focus is more on suspense and the creepy atmosphere more than gore. Santa even makes an appearance.
A Christmas Horror Story (2015)
This unique anthology is a fun watch, particularly the portrayal of Santa and his elves. The film features four interwoven stories, all taking place on Christmas Eve and narrated by a festive radio host, William Shatner. Rather uniquely, the story jumps between stories, all of them happening at once instead of in succession.
Terrifier 3 (2024)
We wouldn't recommend you watch this sequel without watching the films that come before it. We wouldn't recommend you watch any of the Terrifier films actually, due to their extreme body horror and torture. However, if you have become desensitized enough to this "torture porn" genre, then why not watch this Christmas themed sequel featuring the infamous Art The Clown in Santa Claus drag. The film has been well-received by fans and critics alike, with praise for its visuals, gore, and storyline; becoming the highest grossing film in the franchise.
Christmas Evil (1980)
There is some slashing in this film, but we wouldn't call it a typical Slasher, it is more of an anti-hero story like 'The Joker'. By far, this film has the best festive feeling and scenes on this list. Rather infamously, this film was included in the "video nasty panic", which was a moral panic in the United Kingdom during the early 1980s wherein the horror genre was under attack. Great sets and costumes that really capture the spirit of the season are a treat, a unique story, and a creepy score make this one worth watching for sure, just don't expect it to be very scary.
Creepshow Holiday Special (2020)
This is technically an episode of the Creepshow tv series (2019-present), but Shudder has made it available as a standalone film on its platform. A light hearted and silly comedy to enjoy while under the influence with friends. We love this introduction of a werewolf story to the Horror-mas zeitgeist.
Carnage For Christmas (2024)
This poorly rated film has been a victim of review bombing. It has a unique story, following the Christmas events of a true crime podcaster, who also happens to be Trans. The film centers on the trans protagonist's life without preaching or being heavy handed. Features festive scenes, and some good gore.
Silent Night (2012)
This underrated film is a thrilling R rated fun ride, very aware of who it's audience is, depraved people like yourself. There is lots of female nudity and sexy young people being punished for their sins. The gore is extremely graphic, so gross you may have to cover your eyes at some parts. We really appreciate all of the unique deaths, and varied weapons. This is a good one to watch with friends while drinking rum & eggnog.
It's A Wonderful Knife (2023)
A very festive slasher, with lots of lights, snow, and blood. You can definitely tell that the writers of the spoof film 'Freaky' (2020) are also behind this teen scream slasher with twist. We're not swapping bodies, we are swapping timelines into a parallel universe, it is silly and unique. Not very scary, but there are some famous actors and lots of stabbing from a rather strangely dressed villain, but we appreciate the serial killer is not dressed as Santa.
Violent Night (2022)
This home invasion flick is very festive, with decorations, gift giving, and even some nut cracking. This is the only film on our list which features the real Santa Claus, mixing the magic of childhood with action packed gore. We really love the homage to the classic Christmas film 'Home Alone' (1990).
Nothing too scary or gory here, teens could probably watch this one.
We hope you enjoy our Ultimate Christmas Horror Marathon.
Our Best Horror Movies of 2024 blog will be up soon, as well as our Winter Horror Movies blog.
-Pumpkinhead
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