Best Christmas Horror Movies

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As a seasoned horror enthusiast who’s spent countless cold nights huddled under blankets while watching terrifying films, I can confidently say that this list is a delightful treat for fellow aficionados like myself. Each movie offers a unique blend of fear and fun, making them perfect for those chilly winter evenings when you just want to hide under the covers but still get your horror fix.

At Christmas, there’s an abundance of love, kindness, and happiness…it’s the period of peace and goodwill towards everyone. However, the festive spirit doesn’t always have to be sugarcoated; horror movies can provide a refreshing contrast during the Yuletide season. Over time, these unkind horror films have served as a balm for viewers tired of the overly sweet traditions that often dominate.

It may seem unusual, but horror and Christmas share a surprising compatibility. With roots in Victorian ghost tales and the chilling legend of Krampus, wintery nights filled with eerie occurrences are far from unheard of. Here’s a selection of top-notch holiday horrors to explore this festive season.

12. The Shining (1980)

Stephen King’s Psychological Horror

For more than four decades, horror enthusiasts have been extended an invitation to experience the chilling tale of Jack Torrance’s psychological breakdown at The Shining’s Overlook Hotel. During a festive season, the Torrance family embarks on a journey to the Overlook Hotel, with father Jack hoping to regain his footing after losing his teaching position due to his volatile temperament.

Following, you’ll find a chilling narrative about psychological distress, as the enigmatic Overlook Hotel unveils its unsettling truth: it harbors malevolent spirits, ghosts, demons, and perhaps the most dangerous of all – Jack himself. Just like the famous quote goes, “Idle hands are the devil’s playthings,” a visit to the Overlook Hotel could be an intriguing choice for those seeking to infuse their holiday season with a touch of terror.

11. Christmas Evil (1980)

A Santa Clause Slasher

Under the admiration of renowned director John Waters, the film “Christmas Evil” was included in the infamous “video nasties” collection, largely because it revolves around the idea of a man portraying Santa Claus engaging in homicidal activities.

With its skillful direction and delving into more profound themes compared to typical slashers, “Christmas Evil” turns out to be an unexpectedly excellent film. The main villain, Harry Stadling, is also given a touch of complexity in his character.

10. Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)

Killer Santa On The Loose

By the mid-eighties, the slasher genre was thriving (reaching its peak), and virtually every holiday was receiving a horror makeover. The chilling movie “Silent Night, Deadly Night” from 1984 served as the season’s terrifying presentation, stirring up quite a bit of debate along the way.

Instead of being the initial movie to present a murderous Santa, “Silent Night” might be the most prominent film to showcase such a character. The promotional campaign, which displayed its menacing Saint Nick in all his bloodthirsty form, startled audiences nationwide and solidified the film’s infamy. Numerous sequels emerged, but the original remains a cult favorite.

9. Jack Frost (1997)

A Killer Becomes A Mutant Snowman

In the late ’90s, a horror movie directly released on video titled “Jack Frost” unfolds an intriguing tale about a ruthless murderer who undergoes an unusual transformation: following a strange chemical reaction, his body merges with snow, resulting in a chilling snowman. This twist should be more than enough to pique the interest of viewers!

Some moments in this movie are both intentionally and unintentionally amusing, and there are also some inventive deaths that maintain the excitement. The low-budget yet endearing brutality of Jack Frost has developed a cult following, and it even led to an increasingly absurd sequel.

8. Silent Night (2012)

Killer Santa On Christmas Eve

In a chilling twist during the festive season, the symbol of Christmas becomes an ominous figure, causing havoc in a secluded Midwestern town. As he moves, the murderer known as Santa leaves a trail of victims behind while ringing his bells mercilessly. The movie, “Silent Night,” focuses on Sheriff Cooper, portrayed by Malcolm McDowell, and his deputy, Jamie King’s character Deputy Bradimore, as they race against time to stop this bloodthirsty Santa Claus.

As a cinephile captivated by all things cinematic, I’d say this: “Experiencing the macabre Santa’s naughty list purge, ‘Silent Night’ serves up a chilling blend of woodchippers, flamethrowers, and gleaming Christmas lights. This slasher flick, brimming with holiday spirit yet devoid of pretense, delivers an unapologetic dose of gory mayhem – making it the ultimate festive viewing for those who dare!

7. Anna And The Apocalypse (2018)

A Zombie Christmas Musical

The uncommon Christmas zombie musical titled “Anna and the Apocalypse” earned overwhelmingly positive feedback when it debuted due to its combination of compelling characters, creative ideas, and continuous excitement.

The soundtrack is fantastic, blending musical and horror conventions together in an intelligent, and occasionally beautiful, way. The Christmas theme is always prevalent too, no more than when the title character wields a giant candy cane for some zombie-slaying mayhem.

6. The Children (2008)

Kids Turn On Their Parents During The Holidays

If a group of children exhibit concerning behaviors following one falling ill, the holiday season can become perilous for their parents, as depicted in the movie “Children.

During the holiday season, the atmosphere becomes incredibly tense in this well-known British film. Despite having fewer instances of violence compared to some other Christmas horror films, “The Children” still manages to make a strong impact by transforming a peaceful family environment into a terrifying nightmare.

5. Rare Exports (2010)

Killer Santa Goes On a Rampage

Without a doubt, Rare Exports stands out as one of the most unique among the “slasher Santa” movies. This Finnish production masterfully combines dark wit, fantastical elements, and chilling horror, developing an intriguing premise and exploring it to its fullest potential.

In my opinion as a film critic, the Santa portrayed in “Rare Exports” is undeniably authentic – far from any jolly, benevolent imposter we’re accustomed to. Instead, this Santa is a gruff, malicious, bloodthirsty old man who keeps you on the edge of your seat. The film masterfully balances suspense with heartwarming character development and insights into family dynamics, making it an engaging blend of thrills, chills, and emotional resonance.

4. Krampus (2015)

A Christmas Demon Invades A Family Home

Because they were lacking the festive spirit of Christmas, an unaware family accidentally released the demon from European folklore known as Krampus. The movie focuses on the Engel family who, after celebrating Christmas together, begin to argue amongst themselves. This sets off a chain of events leading to their being pursued by the horned devil symbolizing Christmas.

The movie ‘Krampus’ boasts an impressive ensemble, including Toni Collette, best known for her role in Hereditary, and Adam Scott, recognized from Severance and Parks and Recreation. This stellar cast is set to bring holiday terror to life through scenes of Christmas-themed carnage featuring elves, gingerbread men, and Krampus himself with his sinister sack. ‘Krampus’ promises a chilling Yuletide experience for all ages.

3. Gremlins (1984)

The Perfect Horror-Comedy For The Festive Season

Avoid subjecting it to strong light sources, keep it dry, and avoid feeding it at night. Breaking these rules results in the timeless horror-comedy masterpiece Gremlins. The story unfolds during Christmas as Rand Peltzer searches for a unique present for his son Billy, but ends up with something far more unexpected.

Over the holiday season, the timeless film “Gremlins” presents the title critters, which include Gizmo and his troublemaking friends, wreaking havoc after Billy unknowingly violates the guidelines for caring for his newly acquired pet. The slaying of Santa Claus adds a chilling humor to the festivities, making it an entertaining watch for the whole family during Christmas.

2. Black Christmas (1974)

Sorority Slasher At Christmas

Four years prior to Halloween, the chilling, horror film “Black Christmas” unfolds. Filled with genuine characters and an intriguing concept, it revolves around a group of sorority sisters who gather for Christmas, only to receive unsettling phone calls that escalate into murders, one by one.

Without a doubt, one of the most chilling horror films ever made, “Black Christmas” offers an eerily unsettling holiday experience that stays with you long after the final scene. An undisputed classic, it remains unmatched by subsequent remakes.

1. Terrifier 3 (2024)

Art The Clown’s Demonic Christmas

As I sat down in the cinema, eagerly anticipating a chilling Christmas treat, I found myself revisiting an old friend – none other than Art the Clown, who returned with a delightfully sinister twist on holiday cheer in “Terrifier 3” (2024).

In the continuation of the Terrifier saga, Terrifier 3 adds a unique twist by unfolding during the Christmas season. Here, the infamous character Art the Clown embarks on a blood-soaked rampage using an assortment of deadly weapons such as chainsaws, bombs, and flamethrowers, escalating the gore beyond what was seen in the earlier installments. This bloody spectacle makes for an exhilarating horror experience this festive season. Art the Clown’s latest outing cements his status as a contemporary horror icon and offers an exciting viewing option for fans of horror movies over Christmas.

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2024-12-23 10:06