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When Christmas comes to mind, joy, warmth, and cozy family gatherings are likely what you imagine. However, for enthusiasts of horror, Christmas can serve as an ideal setting for frightening stories involving supernatural beings, evil versions of Santa Claus, and murderous individuals.
Christmas horror films combine the festive essence with frightening elements, creating a distinctive watching experience for the holiday season. If you're looking to swap out the feel-good holiday favorites for something more sinister, check out this list of the top 10 Christmas horror films that will add a chilling twist to your festive season.
1. Black Christmas
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Where to watch: Zee5
Bob Clark directed "Black Christmas," considered one of the first slasher films that helped shape the horror genre of the late 70s and 80s. The movie depicts sorority sisters getting unsettling phone calls over their holiday break. As the suspense grows, they come to the realization that a murderer is hiding in the house, targeting the girls individually.
Black Christmas is notable for its skill in building tension and fear within the festive holiday setting. The unsettling phone calls, chilling murders, and confined setting establish it as a classic in its genre. This movie, known for its gradual build-up of suspense and themes of feminism, is a must-see for horror enthusiasts and is commonly considered one of the top Christmas horror films ever made.
2. Krampus
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
The horror-comedy film "Krampus," helmed by Michael Dougherty, adapts the ancient European folklore of the Krampus, a demonic being who deals out punishment to naughty kids, for the silver screen. When Max, a young boy, rejects Christmas because of his dysfunctional family, he inadvertently brings Krampus into his life. The family's holiday takes a dark turn when Krampus and his sneaky followers create chaos, transforming their house into a terrifying place.
Krampus combines horror and humor flawlessly, featuring a talented cast and imaginative creature concepts. The movie successfully combines scary and entertaining elements, depicting holiday chaos and a supernatural threat. It is an excellent option for anyone seeking a spooky horror film with a touch of black humor.
3. Silent Night, Deadly Night
IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
Where to watch: PLEX
Silent Night, Deadly Night, directed by Charles E. Sellier Jr. It follows Billy, a young boy who sees his parents being killed by someone dressed as Santa Claus. Having been deeply affected by the incident, Billy develops a profound dread of Christmas as he grows older. Being made to dress as Santa at work causes him to have a mental breakdown, resulting in a violent spree targeting those who partake in the holiday.
Silent Night, Deadly Night" is a controversial Christmas horror film that caused controversy upon its initial release for depicting a killer Santa Claus. Yet, its mix of slasher suspense and festive spirit has turned it into a cult favorite. The movie's twisted portrayal of holiday innocence turning into a nightmare makes it unsettling yet noteworthy in the horror genre.
4. Gremlins
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Joe Dante directed "Gremlins," a horror-comedy about Billy, a young man who gets a unique pet named Mogwai as a Christmas gift. When the Mogwai gets wet and is fed after midnight, it gives birth to naughty gremlins that swiftly take over the town, creating disorder during the festive period. The film's mix of horror, humor, and emotional depth solidifies its status as a beloved holiday classic.
Gremlins is an ideal horror film for the holiday season, catering to fans of both black comedy and chaotic creatures. The movie's original concept and iconic creature art have solidified its position in mainstream society. It's nostalgic and eerie, making it perfect for watching holiday horror movies with a more lighthearted feel.
5. Better Watch Out
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Better Watch Out, helmed by Chris Peckover, starts off as a typical home-invasion film before veering into surprising and unforeseen directions. Taking place at Christmas time, the plot centers around Ashley, a babysitter tasked with safeguarding 12-year-old Luke from what appears to be a home intrusion. Yet, everything is not what it seems, and the vacation atmosphere intensifies the suspense as the plot delves into surprising territory.
"Better Watch Out" presents a unique approach to the home-invasion genre through its clever plot twists, black comedy, and surprising developments. The movie defies audience predictions, keeping them engaged. The presence of Christmas creates a jarring juxtaposition with the growing fear in the movie, establishing it as one of the most distinctive holiday horror films of recent times.
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6. Anna and the Apocalypse
IMDb Rating: 6.0/10
Where to watch: Prime Video
"Anna and the Apocalypse" is a horror-musical directed by John McPhail, mixing Christmas spirit with a zombie apocalypse. Anna and her friends are followed in the story as they try to survive a zombie outbreak in their small town during the holiday season. What's the catch? They accomplish all of this while performing catchy, Broadway-style songs. The combination of horror, music, and comedy in the movie provides a one-of-a-kind and enjoyable holiday viewing experience.
Anna and the Apocalypse is an unusual Christmas horror movie that mixes musical performances with gory zombie scenes. The standout in the genre is distinguished by its original concept, unforgettable songs, and touching moments. People who love both musicals and horror will have a great time in this lively zombie apocalypse.
7. Silent Night
IMDb Rating: 5.2/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Silent Night," directed by Steven C. Miller, is a modern reimagining of the 1984 horror film Silent Night, Deadly Night. The movie depicts the efforts of a sheriff and his deputy in a small town to locate a crazed individual disguised as Santa Claus, who is mercilessly killing locals while it's holiday time. Silent Night offers a chilling twist on Christmas horror with extreme kills and a black comedic tone.
Silent Night is an ideal choice for enthusiasts of bloody slashers who want to inject a touch of holiday cheer into their horror film binge. The movie's unique portrayal of Santa and its inventive deaths make it a fun horror movie for the festive time of year. Although it may not be as memorable as the original, it still stands out as an enjoyable, gory experience.
8. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Where to watch: Prime Video
Rare Exports," a Finnish horror film, presents Santa Claus as a much darker and more sinister figure. Upon finding a buried figure in the mountains of Finland, a team of archaeologists come to the realization that they have stumbled upon the real Santa Claus, a frightening entity who metes out punishment instead of gifts. While grappling with a series of unexplained occurrences, the town must come together to prevent an ancient evil from breaking free.
Rare Exports offers a unique twist on traditional Christmas horror by combining eerie folklore with subtle humor. The movie's original depiction of Santa as a frightening creature, paired with its snowy, secluded location, generates a tense and spooky ambiance. A must-see for those who enjoy global horror and want a new take on festive myths.
9. The Lodge
IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
Where to watch: Prime Video
Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala direct "The Lodge," a psychological horror movie that tells the story of Aidan and Mia, left in a secluded lodge with their future stepmother, Grace (played by Riley Keough), over Christmas. While stuck in a snowstorm, odd events occur, causing tensions to increase and resulting in a frightening mental collapse. The chilling atmosphere of the film is enhanced by its cold, isolated setting.
The Lodge is a horror movie that builds tension gradually, emphasizing psychological fear over sudden scares. The tension increases gradually, causing a strong feeling of fear as the characters spiral into insanity. The snowy cabin location during the holiday season enhances the movie's eerie atmosphere, making it ideal for fans of Christmas horror.
10. Jack Frost
IMDb Rating: 4.6/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
In the film "Jack Frost," helmed by Michael Cooney, the idea of a murderous snowman is elevated to new heights in a blend of horror and comedy. Following the freak accident in which a serial killer dies, his soul is placed inside a snowman, enabling him to get back at the town that was responsible for his demise. The movie features exaggerated deaths and a twisted sense of humor, adding a playful and cheesy touch to the Christmas horror category.
Jack Frost is a beloved movie that fully embraces its silly concept with gore, comedic deaths, and ludicrous scenarios. Despite not being serious, the mix of horror and comedy in it makes it an entertaining choice for lovers of cheesy, budget-friendly horror movies. If you want a horror film that is more goofy than frightening, Jack Frost is just right.
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