Rhiannon Elizabeth Irons
It’s that time of year. We’re decking the halls with bowels of Holly (getit?), and devouring eggnog by the carton. But while this festive season may be all about the big man in red, twinkling lights, and spreading holiday cheer, there are a few creepy films that are perfect to indulge in while you’re waiting for Chester’s nuts to finish roasting…
Okay, I’ll stop with the bad puns. Here’s my Top 13 Christmas Horror Movies.
13: Jack Frost (1997)
This film can be summed up in one sentence; A serial killer dies, comes back to life as a snowman, and wreaks havoc.
Despite its rather outlandish premise, this film is actually enjoyable if you don’t take it too seriously. Funny, over-the-top, and rather gory in parts, it’s the perfect Christmas horror movie to kick of the festive season.
12: Santa’s Slay (2005)
Santa Claus is actually a demon who lost a bet with an angel, so he becomes the giver of toys and happiness. But when the bet is off, he returns to his evil, wicked ways and starts slaying people.
Santa’s Slay is quite comical, yet gruesome. Black humour done well, this film stars pro-wrestler, Bill Goldberg, as the deranged Santa. It’s sure to leave your sides splitting… hopefully not literally.
11: Silent Night, Bloody Night (1972)
A man inherits a mansion, which was once housed mental patience. He visits the place and begins to investigate some crimes that happened in old times, scaring the people living in the region.
Though filmed in 1970, this film didn’t get released until 1972. James Patterson, who portrayed Jeffrey Butler, tragically passed away from cancer soon after principal photography was completed. His lines were dubbed in by another actor. If that wasn’t tragic enough, it was also the final film of Candy Darling. This may be a hard film to find these days, but it’s worth the watch. A pleasant little Christmas horror.
10: Saint (2010)
Also known as Sint, this horror movie depicts St. Nicholas as a murderous bishop who kidnaps and murders children when there is a full moon on December 5th.
This movie is all you can ask of a horror comedy; The mix between scary moments and laughter is just about perfect. However, it does have its flaws – namely the nonsensical plot and acting by the extras. But as far as carnage goes, this is 10/10.
9: Silent Night (2012)
The police force of a remote Midwestern town search for a killer Santa Claus who is picking off citizens on Christmas Eve.
I’m not one for remakes usually. But when one is done right (or mostly right), I do sing its praises. A remake of Silent Night, Deadly Night, this film easily falls into the category of one of the nastiest, bloodiest, and coldest (getit?) Christmas horror films ever created. This is definitely one remake to add to your stocking.
8: A Christmas Horror Story (2015)
Interwoven stories that take place on Christmas Eve, as told by one festive radio host: A family brings home more than a Christmas tree, a student documentary becomes a living nightmare, a Christmas spirit terrorizes, Santa slays evil.
A Christmas Horror Story may not be on a lot of people’s radar, but it’s a worthy installment that goes to some unusual places. William Shatner plays the radio host that collectively binds the stories that comprise the film. Just watch it. It has Santa fighting Krampus. What’s not to like?
7: Christmas Evil (1980)
Originally known as You Better Watch Out, this film sees a toy factory worker, mentally scarred as a child upon learning Santa Claus is not real, suffers a nervous breakdown after being belittled at work, and embarks on a Yuletide killing spree.
Brandon Maggart stars as Harry Stadling, a role he has since distanced himself from despite a remarkable performance as the unhinged man who idolizes Santa Claus. Taking his love of the jolly fat man one step further, he keeps his own list of who’s naughty and nice by spying on the neighborhood children. But it's his co-workers, bosses, and towns folk that receive the grizzly treatment when they express their cynicism and hypocrisy. Taking an axe, Harry sets out to reward the good and punish the bad. It’s the Taxi Driver of Yuletide terrors.
6: Krampus (2015)
A boy who has a bad Christmas ends up accidently summoning a festive demon to his family home. An urban legend brought to life; the tale of Krampus is one legend you’ll want to obey. After all the moral of the story is to be full of Christmas spirit or else face the wrath of a demonic force of ancient evil intent on punishing non-believers.
5: The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Jack Skellington, King of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but doesn’t quite understand the concept.
Not quite a hardcore horror film, but the spirit is still there. Beautifully animated, this film delights audiences both young and old with its whimsical musical numbers and classic storytelling. This is one horror-ish film the entire family can enjoy.
4: Gremlins (1984)
A boy inadvertently breaks three important rules concerning his new pet and unleashes a horde of malevolently mischievous monsters on a small town.
How can you not love Gizmo? At this point, he and his pals might as well be the unofficial mascot of QUIZarenaLIVE. I digress. Getting back to the topic at hand, this has to be one of the most underrated Christmas movies. Why? Christmas movies are notoriously cheesy and, when Grinch-like behavior is shown, chaos takes flight. But all is put right in the end when Mr. Wing arrives to take Gizmo back home and delivers a speech about not taking something that doesn’t belong to you. Nothing like a side of truth to balance out that Christmas dinner, right?
3: Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
After his parents are murdered, a tormented teenager goes on a murderous rampage dressed as Santa, due to his stay at an orphanage where he was abused by the Mother Superior.
The remake made the list so naturally the original would too. The original killer Santa Claus movie certainly raised a few eyebrows upon release which resulted in angry parents picketing theaters where it was being screened. Two weeks later, the film had been withdrawn, but in that time, it had managed to outgross A Nightmare On Elm Street that was released that same weekend. Guess Freddy’s red and green striped sweater was no match for a man in a full Santa suit.
2: Black Christmas (1974)
During their Christmas break, a group of sorority girls are stalked by a stranger.
It all began with a phone call and if this film doesn’t chill you to your core, then you are made of stone. Ignored over the years and unknown outside the cult horror fans, this is an underrated classic that deserves much more attention than it ever got. It was director, Bob Clark, who came up with the title Black Christmas saying that he liked the irony of something dark occurring during such a festive holiday. And I got to admit, he’s not wrong.
1: Better Watch Out (2016)
On a quiet suburban street, a babysitter must defend a twelve-year-old boy from intruders, only to discover it’s far from a normal home invasion.
As far as sadistic kid movies go, this is the pinnacle. Levi Miller absolutely steals the show as Luke while Olivia DeJonge, who plays his babysitter Ashley, shows Hollywood just what she’s capable of. A sensational Australian/American production that gives us Home Alone in horror form. Clever, funny, gruesome. What more could you ask for?
What Christmas horror movies land on your naughty list? Sound off in the comments below.
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