10 Chilling Horror Movies Set at Christmastime

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As a horror enthusiast who has spent countless sleepless nights immersed in the chilling world of these films, I can confidently say that the holiday season is not complete without a dose of festive fear. The unique blend of Christmas cheer and blood-curdling terror in these movies is nothing short of extraordinary.

As a gamer, I’ve just got done with Terrifier 3, and let me tell you, Art the Clown is up to his old tricks, but this time he’s donned a Santa Claus costume! Instead of the usual Halloween setting, this time around we’re diving into Christmas horror. Sounds strange, right? But when you’re in the thick of it, it doesn’t feel so unusual anymore.

Christmastime may be “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” according to one famous song, but it’s also been a rather frequent setting for horror films. So why set stories of murder and mayhem during a period generally thought of as happy and cheerful? Well, there’s the allure of the innate dichotomy: taking something meant to be joyous and comforting and making it anything but that. But it’s also worth noting that there is something about the iconography of Christmas, from a cascading snowfall to Christmas lights in an otherwise dark room to even Santa himself as a stranger in your home. All of these things can so easily feel ominous with just a slight tilt. 

Here’s a look at ten standout Christmas horror films that you should watch. 

Tales From the Crypt (1972)

Initially, we’re giving ourselves a bit of an advantage. The film titled “Tales from the Crypt” – you might recall it as the initial adaptation of the popular horror comic book – is a compilation movie featuring various narratives. Interestingly, only one of these tales takes place during Christmas, but the one labeled “…And All Through the House” proves to be quite impactful. The story revolves around a woman named Joan Collins who cold-bloodedly slays her husband on Christmas Eve for the insurance money, but soon finds herself under siege by a Santa Claus imposter attempting to force his way into her home.

You’ll notice as we go on that figures dressed as Santa Claus in horror films set during Christmas have become a recurring theme. However, it’s important to acknowledge that “Tales from the Crypt” was the pioneer in this genre. Cheers, Crypt Keeper!

Black Christmas (1974)

As a dedicated horror enthusiast, I’ve come to appreciate the enduring appeal of Black Christmas. Over time, it’s become clear that this film is an unsung pioneer in the slasher genre, boasting elements that would later define the subgenre, years before John Carpenter’s Halloween solidified the template. However, what truly sets it apart is its chilling Christmas-themed atmosphere. I found myself drawn into a tense narrative where a group of college girls (including Olivia Hussey, Margot Kidder, and Andrea Martin) huddled in a sorority house during their holiday break, each one becoming the target of an unseen stalker who turned out to be a twisted killer hiding in the attic.

The interesting twist is that the director of this movie, Bob Clark, later approached the same holiday theme in a completely contrasting way in the well-loved “A Christmas Story.” This extra layer of trivia makes “Black Christmas” even more entertaining, as it has been remade not once, but twice.

Christmas Evil (1980)

If you were to inquire some movie enthusiasts about the film depicting Santa Claus brandishing an axe on its poster, they might quickly respond with “Silent Night, Deadly Night”. It’s important to mention that “Christmas Evil”, released four years earlier, had a similar promotional strategy. Interestingly, the narrative of the actual movie shares many similarities with the more recognized “Silent Night”. The story revolves around Harry (Brandon Maggart), who, as a child, witnessed a traumatic event involving his parents and someone in a Santa suit. As an adult, he takes on the role of Santa while engaging in a series of murders.

The movie titled “Christmas Evil” moves at a leisurely pace but still offers intriguing concepts along the way. Notably, it has gained acclaim from filmmaker John Waters, who is such a dedicated fan that he recorded commentary for its 2018 Blu-ray release and asserts that it’s the only film worthy of viewing during Christmas season.

Gremlins (1984)

Despite its success during the summer season, “Gremlins” is undeniably a Christmas movie in essence. This timeless masterpiece, produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Joe Dante, paints a picture of a quaint town reminiscent of Norman Rockwell’s work, only to have it under siege by the titular creatures on Christmas Eve. These beings, capable of both malicious and comical chaos in this horror-comedy, wreak havoc, causing property damage, injuries, and fatalities. At one point, they even joyfully swarm and attack a local dressed as Santa Claus.

Not only do we enjoy Phoebe Cates’ timeless monologue about her character Kate’s heartbreaking reason for not celebrating Christmas, but we also notice that though the Gremlins seem to adore dressing up, none of them take on the role of Santa. Interestingly, their antagonist, Gizmo, dons a Santa hat at one point in the story.

Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)

Previously mentioned, the film “Silent Night, Deadly Night” may have been influenced by “Christmas Evil,” considering their strikingly similar storylines. However, it’s worth noting that the 1984 movie is more well-known and, with all due respect to John Waters, offers a more engaging viewing experience. This film has earned the title of a cult classic, primarily due to its portrayal of the character Billy (Robert Brian Wilson). As a child, Billy witnessed a Santa Claus-attired assailant kill his parents. Later in life, when he’s compelled to wear a Santa suit at his toy store job, Billy loses control and embarks on a murderous rampage through his town on Christmas Eve.

The film titled “Silent Night, Deadly Night” faced significant controversy upon its debut in cinemas. After only a week, it was withdrawn due to numerous complaints about the violent Santa Claus portrayed in promotional materials. However, once available on home video, it garnered a vast audience who appreciated its gory and humorous tone. Despite being released around the same time as several other Killer Santa movies, “Silent Night, Deadly Night” achieved greater success, leading to numerous sequels and a remake. Eventually, it attained the recognition of a modern horror legend with a Billy action figure produced by NECA.

Krampus (2015)

There have been several films portraying Krampus, the malevolent figure from German folklore often considered Santa Claus’ antithesis. However, the most notable and well-received is the 2015 comedy-horror film directed by Michael Dougherty titled Krampus. Although it may not be as powerful a holiday-themed horror movie as Dougherty’s Trick ‘r Treat, it still manages to provide an enjoyable and entertaining experience. The film benefits from a highly committed cast, including Adam Scott and Toni Collette, who play the parents of a family whose home and neighborhood are plagued by Krampus and his minions due to their scant Christmas spirit.

Better Watch Out (2017) 

In this cleverly spooky film titled “Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting,” teenage Ashley (Olivia DeJonge) is tasked with looking after 12-year-old Luke (Levi Miller), as his parents attend a Christmas party. The pair encounter a chilling predicament when they’re tormented by an unseen force outside their home. However, what initially seems like a simple terror ordeal gradually unfolds into a multilayered plot that eventually involves additional players and unexpected twists. Despite the movie using Christmas as more of a scenic setting, it is lavishly adorned with Luke’s family’s festive decorations and tunes, giving a playful wink to the ominous events that unfold as the night deepens.

Anna and the Apocalypse (2017) 

Hey there, could you tell me your preferred Christmas zombie musical movie? If it’s not Anna and the Apocalypse, then I’m quite curious about your choice! This British film seems like a peculiar blend of Shaun of the Dead and Glee. The story revolves around Anna (Ella Hunt) and her friends, who find themselves amidst a zombie outbreak during their school’s Christmas performance. The movie features songs and musical numbers, adding an extra layer to the chaos that ensues as characters are either killed or turned into zombies. And yes, Ella’s character takes on a Buffy-like role in defending against the undead menace.

This unusual blend of horror and music isn’t for everyone’s taste. Anna and the Apocalypse continues in the footsteps of classics like Rocky Horror Picture Show and Little Shop of Horrors, demonstrating that the two genres can coexist effectively. The festive backdrop of Christmas brings an extra dimension to the story, with Anna wielding a bloodstained, candy cane-shaped weapon against her undead adversaries.

Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022)

Instead of focusing on humans disguised as Santa Claus causing havoc, how about a twist with a Santa-clad robot, you know, going on a rampage? That’s the unique take offered by the humorous movie titled Christmas Bloody Christmas. In this film, a human-sized robot dressed as Santa is up for sale, but there’s a catch: its original programming was done by the US Defense Department. Unfortunately, a glitch activates and one such robot (Abraham Benrubi) starts acting violently.

In a twist of chilling amusement, the horror movie transforms into a gloomy, festive rendition of “The Terminator,” set during Christmas. The protagonist, Tori (Riley Dandy), struggles to flee from a menacing Santa robot, which mercilessly eliminates anyone who crosses its path. Notably, this thrilling chase occurs on Christmas Eve, adding an extra layer of holiday cheer, although it’s not essential, it’s just a delightful touch in these types of films.

Terrifier 3 (2024) 

As a devotee, I’d express it like this: Following the chilling first two installments of “Terrifie” set during Halloween, writer-director Damien Leone shifts the ambiance to the festive season of Christmas for the third installment in his gruesome, gory, and intensely violent horror saga. For those uninitiated, the series revolves around a chilling, enigmatically supernatural killer clown named Art, portrayed by David Howard Thornton. In this chapter, the always taciturn Art develops an affinity for a Santa suit worn by a local (Daniel Roebuck), adopting it for his own nefarious purposes. As usual, he carries out his grisly killings, but with a twist – this time incorporating elements of Santa Claus, such as consuming milk and cookies drenched in blood, distributing bloody gifts, and other macabre Christmas decorations, into his brutal routine.

In a delightful twist, a unique “A Terrifying Christmas” theme tune is played throughout the movie, first appearing during a scene where Santa Art demonstrates his skills with a chainsaw and a couple engage in an intimate moment inside a shower. Needless to say, this isn’t a festive sight, but it certainly stands out due to its vivid redness.

Editor’s Note: TopMob is a subsidiary of Legendary Digital Networks.

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2024-10-15 20:33