5 Best Zombie Christmas Movies of All Time

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Imagine the holidays – twinkling lights, falling snow – but with zombies! Zombie Christmas movies offer a fun and surprising mix of horror and festive cheer. If you enjoy a good scare alongside your holiday traditions, these films are a great change of pace from typical heartwarming stories. They take the familiar cozy December setting and turn it into something dark, funny, or spooky, showing that even during Christmas, zombies are still a threat.

I’ve always felt the holidays could be a little more exciting, and these movies definitely fit the bill. They’re not just scary – they also include smart humor, memorable music, or even a surprising amount of heart, mixed in with all the gore. There are a lot of zombie movies to choose from, so finding the best Christmas-themed ones can be tough. I’ve picked five that really stand out, blending the undead with the holiday season. Each one is unique, ranging from over-the-top musical numbers to intense survival stories, so let’s take a look at what makes them great.

Anna and the Apocalypse

Released in 2017, this fun and energetic movie is a unique blend of zombies, Christmas, and musical numbers. The story takes place in the small town of Little Haven, Scotland, where Anna and her friends find themselves fighting off a zombie outbreak during the holiday season. What’s really special about it is how it mixes catchy, upbeat songs – even about the apocalypse! – with classic zombie horror. Director John McPhail creates a fresh and lively film that feels like a playful tribute to both horror movies and high school musicals.

The actors, like Malcolm Cumming and Sarah Swire, are really engaging, making you care about their characters even during the scary parts. It’s not just about being frightened; the story also has a surprisingly emotional core as Anna navigates friendships, deals with loss, and comes of age – all while fighting zombies with a candy cane! Released right before Christmas in 2018, it’s gained a dedicated following for anyone looking for a unique holiday movie. If you enjoy zombie action with a bit of fun, you definitely should check this one out.

A Cadaver Christmas

I absolutely love discovering little gems like ‘A Cadaver Christmas’ from 2011! It’s a really fun, low-budget horror comedy about a mismatched group – you’ve got a janitor, a police officer, a guy who’s had a bit too much to drink, and others – all banding together to save Christmas from a crazy professor and his army of zombies. Joe Zerull really embraces the silliness of it all, and the Christmas setting just makes the whole chaotic mess even more charming. These aren’t your typical, slow-moving zombies either – they’re fast, funny, and keep things moving at a great pace. It’s a total hidden treasure!

Despite the over-the-top story, the actors, like Daniel Rairdin-Hale and Hanlon Smith-Dorsey, deliver very genuine performances, which makes the comedy even funnier. Made with limited funds, the movie has a raw, classic B-movie feel, but with a holiday theme. The film culminates in a fight to save the holidays, and while it’s not slick or perfect, that’s actually what makes it so enjoyable. It’s a perfect late-night watch with friends – you’ll be laughing at how silly it is while rooting for the good guys.

Christmas with the Dead

This quirky film, originally a short, has a unique charm that’s hard to ignore. Inspired by a story from Joe R. Lansdale, it follows Calvin (Brad Maule) as he attempts to get his life back on track, with a rather unusual problem: it’s June, but his family has become zombies. Director T.L. Lankford blends dark comedy with a distinctly Southern atmosphere in this small-town tale where Christmas feels strangely surreal. The story isn’t about the zombies themselves, but about Calvin’s strange and compelling journey.

This movie is fun because it unexpectedly mixes Christmas cheer with zombie horror. It’s got festive decorations, but also scorching heat and a seriously strange undead family. A cameo from Damian Maffei adds a nice touch for horror fans. While it’s a bit rough around the edges – it began as a short film – that actually gives it a distinctive feel. If you’re in the mood for a quirky, rather than scary, zombie story, this is definitely worth checking out.

Stalled (2013)

The 2013 British horror comedy ‘Stalled’ starts with a clever premise: a janitor named W.C. (played by Dan Palmer) gets locked in a bathroom while a zombie outbreak happens at a Christmas party. Director Christian James expertly creates a tense, confined atmosphere, as almost the entire film takes place within a single, dirty bathroom. Palmer’s relatable character just wants to survive, and his sarcastic wit provides a welcome contrast to the film’s violent scenes.

Despite a small cast, featuring Antonia Bernath as another person trying to survive, the movie relies on smart humor and inventive strategies. It wasn’t made with a huge budget, but the tight location actually increases the suspense – every sound from outside feels dangerous. While it had a limited release in the UK and may have been overlooked by some, I found it to be a strong film thanks to its clever use of the limited space and the frantic energy of the holiday setting. If you enjoy zombie movies with a bit of attitude, this is a quick and entertaining watch.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Let me explain why ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ (1993) deserves a spot on this list, even though it’s not strictly a zombie movie. The film, directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton, centers on Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town (voiced by Chris Sarandon), who discovers Christmas Town and decides he wants to run that holiday instead. With its incredible stop-motion animation, the movie brings to life a world of skeletons, ghosts, and other spooky characters, perfectly mixing creepy and festive elements in a way that’s classic Tim Burton.

The fantastic voice acting, featuring Catherine O’Hara and Danny Elfman (who also composed the memorable songs), really brings this quirky story to life. While it’s more focused on Jack’s personal struggles than a typical zombie story, the spooky visuals and holiday setting make it a great fit. Since it came out, it’s become a beloved classic that sparks debate – is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas one? I think it’s both! Its unique and slightly dark appeal makes it perfect for this collection. If you haven’t watched it, you’re in for a holiday treat with a little bit of an edge.

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2025-12-19 15:54