Ten "Christmas" Horror Movies that Make Halloween Envious
It's not that I'm anti-Christmas, because I'm not, but I love weird horror movies, and what better setting for a horror film than Christmas, a season that's supposed to be peace on Earth and good cheer? Well, I'm not the only freak out there, because there are plenty of Christmas-themed horror movies out there, and here's my list of ten of the best--in no particular order.
2007 Loves Horror at Christmas Time!
If you're looking for the Top 10 Christmas Horror Films, just scroll down a little further. I wanted to put in a little note about how 2007 seems to definitely be bucking the trend.
Many of the horror movies on the list were banned because they were put out around Christmas with a definite Christmas theme. This year we see two releases in December, one of which (AVP-2) is being released on Christmas day.
With Sweeny Todd, Demon Barber, and AVP 2 (which looks very apocalyptic), it seems like Hollywood is also beginning to love horror during Christmas time. It's a trend we can only hope continues :)
Many of the horror movies on the list were banned because they were put out around Christmas with a definite Christmas theme. This year we see two releases in December, one of which (AVP-2) is being released on Christmas day.
With Sweeny Todd, Demon Barber, and AVP 2 (which looks very apocalyptic), it seems like Hollywood is also beginning to love horror during Christmas time. It's a trend we can only hope continues :)
Johnny Depp in Sweeny Todd, Demon Barber
Well, the tradition of horror movies at Christmas time being a big deal seems gone, as Johnny Depp stars in this incredibly interesting Holiday horror flick.
AVP 2 Trailer
Being released on Christmas day, AVP 2 looks like a very apocalyptic movie for the season. I can't wait to see this one myself!
Tis the Season to Be Slashing...
Like I mentioned earlier, I'm not against Christmas. If there's a holiday I have a serious beef with, it's probably Valentine's Day, but that's a rant for another time. I'm a huge horror movie afficiando, and part of any good horror film is setting.And what a better time for a horror flick than Christmas? And before anyone gets extremely offended, I'm pointing out that the best time for a horror flick is Christmas exactly because Christmas is supposed to represent everything that is good and nice and safe. Add in an ax wielding maniac dressed as Santa or some crazy cannabilistic Elves, or a battle with Santa vs. Satan, and we have a great setting!
Also on the darker note, Christmas does have its own dark underside: there are more suicides that time of year than any other, so the thought of a horror movie based around Christmas I don't think should be that offensive. Not any more than turning a cherished religious holiday into a commercial one.
Besides, these have moral values...like don't murder your spouse on Christmas Eve or your kid will let in a psychotic Santa Claus serial killer who wants to get you for revenge sake. See? Aren't we all happier now?
Some of these are great horror movies, some are hilariously bad or campy (Gremlins, anyone?). For those many of us who don't have families, are young, are just plain straight out weird, this isn't an insult to Christmas--it's another way to enjoy it.
Anyway, for the horror flick fan, some of these are hilarious and ridiculous, some have great rants about Christmas (see "Gremlins") and others are truly scary and incredibly disturbing. Here's the full list, so enjoy!
Clip of Silent Night, Deadly Night
Some people find this clip from Silent Night Deadly Night funny. It is a little over the top, but in the context of the full movie, it becomes incredibly creepy and disturbing.
Silent Night, Deadly Night
Hilarious clip from "Silent Night, Deadly Night"
Runtime: 1:17
76549 views
10 Comments:
Silent Night Deadly Night
This movie is still banned in many nations
This spawned a whole series of spin-offs (I believe it went up to Silent Night, Deadly Night 5 last I checked) but the first one was meant to stand alone and it is incredibly disturbing. Small boy sees parents murdered by hitchhiking Santa, grows up in orphanage with abusive nuns, hates job and is forced to dress as Santa and then snaps.
As a warning, this may be one of the most disturbing horror movies ever made, so if you're into the light hearted, make fun of the movie, do not watch this one. If you want to see an incredible horror script, this is it.
This film came out during the Christmas Season and was heavily protested before being yanked out of theatres. In addition, this movie is so disturbing that it is a cult classic among die hard horror fans and this movie is still banned in many countries.
As for the sequels: some people think #2 was okay. Everyone agrees the last three suck, but can be hilarious from the "I can't believe how bad this is" stand point.
As a warning, this may be one of the most disturbing horror movies ever made, so if you're into the light hearted, make fun of the movie, do not watch this one. If you want to see an incredible horror script, this is it.
This film came out during the Christmas Season and was heavily protested before being yanked out of theatres. In addition, this movie is so disturbing that it is a cult classic among die hard horror fans and this movie is still banned in many countries.
As for the sequels: some people think #2 was okay. Everyone agrees the last three suck, but can be hilarious from the "I can't believe how bad this is" stand point.
Amazon Error: Could not open remote connection
Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.So Terrible It's Hilarious
Rampage from Silent Night Deadly Night 2
Terrible acting, terrible special effects, maybe the funniest (stupidest?) horror movie rampage ever. This scene is a Mystery Science Theatre 3000 Scene waiting to happen.
Silent Night Deadly Night 2 Rampage-No Text
Rickys Garbage Day Massacre Rampage without any text.
Runtime: 7:09
171069 views
10 Comments:
Black Christmas, 1974
We're talking about the original, not the crappy remake.
Black Christmas is also one of the scariest and most disturbing horror movies out there, and not just among Christmas Horror Movies, but among horror movies as a whole. The remake was terrible, in my opinion, and everything added made it worse, the back story made no sense, and it just didn't do it.
The original was a pre-cursor to the films that made the "He's calling from inside the house!" urban legend mainstream in American folk lore.
And we are talking about the 1974 original version of Black Christmas, not the incredibly super crappy remake. Compare the two if you want. The original is great, the most recent one, IMO, is just stupid unless you hit the mute button at a party and play video sherades.
The original was a pre-cursor to the films that made the "He's calling from inside the house!" urban legend mainstream in American folk lore.
And we are talking about the 1974 original version of Black Christmas, not the incredibly super crappy remake. Compare the two if you want. The original is great, the most recent one, IMO, is just stupid unless you hit the mute button at a party and play video sherades.
![Black Christmas (Unrated) [HD DVD]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DFtEpJ6pL._SL75_.jpg)
Gremlins
This movie is just fun...and has some classic anti-Christmas rants
Why is a PG rated movie like Gremlins on this list on Christmas themed horror flicks? It's technically horror, it's really funny, and I don't think it attacks Christmas so much as the artificial "holiday culture" that honestly annoy most of us, but we're not willing to say.
This is also a nice change of pace from the first two mentioned, since those 2 Christmas horror flicks are really dark and disturbing. Stephen Speilberg really made a worthy Christmas "horror" classic with this movie, and it is simply a hilarious, fun, movie that still works for the Christmas season.
This is also a nice change of pace from the first two mentioned, since those 2 Christmas horror flicks are really dark and disturbing. Stephen Speilberg really made a worthy Christmas "horror" classic with this movie, and it is simply a hilarious, fun, movie that still works for the Christmas season.
Gremlins
A fun holiday "horror" movie. Even in the eighties at age eight I thought this was hilarious.
Amazon Price: $13.49 (as of 07/06/2009) 
Gremlins (Special Edition)
Special Edition of Gremlins on DVD
Amazon Price: $13.49 (as of 07/06/2009)
Gremlins (Special Edition) / Gremlins 2 - The New Batch
Two Gremlins are better than one...
Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009)
I Love gremlin Mug
This will bring some laughs from children of the Eighties.
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 07/06/2009)
Gremlins Trailer: Does This Bring Back Memories?
I even forgot that Gremlins a Stephen Speilberg movie! This is being re-released for the Christmas season. After watching it again the other day, I forgot how incredibly entertaining this movie is. Definitely an A+ grade!
Silent Night, Bloody Night (1974)
Silent Night, Bloody Night shows that there's just something about making religious Christmas hymns evil that creates just a great title for a horror flick. This one is an excellent Christmas time horror movie, and will definitely make your hair stand on end. Among Christmas horror fans, this movie usually ranks around #3.
In other words, here's another "Christmas movie" that's not for the kids.
In other words, here's another "Christmas movie" that's not for the kids.
Christmas Evil (1980)
One of two Christmas horror movies released on the year I was born. The other, To All a Good Night is as crappy a movie as it is good a title. For those who don't follow, it's a 99 cent rental on Halloween to make fun of.
Christmas Evil is actually an excellent movie about a boy who is scarred when he finds out Santa isn't real, and he puts so much effort into wanting to be the real Santa that when everyone's criticism goes too far, he simply snaps, and the ax murdering begins!
Christmas Evil is actually an excellent movie about a boy who is scarred when he finds out Santa isn't real, and he puts so much effort into wanting to be the real Santa that when everyone's criticism goes too far, he simply snaps, and the ax murdering begins!
Christmas Evil
Another option to get this exceptional Christmas horror flick!
Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009)
A List of Christmas Horror Links
Some articles, some discussion, and some variety.
- Amazon's list of Christmas horror flicks
- Has all my mentioned films, and then some B movie crap that they also have on file.
- Top 5 Blog Discussion
- A blog discussion on the top 5 horror Christmas flicks.
- List of Classic Christmas Horror Flicks
- It's not a complete list, but including this one it's one of the best three I've found online of Christmas horror flicks.
- Horror Blog
- Blog on horror films, movies, and other parts of the genre.
Don't Open Until Christmas!
A good British twist on the whole psycho Santa thing...
Don't Open Until Christmas! is a great Christmas horror movie. This British film takes a common Christmas horror movie theme and turns it around. Instead of having a guy in a Santa suit going nuts, this time a psycho is going around killing Santas. And porno stars.
Yet the shooting is done so no nudity is ever revealed, while the psycho seems like a stabbing version of Ted Kazinski--completely anti-commercialism. So a psycho serial killer gets even with Santas for taking Christmas away from Jesus...or something. Probably or something, but this is a very entertaining film, nonetheless.
Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.
Yet the shooting is done so no nudity is ever revealed, while the psycho seems like a stabbing version of Ted Kazinski--completely anti-commercialism. So a psycho serial killer gets even with Santas for taking Christmas away from Jesus...or something. Probably or something, but this is a very entertaining film, nonetheless.
Tales From the Crypt (1972) Featuring Joan Collins
It has Joan Collins. What else do you want from me????
A series of horror stories, the first is the most Christmas oriented, though this entire film is quality and deserves some good watching time. Not to be mistaken with the more modern Tales from the Crypt movies.
Tales From the Crypt / Vault of Horror (Double Feature)
A great double feature for double the horror pleasure!
Amazon Price: $11.99 (as of 07/06/2009)
![Tales From the Crypt (1972) [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Z5V3SA6RL._SL75_.jpg)
Tales From the Crypt (1972) [VHS]
The classic original with Joan Collins!
Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009)
Santa Claws (1996)
Also known as "Tis the Season"
Santa Claws, also known as Tis the Season is a raunchy Christmas horror flick where a psycho Santa decides to teach people a lesson about not being naughty by killing every porn star he can get his hands on.
Yes, this is the "old school" horror plot, but as long as you go in expecting that, this movie isn't half bad.
Yes, this is the "old school" horror plot, but as long as you go in expecting that, this movie isn't half bad.
Santa Claws
Santa + Porno Stars + Slasher Movie. I guess it all makes sense.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009)
Santa Claws
Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 07/06/2009)
Santa Claus (1959)
Santa Claus is a Mexican film that is surreal, bizzare, and just flat out weird by even today's standards. To avoid confusion, many fans of this film will refer to it as Mexican Santa Claus versus Satan.
Satan, in a red leotard, is tempting children to do evil and Santa will fight him, using magic potions to stop him. No, I'm not making this up.
Satan, in a red leotard, is tempting children to do evil and Santa will fight him, using magic potions to stop him. No, I'm not making this up.
![[DVD] Santa Claus (1959) by Movie Classics](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41TFN79TSRL._SL75_.jpg)
[DVD] Santa Claus (1959) by Movie Classics
Maybe the most bizzare Christmas film ever. Not horror, but definitely bizzarre and surreal.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009)
Santa vs. Satan
A clip set to funny music from 1959's Santa Claus (hard to find a clip on this one) where Santa and Satan are using magic to fight over a little girl and see if she will make the right decision or not.
Jack Frost (1996)
Not a very jolly figure in this one...
Jack Frost makes this list because there really have only been 9 good Christmas horror movies, and someone has to hold the 10th spot until another film comes along to bump it off.
Jack Frost is about a serial killer who becomes genetically mutated in a car accident (??) ((I know, it sounds like a really bad plot from a "Blaster Master" type Nintendo game)) and dies, but comes back as a serial killer snow man.
No, I'm not making this up, either. But if you want a horror film that causes you and your buddies to bust a gut laughing during a scene that's supposed to be scary, it doesn't get any better than this one. The sequel even includes the words "Revenge of the Mutant Killer Snow Man."
Amazing. Truly amazing.
Jack Frost is about a serial killer who becomes genetically mutated in a car accident (??) ((I know, it sounds like a really bad plot from a "Blaster Master" type Nintendo game)) and dies, but comes back as a serial killer snow man.
No, I'm not making this up, either. But if you want a horror film that causes you and your buddies to bust a gut laughing during a scene that's supposed to be scary, it doesn't get any better than this one. The sequel even includes the words "Revenge of the Mutant Killer Snow Man."
Amazing. Truly amazing.
Jack Frost
If you want a great party favorite for movie sherades, this is it.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009)
Jack Frost 2: Revenge of the Mutant Killer Snowman
"Revenge of the Mutant Killer Snowman." I don't have anything left to say.
Amazon Price: $9.98 (as of 07/06/2009)
Why Was Jack Frost 2 So Hilarious?
This clip of Jack Frost 2 shows why this horror movie is the type of terrible horror christmas film that is so bad it's hilarious.
The Total list of Christmas Horror Movies (not in order)
Feel free to contact me so I can add any I missed or don't know about.
- Silent Night, Bloody Night
- Black Christmas (Original)
- Black Christmas (Crappy Sequel)
- Christmas Evil
- Silent Night, Deadly Night I
- Silent Night, Deadly Night II
- Silent Night, Deadly Night III
- Silent Night, Deadly Night IV
- Silent Night, Deadly Night V
- Tales from the Crypt (1972)
- Jack Frost
- Jack Frost 2: Revenge of a Killer Mutant Snowman
- Don't Open Until Christmas
- Day of the Beast (Dia de la Bestia)
- Elves
- Santa Claus 1959 (Mexican Santa vs. Satan)
- Gremlins
- To All a Good Night
Have a Horror Gory Christmas!
Are these great? Are you shocked? Are you glad to see such a bizzare list of "Christmas" movies, or am I just a terrible human being? Let me know!
FreddyBenstein wrote...
Love these kind of weird humor movies, but to be honest, I prefer the feel-good Xmas movies.
Posted February 04, 2009
blue22d wrote...
Well....it is hard for me to connect Horror Flicks with Christmas....but you lens is well put together. Five stars for your content.
Posted November 21, 2008
Lensmaster
Mike wrote
Rock! I can't say if you're a terrible human being or not, but thank you for sharing the holiday spirit - "Jack Frost" looks like a can't miss.
Ho, ho, ho! [enter slashed porn star]
Posted November 24, 2007
Christmas Horror Movie Blogs
Christmas themed horror flicks are becoming a fantastic tradition.
- Rare Footages: First Horror Movie
- This movie was released on 24th December 1896, as a Christmas bonus for the people. The first horror movie is the best movie because when this movie was released, many people were attracted by this horror story. ...
- New Horror on DVD July 7th - HorrorMovies.ca
- Win 1 of 3 Horror T Shirts Con... Julys Top 30 Indie Horror Movies: Time for a new look at Top 10 Horror Movies and this go... Is This The Horror Homage Decade?: As I sit here in front of the computer screen desperate. ... On DVD July 07, 2009 How far would you go to have everything you desire? Christmas Eve? when a veteran conductor (Glover), a young pre-med student (Sobieski) and a struggling salesman (Zahn) discover a dead body o... % Approval (Based on Reviews, Write ...
- what are some really good sit on edge of seat horror movies ...
- Cannibal Holocaust (watch out for this one it's not so much scary as disturbing) Who Can Kill A Child Suspiria Black Christmas '74. The Tenant. I have a website with a lot more I'll list as a source. Posted Horror Movies | ...
- Scary Films: Army of Darkness Ash's Christmas Horror Graphic Novel
- Army of Darkness Ash's Christmas Horror Graphic Novel. This week I have family in town and haven't been watching as many horror movies. I have an encyclopedic knowledge of horror movies but don't want to cheat you guys with reviews ...
by Monteath
Hey all. I was previously in Austin, Texas, as well as Fairbanks, Alaska, and now proudly live as a digital vagabond writer. The picture is from Alas...
(more)
