Sometimes, the merry glow of Christmas lights casts foreboding shadows, where jingle bells ring with an evil tone, and where the festive season sets the stage for spine-chilling tales. Enter the realm of the finest horror Christmas movies, a unique genre intertwining holiday cheer with bone-chilling fear.
From the ominous corridors of sorority houses to snow-covered streets haunted by vengeful spirits, these films present an unconventional gift. A package teeming with suspense, terror, and unexpected twists. Brace yourself for a stocking stuffed with the most enthralling yet spine-tingling cinematic experiences, redefining the essence of a ‘Merry Christmas.’
*Beware, this article contains spoilers of the listed Christmas Horror Movies.
Black Christmas (1974)
The Dawn of the Slasher Era in Cinema
“Black Christmas” (1974) is a seminal Canadian slasher film that has left an indelible mark on the horror genre. Directed by Bob Clark and written by A. Roy Moore, the film stars Olivia Hussey, Keir Dullea, Margot Kidder, Andrea Martin, Lynne Griffin, and John Saxon. A deranged killer stalks and murders a group of sorority sisters during the Christmas season, forming the core of the plot. This film is notable for its influence on the slasher genre, particularly on John Carpenter’s “Halloween” (1978).
The film drew its inspiration from the urban legend “the babysitter and the man upstairs” as well as a series of murders in Montreal, Quebec. Originally named “Stop Me,” the screenplay underwent significant changes, transitioning to a university setting with young adult characters. The filming took place in Toronto in 1974 with an estimated budget of $686,000, and secured distribution in North America through Warner Bros.
Upon its release, critics gave “Black Christmas” mixed reviews, but since then, it has undergone critical re-appraisal. It receives praise for its status as one of the earliest slasher films and its significant influence on the genre. A cult following has embraced the film, leading to two remakes in 2006 and 2019. The story begins with an unseen man entering a sorority house during a Christmas party and making obscene phone calls to the sorority sisters, who nickname the caller “The Moaner.” The film’s tension escalates as the sorority sisters are stalked and murdered, leading to a gripping climax.
Jack Frost (1997)
A Cult Classic Blend of Horror and Dark Comedy
“Jack Frost” (1997) is an American direct-to-video black comedy slasher film that has garnered a cult following for its unique blend of horror and humour. Directed and written by Michael Cooney, the film stars Scott MacDonald alongside Christopher Allport. It marked the debut of Shannon Elizabeth and is known for its comical death scenes and poor special effects, typical of low-budget ’90s horror films.
On a snowy December night in Snowmonton, authorities transport serial killer Jack Frost, played by Scott MacDonald, for execution. Yet, a collision with a genetic research truck exposes Jack to chemicals, causing his dissolution and fusion with the snow, turning him into a murderous snowman. The film tracks Jack’s quest for revenge against Sheriff Sam Tiler, who arrested him.
Despite being critically panned, “Jack Frost” is celebrated for its absurdity and has become a cult classic. The film features a variety of bizarre and humorous death scenes, contributing to its status as a unique entry in the horror-comedy genre. It was followed by a sequel in 2000, “Jack Frost 2: Revenge of the Mutant Killer Snowman.”
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Inside (2007)
A Terrifying Foray into French Extreme Horror
“Inside” (2007), a French horror film directed by Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo, is a harrowing and brutal addition to the new wave of French horror. Starring Béatrice Dalle and Alysson Paradis, the film earns recognition for its intense violence and terrifying premise. The story focuses on Alysson Paradis’ character, a young pregnant woman attacked in her home on Christmas Eve by Béatrice Dalle’s mysterious stranger. The intruder’s sinister goal is to take the unborn baby from the woman’s womb.
Bustillo co-wrote the film, marking the directors’ debut, and it garnered positive mainstream reviews upon release. Notably, horror critics lauded it for its terrifying and brutal portrayal of French horror’s new wave. “Inside” pushes genre boundaries, delivering gut-wrenching twists and an intense climax. The confrontation between Sarah and the intruder unveils shocking connections to Sarah’s past, revealing a desperate motive.
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Krampus (2015)
A Darkly Comedic Twist on Christmas Folklore
“Krampus” (2015) dives into the darker facets of holiday folklore, centring on the titular character from Austro-Bavarian legend. Directed by Michael Dougherty and co-written with Todd Casey and Zach Shields, the film features a star-studded cast including Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner, Allison Tolman, and more. The film presents a unique blend of horror and comedy, set against the backdrop of the Christmas season.
The story revolves around the Engel family, who are preparing for the holidays. Despite the family’s dysfunction, young Max, played by Emjay Anthony, holds on to his belief in Santa Claus. However, the family’s constant bickering and loss of the Christmas spirit lead Max to lose his own. This act of despair unleashes the wrath of Krampus, a fearsome, horned demonic beast who punishes those who have lost their festive spirit. The film follows the family’s struggle to survive as Krampus and his minions lay siege to their neighbourhood.
The film’s release contributed to the growing popularity of Krampus in American pop culture, introducing audiences to a less familiar but intriguing aspect of Christmas folklore. “Krampus” stands out for its creative storytelling, impressive special effects, and its ability to blend horror with holiday cheer in an unexpectedly entertaining way.
A Christmas Horror Story (2015)
A Festive Tapestry of Terrifying Tales
“A Christmas Horror Story” (2015) is a Canadian anthology horror film that intertwines several terrifying Yuletide narratives into a single, chilling tapestry. Directed by Grant Harvey, Steven Hoban, and Brett Sullivan, the film features William Shatner as a radio DJ who links the diverse stories together. Premiering at the Fantasia International Film Festival on July 20, 2015, the film later saw its release in Canada and on VOD platforms.
The film weaves together four horror stories set during Christmas. One story involves a group of teenagers investigating a murder in their school’s basement, only to encounter a vengeful ghost. Another tale follows a family’s encounter with a changeling in the woods, leading to a tragic confrontation. The third story centres on a family’s run-in with Krampus, the mythical creature who punishes those who have lost their Christmas spirit, after their disrespectful behaviour incites its wrath. The final narrative features Santa Claus discovering that his elves have turned into zombies, leading to a bloody showdown with Krampus.
Each segment of “A Christmas Horror Story” offers a unique twist on traditional holiday themes, blending them with elements of horror and suspense. The film’s anthology format allows for a variety of horror styles and themes, ranging from ghostly hauntings and mythical creatures to zombie apocalypses, all set against the backdrop of the festive season.
Better Watch Out (2016)
A Twisted Christmas Tale of Terror
“Better Watch Out” (2016), originally titled “Safe Neighborhood,” is a Christmas psychological horror film that twists the festive season into a dark and thrilling experience. Directed by Chris Peckover and co-written with Zack Kahn, the film stars Olivia DeJonge, Levi Miller, and Ed Oxenbould. It premiered at Fantastic Fest on September 22, 2016, and was released in the United States on October 6, 2017, and in Australia on November 23, 2017.
The narrative unfolds at Christmas with 17-year-old Ashley babysitting 12-year-old Luke Lerner. With Luke having romantic feelings for Ashley, he tries to seduce her on a horror movie night. However, their evening takes a dark turn as peculiar incidents and an uninvited visitor disturb their night. The film cleverly subverts the typical home invasion narrative, leading the audience through a series of unexpected twists and turns.
“Better Watch Out” is noted for its blend of dark comedy and horror, creating an amusing and gripping cinematic experience. At its core, the film weaves a complex and psychotic game of cat and mouse, as Levi Miller’s character orchestrates a disturbing series of events to impress his babysitter. Praised for its innovative storytelling and the young cast’s performances, particularly Levi Miller’s portrayal of Luke, the film garnered positive reviews.
The Lodge (2019)
A Chilling Tale of Isolation and Paranoia
“The Lodge” (2019) is a psychological horror film directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala. The film stars Riley Keough, Jaeden Martell, Lia McHugh, Alicia Silverstone, and Richard Armitage. Its plot follows a soon-to-be stepmother who, along with her fiancé’s two children, is stranded at their rural lodge during Christmas. There, a series of unexplained events unfold seemingly connected to her past, unsettling the atmosphere.
Following Laura Hall’s devastation upon learning of her husband’s intention to marry Grace Marshall, who survived a mass suicide in an extremist cult, she tragically takes her own life. As a result, Grace becomes part of the family and spends Christmas with Richard’s children, Aiden and Mia, at their secluded Massachusetts lodge. Amidst the children’s hostility and strange occurrences, the film delves into themes of trauma, isolation, and the haunting spectre of Grace’s past.
Critics lauded “The Lodge,” praising performances, direction, screenplay, and horror elements. Audiences recognize its slow-burning tension, captivating atmosphere, and Riley Keough’s performance, anchoring the exploration of psychological horror and suspense.
Craving for more Christmas Horror suggestions to spook up your Creepmas spirit? We got you covered! Visit and bookmark our Christmas Horror Countdown; Horror History facts, Creepy Traditions, Horror Festivals, and Spooky Suggestions to frighten up your holidays this year!
