The snow is falling, the carols are playing, and the scent of gingerbread fills the air. It’s truly the most wonderful time of the year… for some truly terrifying cinema! That’s right, forget the cozy comfort of traditional holiday films, because today I’m diving into the wonderfully warped world of Christmas horror movies.

For many, the idea of combining the festive cheer of Christmas with the blood-curdling screams of a horror movie might seem sacrilegious. But for a select few of us, there’s nothing quite like a deranged killer in a Santa suit to get us into the holiday spirit. It’s a subgenre that delights in subverting expectations, turning the symbols of peace and joy into instruments of fear.

So, grab your hot cocoa (and maybe a blanket to hide under), because here are some of the best Christmas horror movies that will have you thinking twice about leaving out cookies for Santa.

Black Christmas

First up is the quintessential classic, Black Christmas (1974). This film is often credited with kickstarting the slasher genre, and for good reason. Set during Christmas break, a group of sorority sisters is stalked by a mysterious killer making obscene phone calls. It’s atmospheric, genuinely suspenseful, and delivers some truly iconic scares. A must-watch for any horror fan, and a perfect example of how to make the holidays terrifying.

Gremlins

Then there’s the truly anarchic Gremlins (1984). While often considered a dark comedy, it’s undeniably a horror film at its core. When a young man receives a mysterious creature called a Mogwai as a Christmas gift, he inadvertently unleashes a horde of mischievous and dangerous gremlins upon his small town. It’s funny, gory, and features some fantastic creature design. Plus, it’s a great reminder of why you should always follow the rules!

Silent Night, Deadly Night

No discussion of Christmas horror would be complete without mentioning Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984). This film caused quite a stir upon its release, primarily because its marketing featured a killer Santa Claus. The story follows a young man traumatized by witnessing his parents’ murder by a man in a Santa suit, leading him to embark on a murderous rampage himself. It’s a controversial film, but it definitely leans into the shocking imagery of a killer Santa.

Christmas Evil

And now, for my absolute favorite, the one that truly captures the dark heart of Christmas: Christmas Evil (1980). Also known as “You Better Watch Out!”, this film is a profoundly unsettling character study about a man, Harry Stadling, who has a breakdown after a childhood trauma involving Santa. He becomes obsessed with tracking who is “naughty” and “nice,” eventually donning a Santa suit himself to punish those he deems undeserving of Christmas cheer. This film isn’t about jump scares; it’s a slow burn into madness, exploring themes of disillusionment and the pressures of the holiday season. It’s raw, disturbing, and for me, it perfectly encapsulates the twisted potential of Christmas horror.

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