The festive season is often associated with joy, family gatherings, and holiday cheer. However, for those who enjoy a darker twist to their celebrations, horror films set during Christmas offer a unique blend of holiday spirit and spine-chilling terror. This curated list of 10 Christmas horror films provides a thrilling alternative to traditional holiday viewing, ensuring your Christmas is filled with suspense, scares, and perhaps a touch of holiday magic gone awry.
Black Christmas (1974)
Description: This pioneering slasher film set the stage for many holiday horror movies to come. It involves a group of sorority sisters being stalked by an unseen killer during the Christmas break.
Fact: The film was remade in 2006 with a different plot. The original was one of the first films to use the "killer's POV" shot.
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Christmas Evil (1980)
Description: A psychological horror about a man obsessed with Santa Claus, who eventually snaps and goes on a killing spree dressed as Santa.
Fact: The film was initially titled "You Better Watch Out" and has gained a cult following over the years.
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Gremlins (1984)
Description: While not strictly a horror, this film features creatures that wreak havoc during the holiday season, offering a mix of comedy and horror.
Fact: The film was initially conceived as a much darker horror movie before being toned down to a family-friendly level.
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Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
Description: A controversial film where a traumatized young man becomes a Santa-suited killer, targeting those he deems naughty. It sparked significant public outcry for its depiction of Santa Claus.
Fact: The film was pulled from theaters due to protests but later became a cult classic. It spawned several sequels.
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The Children (2008)
Description: A chilling tale where children at a family Christmas gathering turn violent after contracting a mysterious illness, leading to a fight for survival among the adults.
Fact: The film was shot in a real house, adding to the realism of the setting. It was well-received for its unsettling atmosphere.
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Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)
Description: A Finnish film where a boy discovers that Santa Claus is not the jolly figure of legend but a terrifying creature buried beneath the ground.
Fact: The film is based on two short films by the same director, Jalmari Helander. It blends folklore with horror elements.
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Krampus (2015)
Description: A dark comedy horror about a family whose Christmas turns into a nightmare when they summon the ancient demon Krampus, who punishes those who have lost the spirit of Christmas.
Fact: The film features a mix of practical effects and CGI to bring the mythical creature to life. It was a surprise hit, earning over $60 million worldwide.
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Better Watch Out (2016)
Description: A home invasion thriller set on Christmas Eve, where a babysitter and her charge face unexpected dangers.
Fact: The film was originally titled "Safe Neighborhood" and was rebranded to capitalize on the Christmas theme.
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Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
Description: A unique blend of Christmas, horror, and musical, where a zombie apocalypse disrupts a high school's holiday celebrations.
Fact: It's one of the few musical zombie films, combining catchy tunes with horror elements.
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The Lodge (2019)
Description: A psychological horror where a soon-to-be stepmother and her stepchildren are snowed in at a remote cabin, leading to a descent into paranoia and terror.
Fact: The film was shot in a real lodge in the Canadian wilderness, enhancing the claustrophobic feel.
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