Holidays are often associated with joy and relaxation, but what if they turned into a nightmare? This curated list of horror films explores the dark side of vacations, where rest and relaxation give way to terror and suspense. From haunted resorts to sinister summer camps, these films offer a thrilling twist on the holiday experience, making them perfect for viewers who enjoy a scare with their seasonal celebrations.
The Hills Have Eyes (1977)
Description: A family's road trip holiday goes horribly wrong when they are attacked by a group of cannibalistic mutants in the desert.
Fact: Wes Craven, the director, was inspired by the legend of Sawney Bean, a Scottish cannibal.
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Friday the 13th (1980)
Description: The iconic slasher film set at Camp Crystal Lake, where a holiday turns deadly as a mysterious killer begins to pick off the counselors.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life urban legend of "Camp Blood."
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The Burning (1981)
Description: A summer camp horror where a disfigured caretaker seeks revenge on the campers, making it a chilling holiday tale.
Fact: This film was one of the first to feature a cast of young actors who would later become famous, including Jason Alexander and Holly Hunter.
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The Descent (2005)
Description: An all-female caving expedition turns into a terrifying ordeal when they encounter creatures in the cave, making their holiday adventure a fight for survival.
Fact: The film was shot in a real cave system in the UK, adding to its claustrophobic atmosphere.
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The Ruins (2008)
Description: A group of friends on a holiday in Mexico encounter a deadly plant that traps them on an ancient Mayan ruin, turning their vacation into a nightmare.
Fact: The film was based on the novel by Scott Smith, who also wrote the screenplay.
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Eden Lake (2008)
Description: A couple's romantic getaway to a remote lake turns into a survival horror when they clash with a group of feral teenagers.
Fact: The film was shot in the UK, showcasing the beauty and terror of the British countryside.
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The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
Description: This film takes the classic trope of friends going on a holiday retreat and turns it into a meta-horror experience, revealing a sinister plot behind the scenes.
Fact: The film was originally written by Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard as a response to the clichés in horror films.
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The Final Girls (2015)
Description: A meta-horror comedy where a group of friends are sucked into a 1980s slasher film, turning their movie night into a real-life horror holiday.
Fact: The film pays homage to classic 80s slasher films with its setting and characters.
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The Invitation (2015)
Description: A dinner party turns into a psychological horror when a man attends his ex-wife's holiday gathering, only to suspect sinister intentions.
Fact: The film was shot in one location, enhancing the feeling of confinement and tension.
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Sleepaway Camp (1983)
Description: A summer camp horror with a shocking twist ending, making it a memorable addition to the holiday horror genre.
Fact: The film's ending is often cited as one of the most shocking in horror movie history.
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