Christmas is often viewed as a time when people come together, look back at the year that was, and indulge in some festivities – a little food, a little drink, and plenty of merriment. But Christmas has also proved to be a popular setting for horror movies, with many pictures using the cheery tone of the season to create a breeding ground for terror.
In this post, I am providing a list of 20 Christmas horror movies to ensure you have some alternative viewing options this holiday season. The movies listed here include some truly terrifying pictures.
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Black Christmas (1974)
First up is Black Christmas – a dark tale for the long winter nights, which tells the story of a group of sorority sisters, stalked by a mysterious killer. The movie has been remade multiple times, but this version (the original) is the one fans return to each year.
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Gremlins (1984)
In Gremlins, gruesome creatures take over a small town in this hilarious black comedy from director Joe Dante. Set at Christmas, the movie is devilish fun for the holidays… or any time of the year really.
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Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
In the cult slasher Silent Night, Deadly Night, a young man suffering from Christmas-related PTSD, dons a Santa Claus outfit and becomes a killer. The series spawned a collection of sequels and follow-ups, but here’s where it all started.
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Dead of Night (1945)
Next up is a classic British anthology movie featuring a collection of grisly tales of terror. Only one of the tales in Dead of Night is Christmas-themed, but it is the appropriately titled The Christmas Party.
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Jack Frost (1997)
Next on the list is 1997’s Jack Frost – a wintery comedy horror about a serial killer who mutates into a murderous snowman. Michael Cooney directs.
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There’s Something in the Barn (2023)
Directed by Magnus Martens, and starring Martin Starr, Amrita Acharia, Townes Bunner, and Zoe Winther-Hansen, There’s Something in the Barn is an English-language Norwegian comedy-horror. The film follows the story of an American family who become plagued by evil elves after inheriting a farm over Christmas.
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Wind Chill (2007)
Directed by Gregory Jacobs, Wind Chill is a supernatural horror film from 2007. The movie stars Emily Blunt and Ashton Holmes and follows the story of two students driving home for Christmas.
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Dead End (2003)
In this French-directed, English language horror a dysfunctional family go on a road trip for the holiday season, with nightmarish consequences. Lin Shaye and Ray Wise star, with Jean-Baptiste Andrea and Fabrice Canepa on directing duties.
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All Through the House (2015)
All Through the House is a Christmas-themed slasher movie starring Ashley Mary Nunes and Jessica Cameron. The movie focuses on a neighbourhood which is being terrorised by a faceless killer.
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Better Watch Out (2016)
In Chris Peckover’s 2016 holiday horror, Better Watch Out, a babysitter is tasked with a much bigger babysitting gig than she expected. She must defend a 12-year-old from an unusual home invasion.
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The Gingerdead Man (2005)
Gary Busey takes on the title role of the Gingerdead Man in this horror comedy from director Charles Band. The film tells the story of deceased serial killer, revived as a gingerbread man.
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Krampus (2015)
Dark, twisted, and very, very funny, Krampus is holiday horror about a family who are tormented by a demonic spirit. Not one for the kids or those who get scared easily, but Krampus is a treat for everyone else, with a cast that includes Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner, and Conchata Ferrell.
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Santa’s Slay (2005)
A horror comedy from writer/director David Steiman. Santa’s Slay stars Bill Golberg and tells of a murderous Santa.
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Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
John McPhail directs this British Christmas musical about zombies! Anna and the Apocalypse stars Ella Hunt, Mark Benton, and Paul Kaye, and includes nods to the horror genre, while also being festive.
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Terrifier 3 (2024)
In Damien Leone’s Terrifier 3, it’s Christmas time and Sienna Shaw is attempting to rebuild her life, following her previous encounter with Art the Clown. However, the murderous menace is up to his old tricks, slicing and dicing for the holidays!
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Inside (2007)
Inside (aka À l’intérieur) is a French invasion movie from directors Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo. The film follows a young pregnant woman who is attacked by mysterious stranger.
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Don’t Open till Christmas (1984)
A British slasher movie about a mysterious murderer who is bumping off Santas. Edmund Purdom, Alan Lake and Belinda Mayne star.
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Red Christmas (2016)
Dee Wallace takes the lead in an Australian horror movie from writer/director Craig Anderson. Red Christmas focuses on a mysterious stranger who sets out on a killing spree at Christmas time.
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Silent Night, Bloody Night (1972)
Theodore Gershuny directs a festive slasher movie about a series of murders taking place in a New England town. Patrick O’Neal, James Patterson, and John Carradine star.
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Tales from the Crypt (1972)
And finally, in this British anthology film, five strangers take part in a series of horror tales. The festive story in this anthology comes from the Joan Collins-led segment, …And All Through the House.
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Recap: Christmas horror
To save you from scrolling back through this post to make some notes, here is the list in full.
- Black Christmas (1974)
- Gremlins (1984)
- Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
- Dead of Night (1945)
- Jack Frost (1997)
- There’s Something in the Barn (2023)
- Wind Chill (2007)
- Dead End (2003)
- All Through the House (2015)
- Better Watch Out (2016)
- The Gingerdead Man (2005)
- Krampus (2015)
- Santa’s Slay (2005)
- Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
- Terrifier 3 (2024)
- Inside (2007)
- Don’t Open till Christmas (1984)
- Red Christmas (2016)
- Silent Night, Bloody Night (1972)
- Tales from the Crypt (1972)
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Thank you for stopping by It’s A Stampede! to read this post about Christmas horror movies. For more posts, be sure to check out the recommended reads below.
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