5. Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
What happens when you combine a Christmas movie, a zombie apocalypse, and a musical? You get this delightful and gory romp that’s as heartfelt as it is hilarious. Anna and the Apocalypse is a genre-bending treat for anyone who likes their holiday scares served with a side of catchy songs.
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4. Gremlins (1984)
While some may argue whether it’s truly a horror film, there’s no denying the mischievous chaos of Gremlins. When a young man receives an unusual pet as a Christmas gift, it comes with one major rule: don’t feed it after midnight. Naturally, things spiral into gremlin-fueled madness, making this a holiday classic with plenty of bite.
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3. Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
This controversial slasher is infamous for its depiction of a killer Santa Claus. After witnessing his parents’ murder by a man in a Santa suit, a traumatized young boy grows up to don the red suit himself—for a murderous spree. Campy, creepy, and surprisingly brutal, it’s a must-see for slasher fans.
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2. Krampus (2015)
The titular demon of Christmas folklore takes center stage in this darkly comedic horror film. When a family loses its holiday spirit, they summon Krampus, who delivers punishment instead of presents. With its stunning creature design and mix of laughs and scares, Krampus has become a modern Christmas horror staple.
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1. Black Christmas (1974)
The original holiday slasher still reigns supreme. Directed by Bob Clark, Black Christmas follows a group of sorority sisters terrorized by obscene phone calls and a murderous intruder during their holiday break. It’s tense, atmospheric, and a pioneer of the slasher genre, making it the ultimate Christmas horror movie.
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That wraps up our list of the best Christmas horror movies to put a frightful twist on your holiday season. Whether you’re decking the halls with murderous Santas, mischievous gremlins, or demonic folklore, these films bring the perfect mix of terror and tinsel to your December watchlist. So, light the tree, pour some eggnog, and let these sinister holiday tales remind you that sometimes, it’s better to be afraid than jolly. Happy horrordays!
Let us know your favorite holiday horror movies over in the Nightmare on Film Street Discord!
