Still looking for that perfect holiday movie to watch? Here are 18 christmas horror films to give you some inspiration. They're all available to stream on either Tubi, Vudu, or Prime (not all for free, though). You'll notice that some of the bigger names, like Black Christmas, have been left out. I simply based this ranking on *only* the christmas movies that i've watched this month, and they all had to be movies I'd never seen before. Hopefully this list brings you new titles to watch. There are plenty more holiday horror flicks out there, so please feel free to discuss your favorites or least favorites in the comments!![]()
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LURKING FEAR
The town of Leffert’s Corners has been plagued by unearthly beings for decades, and now there is only a few people left, including the local priest and a woman traumatised by the death of her sister. But when John Martense turns up to claim his illicit family fortune, with bad guys in pursuit, the last stand had become a lot more complicated.
Lurking Fear is loosely based on H.P. Lovecraft's writing. I guess. It was boring. The best part about it was the makeup of the demons, but other than that, simply don't waste your time.
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THE ELF
Nick is haunted by night terrors stemming from a tragic murder he saw when he was young. After inheriting an old toy shop, he discovers a cursed elf doll sealed inside an ancient chest with a naughty list of his family’s names written on it. He soon discovers that the elf was an evil conduit meant to unleash a supernatural killing spree during the Christmas Holidays by whomever set it free.
One of the shittiest films I've ever seen. Let's start with the acting. Horrible. Scenes of people being stabbed elicited no sound from the victim. The main actor was wooden. He had barely any lines and didn't tell his girlfriend anything, but whenever she'd ask him something he'd say, "It'S wHaT I'vE BeEn TrYiNg To TeLl YoU!" Actually, no you haven't because you've barely said anything all movie! And as for the story - well it took 40 minutes for the stupid elf to kill anyone, and the attack was off-screen. Sometimes the elf was a doll, sometimes it was cheap CGI. When we did finally see the elf attack, it was downright hilarious, which is the only reason why this isn't ranked as The Absolutely Worst on my list. Those few moments were far too rare to give this movie a positive review, though.
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CHRISTMAS TWISTER (aka F6 TWISTER)
On Christmas Day the Texas area to the South West of Forth Worth is struck by a massive storm system sprouting several severe tornadoes.
Well, this isn't really a horror movie, but I watched it for my challenge so I'm counting it. To get an idea of how bad this movie is, let's just say the title card misspelled "Christmas" as "Christams." That's my favorite thing about this movie. The next favorite thing about this movie is, and I don't care that it's a spoiler, but the dog lived. Otherwise, the movie was boring as hell. Not enough action scenes. I wanted more bad fx.
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XMAS TALE
During Christmas 1985, five friends who live in Cubelles, a summer town on the Costa Daurada, in Tarragona, make an unexpected discovery in the woods: a woman disguised as Santa Claus who has fallen into a hole dug in the middle of nowhere.
It's not that this movie was bad, just that it was... quite juvenile. It's part of a Spanish series called "Films to Keep You Awake". It might be scary if you're like ten years old, but otherwise, no. It's part friendship-drama, but also... zombie movie?! Cute.
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SILENT NIGHT, BLOODY NIGHT
A man inherits a mansion, which once was a mental home. He visits the place and begins to investigate some crimes that happened in old times, scaring the people living in the region.
This movie was a mix of unsettling but also boring. Some of the scenes were genuinely creepy - for example, the killer's phone calls! Also, the violence was well-done; the film begins with someone being burned alive. If you like slashers but haven't seen this, give it a watch. The script isn't perfect but it rings a few good notes. The story's connection to Christmas is thin, but I'm counting it anyway.
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ALL THROUGH THE HOUSE
A deranged masked Santa-Slayer comes to town for some yuletide-terror. He leaves behind a bloody trail of mutilated bodies as he hunts his way to the front steps of the town’s most feared and notorious home.
Gore was A+. Really good practical effects. Story was B-/C+ it got VERY over the top. I was kind of like, oh this is what you're doing...? But, in terms of the Christmas spirit? A+!
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MERCY CHRISTMAS
When Michael Briskett meets the perfect woman, his ideal Christmas dream comes true when she invites him to her family’s holiday celebration. Dreams shattered, Michael struggles to survive once he realizes HE will be Christmas dinner.
It's pretty macabre and messed up. Good performance from the lead actor. I rooted for him the entire time.
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JULEBLOD (aka CHRISTMAS BLOOD)
Christmas Blood is a thriller-slasher about a feared serial killer, called Nissen, who has struck Norway’s countryside every Christmas Eve for over 13 years. Investigators Rasch and Hansen is trying to solve the riddle before he returns. This time it appears that it is northern Norway that will face Nissen’s bloodbath.
What the film lacks in plot is almost made up in its style and gore. It's decent enough if what you want is a movie that's nice to look at and features a killer in a santa suit, a high body count and the occasional jump scare.
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SECRET SANTA
Secret Santa tells the story of a group of eccentric college kids, struggling to get through the hectic exam period. A liquor filled party is planned. Adding a Secret Santa exchange for fun. Little do our characters know – A killer is in town and has a special present for all the good (and bad) girls and boys.
Now this was a pleasant surprise. The horrible acting in the opening scene almost made me turn it off, but I decided to give it a chance. The acting definitely improved as the story went on (not saying it's Oscar worthy, of course). And despite the lack of a high budget, the gore was impressive. The film had a retro style look and sound to it. And I never guessed who was responsible for the killings.
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DEAD END
Christmas Eve. On his way to his in-laws with his family, Frank Harrington decides to try a shortcut, for the first time in 20 years. It turns out to be the biggest mistake of his life.
It's a surreal, well-acted flick that pulls off the laughs and the scares. (With Ray Wise and Lin Shaye though, how could it not be good?!)
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AMERICAN EXORCIST
A paranormal investigator, trapped in a haunted skyscraper on Christmas Eve. The skeptical young woman, Georgette Dubois, is horrified once confronted with the reality of the supernatural. She risks life and limb to escape her ghoulish prison, stranded on the 11th floor.
Falon Joslyn was really great in this - not only is she super cute but she basically carried the entire film. Bill Mosely's part was secondary and minor, although important. Scenes had cool lighting and the synth soundtrack was fun. Not totally keen on the ending, I think that was the weakest part. But overall enjoyable and one to watch with the lights off!
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JACK FROST
Serial killer is genetically mutated in car wreck on the way to his execution. After which, he becomes a murdering snowman hell-bent on revenge for the sheriff who caught him.
So stupid, but so funny. Jack Frost is a murderous snowman with some killer one-liners. Very creative death scenes here. Corny, but fun.
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CHRISTMAS EVIL
A toy factory worker, mentally scarred as a child upon learning Santa Claus is not real, suffers a nervous breakdown after being belittled at work, and embarks on a Yuletide killing spree.
Probably the most disturbing entry in all of these. And one hell of an ending!
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MOM
During a time when the city of Los Angeles is terrorized by animal attack style murders, a kindly elderly lady provides a nomad with room and board. It turns out that he is a werewolf and is responsible for the recent killings. He bites the elderly woman, turning her into a hungry werewolf. Now her adult son must try to prevent the both of them from doing any more harm.
In an early scene, we see that it's Christmas time with the title character setting up her holiday decorations. There's little more to tie this movie to Christmas but I'm still counting this in my Christmas horror. Anyway, what is better than a soon-to-be-grandma turning bloodthirsty werewolf?! I loved this movie!
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P2
Angela, a corporate climber, gets stuck working late on Christmas Eve and finds herself the target of an unhinged security guard. With no help in sight, the woman must overcome physical and psychological challenges to survive.
I already wrote about this in my previous post. Wes Bentley is really good in his villain role.
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RARE EXPORTS
It’s the eve of Christmas in northern Finland and an “archeological” dig has just unearthed the real Santa Claus. But this particular Santa isn’t the one you want coming to town. When all the local children begin mysteriously disappearing, young Pietari and his father Rauno, a reindeer hunter by trade, capture the mythological being and attempt to sell Santa to the misguided leader of the multinational corporation sponsoring the dig. Santa’s elves, however, will stop at nothing to free their fearless leader from captivity. What ensues is a wildly humorous nightmare – a fantastically bizarre polemic on modern day morality.
This is a weird one! Fun and dark. Recommended if you want to watch something offbeat this holiday season.
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FEEDERS 2: SLAY BELLS
Aliens invade Earth over the Christmas holidays, and it’s up to Santa Claus and his elves to save the world.
This no-budget - literally: there was no budget - horror movie about an alien invasion on Christmas Eve is so... awesomely terrible. I thought it would be a one-star viewing, but I was laughing so hard and enjoying the hell out of it so much that I gave it four stars. It'll likely be one of the most entertaining films you've ever seen. Don't watch a trailer because it will give the entire movie away. Just put it on (it's currently available on Prime) and enjoy the ride!
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KRAMPUS
A horror comedy based on the ancient legend about a pagan creature who punishes children on Christmas.
So Toni Collette has starred in two of the best horror films of all time?! I guess so! Krampus is hilarious, dark, and shockingly rated PG-13! I found out later that it's made by the same guy who did Trick R Treat, so now it all makes sense why it's so damn good. Will now be part of my annual Christmas movie watch!
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Graphic was made using icons made by Pixel perfect and srip from www.flaticon.com under a Creative Commons license.
LURKING FEARThe town of Leffert’s Corners has been plagued by unearthly beings for decades, and now there is only a few people left, including the local priest and a woman traumatised by the death of her sister. But when John Martense turns up to claim his illicit family fortune, with bad guys in pursuit, the last stand had become a lot more complicated.
Lurking Fear is loosely based on H.P. Lovecraft's writing. I guess. It was boring. The best part about it was the makeup of the demons, but other than that, simply don't waste your time.
THE ELFNick is haunted by night terrors stemming from a tragic murder he saw when he was young. After inheriting an old toy shop, he discovers a cursed elf doll sealed inside an ancient chest with a naughty list of his family’s names written on it. He soon discovers that the elf was an evil conduit meant to unleash a supernatural killing spree during the Christmas Holidays by whomever set it free.
One of the shittiest films I've ever seen. Let's start with the acting. Horrible. Scenes of people being stabbed elicited no sound from the victim. The main actor was wooden. He had barely any lines and didn't tell his girlfriend anything, but whenever she'd ask him something he'd say, "It'S wHaT I'vE BeEn TrYiNg To TeLl YoU!" Actually, no you haven't because you've barely said anything all movie! And as for the story - well it took 40 minutes for the stupid elf to kill anyone, and the attack was off-screen. Sometimes the elf was a doll, sometimes it was cheap CGI. When we did finally see the elf attack, it was downright hilarious, which is the only reason why this isn't ranked as The Absolutely Worst on my list. Those few moments were far too rare to give this movie a positive review, though.
CHRISTMAS TWISTER (aka F6 TWISTER)On Christmas Day the Texas area to the South West of Forth Worth is struck by a massive storm system sprouting several severe tornadoes.
Well, this isn't really a horror movie, but I watched it for my challenge so I'm counting it. To get an idea of how bad this movie is, let's just say the title card misspelled "Christmas" as "Christams." That's my favorite thing about this movie. The next favorite thing about this movie is, and I don't care that it's a spoiler, but the dog lived. Otherwise, the movie was boring as hell. Not enough action scenes. I wanted more bad fx.
XMAS TALEDuring Christmas 1985, five friends who live in Cubelles, a summer town on the Costa Daurada, in Tarragona, make an unexpected discovery in the woods: a woman disguised as Santa Claus who has fallen into a hole dug in the middle of nowhere.
It's not that this movie was bad, just that it was... quite juvenile. It's part of a Spanish series called "Films to Keep You Awake". It might be scary if you're like ten years old, but otherwise, no. It's part friendship-drama, but also... zombie movie?! Cute.
SILENT NIGHT, BLOODY NIGHTA man inherits a mansion, which once was a mental home. He visits the place and begins to investigate some crimes that happened in old times, scaring the people living in the region.
This movie was a mix of unsettling but also boring. Some of the scenes were genuinely creepy - for example, the killer's phone calls! Also, the violence was well-done; the film begins with someone being burned alive. If you like slashers but haven't seen this, give it a watch. The script isn't perfect but it rings a few good notes. The story's connection to Christmas is thin, but I'm counting it anyway.
ALL THROUGH THE HOUSEA deranged masked Santa-Slayer comes to town for some yuletide-terror. He leaves behind a bloody trail of mutilated bodies as he hunts his way to the front steps of the town’s most feared and notorious home.
Gore was A+. Really good practical effects. Story was B-/C+ it got VERY over the top. I was kind of like, oh this is what you're doing...? But, in terms of the Christmas spirit? A+!
MERCY CHRISTMASWhen Michael Briskett meets the perfect woman, his ideal Christmas dream comes true when she invites him to her family’s holiday celebration. Dreams shattered, Michael struggles to survive once he realizes HE will be Christmas dinner.
It's pretty macabre and messed up. Good performance from the lead actor. I rooted for him the entire time.
JULEBLOD (aka CHRISTMAS BLOOD)Christmas Blood is a thriller-slasher about a feared serial killer, called Nissen, who has struck Norway’s countryside every Christmas Eve for over 13 years. Investigators Rasch and Hansen is trying to solve the riddle before he returns. This time it appears that it is northern Norway that will face Nissen’s bloodbath.
What the film lacks in plot is almost made up in its style and gore. It's decent enough if what you want is a movie that's nice to look at and features a killer in a santa suit, a high body count and the occasional jump scare.
SECRET SANTASecret Santa tells the story of a group of eccentric college kids, struggling to get through the hectic exam period. A liquor filled party is planned. Adding a Secret Santa exchange for fun. Little do our characters know – A killer is in town and has a special present for all the good (and bad) girls and boys.
Now this was a pleasant surprise. The horrible acting in the opening scene almost made me turn it off, but I decided to give it a chance. The acting definitely improved as the story went on (not saying it's Oscar worthy, of course). And despite the lack of a high budget, the gore was impressive. The film had a retro style look and sound to it. And I never guessed who was responsible for the killings.
DEAD ENDChristmas Eve. On his way to his in-laws with his family, Frank Harrington decides to try a shortcut, for the first time in 20 years. It turns out to be the biggest mistake of his life.
It's a surreal, well-acted flick that pulls off the laughs and the scares. (With Ray Wise and Lin Shaye though, how could it not be good?!)
AMERICAN EXORCISTA paranormal investigator, trapped in a haunted skyscraper on Christmas Eve. The skeptical young woman, Georgette Dubois, is horrified once confronted with the reality of the supernatural. She risks life and limb to escape her ghoulish prison, stranded on the 11th floor.
Falon Joslyn was really great in this - not only is she super cute but she basically carried the entire film. Bill Mosely's part was secondary and minor, although important. Scenes had cool lighting and the synth soundtrack was fun. Not totally keen on the ending, I think that was the weakest part. But overall enjoyable and one to watch with the lights off!
JACK FROST Serial killer is genetically mutated in car wreck on the way to his execution. After which, he becomes a murdering snowman hell-bent on revenge for the sheriff who caught him.
So stupid, but so funny. Jack Frost is a murderous snowman with some killer one-liners. Very creative death scenes here. Corny, but fun.
CHRISTMAS EVILA toy factory worker, mentally scarred as a child upon learning Santa Claus is not real, suffers a nervous breakdown after being belittled at work, and embarks on a Yuletide killing spree.
Probably the most disturbing entry in all of these. And one hell of an ending!
MOMDuring a time when the city of Los Angeles is terrorized by animal attack style murders, a kindly elderly lady provides a nomad with room and board. It turns out that he is a werewolf and is responsible for the recent killings. He bites the elderly woman, turning her into a hungry werewolf. Now her adult son must try to prevent the both of them from doing any more harm.
In an early scene, we see that it's Christmas time with the title character setting up her holiday decorations. There's little more to tie this movie to Christmas but I'm still counting this in my Christmas horror. Anyway, what is better than a soon-to-be-grandma turning bloodthirsty werewolf?! I loved this movie!
P2Angela, a corporate climber, gets stuck working late on Christmas Eve and finds herself the target of an unhinged security guard. With no help in sight, the woman must overcome physical and psychological challenges to survive.
I already wrote about this in my previous post. Wes Bentley is really good in his villain role.
RARE EXPORTSIt’s the eve of Christmas in northern Finland and an “archeological” dig has just unearthed the real Santa Claus. But this particular Santa isn’t the one you want coming to town. When all the local children begin mysteriously disappearing, young Pietari and his father Rauno, a reindeer hunter by trade, capture the mythological being and attempt to sell Santa to the misguided leader of the multinational corporation sponsoring the dig. Santa’s elves, however, will stop at nothing to free their fearless leader from captivity. What ensues is a wildly humorous nightmare – a fantastically bizarre polemic on modern day morality.
This is a weird one! Fun and dark. Recommended if you want to watch something offbeat this holiday season.
FEEDERS 2: SLAY BELLSAliens invade Earth over the Christmas holidays, and it’s up to Santa Claus and his elves to save the world.
This no-budget - literally: there was no budget - horror movie about an alien invasion on Christmas Eve is so... awesomely terrible. I thought it would be a one-star viewing, but I was laughing so hard and enjoying the hell out of it so much that I gave it four stars. It'll likely be one of the most entertaining films you've ever seen. Don't watch a trailer because it will give the entire movie away. Just put it on (it's currently available on Prime) and enjoy the ride!
KRAMPUSA horror comedy based on the ancient legend about a pagan creature who punishes children on Christmas.
So Toni Collette has starred in two of the best horror films of all time?! I guess so! Krampus is hilarious, dark, and shockingly rated PG-13! I found out later that it's made by the same guy who did Trick R Treat, so now it all makes sense why it's so damn good. Will now be part of my annual Christmas movie watch!
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Graphic was made using icons made by Pixel perfect and srip from www.flaticon.com under a Creative Commons license.
