10 Terrifying Christmas Horror Movies To Watch Now

Christmas is typically a time for joy, family gatherings, and festive cheer. However, some filmmakers have cleverly blended this holiday spirit with the spine-chilling elements of horror. If you’re seeking a thrilling departure from traditional Christmas movies, then dive into our list of the ten weirdest, scariest, and best holiday horror movies ever made. These films offer a sinister twist on the most wonderful time of the year.

10. Krampus

In Austrian and German folklore, Krampus is a terrifying horned figure who punishes naughty children, a stark contrast to the benevolent Santa Claus. In the 2015 film, Krampus, this sinister creature arrives when a dysfunctional family gathers for Christmas. As a snowstorm traps them, Krampus unleashes a series of terrifying surprises, turning their festive season into a nightmare.

9. Home Alone

While Home Alone is often regarded as a classic Christmas comedy, viewing it through an adult lens reveals its surprisingly dark elements. The film centers on Kevin, who, when left home alone, defends his house against burglars with a series of booby traps. These traps, while comical, inflict serious harm, turning Kevin into a terrifying force to be reckoned with.

8. Await Further Instructions

Await Further Instructions explores the terror of returning to a dysfunctional family home for Christmas. The tension escalates when an unknown force traps the family, beaming cryptic messages through the television. As they become increasingly isolated, the family unravels, leading to a descent into madness far beyond a simple family squabble.

7. Dead End

A Christmas drive can quickly turn into a nightmare, especially when taking a shortcut. In Dead End, a family’s Christmas Eve drive takes a dark turn when they get lost in a deep, dark wood. AfterCharitably picking up a mysterious woman and her baby, a series of increasingly creepy and bloody events unfolds.

6. Gremlins

Gremlins teaches a valuable lesson about the responsibilities of pet ownership, albeit in a highly chaotic manner. When Billy Peltzer receives a Mogwai named Gizmo, he accidentally breaks the three important rules: don’t expose him to light, don’t get him wet, and never feed him after midnight. The consequences are catastrophic, as Gizmo spawns mischievous Gremlins that terrorize the town.

5. Jack Frost

Asking Santa for Jack Frost can lead to unexpected horror. Instead of the heartwarming 1998 film, you might receive the 1997 horror film about a murderous snowman. After a serial killer named Jack Frost is involved in an accident where he merges with genetic material during a snowstorm, he transforms into a killer snowman, attacking his victims in gruesome ways.

4. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale delivers a dark twist on the Santa Claus myth. In Lapland, researchers explosively uncover an ancient secret, unleashing a terrifying creature from its icy prison. Local farmers capture an old man resembling Santa Claus, but it soon becomes clear that this is no jolly Saint Nick, leading to a nightmarish Christmas.

3. Silent Night, Deadly Night

Silent Night, Deadly Night presents a grim take on the traditional Santa Claus figure. The film begins with a family being murdered by someone dressed as Santa, setting a chilling tone for the rest of the movie. This Santa doesn’t bring gifts; he brings a deadly axe, judging most people as naughty and delivering a terrifying punishment.

2. The Children

The Children ruins the innocence of Christmas by turning kids into killers. During a snowy holiday, children succumb to a mysterious illness that turns them into homicidal maniacs, plotting the murder of any nearby adults. This film twists the joy of spending Christmas with family into a horrifying fight for survival.

1. Better Watch Out

Better Watch Out subverts the typical home invasion trope. Set in a large American home during Christmas, a babysitter and her charge are stalked by a masked intruder. However, as the film progresses, it becomes clear that the real threat is not who you might expect, delivering a shocking and realistic take on the horrors of Home Alone.

These not-so-merry Christmas horror movies offer a thrilling and terrifying alternative to traditional holiday films. From killer snowmen to evil children, these stories are sure to leave you on the edge of your seat this holiday season.