Christmas Movies To Warm The Heart Of Every Horror Fan

Article by Scott Ruth

What's that you say? You and the family are looking for a few movies to watch on Christmas Eve, or even throughout the day on Christmas? Understandable, since not all of us are into football or Macy's parades, and let's be honest, after so many consecutive years, the never ending marathons of It's A Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story become monotonous.

Let me ask you this.....are you a horror fan? Since you're here reading an article posted to Monsterama Go-Go, I'll go ahead and assume that your answer to this question is a resounding yes. Fair? 

Ok then. Let's take a look at some Christmas-based or inspired movies that were made with horror fans in mind...

Feeders 2 Slay Bells (1998)

Aliens invade Earth over the Christmas holidays, and it's up to Santa Claus and his elves to save the world.

Note: Feeders 2 is NOT a great movie in any way, shape or form. Hell, it's not even a good movie in any way, shape or form but it is cheesy as hell and, for the lover of cheesy movies, it's worth checking out!



Jack Frost (1996)

Serial killer dies in a car crash as he's being transported to the place of his execution only to be brought back to life as a snowman who is hell bent on gaining revenge against the sheriff who originally brought him to justice!

Note: Jack Frost was never going to be nominated for any awards but it's cheesy, silly holiday horror fun.



The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Jack Skellington, the "Pumpkin King", and leader of Halloween Town, grows bored of the same old thing....celebrating Halloween, and Halloween only, each and every year. While talking a walk to clear his mind, he discovers that there are other towns where other holidays are celebrated. He focuses in on one town in particular, a town known as Christmas Town. Before too long, Jack decides that he needs to replace someone known as Sandy Claws, and become the leader of the celebration of a wonderful holiday known as Christmas!

Note: Deservingly so, Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas has become a staple of the Christmas season. If you haven't witnessed this marvel yet, I encourage you to do so this year! It's worth it!



Black Christmas (1974)

A sorority house is terrorized by a stranger who makes frightening phone calls and then murders the sorority sisters during Christmas break.

Note: The term "classic" was created for movies like the original, 1974 holiday horror "Black Christmas"! 



Black Christmas (2006)

An escaped maniac returns to his childhood home on Christmas Eve, which is now a sorority house, and begins to murder the sorority sisters one by one.

Note: Usually a remake never comes close to it's originator for a number of reasons however this remake of the 1974 classic film stands on it's own legs. It differs from the original film enough to remain compelling to a viewer who has seen the original. Essentially this is a modernized retelling of the classic story. 



Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)

After his parents are murdered, a young tormented teenager goes on a murderous rampage dressed as Santa, due to his stay at an orphanage where he was abused by the Mother Superior.

Note: This film gained notoriety upon it's initial theatrical release because of how widespread the protests against the film were. Theaters all across the nation saw their share of picketers outside, complete with signs and chants. Something about a killer Santa Claus didn't sit well with many people. Although it may have become famous, or infamous, due to the controversy it created, the film has, since that time, garnered it's own audience, based on the film itself and not just the controversy it created....and deservingly so. 



Silent Night, Deadly Night 5 The Toymaker (1992)

A creepy old toy maker, along with help from his son, constructs toys that are designed to do one thing....KILL!

Note: Mickey Rooney stars in this, the 5th film of the franchise. Although many of the other sequels have failed to deliver, Silent Night, Deadly Night 5 does indeed bring home the horror. An interest fact about this film -- star Mickey Rooney had been very vocal with regard to his feelings about the original, 1984 Silent Night, Deadly Night....he was one of the film's protesters!



Sint (2010)

Sint (AKA "Saint") depicts St. Nicholas as a murderous bishop who kidnaps and murders children when there is a full moon on December 5.

Note: This film offers an all new take on Saint Nick and is worth checking out for that reason alone. Excellent acting, a unique story and some wonderful FX make Sint one of the best modern holiday horror films!



Christmas Evil (1980)

Who's been naughty? Who's been nice? Only Santa knows for sure and this psycho Santa is passing judgement on all the boys and girls!

Note: Christmas Evil is one of the movies that creates two kinds of viewers....those who love it and those who hate it to the point that they foam at the mouth with disgust! It's cheesy and for many of us, cheesy equals good, old fashioned fun!



Silent Night (2012)

It's Christmas Eve and not a creature was stirring...well expect for the entire police force in a small Midwestern town...oh and the killer psychotic Santa Claus who's murdering the town's residents, one by one, in clever ways!

Note: At first thought you may think of Silent Night as just another killer Santa movie, and, well, it is another killer Santa movie but it's far more clever and fun than most of it's predecessors! 



Dont Open Till Christmas (1984)

It's Christmas in London. All is calm. All is bright. What a shame that some fruitcake in a Santa suit has decided to go on a killing spree. It's up to Scotland Yard to stop this madman before he ruins Christmas!

Note: If you're looking for light-hearted Christmas chaos, well then, this movie may not be the one you're searching for. However, if you like your holiday horrors to be mean-spirited and nasty, this'll be right up your alley!



Santa's Slay (2005)

Santa Claus is actually a demon who lost a bet with an Angel, so he becomes the giver of toys and happiness. But when the bet is off, he returns to his evil ways.

Note: Santa's Slay is one of the best Christmas-themed horror movies ever made. It's got plenty of brutal killings but it also has many light-hearted moments as well. With a unique story and a great performance by former NFL and wrestling star Bill Goldberg, Santa's Slay comes highly recommended from this writer. 



Gremlins (1984)

For the holidays, Billy is gifted with a very unique new "pet". This little fury fellow is as cute as can be but caring for him isn't quite as simple as it is for a cat or a dog. No sir. This cute furball comes with 3 rules that MUST be adhered to. Failing to comply to each rule could, and ultimately does, lead to a disastrous chain of events!

Note: Back in the 1980's, we were bombarded by one small, cute creature movie after another however Gremlins is the crème de la crème and a must-see for all movie fans! Yet another TRUE classic film!



Rare Exports : A Christmas Tale (2010)

In the depths of the Korvatunturi mountains, 486 metres deep, lies the closest ever guarded secret of Christmas. The time has come to dig it up! This Christmas everyone will believe in Santa Claus!

Note: Rare Exports is, in my own personal opinion, the best Christmas-inspired horror movie ever made! It's creepy, scary, well shot, well acted and the story is unique and wonderfully told. If you've not seen this film, I suggest that you rectify that asap. As cliche as it may sound, if you only watch one holiday horror movie this Christmas season, make it "Rare Exports : A Christmas Tale"!



There you have it. Plenty of Christmas related horror movies to keep you and the family busy during this holiday. 

From me and my family to you and yours, here's wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year one and all!

- Scott