Horror and holidays go together surprisingly well, and there are some underrated combinations of the two genres that are worth watching before the end of the year. Christmas horror movies have become increasingly common over the yearscoming from places all over the world. Such a vast presentation of Christmas horror films ensures a consistently refreshing take on the chilling combination. The threats in these films range from evil Santas to supernatural or bizarre figures who are determined to ruin the most wonderful time of the year.
The Christmas season is associated with joyful celebrations, but the best Christmas horror films emerge and gain popularity among audiences that lasts for years. Films like Krampus and Black Christmas successfully taking the lighthearted images associated with the holiday and fusing them with suspense and terrifying acts of murder. While underrated holiday horror films haven't received as much attention, they still offer an equally effective source of terror, tension, and festivities.
10
The Killing of Santa Claus (2005)
Directed by David Steiman
In several Christmas horror films, Santa Claus is portrayed as a violent and murderous figure, contrasting with what many know the figure to represent. In Santa's Killing, Santa's origin is explained as being a son of Satan, embarking on a murder spree one day a year. However, when he is defeated by an angel, he is forced to deliver gifts on this day. Santa's sentence ends in 2005, when Santa's Killing happens, and he continues to wreak havoc on a Canadian town.
Santa's KillingThe different story of how the titular character came to be is unique, and Saint Nick's terrifying characterization is well executed by actor and WWE wrestler Bill Goldberg. There are moments when the film's pace and excitement slow down, but the intense and creative methods of killing are worth checking out for horror fans who prefer slashers to thrillers.
9
The Dorm That Dripped Blood (1982)
Directed by Stephen Carpenter and Jeffrey Obrow
The graphic details of the murder scenes in The dormitory that dripped blood were reduced substantially, and the film even received some negative reactions in the United Kingdom. The horror film is set on a college campus during Christmas break while a group of students stays behind to clean up a housing complex that is about to be demolished. While on campus, these students are killed by an unknown figure.
Even with the excerpt of murder scenes, the violence in The dormitory that dripped blood It's still quite intense. Receiving criticism for its writing and acting, the horror film was positively noted for its special effects and chilling soundtrack. The film pales in comparison to the '80s slashers it wants to emulate, but it has enough redeeming qualities for horror fans looking to be captivated by a gory mystery.
8
Christmas Evil (1980)
Directed by Lewis Jackson
Gaining a cult following decades after its release, Christmas Evil is still underrated when it comes to Christmas horror movies as a whole. Christmas Evil follows a man (Brandon Maggart), impacted by his childhood traumas, who makes himself believe he is Santa Claus. However, as Santa Claus, his mission is not only to deliver gifts to children, but also to murder those he feels have wronged him. Although there are many disturbing moments of horror throughout the film, Christmas Evil works well as a character study of a traumatized man.
Maggart gives one of the most compelling performances in the film and makes the audience sympathize with him despite his harmful and frightening actions. The end of Christmas Evil is an added surprise, completing the unexpected and strange nature of the film.
7
All Over the House (2015)
Directed byTodd Nunes
Filmed over the course of a month, the independent horror film All over the house has an equally exaggerated and terrifying premise reminiscent of those from previous decades. All over the house takes place in a neighborhood where a child mysteriously disappears from his home. Years later, when a 20-something girl returns to the neighborhood for the holidays, she is greeted with the threat of a serial killer disguised as Santa Claus terrorizing the residents.
Although the lukewarm performances in All over the house tend to take the audience out of the experience every now and then, the story unfolds surprisingly well. There is a strong sense of suspense throughout the film, and the constant special effects sustain the atmosphere of terror. It's easy to see why All over the house It hasn't gained as much attention as other horror films set during Christmas, but there's still enough substance to keep audiences entertained.
6
Home for the Holidays (1972)
Directed by John Llewellyn Moxey
Produced by Spelling-Goldberg Productions, the made-for-television horror film Home for the holidays debuted in 1972 and has been largely underrated ever since. The film revolves around the wealthy Morgan family, with the patriarch suspecting his second wife of poisoning him. He calls his four daughters for help in the days before Christmas and tells them they must kill her before she has the chance to harm others.
Home for the holidays has an impressive cast made up of actors like Sally Field, Julie Harris and Eleanor Parker, each contributing a convincingly frightened performance. The suspense delivered in made-for-TV horror is on par with some beloved theatrical horror filmswhich is not always expected from a TV movie. While Home for the holidays It has its dated elements, its story is full of twists and turns to keep the audience invested until its surprising ending.
5
Who killed Aunt Roo? (1971)
Directed by Curtis Harrington
While it never hits its horror notes as effectively as films like Calm down… Calm down, sweet Charlotte and What happened to Baby Jane?, Who killed Aunt Roo? falls into the same horror subgenre, which sees older women at the center of a film, terrorizing others around them. In Who killed Aunt Roo?the older woman in question is Rosie Forrest (Shelley Winters), known as the titular nickname by the local community. Every year, Aunt Roo throws a Christmas party for a nearby orphanage.
Despite his outward generosity, Aunt Roo harbors a dark secret that comes to light when she kidnaps an orphan girl attending her Christmas celebration.. Who killed Aunt Roo? is somewhat based on the classic fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel”, and although the film is not as gruesome or shocking as other Christmas horror films, it offers an atmosphere of suspense and unease that lingers throughout much of its running time. execution.
4
Saw (1989)
Directed by René Manzor
Saworiginally known as Code 3615 Père Noëlis often seen as a horror version of the American Christmas film Alone at homewhich was released a year later. The two films have some similarities, particularly in their protagonists. Saw follows a boy, Thomas (Alain Lalanne), who is cunning and knowledgeable about action films. On Christmas Eve, Thomas communicates online in hopes of reaching Santa Claus, but unknowingly comes into contact with a dangerous killer.
When the dangerous killer tries to harm Thomas when he is left alone at home with his blind grandfather, the boy uses his homemade traps to catch the bandit. Saw It's not as scary as other horror films, but it still mixes in some scares with its fun concept. Despite life-threatening circumstances, Thomas never loses his imagination and fun as a child, which makes him a captivating protagonist in the eyes of the audience.
3
Dead End (2003)
Directed by Jean-Baptiste Andrea and Fabrice Canepa
The horror elements in Dead end are introduced gradually, drawing the audience into the film's overarching mystery. In Dead endA family is traveling a seemingly endless road when they come across a mysterious woman and her baby. After offering help to the woman, the family members are attacked one by one. The premise of the horror film is not very original, but the constant curveballs thrown at the audience keep the feeling fresh and exciting.
Dead endThe writing is intelligent and the suspense built throughout the film is effectively chilling. There isn't much blood splatter or acts of violence as seen in other Christmas horror films, but Dead end It's still a rewarding film. The dynamic between the on-screen family feels genuine and makes their deadly interactions with each other even scarier.
2
Rare Exports: A Christmas Carol (2010)
Directed by Jalmari Helander
Mixing fantasy, comedy and horror is the Finnish film Rare Exports: A Christmas Carol. Based on director Jalmari Helander's short films from the early 2000s Rare exports takes inspiration from folklore and alters the story and purpose of Joulupukki, a Finnish Christmas figure often associated with Santa Claus. In the film, the elves help the character Santa Claus to kidnap children and offer them to their leader. In this way, Rare exports'Santa Claus is closer to malevolent Christmas figures like Krampus.
Rare exports It includes a light critique of capitalism and features enough dark humor to entertain audiences without ever detracting from its scary, dread-filled moments. Considered one of the best horror films about the killer Santa Claus, Rare exports It makes the most of its Nordic setting, using the icy setting to support its dark story.
1
Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
Directed by John McPhail
Unlike other Christmas horror films mentioned, Anna and the Apocalypse adds another genre to the mix – musicals. The film is led by Ella Hunt, the titular high school student who, along with her friends, is dealing with the expected high school problems. However, these problems quickly take a backseat to the zombie outbreak taking over the town of Little Haven. Set during the Christmas season, Anna and the Apocalypse sees your characters banding together to stay safe from the growing number of zombies.
The fusion of genres in Anna and the Apocalypse works surprisingly well. The Christmas setting never gets lost, and the brutal horror and fun musical elements never overshadow each other. The performances in the film are also effective, with Hunt and the supporting actors hitting the necessary dramatic and musical beats. The music in Anna and the Apocalypse it's captivating and serves a greater purpose in the film, driving the narrative forward and heightening its poignant themes.