When it comes to Christmas horror movies, nothing gets the Christmas spirit flowing like an evil Santa Claus. These films take the jolly Santa we know and turn him into a scary maniac with an appetite for blood. Instead of spreading joy, evil Santa Claus spreads fear, tearing his way through snow-covered streets and crawling up chimneys with murderous intent. To turn the most wonderful time of the year into a nightmare, spending time with any of the scariest killer Santas from horror movies should do the trick.
Some of these holiday horrors have probably earned a place among the best horror films of all time for their unique blend of festivities and brutal violence. With Santa Claus as the ultimate villain, They're full of blood, mayhem, and more than a little Christmas madness. For those looking to spice up their holiday movie marathon, a killer Santa Claus is something unexpected and unmissable.
10
The Nights Before Christmas (2020)
Directed by Paul Tanter
For those looking for a Christmas movie with a truly evil Santa, The nights before Christmas offers exactly that. The 2020 film turns traditional holiday cheer on its head, delivering Santa Claus in the form of a terrifying killer who will make you rethink leaving out cookies on Christmas Eve.
Interestingly, The nights before Christmas has a gritty, low-budget feel that adds to the charm for indie horror fans. The film doesn't rely on fancy special effects or overly sophisticated visuals; instead, it focuses on building suspense and using practical effects to bring the horrors of the holiday to life. The combination of Christmas music, snowy settings, and a seriously bloodthirsty Santa creates a disturbing contrast, making it an enjoyable watch (if you can call it that) for horror horror fans craving something more disturbing this season. on vacation.
9
Rare Exports: A Christmas Carol (2010)
Directed by Jalmari Helander
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale is a Finnish Christmas horror film written and directed by Jalmari Helander. When two boys believe that a project near their home may have found Santa Claus's hidden grave, they discover that the supposedly cheerful gift giver is a murderous villain who threatens the town in which they live.
- Release date
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October 3, 2010
- Execution time
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82 minutes
- Cast
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Onni Tommila, Jorma Tommila, Per Christian Ellefsen, Tommi Korpela, Rauno Juvonen
- Director
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Jalmari Helander
Rare Exports: A Christmas Carol is a Finnish Christmas horror that takes a completely unique and quite chilling take on Santa Claus. The story follows a group of people who discover the terrible truth behind Santa Claus and what he really represents, and it's much darker than one would imagine.
The 2010 film mixes dark humor, mythology and suspense, creating an exciting and unforgettable experience. It uses ancient European legends, where Santa Claus was once seen as a dark and punishing figure rather than the jolly gift-giver we know today, making it much more than just another evil Santa story. When watching, one is truly on the edge of one's seat the entire time as the slow-burn horror of the holiday builds and builds. Arguably, despite not receiving the attention it deserves, Rare Exports: A Christmas Carol is the best Christmas horror movie that everyone should see at least once.
8
A Christmas Horror Story (2015)
Directed by Grant Harvey, Steven Hoban, Brett Sullivan
A unique horror anthology that brings together multiple stories, A Christmas Horror Story stands out as one of the scariest Christmas movies out there. One of the twisted stories features a murderous Santa Claus, transforming the beloved holiday figure into a frightening, violent villain. The story in particular follows the sinister Santa Claus as he first defeats his elves, who have turned into zombies, and then begins fighting Krampus.
In addition to the horrors that unfold, the plot twist still manages to surprise, making people A Christmas Horror Story the ideal Christmas film for those who don't like them too cheesy.
With its multiple stories and a very scary version of Santa Claus, A Christmas Horror Story It's a must-see for anyone who likes dark holiday horror. It delivers exactly what you want from a bad Santa movie, from gore to serious scares. In addition to the horrors that unfold, the plot twist still manages to surprise, making people A Christmas Horror Story the ideal Christmas film for those who don't like them too cheesy.
7
All Over the House (2015)
Directed byTod Nunnes
All Through the House follows a mad masked Santa killer who descends on a town, leaving a trail of mutilated bodies. As he perpetuates Christmas terror, his path leads to the door of the city's most feared house in this 2015 horror film.
- Release date
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October 31, 2015
- Execution time
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80 minutes
- Cast
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Jessica Cameron, Ashley Mary Nunes, Melynda Kiring, Natalie Montera, Lito Velasco, Jason Ray Schumacher, Johanna Rae, Matt Poeschl
Even though it's not even close to being one of the best horror films of all time, All over the house is an excellent watch for horror horror enthusiasts looking for a different holiday feel. The 2015 film is a brutal holiday slaughterfest that follows a crazed killer dressed as Santa Claus; Seriously, it doesn't get any better than this for horror fans.
This indie horror gem is packed with intense scares, gruesome kills, and an old-school horror vibe that pays homage to the classics of the genre. It's unapologetically gory and keeps its horror simple yet effective, bringing to life one of the scariest versions of Santa Claus out there. From the mysterious costume to the creative and over-the-top kills, This Santa Claus is pure nightmare fuel. Those looking to get scared this holiday season, look no further All over the house.
6
Silent Night (2012)
Directed by Steven C. Miller
Silent night is a modern reboot of the 1984 cult classic Silent Night, Deadly Nightbut the film feels more like its own work than a reinvented version of something else. A mysterious killer dressed as Santa Claus is still trying to punish the naughty in a small Midwestern town, but the overall plot and delivery are much more intense.
The 2012 title offers a mix of suspense, camp, and carnage that will keep viewers hooked, horror fans or not. However, slasher enthusiasts may appreciate it more, as this Santa's kills are gruesome and inventive. With moments of dark humor sprinkled in just enough to lighten the mood without detracting from the horror, Silent night leans heavily into its sinister tone. It's a film that knows exactly what it wants to be and delivers on its Christmas horror promise.
5
Code 3615 Père Noël (1989)
Directed by René Manzor
Also known as Santa Claus dialing code, Sawand Game over, 3615 Père Noël Code is a French cult classic. Even though it didn't receive much attention at the time of its release, especially after the subsequent release of the very similar Alone at home (without the scares), this unique holiday horror thriller has gained a loyal following over the years.
The story follows a tech-savvy young man, Thomas, who sets out to protect his family from a deranged man dressed as Santa Claus. Killer Santa invades your home on Christmas Eve, turning what should be a joyful night into a terrifying game of survival. Despite being a smaller and less commercialized production, the film's creativity and suspense made it a hidden gem of holiday horror. Rightfully earning its place as a cult classic, 3615 Père Noël Code is a must-see for fans of clever stories and dark holiday scares.
4
Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022)
Directed by Joe Begos
Christmas Bloody Christmas is a 2022 holiday horror film from writer and director Joe Begos. Tori Tooms is looking for her next big party. However, her plans for celebrating Christmas are interrupted when a robotic Santa escapes from a local toy store and begins murdering the town's residents, setting her straight on her warpath.
- Release date
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December 9, 2022
- Execution time
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86 minutes
- Cast
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Riley Dandy, Sam Delich, Jonah Ray, Dora Madison, Jeremy Gardner, Abraham Benrubi, Jeff Daniel Phillips, Graham Skipper
- Director
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Joe Begos
Bloody Christmas is a bold, high-energy holiday horror film that takes the concept of an evil Santa to the next level. Here, Santa Claus isn't just a distorted man in a red suit; he is a malfunctioning, murderous robotic figure who goes on a murder spree in a small, snow-covered town. With neon visuals, synth-heavy music and some seriously brutal action, Bloody Christmas looks like a wild mix of retro and modern horror.
The film doesn't waste time with slow build-ups, but dives straight into the action and keeps the intensity adjusted until the end. The deaths are brutal and creative, with lots of blood for fans who like bloody horror. If the goal is an unconventional horror holiday, Bloody Christmas delivery. It's edgy, exciting and completely unhinged, offering a new take on the evil idea of ​​Santa Claus.
3
Christmas Evil (1980)
Directed by Lewis Jackson
Christmas Evil is a Christmas-themed horror film from writer and director Lewis Jackson. After a traumatic childhood incident involving his parents, young Harry Stadling becomes totally obsessed with the idea of ​​Santa Claus – which ultimately leads to a Christmas-themed murder spree where he plans to punish those who are “naughty”.
- Release date
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November 7, 1980
- Execution time
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100 minutes
- Cast
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Brandon Maggart, Jeffrey DeMunn, Dianne Hull, Andy Fenwick, Joe Jamrog, Peter Neuman
- Director
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Lewis Jackson
Also known as You better be careful, Christmas Evil is an underrated horror film from the 1980s that you need to watch, especially during the holiday season. The story follows Harry Stadling (Brandon Maggart), a man obsessed with Christmas, who goes crazy and takes on the persona of Santa Claus, but with a dark, murderous twist. It's a unique blend of horror, dark humor, and drama, making it one of the most thought-provoking entries in the evil Santa subgenre.
Unlike many anti-Santa Claus films that focus on high body counts or over-the-top gore, Christmas Evil delves into the psychological side of horror. It's less about the death toll and more about Harry's inner despondency as he transforms into a murderous Santa Claus. While not a traditional horror, the film is incredibly effective in its own way.
2
Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
Directed by Charles E. Sellier Jr.
Silent Night, Deadly Night is one of the most infamous holiday horrors ever made. Released in 1984, it was one of those Christmas movies that wasn't well received when it was released, to say the least. The film caused great controversy for portraying a killer dressed as Santa Claus, sparking protests and even being removed from theaters. Yet, ended up becoming the evil Santa movie par excellence which remains iconic for its boldness and brutality.
Notably, the pacing is relentless, with the second half becoming a wave of creative kills that cement [Silent Night, Deadly Night] as a cult favorite among slasher fans.
Silent Night, Deadly Night it combines slasher horror with a somewhat dark exploration of trauma, making it shocking and memorable. Notably, its pacing is relentless, with the second half becoming a flurry of creative kills that cement it as a cult favorite among slasher fans. Although undeniably controversial, this advantage is part of Silent Night, Deadly Night lasting appeal. A remake, Silent nightwas released in 2012.
1
The Killing of Santa Claus (2005)
Directed by David Steiman
Santa's Killing turns the holiday season upside down with a funny yet alarmingly violent take on the story of evil Santa Claus. In this horror comedy, Santa Claus is actually a demon who loses a bet with an angel and has to spread holiday cheer for centuries. When the bet is cancelled, he returns to his true nature, that of a brutal killer. The film leans heavily on its absurd premise, delivering exaggerated deaths and dark humor.
Fans of campy humor will love this one, as Santa's Killing It's a fast-paced, unapologetically wild ride that never takes itself too seriously. The film's wit, over-the-top violence, and self-aware tone make even the wildest moments feel intentional and fun. At just under 80 minutes, Santa's Killing It's a quick watch that doesn't overstay its welcome, perfect for those looking for a dose of blood after Christmas lunch.