By Logan Fairchild
1: Black Christmas (1974) – “A Christmas Story” (1983) was not director Bob Clark’s first rodeo when it comes to Christmas films. His first was “Black Christmas,” and it established a lot of trademark conventions for slasher films, including; a final girl and a killer POV camera that John Carpenter later famously utilized in “Halloween” (1978). This film takes place on a college campus during winter break, where an unknown killer stalks and murders a group of sorority girls. It’s not as trashy as it sounds; it’s an extremely well-made film with great acting and an intense story.
2: Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) – This film is a little trashy. A low-budget horror film that outraged parents who were disturbed by Santa Claus is depicted as an axe murderer (although this was not the first, nor the last, film to do this). Upon its release, it was picketed until pulled from theaters just two weeks after release. It mainly remained unknown until recently when horror fans rediscovered the gem, and newly remastered footage came to DVD and Blu-Ray. The acting isn’t necessarily the best, but the plot is fun, and it’s stuffed to the brim with Christmas goodness and plenty of good chuckles.
3: Christmas Evil (1980) – This film is similar to “Silent Night, Deadly Night” in the plot; a psychologically torn loner dressed as Santa Claus goes on a rampage. However, this film is more severe. Our main character, Harry, absolutely loves Christmas. So much so that he tries to become Santa Claus himself and spread good cheer (and eliminate bad) on Christmas Eve. The acting in this film is superbly better than the previously mentioned one and supplies a tremendous amount of Christmas aesthetic. It also starts at Thanksgiving, so it’s a two-for-one holiday film!
4: Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010) – A Finnish horror fantasy film in which a research team accidentally drills into a burial ground, unleashing an ancient creature whom young Pietari believes to be Santa Claus as the local children start going missing.
5: Treevenge (2008) – This short film is about 16 minutes long and is easily found on Youtube. While I don’t typically list short films, this one, in particular, is a seasonal fave and a must-watch for any horror fans out there. Comedy and gore mesh together in this tale of Christmas trees coming to life and seeking revenge on those who chopped them down.
6: Gremlins (1984) – Everyone has seen this movie or at least heard of it, so I won’t bother getting into the plot. Most people seem to forget this is, in fact, a Christmas movie, however. While the season isn’t as apparent as in the previous films, it’s still an iconic movie that requires a yearly rewatch.
7: Krampus (2015) – Probably the second most known Christmas horror film after “Gremlins.” This film has its issues, but it makes up for them in 100% TOTAL seasonal vibes and some otherwise decent storytelling. The last ten minutes is where it all falls apart, but it’s a spooky, chilling, fun holiday romp up to that.
8: The Children (2008) – This is one of the lesser-known hidden gems in the horror world. Families get together at an upscale British estate during the holiday season. But as the holidays unfold, the children start getting sick. But this ain’t just the flu. Great story, cast, and direction.
9: Jack Frost (1997) – Not to be confused with the 1998 family film “Jack Frost,” this horror-comedy tells the tale of notorious serial killer… Jack Frost… and his execution transformed him into a mutated killer snowman. It’s ridiculous, but it’s also a lot of fun.
10: A Christmas Horror Story (2015) – A horror anthology narrated by William Shatner. It isn’t the most excellent film, but it delivers some good holiday vibes and a pretty badass Santa Claus (with a twist or two).
