Best Christmas Horror Movies 2024

The holiday season often evokes feelings of warmth, joy, and togetherness, but for fans of the horror genre, Christmas can also mean festive fright. Christmas horror movies provide a perfect blend of yuletide cheer and spine-tingling chills, making them a unique way to celebrate the holidays. Whether you’re into classic horror or the latest releases, this guide highlights and trailers over 10 must-watch films that capture the season’s eerie charm.

1. Black Christmas (1974) 

If you’re looking for a unique and thrilling twist on the holiday season, I have a movie recommendation that’s sure to add a chilling touch to your Christmas festivities. “Black Christmas” (1974) is a pioneering horror film that blends the season’s festive cheer with the suspense and terror of a classic whodunit.

Set during the Christmas break, this Canadian film follows a group of sorority sisters who begin to receive disturbing phone calls from a mysterious stalker. As the tension builds, the girls are picked off one by one, and it becomes clear that the danger is much closer than they ever imagined. Directed by Bob Clark, “Black Christmas” is not just a horror movie; it’s a cultural touchstone that has influenced countless slasher films that followed.

What makes this film a must-watch during the holiday season is its ability to subvert Christmas’s usual warmth and joy with a sense of dread and unease. The snowy backdrop and the festive setting contrast sharply with the dark unfolding events, making for a memorable cinematic experience.

2. Gremlins (1984)

If you’re in the mood for a Christmas movie with a twist, look no further than “Gremlins” (1984), a delightful blend of horror, comedy, and fantasy that’s perfect for those who love a bit of mischief with their holiday cheer. Directed by Joe Dante and produced by the legendary Steven Spielberg, this film is a genre-defying hit that’s part dark comedy, part horror, and part holiday movie.

The story revolves around a young man named Billy Peltzer (played by Zach Galligan) who receives a unique, furry little creature named Gizmo as a Christmas gift from his father. Gizmo is a mogwai, and with him come three simple rules: never get him wet, keep him out of bright light, and most importantly, never feed him after midnight. When these rules are inadvertently broken, Gizmo spawns a litter of mischievous offspring who transform into destructive green gremlins, causing chaos in the small town of Kingston Falls.

“Gremlins” is known for its unique far-out quality, often described as “The Evil Dead for kids”, and it masterfully combines terror with humor, family spirit, and countless nods to moviegoers. The film is a seasonal classic for good reason, offering family-friendly frights that successfully blend humor and horror for an alternative to more traditional holiday viewings.

3. Krampus (2015)

“Krampus” (2015) is a dark Christmas comedy-horror film that tells the tale of a boy who summons a demonic figure from folklore after losing his holiday spirit. When Krampus arrives, a dysfunctional family must unite to survive against evil holiday creatures. It’s a fun, scary, and twisted alternative to traditional holiday movies, perfect for those who crave a touch of horror with their Christmas cheer.

4. Dead End (2003)

“Dead End” (2003) offers a fresh spin on holiday horror. It’s a tale of the Harrington clan, who, while en route to a festive gathering, stumble upon a nightmarish detour. Isolated and increasingly desperate, they grapple with a ghostly woman and a relentless black hearse that seems to hold the keys to their worst fears. This film serves up a chilling Christmas escape, perfect for those seeking a sinister seasonal surprise.

5. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)

Check out “Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale” from 2010. It’s a Finnish flick that gives Santa Claus a makeover—you know, the kind that turns him into a bit of a scary figure instead of the guy who slides down your chimney with gifts.

The story starts with some folks digging up what they think is the biggest ancient grave in the world, and lo and behold, they find Santa buried deep in the Finnish mountains. But this Santa isn’t about spreading joy; he’s more into causing some serious shivers. When kids in the nearby town start disappearing, a brave young boy and his dad, who happens to be a reindeer herder, decide to catch this Santa and sell him to the company that paid for the dig.

This movie’s got a fun mix of scares, action, and a good laugh or two. It’s a cool change of pace for the holidays, giving you a Santa story that’s a bit different from the norm. So, if you’re looking for something a little less sugary and a lot more suspenseful this Christmas, “Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale” might just be the ticket.

6. Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)

“Silent Night, Deadly Night” (1984) is a cult classic horror film that takes a dark turn on the Santa Claus legend. It tells the story of a young boy who, after witnessing his parents’ murder by a Santa-clad killer, grows up to become a vengeful figure in a Santa suit himself. This movie is known for its controversial content and has since gained a following for its unique take on holiday horror. If you’re looking for a Christmas movie that’s far from the norm, this one might be just the ticket for a chilling night in.

7. The Children (2008)

“The Children” (2008) is a British horror film that turns a family’s Christmas holiday into a chilling nightmare. The plot revolves around a group of kids who suddenly start attacking their parents, leading to a terrifying struggle for survival. With a runtime of just 84 minutes, this movie is a tense and thought-provoking exploration of how environmental disasters might affect children, leading to a violent and shocking turn of events. It’s a grim reminder that even the most innocent can become a threat in the right circumstances, making it a unique and disturbing Christmas horror experience.

8. The Lodge (2019)

“The Lodge” (2019) is a chilling psychological horror film that will keep you on edge this holiday season. It’s about a soon-to-be stepmom, Grace, who gets snowed in with her fiancé’s two children at a remote holiday village. As they start to connect, strange and frightening events begin to unfold, summoning psychological demons from Grace’s strict religious childhood。 This movie is not for the faint of heart, offering a bone-chilling nightmare that will linger long after the credits roll.

9. Silent Night (2021)

“Silent Night” (2021) offers a darkly comedic take on a Christmas Eve dinner party amid an environmental apocalypse. With a stellar cast including Keira Knightley and Matthew Goode, the film presents a group grappling with whether to take “exit pills” to escape a toxic gas’s painful death. It’s a mix of humor, horror, and a stark climate change message. This is not your typical festive fare—it’s a bleak, engaging exploration of how people face the end of the world, making it a unique choice for those seeking a Christmas movie with a twist.

10. P2 (2007)

“P2” (2007) is like that super intense thriller where a busy lady gets stuck in a parking garage on Christmas Eve with a total psycho as her only company. It’s a game of cat and mouse as she tries to outsmart the nutjob and make it out alive. If you’re into holiday horror with a side of “oh no, he didn’t!” this movie’s a wild ride you shouldn’t miss.

11. Better Watch Out (2016)

“Better Watch Out” (2016) is about a babysitter, Ashley, who’s looking after 12-year-old Luke, but things get crazy when intruders break in. Turns out, the home invasion isn’t what it seems, and there’s a sinister plot brewing with Luke at the center of it. It’s like a dark, demented “Home Alone” with a touch of “Funny Games” and a critique of toxic masculinity. If you’re into psychological thrills and unexpected twists on a quiet suburban street, this one’s for you!

12. The Christmas Haunting (2013)

“The Christmas Haunting” (2013) is a spooky TV episode from the series “Midsomer Murders.” It’s a crime drama mystery where DCI Barnaby and DS Nelson investigate a fatal stabbing with an antique sword during a ghost-hunting party at a ‘haunted’ manor house. Is it the ghost of a blacksmith’s daughter, Rose Wilton, seeking revenge from beyond the grave, or is there a more earthly explanation? This episode mixes the traditional English village charm with a chilling Christmas murder mystery.