Feeling Tired of Holiday Classics? Try These 5 Holiday Horror Films Instead, According to a PEOPLE Staffer
Stills from ‘Black Christmas,’ ‘Gremlins,’ and ‘Christmas Evil.’
Credit:
MOVIESTORE/Shutterstock; Warner Bros. Pictures/Amblin E/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty; Edward R. Pressman Productions
NEED TO KNOW
- Bailey Richards suggests replacing traditional Christmas films with horror movies set during the holidays.
- Richards has compiled a list of five horror movie recommendations, including Black Christmas and Deep Red.
- The author argues that “fear and cheer go hand in hand.”
“He sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake!” This line could easily serve as the chilling call of a killer, but it’s just Santa Claus.
On the surface, Santa Claus shares more traits with cold-blooded murderers than one might expect. Consider the eerie Rat King from The Nutcracker or the unsettling animation in The Polar Express. Christmas, it turns out, can have its creepy moments. Fear and cheer coexist.
Despite this, few horror films have carved out a niche in the Christmas movie category. The Nightmare Before Christmas is a staple for both October and December, while Edward Scissorhands can be viewed as a holiday film akin to Die Hard, yet the list remains limited.
While many cherish classic holiday films—don’t ask anyone to get through the festive season without a dose of Love Actually—sometimes, it can be refreshing to trade Hallmark-style predictability for kitschy Christmas horror.
If traditional yuletide selections leave you uninspired—or if you’re simply in the mood for some thrills—consider these five recommendations thoughtfully chosen by PEOPLE’s resident horror aficionado.
01
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Black Christmas (1974)
Olivia Hussey and Keir Dullea in ‘Black Christmas’.
Moviestore Collection Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo
Black Christmas elicits the immediate thought, “Why didn’t I watch this sooner?”
As a seminal slasher film alongside Psycho and the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre, this 1974 classic stands the test of time, yet it remains underappreciated.
Directed by Bob Clark, who is known for A Christmas Story, this film excels with striking cinematography, a chilling plot, and compelling performances from Olivia Hussey and Margot Kidder. The actresses deliver strong performances as sorority sisters haunted by ominous phone calls, a straightforward but terrifying premise enhanced by innovative POV shots.
A cozy ambiance, sparkling lights, and a lively cast create an illusory sense of security before horror unfolds.
02
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The Brain (1988)
A still from ‘The Brain’.
SHOUT! FACTORY
A campy rendition reminiscent of Videodrome, this sci-fi slasher premiered five years after David Cronenberg’s cult classic, set during Christmas for seemingly no reason at all—something more horror films should consider.
Its festive suburban setting serves as an amusing backdrop for the film’s late-’80s kitsch, even though it has little relevance to the story.
Featuring David Gale from Re-Animator as Dr. Blakely, a television doctor who conspires with a giant alien brain to brainwash the population. The only obstacle? A rebellious teenager fighting for humanity.
If 80s nostalgia, synth-heavy soundtracks, and teen slasher clichés appeal to you, The Brain promises to be a delightful distraction filled with cheesy goodness from start to finish.
Will your eyes roll? Quite possibly. But expect more than a few heads to roll along the way.
03
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Deep Red (1975)
A still from ‘Deep Red’.
ARCHIVIO GBB / Alamy Stock Photo
For many, Christmas symbolizes joy and comfort. Yet, for some, it can evoke trauma—potentially inspiring a violent outburst.
Dario Argento’s Deep Red encapsulates this mood, showcasing one of cinema’s most festive killers. Unlike Michael Myers or Jason Voorhees, who employ different tactics, this film adds an eerie twist.
When a psychic medium with potentially dangerous knowledge is murdered, a pianist begins investigating in this stand-alone work from the acclaimed Italian director.
A classic giallo, it doubles as a holiday film as nothing speaks to Christmas quite like the vivid crimson of ‘70s film blood.
04
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Christmas Evil (1980)
A still from ‘Christmas Evil’.
Edward R. Pressman Productions
Harry Stadling is a hardworking and attentive man, renowned for his kindness. But he harbors a peculiar belief: he thinks he’s Santa Claus.
What if Santa was merely a regular guy? Christmas Evil poses this question while highlighting the more bizarre aspects of Santa Claus’s character.
A holiday favorite of filmmaker John Waters, this cult classic leans more toward character study than slasher. It delves into Harry’s festive yet troubled psyche.
While identifying as a bearded figure with omniscient traits is not universally relatable, Harry’s desire to take revenge on mean-spirited children and rude colleagues resonates with many. It’s a cathartic exploration of Christmas frustrations.
05
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Gremlins (1984)
Phoebe Cates and Zach Galligan on the set of ‘Gremlins’.
Warner Bros. Pictures/Amblin E/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty
The holiday season is rich with iconic characters ranging from reindeer to snowmen. Yet, in the realm of horror, only one creature is synonymous with Christmas: the Gremlin, also known as Mogwai.
Whether in cuddly or ferocious form, these creatures embody the spirit of Christmas, earning a spot in any cozy winter night’s watch list.
Though more whimsical than terrifying, the film carries underlying themes of darkness—such as anti-colonial sentiments and Phoebe Cates’ character’s tragic backstory, involving her father’s death while dressed as Santa.
While unboxing a Gremlin on Christmas morning remains an unfulfilled wish, enjoying them on-screen serves as a delightful alternative. A double feature of Gremlins and its sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, is highly recommended for added enjoyment.
