Though it is probably some awful side effect of the generally poor and saddened state people are in at this time, people in general are drawn to horror films. Over the years, that love of horror has been melded with just about anything you might be able to imagine and of course Christmas is not free from this. In fact, there have been quite a few creepy, suspenseful, and even downright scary Christmas movies. Here are the five best to consider this year.

5. “Jack Frost” (1997)

OK, best might be used loosely on this one, but really it is quite a fun movie to watch, especially if you are into the horror genre. It’s all about a serial killer who dies and is resurrected thanks to some toxic chemical that changes him into a snow man. You can’t make these things up. Well, actually you can, and they did in this 1997 film. Its deaths are sometimes more humorous than scary, but it is the great way to transition from the usual, cheery movies to the more grim horror flicks.

4. “Silent Night, Deadly Night” (1984)

After witnessing his parents being brutally murdered, a young teen goes on to be abused by his Mother Superior at an orphanage and then decides it is time to go on a killing spree dressed as Santa. OK, this might not sound like the premise to an Oscar-winning movie, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking when it comes to horror. The trauma this teen endures and the things it does to his mind make for a really good horror film, especially if you are interested in slashers.

3. “Gremlins” (1984)

Apparently, 1984 was one of the better years for the horror Christmas genre and it’s not surprise Gremlins would earn its way onto this list. When viewers are first exposed to the mogwai, they likely have a reaction to the adorable creature, but not obeying those handy three rules the cute little pet transforms into something much more deadly. As a child, this was likely one of your favorite films and though watching it today might feel more humorous than scary, it is a real classic and worth a look back to.

2. “Black Christmas” (1974)

Sometimes, the older the movie is, the better, especially when it comes to horror. Sure, the special effects might seem laughable in modern times, but the eerie presentation is really on point. In this case, the makers of “Black Christmas” exceeded any expectations. It is genuinely scary, offering chilling suspense as a group of sorority sisters are haunted by creepy phone calls. As you might expect from a slasher film, it results in quite a few murders.

1. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)

A classic for both Halloween and Christmas, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is still one of the most relevant movie’s to today’s culture, even more than 20 years later. Sure, the characters are a bunch of monsters in their own Halloweentown, but Jack Skellington just captivates viewers and leaves them wanting a return visit at least once every year. Though it might not be scary like some of these movies, it is a bit chilling and offers an exciting watch over and over again.


What other Christmas themed horror movies do you think should be on this list? Are there any that you think don’t really belong here?


 

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Joseph Macolino
Joseph Macolino
When Joseph is not writing for his Evorath fantasy series, he tries to spend time honing his physical prowess to one day become the Punisher. Most of the time, he just ends up perfecting the art of procrastination by watching Netflix, reading other good fantasy books, or playing some mindless game. Follow him at Evorath