As the winter winds howl outside and the streets glisten with snow, the holiday season is known to evoke joy, warmth, and celebration. But amidst the twinkling lights and festive melodies, there exists a dark and twisted corner of entertainment that deviates from the traditional yuletide cheer: Holiday Horror.
In a world where candy canes and icecicles become weapons and Santa Claus is sinister, holiday horror films have carved out a niche for those seeking an alternative to sugarplum fantasies.
So, grab a mug of hot cocoa, cozy up by the fire, and brace yourself for a journey into the dark side of Christmas that will make you think twice before hanging mistletoe. It's time to explore out 5 Favorite Killer Santa movies.
5. Santa's Slay (2005)
Santa's Slay is a comedy horror film that hit theaters in 2005 in which Santa is not the lovable figure we all cherish, but a demon son of Satan who, having lost a bet with an angel, is doomed to spread happiness at Christmas for a thousand years. Once the time limit is up, he reverts to his old ways, eager to murder those who get in his way.
A Twisted Take on Santa
This horror movie combines the very best of slasher films with a dark, irreverent humor that has endeared it to audiences. Despite having its fair share of funny moments, it still features plenty of the genre's typical violent scenes, bringing in appealing characters and spinning a rather unique tale about Santa Claus. Stream on Fubo
4. Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
Silent Night, Deadly Night hit the silver screen in 1984, amidst massive controversy, to introduce Billy, a young man who grew up in an orphanage after his parents were murdered by a criminal dressed as Santa Claus. Many years later, he suffers a mental breakdown that makes him follow in the footsteps of the killer he always loathed. This slasher film is directed by Charles E. Sellier Jr. and features Robert Brian Wilson in the title role.
Fostering a Festive Franchise
Despite the controversies surrounding its subject matter, and the fact that it was pulled from theaters after just one week, this cult movie managed to delight audiences with its disturbing and gory plot, spurring a continuing series of five sequels. Available to rent.
3. Deadly Games (1989)
1989 marked the release of Deadly Games, an under-the-radar horror gem that many believe influenced the following year's Home Alone. The French film follows Thomas, a clever and adventurous young boy who, while spending Christmas Eve with his grandfather, sets up a home security system to record Santa Claus as he arrives to drop off his presents. Little does he know that the man visiting his house is not the real Kris Kringle.
This 'Home Alone' is Not for Kids
Any horror fan who enjoyed the holiday classic Home Alone will certainly dig this Manzor movie, which, besides its many elements in common with Chris Columbus' classic holiday film, was highly acclaimed for its cast performances, script, and direction. The film was also widely popular among audiences, and won both Best Director and Best Film awards at the Italian Fantafestival in 1990. Stream on AMC+
2. Christmas Evil (1980)
Christmas Evil, directed by Lewis Jackson, stars Brandon Maggart as a man obsessed with Santa Claus who, outraged by the wrongdoings of the executives of the toy company in which he works, breaks down and starts acting like Santa, setting out on a mission to spread good...and evil.
The Creation of Genre Staples
Four years before the release of Silent Night, Deadly Night, Christmas Evil premiered and included the first on-screen depictions of several tropes tied to the Killer Santa genre. Stream on AMC+
1. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)
Our favorite Killer Santa comes from the 2010 Finnish film Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale, which follows a young boy and his friend who, in the midst of archaeological excavations occurring in the area, believe they have uncovered a murky secret regarding the origin of Santa Claus.
Full of Freaky Folklore
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale is yet another film on this list featuring an original concept that explores the country's folklore and puts a dark twist on the much loved figure of Santa. Its dark humor, gruesome scenes, and engaging screenplay earned it a Saturn Award nomination for Best International Film. Stream on Peacock