18 Christmas horror films that redefine holiday cheer and where to stream them

Holiday Terrors: The Dark Side of Christmas

The terrors of family gatherings during the Christmas holidays are pushed to their limits in this collection of festive horror films. Each movie puts a chilling twist on seasonal joy, reminding audiences that not every snowy night ends with peace and goodwill.

1. Krampus (2015)

A family’s Christmas celebration falls apart when a vengeful spirit, Krampus, punishes those who have lost their holiday spirit.
Stream on: Peacock.

2. Black Christmas (1974)

A pioneering slasher set during the holidays, it follows a group of sorority sisters who receive terrifying phone calls before the killer strikes.
Stream on: Shudder.

3. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)

In the snowy wilderness of Finland, a mysterious archaeological discovery reveals the sinister origins of Santa Claus himself.
Stream on: Hulu.

4. Gremlins (1984)

A young man receives an unusual pet that multiplies out of control, invading his hometown in this iconic mix of comedy and horror.
Stream on: Max.

5. Better Watch Out (2016)

A babysitter’s quiet Christmas night spirals into chaos when home invaders turn out to be far more disturbing than expected.
Stream on: Prime Video.

6. The Lodge (2019)

Two children and their soon-to-be stepmother become snowed in at a remote cabin, where dark secrets and psychological dread unravel.
Stream on: Hulu.

7. Dead End (2003)

On a Christmas Eve road trip, a family takes a shortcut through the woods—and finds themselves trapped in a nightmarish time loop.
Stream on: Paramount+.

8. Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)

A boy traumatized by his parents’ murder grows up to become a killer Santa Claus in this cult exploitation classic.
Stream on: Tubi.

9. A Christmas Horror Story (2015)

Multiple holiday horror tales intertwine in this anthology, uniting killer elves, ghosts, and Krampus himself.
Stream on: Amazon Prime.

10. The Children (2008)

A family gathering turns deadly when the children inexplicably become violent and murderous toward their parents.
Stream on: AMC+.

11. Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)

A high school Christmas celebration turns gory when a zombie outbreak hits during the holidays—presented as a musical horror-comedy.
Stream on: Hulu.

12. Better Off Zed (2018)

A lazy husband and his restless wife face a zombie apocalypse during the holidays, turning existential dread into dark humor.
Stream on: Tubi.

13. Wind Chill (2007)

Two college students stranded on a snowy road discover they’re not alone, as ghostly figures haunt their Christmas Eve.
Stream on: Apple TV.

14. P2 (2007)

A woman trapped in a parking garage on Christmas Eve must fight for survival against a deranged security guard.
Stream on: Peacock.

15. Jack Frost (1997)

A serial killer reanimated as a snowman terrorizes a small town in this outlandishly campy horror-comedy.
Stream on: Pluto TV.

16. The Advent Calendar (2021)

A cursed advent calendar grants wishes—but each comes with a gruesome price—in this French supernatural thriller.
Stream on: Shudder.

17. Sint (2010)

The Dutch legend of Saint Nicholas gets a sinister makeover as a murderous bishop returns every December for revenge.
Stream on: Amazon Prime.

18. Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022)

A malfunctioning robotic Santa rampages through town, leaving a trail of destruction in this neon-drenched slasher.
Stream on: Shudder.

“There’s no better way to balance all that holiday cheer than with a bit of chaos, blood, and twisted fun.”

Summary

A lineup of 18 Christmas horror films blends festive cheer with dark humor and supernatural dread, offering chilling alternatives to traditional holiday favorites.

Metro on MSN — 2025-11-30