Another reason I think the US is destined to embrace all things Krampus is that we seems to be getting more and more holiday themed horror movies. Maybe it's the appeal of what's supposed to be a joyous time of year juxtaposed with horror.
Whatever the reason, keep them coming I say!
Sure you've got your Gremlins, Black Christmases, Silent Night Deadly Nights, and Krampus, I wanted to highlight some of the maybe lesser known movies. And let me tell you, there are more Christmas horror movies out there than you probably think!
Here are my Top 5 Holiday Horror Flicks in no particular order
This movie isn't just bad it's Awesomely Bad! There are so many references to Christmas songs in the script it will make your head spin. It's worth watching just for the Mortal Kombat-esque Santa showdown at the end.
A wonderfully dark take on Santa. It's a little bit fantasy, horror and dark humor, all original. However, you will see more old man genitalia than you would ever want to if you lived forever.
I absolutely love this holiday horror comedy! Former WWE star Bill Goldberg plays a homicidal Santa, hilarity ensues! The origin of this Santa is told through a very not-family-friendly Rankin Bass style animated segment.
Every 32 years a medieval marauder returns from the dead on the anniversary of his death to go on a murderous rampage. While it's mainly a slasher film, it is one gorgeous looking slasher, especially the rooftop chase.
I had to include this recent release because I did not see where the end was going and it blew me away. William Shatner (!) is a radio DJ connecting four almost unrelated tales in this horror anthology. Most of the stories are okay but the one where the North Pole is taken over by zombie elves and Santa has a knock down drag out with Krampus make it worth mentioning.
What are your favorite holiday horrors?
My favorite is "Christmas Evil" from 1980 which is just such an off-kilter, weird movie about a Santa suited serial killer. It also has the distinction of being the favorite Christmas movie of John Waters, so I feel like I'm in good company for liking this one.
ReplyDeleteI'm also a big fan of "Curse of the Cat People," from 1944. Cat People is one of my favorite classic black and white horror movies, and it's sequel is an interesting mix of horror movie and a Christmas fairy tale.
I also love "Silent Night, Deadly Night" from 1984, which tops my list of "so-bad-it's-good" Santa Claus slasher movies. I can't get enough of the killer saying "naughty, naughty" as he kills his victims.
Christmas Evil would be my 2nd Honorable Mention if for no other reason than the ending (although I do like the rest of it!)
DeleteInteresting picks. I lean more to the family friendly Creepmas specials, like Hogfather, TMBC, How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Also, MST3K episodes Santa Claus and Santa Conquers The Martians, and the Aquabats Supershow Christmas episode.
ReplyDeleteOMG Aquabats!!! Love that show!
Delete