Just because spooky season has come and gone doesn’t mean horror fans have to put genre films away in the attic. Celebrating the holiday season with scares instead of string lights (well, maybe string lights, too) has spawned an entire subgenre: holiday horror. With mainstream hits like Gremlins and Krampus drawing in casual audiences, holiday horror has only grown in popularity over the years, but it’s not new.
Charles Dickens’ 1843 story A Christmas Carol remains one of the most enduring holiday ghost stories. When it comes to movies, the idea of mashing the macabre with mistletoe dates back to the silent film era. However, it wasn’t until Bob Clark’s 1974 cult hit, Black Christmas, that the subgenre found the spotlight. Now, bringing the creepy to Christmas has become commonplace. With the sheer amount of holiday horror out there, here are some modern movies you might have missed.
1. Rare Exports Takes a Unique Approach to the Santa Mythos
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010) is the oldest entry on this list. As a Finnish indie movie, it likely fell under the radar for some. However, its black comedy and fantasy mash-up make it a must-watch during the holidays. In short, Rare Exports follows a government research team that uncovers Santa Claus’ tomb and, in the process, unleashes a species of bearded, Santa-like creatures. Where there is a commodity, there is also corruption, and wild Santas become the new hot thing across the worldwide market, aka rare exports.
2. It’s a Wonderful Knife Subverts a Christmas Classic
It’s a Wonderful Knife (2023) has a killer title, but that’s not the only thing it has going for it. Penned by the co-writer of slasher-comedy Freaky, a play on Christmas horror tropes was expected and mostly succeeds in It’s a Wonderful Knife. As the title suggests, the movie nods to the 1946 classic It’s a Wonderful Life. Much like James Stewart’s George Bailey, high schooler Winnie Carruthers’ (Jane Widdop) wish to “not exist” results in a fantastical adventure where she learns her importance in the world. While the movie lacks a guardian angel, it carries the same heart as its inspiration.
3. The Lodge Is Atmospheric Horror Done Right
Those searching for holiday horror might skip past The Lodge (2019) at first glance. Its minimalist cover pales in comparison to some of the other entries’ flashy red/green designs. However, that style very much matches the movie’s vibe. A snowstorm traps a stepmother in a remote lodge with her unruly stepchildren. Similar to Stephen King’s Misery, The Lodge’s strengths lie in its atmospheric dread, psychological horror, and Riley Keough’s engaging performance as an unreliable lead.
4. A Christmas Horror Story Is a Fun Holiday Anthology
A Christmas Horror Story (2015) is Christmas’ answer to Trick’ r Treat. The anthology consists of four stories that span from changeling mythology to a mall Santa gone rogue. Each tale has some connective tissue, but A Christmas Story’s real appeal comes from its fun. It balances its cheesier moments with some genuine scares, making it a well-rounded watch. As a bonus, Star Trek legend William Shatner acts as the movie’s narrator of sorts.
5. Red Snow Pokes Fun at Vampire Romances
We all know people who rewatch Twilight and binge The Vampire Diaries like it’s their job. Hell, you might even be one of those people. The tropes lurking in supernatural romances make them playgrounds for satire, which is precisely what Red Snow (2021) sets out to accomplish. When a good-looking vampire crosses paths with a struggling novelist right before Christmas, hints of romance bloom. However, it comes to a screeching halt when more vampires appear in this charming yet silly horror comedy.
6. Better Watch Out Offers Clever Twists
Better Watch Out (2016) isn’t short on tropes. Cute babysitter. Masked intruder. String lights used as restraints. While the movie flirts with horror comedy territory, its scares take a more psychological approach by offering a clever twist in an often predictable genre. With high schooler Ashley (Olivia DeJonge) stuck babysitting 12-year-old Luke (Levi Miller) at Christmastime, a large portion of the movie’s success stems from the believability of its young cast.
7. The Mean One Is Best Enjoyed Among Friends
The Mean One (2022) is an unauthorized horror retelling of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Steven LaMorte’s movie started as a viral Grinch parody trailer before expanding into a full-length feature. The concept screams for camp because of its absurdity, and the movie embraces its calling at times but suffers to earn its runtime. However, that doesn’t mean horror comedy fans won’t find something to like. Want to shock your friends? Put on a movie about a killer Grinch at your next Christmas party. The Mean One makes the perfect background watch.