U.S. News
10 Essential Movies that Put a Dark Spin on Christmas
By Matt De Vlieger · December 21, 2023
"Christmas Evil" (1980)
Directed by Lewis Jackson, this psychological horror film follows a man obsessed with Christmas who takes his love for the holiday to disturbing extremes. Edward R. Pressman Films
"The Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993)
Directed by Tim Burton, this stop-motion animated film blends Halloween and Christmas, telling the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who discovers Christmas with dark and whimsical results. Disney
"Gremlins" (1984)
Directed by Joe Dante, this dark comedy horror film involves a young man who receives a strange creature called a Mogwai as a Christmas gift, leading to chaos when the creature's care instructions are not followed. Warner Bros.
"Black Christmas" (1974)
Directed by Bob Clark, this Canadian horror film is considered a classic in the genre. A group of sorority sisters is terrorized by an anonymous caller during the Christmas holiday. Norman Griesdorf
"Krampus" (2015)
Directed by Michael Dougherty, this horror-comedy explores the darker side of the holiday season when a dysfunctional family must confront the ancient Christmas demon Krampus. It should be noted that MSN would not let us post an image of Krampus from the movie due to it being flagged for graphic nature. Legendary
"Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale" (2010)
Directed by Jalmari Helander, this Finnish horror fantasy film follows a group of people who unearth the truth behind the real Santa Claus, who turns out to be far from the jolly figure we know. Kinostart USA
"Silent Night, Deadly Night" (1984)
Directed by Charles E. Sellier Jr., this slasher film tells the story of a man who, traumatized by witnessing his parents' murder on Christmas Eve, goes on a killing spree dressed as Santa Claus. Tri Star
"Bad Santa" (2003)
Directed by Terry Zwigoff, this dark comedy stars Billy Bob Thornton as a conman who poses as Santa Claus to rob department stores during the holiday season. Columbia Pictures
"Better Watch Out" (2016)
Directed by Chris Peckover, this darkly comedic horror film takes place during a babysitting job on Christmas, with unexpected and disturbing events unfolding as the night progresses. Chris Peckover