Merry and scary: the top 7 Christmas horror movies to stream right now
Merry and scary: the top 7 Christmas horror movies to stream right now
These x-mas horror movies prove the holiday season isn’t all snowflakes and carols.
If the success of “Terrifier 3” taught us anything, it’s that Christmas-themed horror movies can really work. Like, work to the extent of almost $90 million in worldwide gross on a $2 million budget! Talk about making a “killing” at the box office. In that movie, Art the Clown returns with some festive cheer to terrorize Sienna Shaw once more, this time with the help of a resurrected Victoria Heyes over the holidays. Now, in that Christmas / horror crossover spirit, let’s have some fun and countdown the top seven holiday horror movies you can stream right now. None of them are as dark as the Terrifier movies (in part because my stomach can’t take much more), but I promise they’re just as fun!
Top 7 Christmas horror movies to stream right now
No. 7: ‘Anna and the Apocalypse’ (2018) | Shudder
Coming in at No. 7 on the list is one of the most unique holiday horror musicals you’ll ever see: “Anna and the Apocalypse.” This 2018 film flips the festive season on its head by throwing a zombie outbreak into the middle of a small-town Christmas. Anna, a teenager on the brink of adulthood, just wants to figure out her future, but instead, she and her friends must fight their way through hordes of the undead. With candy canes as weapons, guts flying, and songs bursting from the chaos, the group navigates survival and friendship while belting out some surprisingly catchy tunes. Packed with sharp humor, over-the-top action, and an emotional core that keeps you rooting for the characters, “Anna and the Apocalypse” is as much fun as you can have with zombies over Christmas without them taking off your… flesh.
Anna and the Apocalypse
A zombie apocalypse threatens the sleepy town of Little Haven – at Christmas – forcing Anna and her friends to fight, slash and sing their way to survival, facing the undead in a desperate race to reach their loved ones. But they soon discover that no one is safe in this new world, and with civilization falling apart around them, the only people they can truly rely on are each other.
No. 6: ‘Silent Night, Deadly Night’ (1984) | Rent on Prime Video
Standing out as one of the most infamous holiday slashers of all time is “Silent Night, Deadly Night.” Released in 1984, this cult classic follows Billy Chapman, a boy whose Christmas is shattered when he witnesses a violent crime committed by a man in a Santa suit. The trauma haunts him into adulthood until he snaps under the weight of his memories and transforms into a killer Santa himself. With an axe in hand, Billy takes his vengeance out on anyone he deems “naughty,” turning the season of cheer into one of fear and death. With a killer combination of disturbing backstory and gruesome kills, it’s a must-see for fans of 1980s horror. Its gritty tone and subversive take on Christmas traditions sparked outrage when it came out, but that controversy has only helped cement its status as a holiday horror staple.
Silent Night, Deadly Night
Billy Chapman, who was traumatized by his parents’ Christmas Eve murder, then brutalized by sadistic orphanage nuns, grows up to dress as jolly St. Nick for a yuletide rampage to punish the naughty.
No. 5: ‘Better Watch Out’ (2017) | Peacock
Bringing more festive fear to the No. 5 spot is “Better Watch Out,” a twisted holiday horror-thriller that subverts the cozy charm of Christmas with shocking twists. Set during a snowy suburban Christmas night, the story begins with babysitter Ashley taking care of 12-year-old Luke. What starts as a seemingly typical evening turns into a nightmare when intruders target the house - or so it seems. As the layers of the plot unravel, the true terror emerges, and the festive decorations become the backdrop for chilling mind games. It’s a terrifying reminder that not everything is merry and bright during the holidays, making it a perfect pick for fans of holiday horror looking for clever twists.
Better Watch Out
On a quiet suburban street tucked within a ‘safe neighborhood’, a babysitter must defend a twelve-year-old boy from strangers breaking into the house, only to discover that this is far from a normal home invasion.
No. 4: ‘Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale’ (2010) | Fandor
With weather like theirs, the Finns know how to do Christmas. Well, they also know how to do Christmas horror because “Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale” lands at No. 4. This Finnish horror gem dives deep into the darker side of Christmas folklore. It’s set in the remote snow-covered mountains of Finland and follows a group of locals who unearth a mysterious burial mound during an excavation. What they discover isn’t the jolly Santa Claus of legend but a sinister, ancient figure who punishes the naughty in terrifying ways. With its eerie atmosphere, stunning snowy vistas, and a story steeped in holiday traditions, “Rare Exports” offers a fresh take on the Christmas mythos.
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
Young Pietari lives with his reindeer-herding father in arctic Finland. On the eve of Christmas, a nearby excavation makes a frightening discovery and an evil Santa Claus is unleashed…
No. 3: ‘Krampus’ (2015) | Peacock
Coming in creepy at No. 3 is “Krampus,” a holiday horror-comedy that brings ancient folklore to life in the most twisted way possible. Directed by Michael Dougherty, the 2015 film centers on a family whose Christmas celebration spirals into chaos after their lack of holiday spirit unwittingly summons Krampus - the dark counterpart to Santa Claus. This horned figure of Alpine mythology arrives with his murderous minions, including evil gingerbread men, terrifying toys, and other nightmare-fueled creations, to punish those who have lost the Christmas spirit.
Set against a backdrop of snowy suburban streets and festive decorations, “Krampus” blends dark humor with genuine scares, turning classic holiday imagery into scenes of horror. Its mix of practical effects, creative creature designs, and a strong cast that includes Toni Collette and Adam Scott has made it a favorite among fans of holiday horror. If you haven’t seen “Krampus” definitely check it out.
Krampus
When his dysfunctional family clashes over the holidays, young Max is disillusioned and turns his back on Christmas. Little does he know, this lack of festive spirit has unleashed the wrath of Krampus: a demonic force of ancient evil intent on punishing non-believers.
No. 2: ‘Gremlins’ (1984) | Max
Taking the No. 2 is “Gremlins,” the quintessential holiday horror-comedy that has been delighting and spooking audiences since its release in 1984. Directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg, this classic tale begins with a strange Christmas gift: a small, furry creature called a Mogwai. The adorable Gizmo comes with strict rules though… no bright lights, no water, and never feed it after midnight. When these rules are inevitably broken, chaos erupts as Gizmo’s babies turn into destructive, reptilian Gremlins that wreak havoc on a small town. With its inventive creature designs, sharp humor, and a balance of heartwarming moments and frights, “Gremlins” has long since earned its status as a holiday staple.
Gremlins
When Billy Peltzer is given a strange but adorable pet named Gizmo for Christmas, he inadvertently breaks the three important rules of caring for a Mogwai, unleashing a horde of mischievous gremlins on a small town.
No. 1: ‘Black Christmas’ (1974) | Prime Video
Taking the No. 1 spot on the list of top seven horror Christmas movies is “Black Christmas,” – often credited as one of the earliest slasher movies. Released in 1974, this film follows a group of sorority sisters who are terrorized by an anonymous caller during their Christmas break. As the disturbing phone calls intensify, the college women realize they’re being stalked by a killer hiding much closer than they could ever imagine. With its haunting atmosphere, subtle holiday touches like twinkling lights and snow-covered streets, and a sinister twist on the warmth of home and hearth, “Black Christmas” is a true classic. Take a look at the trailer for a sense of what you’re in for… it’s four minutes long and genuinely scary, in part because much of it is a POV from the killer’s perspective. If you’re looking to see one of the classics of Christmas-horror, don’t miss it.
Black Christmas
As the residents of sorority house Pi Kappa Sigma prepare for the festive season, a stranger begins a series of obscene phone calls with dubious intentions…