The GBHBL Definitive Ranking of Every Christmas Horror Movie We’ve Reviewed!
The blood is spraying all around us, children screaming, running in terror. It’s the season, violence and death, Merry Christmas, everyone.
The festive season isn’t often what you think of when it comes to horror, yet it has resulted in more horror movies (aside from Halloween) based on the specific holiday than any other. For decades killers in Santa outfits have hunted, monstrous things have hidden inside presents, and the devil has danced through the snow with a wicked smile. Evil doesn’t take the season off and has inspired many different types of Christmas horrors.
We’ve seen and reviewed a lot of them. So, it’s time for our definitive ranking of every Christmas horror film we’ve seen and reviewed on the website. A fluid list that will be updated as and when new entries are made. As always, the list is based off our original review scores, so if two films score the same, they are positioned by which one we’d rather watch again. Enjoy.
122. Sugarplum (2017)
Our Score: 0/10
Sugarplum spends around 45 minutes of its runtime telling you things. Then about 2 minutes showing you things. It’s not a joke. It’s a serious film.
Read the full review here.
121. Krampus 2: The Devil Returns (2016)
Our Score: 0/10
To the surprise of no-one who saw the original, Krampus 2: The Devil Returns is a wretched movie. Easily as bad as the first, perhaps even worse at times.
Read the full review here.
120. Krampus: The Christmas Devil (2013)
Our Score: 0/10
It’s just so stupid yet played so seriously, you can’t help but think the joke is on us. No Krampus horror to date has made the legend seem so pathetic.
Read the full review here.
119. Feeders 2: Slay Bells (1998)
Our Score: 0/10
The aliens are back and planning to have their way with the people of Earth. Who can save us? Santa Claus! It’s a no-budget mess filled with a horrid bunch of untalented human beings. The cast are shockingly bad, but the writing is even worse.
Read the full review here.
118. Mother Krampus aka 12 Deaths of Christmas (2017)
Our Score: 1/10
Mother Krampus aka 12 Deaths of Christmas is a horribly told & horribly acted Christmas horror movie. It’s boring, its plot is a mess, the acting is terrible & it just comes across so confused.
Read the full review here.
117. Yule Log (2023)
Our Score: 1/10
Not content with giving us one of the worst ‘festive’ horrors ever in Feeders 2: Slay Bells, as well as a litany of terrible movies over the decades, Mark Polonia delivers us a shit-covered present, alongside writer Aaron Drake, with Yule Log.
Read the full review here.
116. Black Christmas (2019)
Our Score: 1/10
Black Christmas is a joke. It’s not gory, it’s not scary or thrilling, it’s just a platform someone has used to shove social commentary down your throat with no regards to their audience or if anyone even wants to listen.
Read the full review here.
115. Psycho Santa (2003)
Our Score: 1/10
A shocker, an absolute shocker of horror movie that feels like one big joke. Cut out all padded scenes, all the pointless moments and the unsatisfying payoffs and we’d have a film that barely lasts half an hour. Utterly tedious.
Read the full review here.
114. Scream for Christmas (2000)
Our Score: 1/10
Awful in almost every single way. From its nonsensical story to its terrible look, to its amateurish acting and laughable dialogue. Every minute this holiday-themed horror goes on, the worse it becomes.
Read the full review here.
113. Once Upon A Time At Christmas (2017)
Our Score: 1/10
A boring, plot-hole ridden mess, watching Once Upon a Time at Christmas you’ll be convinced that those involved thought ‘wouldn’t be cool to have a slasher based around the twelve days of Christmas song’ & that was it.
Read the full review here.
112. The Elf (2017)
Our Score: 1/10
The Elf promises ‘Chucky’ style Christmas mayhem but is disappointingly lacklustre. A film with poor acting, bad CGI and an unnecessarily contrived story filled with plot holes.
Read the full review here.
111. I Trapped the Devil (2019)
Our Score: 2/10
I Trapped the Devil would serve well as a therapy for those that suffer with Insomnia. We’re not against slow-burn movies but this is a step too far.
Read the full review here.
110. Amityville Christmas Vacation (2022)
Our Score: 2/10
If you’re hoping for an Amityville Christmas horror movie, you’re not going to find it here, unfortunately.
Read the full review here.
109. Bloodbeat (1983)
Our Score: 2/10
Bloodbeat deserves some credit for trying to do something a bit different but it’s all still a jumbled, weird mess. At least we can say that due to its strangeness, it’s at least memorable.
Read the full review here.
108. Dead By Christmas (2018)
Our Score: 3/10
Dead by Christmas is the worst kind of Christmas horror. One that fails to capture the imagination of the holiday period. Borrows heavily from the likes of Silent Night, Deadly Night and is wrapped up in the most boring bow possible.
Read the full review here.
107. Darkest Night (2012)
Our Score: 3/10
Merely a bullet-point to try and garner disinterested viewers into watching something they hope will be festive, Darkest Night is a lacklustre Christmas horror offering. One that is painfully slow, poorly paced, nonsensical at times and worst of all… is found footage.
Read the full review here.
106. Krampus: The Reckoning (2015)
Our Score: 3/10
What ever you think you know about Krampus, forget it because Krampus: The Reckoning has completely different ideas. Very bad and very ugly ideas.
Read the full review here.
105. Silent Night, Bloody Night 2: Revival (2015)
Our Score: 3/10
If you’re a big fan of the original, you might enjoy Silent Night, Bloody Night 2: Revival more because it has the same feel. Everyone else is unlikely to find this anything more than a boorish chore.
Read the full review here.
104. Werewolf Santa (2023)
Our Score: 3/10
Werewolf Santa is a found-footage horror as silly as it sounds, yet it lacks in both the fun and over the top departments. It is not going to be a jolly treat in anyone’s stocking this Christmas.
Read the full review here.
103. The Blackout (2009)
Our Score: 3/10
So much of The Blackout is bad…bad acting, bad visuals, bad special effects but the worst thing of all is the monsters.
Read the full review here.
102. Don’t Open till Christmas (1984)
Our Score: 3/10
While not the worst Christmas horror movie you’ll ever see it’s hardly worth bothering with. Unoriginal & very boring, it’s big reveals are wasted by the end.
Read the full review here.
101. Silent Night, Deadly Night – Part 2 (1987)
Our Score: 3/10
Don’t let the cult following fool you, this is a terrible movie, even if it’s almost ‘so bad, it’s good’. There’s simply no excuse for a wafer-thin story that is held together by clips of the first movie. Which at least ensures you’re watching something good at times.
Read the full review here.
100. Alpacalypse (2024)
Our Score: 3.5/10
Maybe with the right crowd and a certain amount of drink, more fun can be had with Alpacalypse, especially as it does feel suitably festive. However, that doesn’t change the fact that it’s another boring film overall. It’s not about detaching your brain either, as to watch this film it’s a necessity, it’s the simple fact that beyond the short-lived joke of killer alpacas at Christmas, this film doesn’t have anything else to offer.
Read the full review here.
99. Ghoulish Tales (2014)
Our Score: 4/10
There are so many better Christmas-themed horror movies, anthologies, and Christmas anthologies, that there is no reason for anyone to waste their time with this.
Read the full review here.
98. Krampus Origins (2018)
Our Score: 4/10
It’s not good. It’s not the worst Krampus related horror we’ve seen but it’s also so far from the best. The biggest crime? It’s so boring.
Read the full review here.
97. Dismembering Christmas (2015)
Our Score: 4/10
A boorish Christmas slasher, Dismembering Christmas lacks originality, a decent plot, memorable characters, decent actors or exciting deaths. It’s as humdrum as they come but is at least mercifully short.
Read the full review here.
96. Silent Night, Deadly Night 6: Santa’s Watching (2010)
Our Score: 4/10
It’s hard to review a fan-made horror and critique the production values (terrible), the acting (terrible), the effects (terrible) and so on. Simply because it is exactly what it says it is, a fan-made movie. However, for effort alone Silent Night, Deadly Night 6: Santa’s Watching deserves praise.
Read the full review here.
95. The Brain (1988)
Our Score: 4/10
The Brain has so much potential but squanders it badly. The main problem with the film is a severe lack of action. It’s not completely terrible but it will end up being rather forgettable sadly.
Read the full review here.
94. Black Santa (2023)
Our Score: 4/10
The whole Black Santa experience is grim from beginning to end. Making this a watch that just makes you feel a little grubby and unhappy come the credits.
Read the full review here.
93. The Killing Tree (2022)
Our Score: 4/10
Overall, as much as there is stuff to enjoy in The Killing Tree, it’s a movie that promises a lot more than it delivers. Its uneven story-telling, slow moments and lack of impressive visual effects make it a missed opportunity.
Read the full review here.
92. There’s Something in the Barn (2023)
Our Score: 4/10
Is it terrible? No, of course not. It’s more than watchable and has plenty of moments that are fun. Just lower your expectations, it’s not as good as it promises to be.
Read the full review here.
91. The Mean One (2022)
Our Score: 4/10
It has flashes of promise, moments that are enjoyable, some gory moments, enough tongue in cheek humour to raise some chuckles, and a solid cast. It’s simply the case that all of this is strained and stretched over a runtime that is unnecessary. This means the entire thing feels uneven and the pacing of the experience suffers.
Read the full review here.
90. Christmassacre (2015)
Our Score: 5/10
There’s a clear love of trashy slasher horror here, notable by the ‘Grindhouse’ effects that cover the visuals and if this had come out in a much earlier era, it would probably be passable. It didn’t, it came out in 2015, when this sort of stuff was beyond tired. Yes, it is a throwback to classic holiday horror and slasher films from the 1980s, but it’s not a good throwback.
Read the full review here.
89. Killer Christmas (2017)
Our Score: 5/10
Ultimately, Killer Christmas doesn’t have an original bone in its body & the Christmas theme is stretched out. Decent acting can’t make up for a bland plot, poor pacing & a disappointing killer reveal.
Read the full review here.
88. Deep Red (1975)
Our Score: 5/10
Overall, Deep Red has an interesting mystery, but there’s too much filler, lacklustre character work and a very weird soundtrack that doesn’t fit at all.
Read the full review here.
87. Santa Isn’t Real (2023)
Our Score: 5/10
So, what’s the deal with Santa? Is he real or not? Few will find themselves caring as Santa Isn’t Real really starts to drag. Which is simply unacceptable for a 75-minute movie.
Read the full review here.
86. One Hell of a Christmas (2002)
Our Score: 5/10
One Hell of a Christmas’ biggest problem is that it’s too long. A serious amount of fat needed trimming but it didn’t get it. So, the film feels bloated and looses traction far too many times.
Read the full review here.
85. A Creature Was Stirring (2023)
Our Score: 5/10
The end result is something that can be rightfully called disappointing. It has so much promise, but is let down by a poor story with way too many moving parts.
Read the full review here.
84. Weredeer (2022)
Our Score: 5/10
Lacking in both the horror and comedy departments. If you’re expecting quality here, you’re going to come away very disappointed. However, if you’re after a tight 70-minute slice of jovial silliness, you could do much worse than Weredeer.
Read the full review here.
83. Silent Night, Bloody Night (1972)
Our Score: 5/10
The body count is high but it misses the mark thanks to the low-budget and poor visual quality. It’s either two dark or going for an abstract style of filming that is overly distracting. It’s moody but not in a positive way. Coupled with the lethargic pacing, it starts to feel like a chore way before the big twist ending.
Read the full review here.
82. Wind Chill (2007)
Our Score: 5/10
Wind Chill moves a mind-numbingly slow pace and delivers a payoff that doesn’t make the time spent watching it feel worth it at all.
Read the full review here.
81. ATM (2012)
Our Score: 5/10
Far better than expected, it’s just a pity the massive logic jumps & coincidences require far too much detachment to really let slide.
Read the full review here.
80. He Sees You When You’re Sleeping (2024)
Our Score: 5/10
By the time it finally drags itself over the finish line, most will have mentally checked out long before the killer reveal comes in uninspiring fashion. As forgettable as everything else, He Sees You When You’re Sleeping is just so average.
Read the full review here.
79. A Very Flattened Christmas (2024)
Our Score: 5/10
There’s stuff to enjoy here, and clear heart and soul poured into it, yet the end result is something wholly run-of-the-mill and likely to be forgotten long before the holiday season is over.
Read the full review here.
78. Silent Night, Deadly Night 3: Better Watch Out! (1989)
Our Score: 5/10
Silent Night, Deadly Night 3: Better Watch Out! is a wasted opportunity for the Ricky Caldwell story to go out with a bang. Not the worst Christmas horror you’ll ever see, it just feels like a lot of wasted potential.
Read the full review here.
77. To All A Good Night (1980)
Our Score: 5/10
A few too many dull moments stop To All a Good Night being a good film but for the most part it’s worth watching if you’re trying to see all the classic Christmas horrors.
Read the full review here.
76. Silent Bite (2024)
Our Score: 5/10
There’s a whole lot of teasing to get to a lacklustre conclusion and the reality is that it’s so unsatisfying, it affects the good will the first two thirds built up. An enjoyable journey is important, but when the payoff is this disappointing, it’s impossible to overlook. No amount of festivities can change that, sadly.
Read the full review here.
75. The Christmas Spirit (2023)
Our Score: 5/10
Heading downhill almost immediately, following a really intense first ten minutes. Yet, there’s still enjoyable things about it, such as the very good cast and the peppiness of the story, which helps keep it entertaining. It just could have been so much more, and that will be most people’s over-riding feeling come the end.
Read the full review here.
74. Silent Night (2021)
Our Score: 5/10
Take your cyanide capsule as instructed. Might not want to put this one on when you’re round your Nan’s this holiday season. Well, unless you want to make Nan cry then in that case it’s perfect.
Read the full review here.
73. Christmas Slay (2015)
Our Score: 5/10
The bad outweighs the good but that doesn’t mean Christmas Slay should be thrown in the bin. You’re not going to come away raving about it but you might at least be glad you checked it out.
Read the full review here.
72. The Christmas Season Massacre (2001)
Our Score: 5/10
Go in with low expectations and the knowledge that The Christmas Season Massacre is incredibly silly. That way, it’s immediately more enjoyable. Just be prepared for some really jarring gory and violent moments.
Read the full review here.
71. Black Christmas – Remake (2006)
Our Score: 5/10
Ultimately, Black Christmas is entertaining in the same way that Final Destination is but it requires you to leave your brain at the door. It has some small redeeming factors but it’s certainly not a film you would need to or want to see more than once and is very forgettable.
Read the full review here.
70. Krampus: The Return (2022)
Our Score: 5/10
It’s a ‘middle of the road’ kind of film. Neither good, nor bad. It’s simply fine.
Read the full review here.
69. Slay Belles (2016)
Our Score: 5/10
It’s an ultra-low budget horror and it does show. Slay Belles is exactly what it says it is. Nothing more and nothing less.
Read the full review here.
68. Santa Claus vs. The Zombies (2010)
Our Score: 5/10
Decent Christmas horrors are hard to come by and Santa Claus vs. the Zombies is decent. It manages to capture the season, makes good use of some of the music and has zombies!
Read the full review here.
67. Jack Frost 2: Revenge of the Mutant Killer Snowman (2000)
Our Score: 5/10
Worth watching for the varied deaths & gore but the story is so all over the place that it’s a bit of a chore to get through. Add the many cringe-inducing moments, suspect acting & iffy one-liners to a movie sequel that entertains but is basically forgettable.
Read the full review here.
66. Elves (1989)
Our Score: 5/10
It’s just such a crazy movie though that it’s amazing it ever got past the first script. Any other era but the 80’s & it would never have been made. Check it out, it’s way more hilarious then they ever intended.
Read the full review here.
65. The Advent Calendar (2021)
Our Score: 5.5/10
A lot of positives that can’t outweigh the negatives. It speaks volumes that most would be able to write a simpler and more effective tale in their heads as they try to work out just what rules The Advent Calendar is actually playing with. A disappointing experience overall that barely feels festive and promised way more than it could actually deliver.
Read the full review here.
64. All The Creatures Were Stirring (2018)
Our Score: 5.5/10
Somehow, an 80-minute movie feels so much longer. It’s such a shame as the play concept is good and the cuts back to see the basic way the story is being told on stage is clever. Not only that, it boasts a really strong cast from a lot of underground horror names. The quality of the acting can’t be faulted, it’s is what they have to work with that is the problem.
Read the full review here.
63. Sick For Toys (2018)
Our Score: 5.5/10
Sick For Toys is not a bad film in the conventional sense. It tells its story in the most straight-forward way possible. Offers very light character development, has blood and gore, is shot decently and has a solid festive feel about it. It’s just that all of this combined doesn’t result in a winner.
Read the full review here.
62. Mother Krampus 2: Slay Ride (2018)
Our Score: 5.5/10
Truthfully though, no-one’s going to be thinking about Mother Krampus 2: Slay Ride once it is over. It’s a mildly enjoyable horror with enough high points to keep you invested. Though, when compared to the first movie, it feels like Oscar winning stuff.
Read the full review here.
61. Jack Frost (2022)
Our Score: 5.5/10
A very game cast, a strong villain that has the banter and quips to rival Freddy Kruger, impressive imagery, and imaginative kills. All of this is what keeps Jack Frost ticking along nicely. Even when the story begins to splutter and cough as it runs out of steam.
Read the full review here.
60. Red Christmas (2016)
Our Score: 5.5/10
Credit must be given to Vince Lopez, the cast and everyone else who put a ton of effort into making something more than just your average ‘student’ project. The story is told competently and, thanks to a cast of likable teens, is quite charming. There are no professional actors here but everyone gives it a good go to varying degrees of success. As stated already, there are holiday horrors with more money who have done a much worse job.
Read the full review here.
59. Cannibal Claus (2016)
Our Score: 5.5/10
It’s a movie of incredible bad taste but it’s also pretty entertaining provided you can see it for exactly what it is. It’s trash and it’s proud of that fact. The thing is, it’s competently made, both amusing and horrifying in equal measures. It’s designed to offend but hilariously, it impressively feels Christmassy.
Read the full review here.
58. Silent Night, Deadly Night 5: The Toy Maker (1991)
Our Score: 6/10
As a stand-alone movie, Silent Night, Deadly Night 5: The Toy Maker is a solid enough movie. One with a fairly entertaining story & decent acting. It twists & turns keeping you in the dark right up until the ending which is quite effective.
Read the full review here.
57. Home for the Holidays (1972)
Our Score: 6/10
If you’re looking for a Christmas themed horror that really embraces the season, this isn’t the one to watch. However, it’s a decent slasher horror with a strong cast, plenty of drama and memorable atmosphere.
Read the full review here.
56. Slay Belles (2018)
Our Score: 6/10
Mercifully not dragged out at just 75 minutes long. Slay Belles is Christmas horror-comedy that certainly tries hard. However, it misses the mark a few too many times and struggles to keep the momentum going.
Read the full review here.
55. Elf in the Hood (2024)
Our Score: 6/10
It never quite reaches boring stages, but it certainly does skirt the line a few times. Overall, it’s better and more entertaining than expected, but it’s also wholly unremarkable.
Read the full review here.
54. A Quarantined Christmas (2020)
Our Score: 6/10
For many, A Quarantined Christmas will just be too slow to enjoy and it’s a fair argument. However, the bleak tone certainly makes it a more worthwhile experience than you might first expect.
Read the full review here.
53. Santa Jaws (2018)
Our Score: 6/10
The concept of a Santa-themed shark is a joke that would get old real soon if it wasn’t for the extra rules attached to the beast to make it even more festive. It is attracted by Christmas and things that signify the holiday spirit. It makes it all so much more Christmassy!
Read the full review here.
52. Sint (2010)
Our Score: 6/10
Such a promising idea and the movie has moments but by the end, the disappointment is impossible to ignore.
Read the full review here.
51. Krampus Unleashed (2016)
Our Score: 6/10
The film is short enough that it never feels like it’s dragging, it’s an entertaining Christmas horror that has a whole bunch of decapitations & guts being ripped out. Just like all family gatherings end up being on the 25th December.
Read the full review here.
50. Shelved (2016)
Our Score: 6/10
Considering the wealth of bad Christmas horrors out there, Shelved can at least be held in higher esteem. The balance of comedy and horror is done well enough to make it a worthwhile watch.
Read the full review here.
49. The Night Sitter (2018)
Our Score: 6/10
It feels like a throwback horror but without being in your face about it. The blend of festiveness, comedy and horror works, and it just about manages to not slip into overtly silly territory. There’s a lot to enjoy here, just set your expectations low.
Read the full review here.
48. Ugly Sweater Party (2018)
Our Score: 6/10
For two-thirds of its run-time, it is entertaining stuff. Yes, it is rough and ugly looking but like the sweater in question, you can’t help but admire it. However, it’s something you wear once then bury in the bottom of closet afterwards.
Read the full review here.
47. Red Christmas aka Dead Christmas (2014)
Our Score: 6/10
Overall though, Dead Christmas is a good movie. Short, to the point (mostly) and with a lead who really puts her all into it. It’s tasteless and pulls very few punches but that just makes it stand out all the more.
Read the full review here.
46. Christmas Evil (1980)
Our Score: 6/10
Not the best Christmas themed horror movie but one that does it with a bit more tongue in cheek. It’s a fun watch & one that sticks with you afterwards, particularly the ending.
Read the full review here.
45. Holiday Hell (2019)
Our Score: 6.5/10
A bit too hit and miss to be required viewing, of the four stories only two really stand out. Even the wrap-around segments are just OK and if it wasn’t for Jeffery Combs they certainly wouldn’t be as memorable.
Read the full review here.
44. Good Tidings (2016)
Our Score: 6.5/10
It’s a solid horror with enough enjoyable characters/actors & violence to hold your attention. If it had been a 30-minute short it would probably be a much better film!
Read the full review here.
43. The Dorm That Dripped Blood (1982)
Our Score: 6.5/10
An extremely dark finale is no bad thing in a mostly boring movie. It tries to tell a coherent story around the killings but it never really holds your attention. The false leads towards the potential killer never convince & you’ll just be waiting for the next bloody scene. Thankfully they don’t let you down.
Read the full review here.
42. A Corpse for Christmas (2023)
Our Score: 6.5/10
A Corpse for Christmas is way better than it has any right to be. It is messy, it is flawed, and in many circumstances, will be unwatchable to most, but it’s not a bad film. What a surprise!
Read the full review here.
41. Stuffings (2021)
Our Score: 6.5/10
Everything about Stuffings screams trash but in an unexpected turn, what we have here is an enjoyable, amusing and original idea to enjoy this Christmas. You won’t be blown away by the effects, acting or story, but you will be entertained.
Read the full review here.
40. A Cadaver Christmas (2011)
Our Score: 6.5/10
Look harder at A Cadaver Christmas & its flaws are more recognisable. Its plot is paper-thin, the characters often stupid beyond belief & even some of the jokes can wear thin. Still, there is fun to be had & it’s not only a good Christmas zombie movie but a good zombie movie overall.
Read the full review here.
39. Secret Santa (2018)
Our Score: 6.5/10
A well told story that cleverly drops in hints throughout for what will take place. Some great gore and some down-right hilarious moments can’t save Secret Santa from being a frustrating watch. All because of the poor filming and lighting.
Read the full review here.
38. Caesar and Otto’s Deadly Xmas (2012)
Our Score: 6.5/10
For a low budget Christmas horror-comedy it rises above many others of the same ilk. Simply put, Caesar and Otto’s Deadly Xmas is all about the silly. So embrace it and enjoy the absurdity of it all.
Read the full review here.
37. Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? (1971)
Our Score: 6.5/10
If you’re willing to embrace the silliness of the story and Shelly Winters devilish turn, then you’ll certainly find yourself enjoying this Christmas horror!
Read the full review here.
36. The Christmas Tapes (2022)
Our Score: 6.5/10
The Christmas Tapes is a fun festive anthology with good to great shorts and a watchable wraparound. It’s clear everyone was enjoying themselves here and the film manages to balance horror and comedy well. It’s got just the right amount of cheese to make you smile almost all the way through it.
Read the full review here.
35. Unholy Night (2019)
Our Score: 6.5/10
Stretching a low-budget far, the desire to make Unholy Night look as festive as possible pays off. This feels like a Christmas horror movie and the musical renditions of Christmas classics helps that along nicely. It won’t ‘wow’ necessarily but it will at least get nods of approval. Especially when you can tell most of the cast were trying their best, even if some of the acting is a little wooden in places. All of this is easily forgivable though as Unholy Night tries and tries hard. The end result is a fun, gross, gory and memorable festive horror.
Read the full review here.
34. Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation (1990)
Our Score: 7/10
Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation is an impressive entry in the series even if it is basically a stand-alone horror film. By the end any pretence of Christmas has been effectively forgotten. Still, when held up against the last two films in the series, Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation is a classic, almost as good as the original.
Read the full review here.
33. Wake in Fright (1971)
Our Score: 7/10
Overall, Wake in Fright is a wild ride. It’s a bit slow paced with little to no action to speak of, but there’s a hell of a lot of psychology at play that’s very enjoyable. A unique experience that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Read the full review here.
32. Carnage for Christmas (2024)
Our Score: 7/10
There’s some blood and gore, not loads, but what we do see is effective. As well as some very inventive animated segments that give a bit more vitality to the whole experience. It’s also, and so importantly, festive. There’s a lot to enjoy here, even if it does get really bogged down in dialogue and over-explaining.
Read the full review here.
31. Splinter (2021)
Our Score: 7/10
In today’s attention-lacking world, it’s easy to see that many would call Splinter boring, but that is doing it an injustice. It is a slow burn psychological horror, and you need to be willing to let it fester and grow. The demand for action doesn’t make any sense when it’s not that kind of movie at all.
Read the full review here.
30. All Through the House (2015)
Our Score: 7/10
The best thing about All Through the House though is how it really embodies the Christmas look. The excellent Santa costume on the villain, the use of Christmas lights & how it gloriously sprays the blood around. Thankfully the movie has so much more than just gore going for it. Well-paced & with a twist that, while not particularly well hidden, is still a lot of fun.
Read the full review here.
29. It’s a Wonderful Knife (2023)
Our Score: 7/10
A massive amount of credit must be given to It’s a Wonderful Knife for trying to stand out from the Christmas horror pack. It’s a creative watch that will raise a smile, and has a plenty of slasher horror to sate a thirst for blood.
Read the full review here.
28. The Day of the Beast (El Dia de la Bestia) (1995)
Our Score: 7/10
The Day of the Beast is great, it’s funny and dark and shows a different side to the Christmas season. Feliz Navidad!
Read the full review here.
27. Deathcember (2020)
Our Score: 7/10
Deathcember delivers what it promises. Not every story is gold but all of them put a fun, horror filled spin on Christmas. If you’re looking for your Christmas horror fix then you can’t go wrong here.
Read the full review here.
26. A Christmas Horror Story (2015)
Our Score: 7/10
The movie takes a tongue in cheek approach that makes it so much more enjoyable. It combines good scares, plenty of gore & amusing moments that will raise a smile.
Read the full review here.
25. Santa’s Slay (2005)
Our Score: 7/10
A fun, silly ride of a Christmas horror that plays out with its tongue firmly planted in its cheek. Enjoy the hammy performances & cheesy lines… after all, it’s Christmas!
Read the full review here.
24. Terrifier 3 (2024)
Our Score: 7/10
Synonymous for its bad taste, the Terrifier franchise reaches a new level of sickening gore, unrepenting violence, and offensive content with this third entry. Yes, Terrifier is not for the faint of heart… but when has it ever been?
Read the full review here.
23. 13 Slays Till X-Mas (2020)
Our Score: 7/10
With strong casts all over, varied stories, and plenty of festive frights, 13 Slays Till X-Mas can rightfully be called a good film, and definitely a very good anthology film. The misses are not so severe that it harms the overall product, and the hits prove to be extremely good.
Read the full review here.
22. Two Front Teeth (2006)
Our Score: 7.5/10
A wholly entertaining proper Christmas horror. One that gets really twisted while constantly having its tongue jammed firmly between its Two Front Teeth.
Read the full review here.
21. P2 (2007)
Our Score: 7.5/10
The basic premise is throughly unexciting, and it screams ‘taking itself too seriously’, which it does. However, it turns out to be a wild psychological horror that entertains and even surprises.
Read the full review here.
20. I’m Dreaming of a White Doomsday (2017)
Our Score: 7.5/10
A very impressive film because it is so minimal. A micro-budget has been stretched to incredible levels and the cast are good. It’s one of the most miserable Christmas-themed horror movies you may ever see but you won’t be forgetting it anytime soon.
Read the full review here.
19. Alien Raiders (2008)
Our Score: 7.5/10
Calling it a holiday horror is a bit of a stretch. It is set over the Christmas period and there are festive decorations about but that’s about it. Once the film gets going, it’s all but forgotten. A minor complaint though as Alien Raiders is a quality sci-fi horror movie. What it lacks in originality, it makes up for through sheer determination to accomplish what it is doing well. That makes it a must watch even if the title is incredibly poor.
Read the full review here.
18. Adult Swim Yule Log (2022)
Our Score: 7.5/10
Originality is very hard to do in horror, but by taking familiar elements and tropes, adding deeper and more meaningful plot points, then mashing everything together with a unique style of filming and a very game cast, Adult Swim Yule Log ends up standing out from the pack.
Read the full review here.
17. Red Snow (2021)
Our Score: 8/10
It’s pretty clear that Red Snow is a low budget horror movie. But as far as those go, it’s really good. Nothing is overtly top quality but the effects, albeit minimal, are effective and convincing. The story and concept is a fun idea and relatable as hell. A very Christmassy tale mixed with vampires, what’s not to like?
Read the full review here.
16. The Children (2008)
Our Score: 8/10
The Children is a really fun horror film to watch on a cold day in winter. Is there a better backdrop for horror than the isolation that snow provides? Very underrated and a movie that deserves more recognition.
Read the full review here.
15. Silent Night (2012)
Our Score: 8/10
One of the best modern day Christmas horrors out there. Worth watching for the gory kills. I mean who doesn’t enjoy Santa tasering a little girl!?
Read the full review here.
14. The Leech (2022)
Our Score: 8/10
An absolute delight of a festive-themed horror-thriller with dark-comedy elements, The Leech will leave you on edge across its entire runtime, but you won’t be able to turn away.
Read the full review here.
13. Jack Frost (1997)
Our Score: 8/10
It’s a great movie that has laughs, gore, violence & silliness albeit with some bad acting & bad effects. It is easy to overlook the negatives in favour of the positives. A total blast from beginning to end.
Read the full review here.
12. Anna and the Apocalypse (2018)
Our Score: 8/10
Anna and the Apocalypse is essentially a British parody of High School Musical with zombies and proves to be a highly enjoyable and rewatchable film. Even if you’re not a fan of musicals, it’s worth a watch.
Read the full review here.
11. Better Watch Out (2017)
Our Score: 8/10
Better Watch Out takes its time to get going but when it does it’s a very well thought out movie. One that is lifted to greatness thanks to the excellent acting & many inventive takes on classic Christmas stuff.
Read the full review here.
10. Krampus (2015)
Our Score: 8/10
Up there as one of the most fun Christmas horror movies to be released. While nowhere as violent or shocking as many, it has enough moments to excite even the most hardcore of horror fans. Well filmed, well acted & some great costumes… make Krampus your yearly Christmas tradition.
Read the full review here.
9. Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
Our Score: 8/10
If you’re going to make a Christmas slasher film, this is how you do it. One of the best on the market & filled with controversy to boot.
Read the full review here.
8. Curtains for Christmas (2024)
Our Score: 8/10
Too many horror comedies fail at one aspect or another and Curtains for Christmas delivers on both. You have to see this film, it’s an absolute blast.
Read the full review here.
7. Mercy Christmas (2017)
Our Score: 8.5/10
Brilliant. Thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end. Even when it ramps up the silliness for the finale, it’s still an absolute blast. If you watch one Christmas horror this year, make it Mercy Christmas.
Read the full review here.
6. Dead End (2003)
Our Score: 8.5/10
Dead End is a fantastic horror film. One with just the smallest Christmas hints to add a slight festive feel to it. Not that it matters really as it doesn’t add or detract from the overall experience. There is so much to enjoy here, from the incredible acting to the oppressive environment. Even the ending (somewhat predictable if you’re a regular horror movie watcher) is satisfying & handled impressively.
Read the full review here.
5. Black Christmas (1974)
Our Score: 8.5/10
Thrilling, frightening and very violent. Black Christmas isn’t just a great Christmas horror, it’s a great horror full stop.
Read the full review here.
4. Red Christmas (2017)
Our Score: 9/10
Deck the halls with blood. Red Christmas is a slasher starring scream queen legend Dee Wallace who is forced to protect her family from a crazed killer!
Read the full review here.
3. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)
Our Score: 9/10
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale is one of the best Christmas horrors to be released ever. The story is thrilling, interesting & exciting. Twists & turns along the way keep you constantly on your toes & the excellent cast keep you invested. It’s a surprisingly smart take on Santa Claus & Christmas, one that doesn’t come across as a parody even though it has some well-placed humorous moments.
Read the full review here.
2. Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022)
Our Score: 9/10
Garishly delightful, unrelentingly bloody and intensely entertaining, Christmas Bloody Christmas is a riot from beginning to end.
Read the full review here.
1. Deadly Games (1989)
Our Score: 10/10
Deadly Games is incredible and goes above and beyond expectation. Incredible performances, fantastic plot and full of enough terror to make you block up your chimney on Christmas Eve.
Read the full review here.
