Horror logo

Killer Christmas Flicks!

A list of some of my favorite 'not-so family friendly' Christmas movies!

By Bryan PowellPublished 4 years ago 6 min read
Like

Enjoy!

Krampus (2015)

I thoroughly enjoyed “Krampus”, which is of course not to be confused with low-budget horror flick “Krampus: The Christmas Devil” (2013), which spawned several sequels, or the other number of short films that have come out in the past decade which all wield the same “Krampus” title (I know you weren’t confused but felt it needed to be mentioned). This movie has everything a non-traditional Christmas movie loving fan could want: a dark (yet ‘jolly’) atmosphere, a great cast that was terrifically directed, awesome special and practical effects, and uhhhh, oh yes, plenty of death! The movie was very reminiscent of early-to-mid 1980’s creature features, and had an ending that unsettling (in the best way). I had no complaints about this film, and it immediately took a place in my favorite ‘non-traditional happy-go-lucky’ Christmas movies list. Definitely check this one out if you have yet to see it.

Jack Frost (1997)

As far as I know, the only movie about a killer snowman out there, this movie is a gem! The opening scene alone lets you know you’re in for a good time, when someone is telling a tale of Jack Frost, who became a serial killer due to “not being hugged enough, or perhaps too much”. He dies in a car wreck and then comes back as a murderous snowman, which is highly suspect that the very next year, the 1998 movie of the same title starring Michael Keaton came out, where he dies in a car wreck and comes back as a snowman to make things right with his kid (this movie is equally terrifying). Perhaps the best part of THIS Jack Frost movie, is when a young Shannon Elizabeth is taking a shower, and is harassed by the snowman. WHERE DID HIS CARROT GO!? Watch it to find out. This movie is pure cheese, in the best way possible.

Christmas Evil (1980)

This movie is one of John Waters’ favorite movies of all time (and we all know how twisted THAT dude is, just look at that mustache!) and stars Fiona Apple’s real-life father as a Santa obsessed Christmas fanatic who goes on a killing spree. After being fired from the toy factory he works at, Mr. Apple goes around delivering jolly old justice to those who he feels lack holiday spirit. This one’s definitely worth checking out!

Black Christmas (1974)

You may all know Bob Clark as the guy who gave us “A Christmas Story”, but this twisted man also gave us a much darker Christmas movie before that; a straight up slasher flick about sorority girls being tormented by a madman. You won’t get any “you’ll shoot your eye out, kid” here, but you might just see some “I’ll stab your eye out!”.

Silent Night Deadly Night (1984)

Good flick. Fun. What else can be said? It’s your typical slasher movie with a Christmas spin. *Not to be confused with Silent Night Bloody Night, To All A Goodnight, Silent Night Deadly Night: The Homecoming, or Silent Night* (All Christmas slasher movies).

Batman Returns (1992)

If you haven’t seen this movie, shame on you! It’s a classic! The second Batman film brought to us by atmospheric master-director Tim Burton, which is truly incredible. An all-star cast and amazing scenery bring this film to life in a big way, and did I mention there are penguins strapped with rockets, and Christmas trees used as missiles? “Holy Holidays Batman!” ‘tis the season to give this classic a re-watch.

Die Hard (1988)

And you thought YOUR Christmas parties sucked! John McClane (one of the coolest characters ever), played by non-other than the incomparable Bruce Willis, gets his wife taken hostage by terrorists led by the maniacal money grubbing Hans Gruber, played brilliantly by Alan Rickman (in his feature-film debut, might I add). This movie also stars Reginald VelJohnson, better known as playing a cop (and father of Steve Urkel) in “Family Matters”. Well, he’s a cop again, and his onscreen name is ‘Sgt. Al Powell’, hey! Always a good time of year to watch this classic 80’s action movie, but it’s even better for having yourself a “Yippee ki-yay Christmas!”

The Hebrew Hammer (2003)

Chosen by Boston Globe and Vanity Fair as one of the top holiday movies of all time, this “Jewsploitation” movie is a real treat. Andy Dick plays a cocaine loving, Jew hating, hell-bent on destroying Hanukah Santa Clause. Stay on the lookout next year for the sequel “The Hebrew Hammer vs. Hitler”. Yes, seriously.

Santa’s Slay

“Former WCW Wrestler Bill Goldberg plays a killer Santa? Say no more!” -Oh, I won’t!

The Ref (1994)

I can’t believe I almost forgot about this movie… This film is incredible. It has the always wonderful Kevin Spacey (separating the artist from the art here), a young and hilarious Denis Leary, and Judy Davis as the leads. Leary plays a cat-burglar who takes Kevin and Judy hostage on Christmas Eve, but little does he know, the couple is going through tough times and he is now forced to deal with their petty arguing and antics, which is amplified and made even more difficult when the rest of the family shows up for Christmas dinner. This movie is a true gem, and definitely worth seeking out.

Gremlins (1984)

Screenwriter Christopher Columbus (no, the other one), who went on to direct “Home Alone” (another Christmas gem), gave us one of the coolest movies of the 80’s, and my all-time favorite Christmas flick. This movie also has what is possibly my favorite theme song ever. What’s not to love? It gave us “Gizmo”, the adorable mythical Mogwai, who rides around in a remote control car, without using the remote, how is this possible?? Maybe it’s a Christmas miracle! *adorable*. There’s also a Santa Claus getting attacked by Gremlins, and an old lady flying out of a two-story window! *adorable*. Then, of course, there is the scene where our leading lady confesses that her father (while dressed as Santa) broke his neck climbing down their chimney on Christmas Eve when she was a child, resulting in her discovering there is no Santa. *adorable*. The movie also contains Gremlins behaving like people *adorable*, and even singing along to the movie “Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs” *dwarf-dorable*!

Not to mention the movie also has the 1980’s ‘lost boy’ Corey Feldman! What a treat!

“It’s A Wonderful Life”, eat your heart out… that is, if a Gremlin doesn’t beat you to it.

Foreign Christmas Film Pick:

Rare Exports (2010)

Truly original and worth a gander! Santa is found and captured, but he isn’t the jolly red-cheeked guy we all thought he was… This is a truly great and unique take on Santa, as well as the Christmas movie. Coming to us from Finland, this movie will make you think twice about being naughty or nice!

Christmas short film pick:

Treevenge (2008)

From writer/director Jason Eisener (who gave us the amazing “Hobo With A Shotgun”) comes this wonderfully delightful short film about Christmas trees who enact their revenege! (Yes, that’s right, finally we get to see it from their perspective). The writer/director also brought us perhaps the most terrifying alien abduction moment in recent history with the “Slumber Party Alien Abduction” segment of V/H/S/ 2. The short “Treevenge” is not only a nicely done pun, but the movie itself is fun, gory, and is refreshingly unique in story. You can watch the entire short film for free here: https://vimeo.com/5048966

Happy Holidays everyone, now go cuddle-up and watch some of these crazy Christmas movies!

Honorable mention:

Tim Allen, who is a huge fan of snow (whoa! Cocaine joke, comin’ atcha!);

Special shout out to Tim for being in 4 different Christmas movies. His on-screen son, Jonathan Taylor Thomas was ALSO in 4 Christmas flicks! 1998’s live-action movie “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”, and 3 animated ones that came out the year prior, “The Oz Kids”, “Christmas in Oz” and “Who Stole Santa?”. Like onscreen father, like onscreen son!

movie review
Like

About the Creator

Bryan Powell

Hello! I am a comedian, short film & sketch maker, writer, artist, movie fanatic and rambler... I'll stop there.

You can check out some of my work at YouTube.com/youreinvitedTV or follow me on any social media platform at @TheBryanPowell

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.