Most people are familiar with beautiful and romantic Christmas films. But what about the spooky Christmas version? Be careful, not for the faint of heart!
Many people like to get in the mood for the festive season with classic Christmas films and romantic comedies – some prefer a different option: Christmas horror films. Because while we love to see the magic of Christmas, its imaginative horror can also be very entertaining. And since we no longer believe in Santa Claus ourselves, the bearded man, who can easily get into any house, can also be the bad guy!
If you prefer not to approach the horror genre, you can instead resort to action films like “Deadly Christmas” (1996). This is FSK 16, but is more similar to action Christmas classics like “Die Hard” (1988). The newer film “Violent Night” (2022) is also more of an action comedy. Here Santa Claus saves a family who are being threatened by “naughty people” in their home.
In our little Christmas horror film list we have films for ages 12 and up as well as horror musicals and lots of comedies – as well as bloody classics. Have fun!
5 Christmas horror films for scary Christmas days
Tip 1: Krampus (2015)
Christmas in the Engel family is not as pleasant as their last name suggests. The family argues, there is complaining and criticism, and son Max in particular has had enough of their company. Then the power goes out and a short time later he appears: Krampus. A frightening figure who has come to punish bad people at Christmas. And she doesn’t come alone. FSK 16.
Tip 2: Gremlins – Little Monsters (1984)
An absolute classic among Christmas horror films. Billy gets a cute little creature with big eyes for Christmas: Gizmo. But after a few bad decisions by the family, the sweet little rascal and his fellow rascals turn into little devils – and suddenly wreak havoc on the city in dozens. The horror comedy is considered by fans to be a good entry-level horror film. FSK 12.
Tip 3: Better Watch Out (2016)
Despite the festive season, Luke and Garrett just want to watch scary horror films with their babysitter Ashley. Everything seems to be going according to plan at first, but then an uninvited guest enters the house. What at first looks like a typical scenario à la trespassing is, however, just an illusion. The story of the bloody horror comedy certainly has the potential to surprise. FSK 16.
Tip 4: Silent Night, Horror Night (1984)
An oppressive horror film classic is “Silent Night, Horror Night”. In this film, a Santa Claus judges naughty people and a boy has to witness how Santa Claus kills his family. As he grows up, the trauma he experienced catches up with him again. In his job he is forced to portray Santa himself. He then goes crazy and becomes a killer in a Christmas costume. FSK 18.
Tip 5: Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
An unusual approach to Christmas and zombies… because at the same time “Anna and the Apocalypse” is a musical! Anna and her classmates have to prove themselves in the zombie apocalypse and fight for their survival. The school should be safe, so Anna sets off there with her best friend and classmates. The film always finds time for songs with catchy tunes and funny choreographies – at the same time, despite the happy music, it is very bloody. FSK 16.