Yes! If a movie takes place at Christmas, then I consider it a Christmas movie. I am a huge horror fan and a sucker for Christmas movies so I'm always up for mixing the two genres. Here are some of my favorites and yes, they all get a rewatch during the month of December.
Night of the Comet
As a teen, I saw Night of the Comet in the cinema when it came out. Even if you don't like the cheesy 80s bits and copyright-free generic soundtrack, you will appreciate shots like the one above. There are quite a few showcasing the quiet, post extinction event city landscape. The horror elements are mostly bad makeup and heavy music cues sprinkled with a bit of nightmare fakeouts. The kernel of the plot, though, is interesting enough to keep you invested. Plus, you get all those nostalgic 80s outfits and hairdos!
Krampus
It's ironic that I'm the only one in my family who likes Krampus since one of the themes is... family. At any rate, you'll enjoy the snowy Christmas vibe, Adam Scott and Toni Collette as parents playing host to some bad guests and naughty Yule Lads, and some unexpected gore. If you have a thing about evil dolls, you may want to give this a miss!
Rare Exports
Rare Exports is a family favorite. It's a weird mix of heartwarming and sometimes sad family moments blended with gory horror sprinkled with a lot of cultural traditions. It's in Finnish but there are English subtitles for your convenience. You'll never look at a mall Santa the same way again!
Violent Night
A new addition to the Christmas horror genre, Violent Night gives Santa an updated backstory and it totally works. David Harbour looks like he had the time of his life making this film. If you liked Dead Snow, you'll enjoy this one by the same director. Great stunts, gorgeous Christmas house decorations, cute kid, and some truly gory fight/death scenes. What's not to love? I'd gladly watch at least two more of these if they decide to make a sequel/prequel.
Black Christmas (2019)
As a fan of Imogen Poots, I went into Black Christmas with no other expectation other than to see her acting skills on display. You'll get frat house holiday vibes, girl power, surprise killer/s, Mean Girls references, Christmas tunes, and gore. Enjoy!
Prometheus
Remember: if it takes place at Christmas, it's a Christmas movie. Idris Elba's character uses up his limited allocated storage space as Captain of the Prometheus to bring along a Christmas tree, a tartan blanket, and a concertina he claims once belonged to Stephen Stills. There's a lot to say about this Alien franchise offering but let's keep it to the holiday theme. In Prometheus, you'll get meaningful sacrifices, male bonding, religious pondering, some Christmas decor, and of course, aliens.
Silent Night (2021)
Let me say right away, this is a weird little movie. I wasn't sure how to react when I watched Silent Night the first time. Should I be laughing? Am I going to be too sad? What's going on? But that's what makes it great! I advise you to go in blind. Do not read a summary. Do not look up the ending. Just enjoy it for what it is, an excellent little black comedy, filled with skilled British actors, taking place, yes, during the Christmas holidays.
So these are some of my favorite Christmas horror films to watch this time of year. Do you have any favorites? Let us know! We're always on the lookout to add to our list. Of course, there are plenty of other films in this genre. Let these serve as a starting point. Happy watching!