1. Krampus

This darkly comedic horror film follows a dysfunctional family that accidentally summons the wrath of Krampus, a demonic force of ancient yuletide lore. Starring Adam Scott and Toni Collette, this movie is a great mix of frights and festive fun.

2. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale

In this Finnish film, a young boy and his father discover the secret behind Santa Claus when they capture a feral old man who may be the legendary figure himself. Starring Jorma Tommila and Onni Tommila, this film blends horror with dark humor.

3. Gremlins

This classic film tells the story of a young man who receives a strange creature called a Mogwai as a pet, which then spawns other creatures that transform into small, destructive monsters. Starring Zach Galligan and Phoebe Cates, Gremlins is a perfect mix of comedy and horror.

4. Black Christmas (1974)

A group of sorority sisters are stalked by a stranger during their Christmas break in this slasher classic. Starring Olivia Hussey and Margot Kidder, this film is one of the earliest examples of holiday horror.

5. Jack Frost (1997)

In this campy horror-comedy, a serial killer is transformed into a murderous snowman after a genetic experiment goes wrong. Starring Scott MacDonald and Shannon Elizabeth, Jack Frost is a cult favorite for its over-the-top premise.

6. Better Watch Out

This home-invasion thriller with a twist centers on a babysitter defending a 12-year-old boy from intruders, only to discover that things are not as they seem. Starring Olivia DeJonge and Levi Miller, this film keeps you on the edge of your seat.

7. Silent Night, Deadly Night

After witnessing his parents’ murder by a man dressed as Santa Claus, a young boy grows up to become a killer Santa himself. Starring Robert Brian Wilson and Linnea Quigley, this film sparked controversy upon its release but has since become a cult classic.

8. The Nightmare Before Christmas

This stop-motion animated film by Tim Burton follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he discovers Christmas Town and tries to bring the holiday to his home. Featuring the voices of Chris Sarandon and Catherine O’Hara, this film is a beloved holiday classic.

9. Scrooged

A modern retelling of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” this film stars Bill Murray as a cynical television executive who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. Combining dark humor with a heartwarming message, Scrooged is a holiday favorite.

10. The Gingerdead Man

A killer’s soul is transferred into a gingerbread man, who then goes on a murderous rampage in this ridiculous horror-comedy. Starring Gary Busey as the voice of the Gingerdead Man, this film is as absurd as it is entertaining.

11. Anna and the Apocalypse

This British musical horror-comedy follows a group of high school students facing a zombie apocalypse during Christmas. Starring Ella Hunt and Malcolm Cumming, this film combines catchy songs with gory action.

12. Tales from the Crypt: And All Through the House

This episode from the “Tales from the Crypt” series features a woman who murders her husband on Christmas Eve, only to be terrorized by an escaped mental patient dressed as Santa Claus. Starring Mary Ellen Trainor and Larry Drake, it’s a perfect blend of horror and holiday cheer.

13. Christmas Evil

A toy factory worker, mentally scarred as a child upon learning Santa Claus is not real, suffers a breakdown and embarks on a yuletide killing spree. Starring Brandon Maggart and Jeffrey DeMunn, this film is a psychological horror with a holiday twist.

14. P2

A businesswoman is pursued by a psychopath after being locked in a parking garage on Christmas Eve in this tense thriller. Starring Rachel Nichols and Wes Bentley, P2 is a gripping holiday horror film.

15. The Children

During a Christmas vacation, a virus infects children, turning them into violent killers. Starring Eva Birthistle and Stephen Campbell Moore, this British horror film is both chilling and thought-provoking.

16. A Christmas Horror Story

This anthology film features multiple interwoven stories set during Christmas, including a battle between Santa Claus and zombie elves. Starring William Shatner and George Buza, this film offers a variety of holiday horrors.

17. Dead End

On Christmas Eve, a family takes a shortcut through a forest and encounters a series of eerie and supernatural events. Starring Ray Wise and Lin Shaye, Dead End is a suspenseful and atmospheric horror film.

18. Elves

A young woman discovers that she is the focus of an evil Nazi experiment involving elves and the resurrection of the Third Reich. Starring Dan Haggerty and Deanna Lund, this film is a bizarre and campy holiday horror.

19. Saint (Sint)

In this Dutch film, a vengeful Sinterklaas (the Dutch version of Santa Claus) returns every 32 years to wreak havoc on Amsterdam. Starring Egbert Jan Weeber and Caro Lenssen, Saint offers a unique and terrifying take on holiday legends.

Happy viewing and may your holiday season be filled with both laughter and chills!