When it comes to Christmas horror movies, nothing gets the holiday spirit flowing like an evil Santa. These films take the jolly Santa we know and turn him into a creepy maniac with an appetite for gore. Instead of spreading cheer, evil Santa spreads fear, slashing his way through snow-covered streets and creeping down chimneys with murderous intent. To turn the most wonderful time of the year into a nightmare, spending time with any of the scariest killer Santa Clauses in horror movies should do the trick.
Some of these holiday horrors have arguably earned a spot among the best horror movies of all time for their unique blend of festivities and brutal violence. With Santa as the ultimate villain, they are packed with blood, chaos, and more than a little holiday madness. For anyone looking to spice up their holiday movie marathon, a murderous Santa Claus is an unexpected must-see.
10
The Nights Before Christmas (2020)
Directed by Paul Tanter
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The Nights Before Christmas
Horror
The Nights Before Christmas follows FBI Special Agent Natalie Parker as she pursues a pair of serial killers who adopt the personas of Santa and Mrs. Claus. As Christmas nears, the killers leave a violent path, challenging Parker in a deadly cat-and-mouse game. Released on October 25, 2020.
Release Date
October 25, 2020
Runtime
103 minutes
Cast
Simon Phillips
, Sayla de Goede
, Kate Schroder
, Anne-Carolyne Binette
, Keegan Chambers
, Samantha De Benedet
, Michael Swatton
, Barry Kennedy
, Jennifer Willis
, Shawn Ladd
, Ken Bressers
, Michael Coughlan
, Meredith Heinrich
Director
Paul Tanter
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For those looking for a Christmas movie with a truly evil Santa Claus, The Nights Before Christmas delivers exactly that. The 2020 movie flips traditional holiday cheer on its head, delivering Santa in the form of a terrifying slasher killer that will make you rethink leaving cookies out on Christmas Eve.
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Interestingly, The Nights Before Christmas has a gritty, low-budget feel that adds to the charm for fans of indie horror. The film doesn’t rely on high-end special effects or overly polished visuals; instead, it focuses on building suspense and using practical effects in order to bring holiday horrors to life. The combination of holiday music, snowy settings, and a seriously bloodthirsty Santa creates an unsettling contrast, making it an enjoyable (if you can call it that) watch for slasher horror fans craving something more disturbing this holiday season.
9
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)
Directed by Jalmari Helander
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Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
R
ComedyHolidayHorror
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale is a Finnish holiday horror film written and directed by Jalmari Helander. When two boys believe a project near their home may have found the hidden tomb of Santa Claus, they discover that the supposedly jolly giver of gifts is a villainous murderer who threatens the town they live in.
Release Date
October 3, 2010
Runtime
82 Minutes
Cast
Onni Tommila
, Jorma Tommila
, Per Christian Ellefsen
, Tommi Korpela
, Rauno Juvonen
Director
Jalmari Helander
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale is a Finnish Christmas horror that takes a completely unique and rather chilling approach to Santa Claus. The story follows a group of people who uncover the terrifying truth behind Santa and what he really represents, and it’s far darker than anyone could imagine.
The 2010 film blends dark humor, mythology, and suspense, creating a gripping and unforgettable experience. It taps into old European legends, where Santa was once seen as a dark, punishing figure instead of the jolly gift-giver we know today, making it so much more than just another evil Santa story. When watching, one is truly at the edge of their seat the entire time as the slow-burn holiday horror builds and grows. Arguably, despite not garnering the attention it deserves, Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale is the ultimate Christmas horror movie everyone should see at least once.
8
A Christmas Horror Story (2015)
Directed by Grant Harvey, Steven Hoban, Brett Sullivan
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A Christmas Horror Story
AdventureHorrorMysterySci-FiThriller
A Christmas Horror Story intertwines several dark tales set on Christmas Eve, involving a family with a sinister tree, a terrifying student documentary, a menacing Christmas spirit, and Santa battling evil. The film’s narrative is woven together by a festive radio host’s broadcast.
Release Date
July 20, 2015
Runtime
99 Minutes
Cast
William Shatner
, George Buza
, Rob Archer
, Zoé De Grand Maison
, Alex Ozerov-Meyer
, Shannon Kook
, Amy Forsyth
, Jeff Clarke
, Michelle Nolden
, Adrian Holmes
, Orion John
, A.C. Peterson
, Percy Hynes White
, Corinne Conley
, Julian Richings
, Debra McCabe
, Joe Silvaggio
, Damir Andrei
Director
Grant Harvey
, Steven Hoban
, Brett Sullivan
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A unique horror anthology that brings together multiple stories, A Christmas Horror Story stands out as one of the creepiest Christmas movies out there. One of the twisted tales features a murderous Santa Claus, turning the beloved holiday figure into a scary, violent villain. The particular story follows the sinister Santa as he first takes down his elves, who have turned into zombies, and then proceeds to fight Krampus.
In addition to the horrors that unfold, the plot twist still manages to surprise, making A Christmas Horror Story the ideal Christmas film for those who don’t like them too cheesy.
With its multiple storylines and a pretty terrifying version of Santa, A Christmas Horror Story is a must-see for anyone who loves dark holiday horror. It delivers exactly what one would want from an evil Santa movie, from gore to serious scares. In addition to the horrors that unfold, the plot twist still manages to surprise, making A Christmas Horror Story the ideal Christmas film for those who don’t like them too cheesy.
7
All Through The House (2015)
Directed by Tod Nunnes
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All Through the House
Horror
All Through the House follows a deranged masked Santa-Slayer who descends upon a town, leaving a trail of mutilated bodies. As he perpetuates yuletide terror, his path leads to the doorstep of the town’s most feared home in this 2015 horror film.
Release Date
October 31, 2015
Runtime
80 minutes
Cast
Jessica Cameron
, Ashley Mary Nunes
, Melynda Kiring
, Natalie Montera
, Lito Velasco
, Jason Ray Schumacher
, Johanna Rae
, Matt Poeschl
Even though it’s nowhere near being one of the best slasher movies of all time, All Through The House makes for an excellent watch for slasher horror enthusiasts looking for a different holiday feel. The 2015 film is a brutal holiday kill fest that follows a deranged killer dressed as Santa Claus; it seriously does not get merrier than that for horror fans.
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This indie horror gem is packed with intense scares, gruesome kills, and an old-school slasher vibe that pays homage to the classics of the genre. It is unapologetically gory and keeps its horror simple yet effective, bringing to life one of the scariest versions of Santa out there. From the eerie costume to the creative, over-the-top kills, this Santa is pure nightmare fuel. Those looking to get scared this holiday season, look no further than All Through The House.
6
Silent Night (2012)
Directed by Steven C. Miller
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Silent Night
R
ComedyHorrorThrillerMystery
Silent Night is a horror film released in 2012, set in a small Midwestern town during its Christmas Eve festivities. The narrative follows a sheriff and his deputy as they attempt to stop a murderous individual dressed as Santa Claus, who targets individuals he believes to be naughty.
Release Date
November 30, 2012
Runtime
94 minutes
Cast
Jaime King
, Malcolm McDowell
, Donal Logue
, Ellen Wong
, Lisa Marie
, Courtney-Jane White
, Cortney Palm
, John B. Lowe
, Rick Skene
, Brendan Fehr
, Andrew Cecon
, Erik J. Berg
, Tom Anniko
, Mike O’Brien
, Curtis Moore
, Adriana O’Neil
, Ali Tataryn
, Cruise Brown
, Clayton T. Stewart
, Aaron Hughes
, Kelly Wolfman
, John G. Carbone
, Brian Richardson
, Jessica Cameron
, James Juce
Director
Steven C. Miller
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Silent Night is a modern reboot of the 1984 cult classic Silent Night, Deadly Night, but the movie feels like a work of its own more than a reimagined version of something else. A mysterious killer dressed as Santa Claus is still out to punish the naughty in a small Midwestern town, but the overall storyline and its delivery are much more intense.
The 2012 title offers a mix of suspense, camp, and carnage that will keep viewers hooked, horror fans or not. However, slasher enthusiasts might appreciate it the most, as this Santa’s kills are gruesome and inventive. With moments of dark humor sprinkled in just enough to lighten the mood without undermining the horror, Silent Night leans heavily into its sinister tone. It’s a movie that knows exactly what it wants to be and delivers on its promise of holiday terror.
5
3615 Code Père Noël (1989)
Directed by René Manzor
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Also known as Dial Code Santa Claus, Deadly Games, and Game Over, 3615 Code Père Noël is a French cult classic. Even though it did not garner widespread attention at the time of its release, especially after the subsequent release of the very similar Home Alone (minus the scares), this unique holiday horror-thriller has gained a loyal following over the years.
The story follows a tech-savvy young boy, Thomas, who sets out to protect his family from a deranged man dressed as Santa Claus. The killer Santa breaks into his home on Christmas Eve, turning what should be a joyful night into a terrifying game of survival. Despite being a smaller, less-commercialized production, the film’s creativity and suspense have made it a hidden gem of Christmas horror. Rightfully earning its place as a cult classic, 3615 Code Père Noël is a must-watch for fans of clever storytelling and moody holiday scares.
4
Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022)
Directed by Joe Begos
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Christmas Bloody Christmas
HolidayHorror
Christmas Bloody Christmas is a 2022 holiday horror film by writer-director Joe Begos. Tori Tooms is looking for her next big party to hit up. However, her Christmas celebration plans are cut short when a robotic Santa escapes a local toy store and begins murdering the town’s residents, leaving her directly in his warpath.
Release Date
December 9, 2022
Runtime
86 Minutes
Cast
Riley Dandy
, Sam Delich
, Jonah Ray
, Dora Madison
, Jeremy Gardner
, Abraham Benrubi
, Jeff Daniel Phillips
, Graham Skipper
Director
Joe Begos
Christmas Bloody Christmas is a bold, high-energy holiday horror movie that takes the concept of an evil Santa to the next level. Here, Santa isn’t just a twisted man in a red suit; he’s a malfunctioning, murderous robotic figure who goes on a killing spree in a small, snow-covered town. With neon visuals, synth-heavy music, and some seriously brutal action, Christmas Bloody Christmas feels like a wild mix of retro and modern horror.
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The movie doesn’t waste time with slow build-ups but dives straight into the action and keeps the intensity dialed up until the end. The kills are brutal and creative, with plenty of gore for fans who enjoy their horror on the bloody side. If an unconventional holiday horror is the goal, Christmas Bloody Christmas delivers. It’s edgy, thrilling, and completely unhinged, offering a fresh take on the evil Santa idea.
3
Christmas Evil (1980)
Directed by Lewis Jackson
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Christmas Evil
HolidayHorror
Christmas Evil is a holiday-themed horror film by writer-director Lewis Jackson. After a traumatic childhood incident involving his parents, young Harry Stadling grows up to be utterly obsessed with the idea of Santa Claus – eventually leading to a Christmas-themed murder spree where he plans to punish those who are “naughty.”
Release Date
November 7, 1980
Runtime
100 Minutes
Cast
Brandon Maggart
, Jeffrey DeMunn
, Dianne Hull
, Andy Fenwick
, Joe Jamrog
, Peter Neuman
Director
Lewis Jackson
Also known as You Better Watch Out, Christmas Evil is an underrated horror movie from the 1980s you have to see, especially during the holiday season. The story follows Harry Stadling (Brandon Maggart), a man obsessed with Christmas, who descends into madness and takes on the persona of Santa Claus, but with a dark and murderous twist. It’s a unique mix of horror, dark humor, and drama, making it one of the most thought-provoking entries in the evil Santa subgenre.
Unlike many anti-Santa movies that focus on high body counts or over-the-top gore, Christmas Evil dives into the psychological side of horror. It’s less about the number of kills and more about Harry’s inner dismay as he transforms into a killer Santa. While not a traditional slasher, the movie is incredibly effective in its own way.
2
Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
Directed by Charles E. Sellier Jr.
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Silent Night, Deadly Night
R
ThrillerHorror
Silent Night, Deadly Night is a horror film released in 1984, following Billy Chapman as he embarks on a yuletide rampage after a traumatic childhood marked by his parents’ murder on Christmas Eve and mistreatment in an orphanage.
Release Date
November 9, 1984
Runtime
79 minutes
Cast
Gilmer McCormick
, Lilyan Chauvin
, Toni Nero
, Robert Brian Wilson
, Charles Dierkop
, Linnea Quigley
, Randy Stumpf
, Britt Leach
, Tara Buckman
, Will Hare
, Leo Geter
, Geoff Hansen
, Eric Hart
, A. Madeline Smith
, H.E.D. Redford
, Danny Wagner
, Jonathan Best
, Amy Styvesant
, Max Robinson
, Nancy Borgenicht
, Vinc Massa
, John Michael Alvarez
, John Bishop
, Richard C. Terry
, Oscar Rowland
Director
Charles E. Sellier Jr.
Expand
Silent Night, Deadly Night is one of the most infamous holiday horrors ever made. Released in 1984, it was one of those Christmas movies that were not well-received when they came out, to say the least. The film caused major controversy for its portrayal of a killer dressed as Santa Claus, leading to protests and even being pulled from theaters. Still, it ultimately became the quintessential evil Santa movie that remains iconic for its boldness and brutality.
Notably, the pacing is relentless, with the second half becoming a spree of creative kills that cement [Silent Night, Deadly Night] as a cult favorite among slasher fans.
Silent Night, Deadly Night blends slasher horror with a somewhat bleak exploration of trauma, making it both shocking and memorable. Notably, its pacing is relentless, with the second half becoming a spree of creative kills that cement it as a cult favorite among slasher fans. While it’s undeniably controversial, that very edge is part of Silent Night, Deadly Night’s lasting appeal. A remake, Silent Night, was released in 2012.
1
Santa’s Slay (2005)
Directed by David Steiman
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Santa’s Slay turns the holiday season upside down with a funny yet still alarmingly violent take on the evil Santa story. In this horror-comedy, Santa is actually a demon who loses a bet with an angel and has to spread holiday cheer for centuries. When the bet is off, he goes back to his true nature, that of a brutal killer. The film leans heavily into its absurd premise, delivering over-the-top kills and dark humor.
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Fans of campy humor will love this one, as Santa’s Slay is a fast-paced, unapologetically wild ride that never takes itself too seriously. The film’s snappy wit, exaggerated violence, and self-aware tone make even the wildest moments feel intentional and fun. At just under 80 minutes, Santa’s Slay is a quick watch that doesn’t overstay its welcome, perfect for those looking for a shot of gore after Christmas lunch.