Not a fan of romantic comedies around the holidays? Miss the spookiness of Halloween? Fear not! Here are five movies to check out in this sub-genre of films this holiday season that may begin to seem like Christmas comedies at first, but progressively get dark and unsettling as they continue.
1. “Krampus (2015)
“Krampus” tells the story of a family during the holidays. It begins feeling like a traditional holiday film, then gets darker and scarier when Santa does not come to visit the family; instead, Krampus does. If you aren’t familiar with the story of Krampus, Krampus is a folklore tale that originated in Austria. Krampus was said to be an evil half-goat, half-man. Parents often told their children the legend of Krampus to scare them into behaving. In this film, Krampus comes to life in a modern Christmas horror film.
“Krampus” is available to stream on Peacock.
2. “The Lodge” (2019)
“The Lodge” features a father introducing his children to their new stepmother over the holidays. The kids are upset when they find out that their father has to go back to town for work, leaving them their new stepmother. Secrets are then revealed about Grace, the children’s stepmother, and her involvement with a cult.
“The Lodge” can be streamed on Hulu.
3. “Silent Night” (2021)
“Silent Night” is a horror-comedy film. This film features an excellent cast consisting of Keira Knightley as Nell, Lily-Rose Depp as Sophie, and several other familiar faces. It begins similarly to the other films listed, like a seemingly normal holiday film until something bad happens. In “Silent Night” the family and friends must decide whether to try to survive the holidays as the world begins to end from a mysterious gas outside.
“Silent Night” is available to watch on Sling or Amazon Prime Video with a premium subscription.
4. “The Children” (2009)
This film from the UK is a little older than the others, but that does not diminish its eeriness. In fact, if anything, it adds to it. A family’s holiday vacation goes downhill when the children mysteriously become very sick. Their sickness cannot be explained, and they begin to kill their parents.
“The Children” can be streamed on Tubi for free.
5. “A Christmas Horror Story” (2015)
Krampus makes an appearance as the “Anti-Santa” in “A Christmas Horror Story.” William Shatner stars in this Christmas-themed horror film, following four storylines of holiday horror. From Santa’s zombie-filled workshop to a family run-in with the notorious Krampus.
“A Christmas Horror Story” can be rented on Amazon Prime and YouTube TV.
For more holiday film recommendations, check out TV Tea!