What better way to spend the holidays than to check out 10 great festive horror movies to stream right now. The season to be merry is here, and while most people are settling in for heartwarming classics, some of us, especially here at ScreenChimp, are craving a little more fright to balance out all that festive cheer. Festive horror movies combine the joy of the season with chilling thrills, creating a perfect mix for fans of both genres. Whether it’s murderous Santas, sinister folklore creatures, or holiday-themed jump scares, these films offer a unique twist on traditional holiday entertainment.
If you’re in the mood for spooky thrills with a holiday twist, we’ve rounded up 10 great festive horror movies to stream right now across popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Shudder, Prime Video, and more. So grab your eggnog, turn off the lights, and dive into these holiday horrors that will have you hiding behind the Christmas tree!
10. Anna and the Apocalypse (2017) – Streaming on Prime Video
A Christmas zombie musical? Yes, please! Anna and the Apocalypse is a genre-bending film that combines horror, comedy, and music. Ella Hunt stars as Anna, a high schooler who must fight her way through a zombie apocalypse alongside her friends—all while singing and dancing. Co-stars Malcolm Cumming and Sarah Swire round out the charismatic cast.
Why You Should Watch: It’s quirky, fun, and unlike any other holiday horror movie.
9. The Lodge (2019) – Streaming on Hulu
In this chilling psychological horror, Riley Keough plays Grace, a woman stranded in a remote lodge with her two stepchildren, played by Jaeden Martell and Lia McHugh. As a snowstorm rages outside, paranoia and eerie events begin to unravel their sanity, making The Lodge a perfect slow-burn holiday nightmare.
Why You Should Watch: Its atmospheric tension and unsettling plot twists make it perfect for a chilling holiday night.
8. A Christmas Horror Story (2015) – Streaming on Prime Video
William Shatner stars as a radio DJ tying together four interconnected Christmas horror stories in this anthology film. From a terrifying encounter with Krampus to zombie elves wreaking havoc, the ensemble cast delivers performances that balance festive cheer with spine-chilling scares in the fun A Christmas Horror Story.
Why You Should Watch: Anthology horror fans will love the variety of stories, all tied together with festive frights.
7. Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) – Streaming on Tubi
This 80s slasher classic features Robert Brian Wilson as Billy, a traumatized young man who dons a Santa suit and goes on a murderous rampage. The campy performances and over-the-top horror make this a cult favorite for fans of vintage holiday terror.
Why You Should Watch: If you love old-school slashers with a holiday twist, Silent Night, Deadly Night is for you.
6. The Advent Calendar (2021) – Streaming on Shudder
French actress Eugénie Derouand stars as Eva, a paraplegic woman who receives an antique advent calendar with sinister powers. As Eva opens a new door each day, the calendar grants wishes, but at a deadly cost. The film’s haunting atmosphere and standout performances make it a hidden gem.
Why You Should Watch: The film’s unique premise and slow-building tension make The Advent Calendar an unforgettable holiday horror.
5. Black Christmas (1974 & 2019) – Streaming on Prime Video
Both versions of Black Christmas are worth watching, with the 1974 original starring Olivia Hussey and Margot Kidder as sorority sisters stalked by an anonymous killer. The 2019 remake reimagines the story with Imogen Poots and Cary Elwes in a more modern retelling. The original is the superior film, but each offers a unique take on this chilling Christmas slasher.
Why You Should Watch: The original is a pioneering slasher, while the remake delivers a fresh, modern twist.
4. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010) – Streaming on Prime Video
Onni Tommila and Jorma Tommila star as a father and son who uncover a terrifying version of Santa Claus buried in the Finnish mountains. Combining dark humor, folklore, and suspense, Rare Exports turns the idea of Christmas into something far more sinister.
Why You Should Watch: This international gem offers a refreshingly original take on holiday horror.
3. Better Watch Out (2016) – Streaming on Prime Video
This subversive home-invasion thriller stars Olivia DeJonge as Ashley, a babysitter who must protect 12-year-old Luke, played by Levi Miller. But as the night unfolds, the plot twists in shocking and unexpected ways, making this a clever and chilling holiday movie.
Why You Should Watch: Better Watch Out delivers unexpected twists and brilliantly subverts horror tropes.
2. Krampus (2015) – Streaming on Prime Video
Adam Scott, Toni Collette, and David Koechner star in Krampus, a horror-comedy that brings European folklore to life. When a dysfunctional family loses their Christmas spirit, they summon Krampus, a demonic anti-Santa who punishes the naughty. With its mix of scares, humor, and impressive creature design, Krampus has become a holiday horror staple.
Why You Should Watch: Krampus is a fun and spooky twist on Christmas traditions that perfectly balances horror and comedy.
1. Gremlins (1984) – Streaming on Prime Video
The undisputed holiday horror classic, Gremlins follows Billy, played by Zach Galligan, who receives an adorable Mogwai named Gizmo for Christmas. But when the creature’s rules are broken, mischievous gremlins wreak havoc on a small town during the holidays. Phoebe Cates and Corey Feldman also star in this beloved mix of horror, comedy, and festive chaos. Also, why don’t you check out our Max review here, too!
Why You Should Watch: Gremlins is an all time great horror comedy with an equally fun sequel. It’s cute, scary, and funny as Santa getting stuck in a chimney!
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