Holiday Horror Movies

For those of you who are looking to get into the Christmas spirit but aren't interested in Little Ralphie's BB gun or little boys who fight off bumbling burglars, here are a few horror films to bring you some holiday cheer:

Santa's Slay (2005) - Former wrestler Bill Goldberg stars as Santa Claus in this gruesome holiday tale of festive carnage. After 1,000 years of jolly gift-giving due to losing a bet, Santa now returns to his true form of being a brutal killer. The opening scene has a surprisingly distinguished cast for a movie of this calibre. James Caan, Fran Drescher, Chris Kattan and Rebecca Gayheart all cameo in this horrific-holiday film.

Gremlins (1984) - Although not a true Christmas movie, the holiday backdrop is a nice contrast to the theme in this dark comedy. For those who don't know the story-line of this classic, a father buys his son a mysterious creature known as a Mogwai for Christmas. When he doesn't follow the instructions for caring for the Mogwai, it multiplies. After breaking a cardinal rule of not eating after midnight, the multiple ill-behaved Mogwais then transform into slimy Gremlins who wreak havoc through the small town of Kingston Falls.

Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) - Little Billy Chapman, who watched his parents' get brutally murdered by a madman in a Santa Claus suit, grows up to go on his own Christmas -induced killing spree. This film caused an uproar when it was released, but has grown to create a cult following. It spawned four sequels.

Christmas Evil (1980) - Young Harry catches his mother having an affair with Santa Claus, who unbeknownst to Harry, is actually his father in a Santa costume. 30 years later, Harry is all grown up and is obsessed with the holiday and wants to become the next true Santa. Harry spends Christmas Eve dressed in a Santa costume punishing those who are on his naughty list. It is a little slow moving for some, but 'Christmas Evil' is a good Christmas horror film from the golden era of the slasher film.

Black Christmas (1974) - Sorority sisters receive obscene phone calls while they host their annual Christmas party. The mysterious caller then breaks in to the house and systematically murders the sisters. Bob Clark, who later went on to direct the classic 'A Christmas Story' helmed this holiday horror film. The film was remade in 2006.