As the festive season approaches, many Brits are trading traditional Christmas classics for something with more bite. While films like The Holiday and Home Alone remain perennial favourites, a growing number of viewers are embracing the dark side of Christmas with horror films that redefine seasonal cheer.
The Rise of Festive Frights
This year marks an exciting development for horror enthusiasts with the upcoming remake of Silent Night, Deadly Night scheduled to hit cinema screens on December 12. The original 1984 version, which follows Billy Chapman's murderous rampage after witnessing his parents killed by a Santa Claus impersonator, has become a cult classic despite its controversial reception upon release.
The appeal of Christmas horror lies in its subversion of traditional festive themes. As one entertainment commentator noted, "Red is the staple colour for this time of year" - a statement that takes on new meaning when viewed through the lens of horror cinema.
Streaming Guide for Horror Enthusiasts
For those preferring to enjoy their scares from the comfort of their sofa, numerous frightening festive films are currently available across various streaming platforms in the UK.
Violent Night (2022) features Stranger Things actor David Harbour as a grumpy Santa Claus battling mercenaries who invade a wealthy family's mansion. The film is available to rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Rakuten TV.
Considered by many as the most iconic festive horror, Black Christmas (1974) remains a classic nearly fifty years after its release. The film follows sorority girls being stalked during their Christmas break and is available to stream on Tubi and Shout! TV via Prime Video.
Recent additions to the genre include Terrifier 3 (2024), now streaming on Paramount+. The film continues the gore-soaked saga of Art The Clown and generated significant controversy during its UK premiere, with reports of audience members vomiting and walking out.
Hidden Gems and International Horrors
Beyond mainstream offerings, several lesser-known films deserve attention from horror aficionados. ATM (2012), available on Plex, presents a tense thriller about colleagues trapped in an ATM booth while being stalked by a mysterious figure.
International perspectives on Christmas horror include the Finnish film Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010), streaming on MUBI and Prime Video. The film explores the terrifying concept of Santa Claus as a monstrous figure who slaughters reindeer and captures children.
From France comes Inside (2007), a brutal entry in the New French Extremity movement that focuses on a pregnant woman terrorised by a mysterious visitor on Christmas Eve. The film is available on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
British horror also makes its mark with The Children (2008), a disturbing tale of family Christmas celebrations gone horribly wrong when children become infected with a mysterious disease. The film is available to rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV+, and the Sky Store.
Other notable mentions include Krampus (2015) on NOW TV and Sky, Better Watch Out (2016) on multiple platforms, and The Lodge (2019) on Prime Video.
For those seeking truly alternative Christmas entertainment, this diverse selection of horror films offers plenty of options to make the festive season unforgettable - for all the right reasons if you're a horror fan, or all the wrong ones if you're not.
