Looking for the best Christmas horror movies to spice up your December? Well, I’ve thoroughly scoured the depths of the internet to bring you a carefully curated list of 8 of the best, and coincidentally worst, Christmas horror movies out there. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be terrified as you dive into these trailers. It’s up to you to decide whether they deserve a spot on the naughty or nice list. Feel free to add more to your ever-growing Christmas horror collection by visiting any link in this review for more.
Sick for Toys Movie
I must say, “SICK FOR TOYS” is an incredibly intense film that delves into some dark and unsettling themes. It fearlessly explores topics like depression and even includes implied instances of rape. Directed by David Del Rio and written by James Oster and Justin Xavier, this movie is not your typical slasher flick, but it certainly leaves a lasting impression. Despite its slower pace, SICK FOR TOYS is a skillfully crafted blend of familiar elements from other films, all wrapped up in a spine-tingling but unsettling Christmas setting.
The talented cast, including Camille Montgomery, Jon Paul Burkhart, Justin Xavier, and David Gunning, brings this haunting story to life. Released on DVD in October 2018, this sick and icky production is a collaboration between Delco-Cut Productions and Nine Ten Films and is distributed by Freestyle Digital Media.
So put on your ugly Christmas sweater and shut your eyes during the scary parts. This might not be the best of the best Christmas movies, however, it will be a memorable experience.
The full review for Sick for Toys.
Best Christmas Horror Movies
Elves 2018
The Elves movie storyline unfolds as a group of friends stumbles upon the discovery of ancient elves trapped in a cursed chest. Unbeknownst to them, their actions unleash the wrath of these mystical beings upon the world.
The trailer for Elves 2018, which you can see below, doesn’t seem to present it as the next big thing. However, for us horror enthusiasts, Christmas movies can take on a different meaning. Sometimes, it’s about sitting back after a long day, sipping on some eggnog, and enjoying the carnage caused by the mischievous elves. It’s about finding humor in the absurdity of a film, and that’s perfectly alright. Watching Christmas horror doesn’t have to be about the best Christmas horror movies.
For me, “Elves 2018” is the type of film that ends up on a guilty pleasure movie list. You can check out a review from my friend over at voicesfromthebalcony.com, who can tell you if it’s worth watching. But I must mention, he did give it only 1 star. Elves was released by Uncork’d Entertainment on December 4, 2018.
Directed by Jamaal Burden. Cast for the Elves movie include Stephanie Marie Baggett, Deanna Grace Congo, and, Amy Jo Guthrie,
All the Creatures Were Stirring 2018
The premise of a Christmas party setting combined with a bunch of people coming together by happenstance and snowballing into numerous chaotic events are great ingredients for a Christmas horror movie. Check out the trailer and tell me if you’ll be watching. Have you joined us on Mother of Movies on Facebook yet? You can tell me what you think there.
ALL THE CREATURES WERE STIRRING dropped on December 4, 2018. The film is rated at 5/10 on IMBd.com
Directed and written by David Ian McKendry, and Rebekah McKendry. Produced by Fallback Plan Productions and Distributed by RLJ Entertainment.
Mrs. Claus aka Stirring 2018
A group of college students attending a Christmas party at a sorority house that has a sinister past is stalked by a bloodthirsty killer disguised as Mrs. Claus.
Mrs. Claus received mixed reviews since its release on DVD in November 2018. I watched it and I thought it was terrible. But it’s nice to see Mrs. Claus getting some action with the stabby-stabby parts of Christmas. Mrs. Claus’s production company Fright Meter Films is relatively new to the arena with two finished movies and one upcoming in 2019. Distributed by Wild Eye Releasing it’s written and directed by Troy Escamilla it stars Helene Udy, Brinke Stevens, Kaylee Williams, and Ryan Poole.
Mrs. Claus, Full Movie Trailer
Secret Santa 2018
The Secret Santa movie was liked a lot more by other people who were not me. See below for Secret Santa streaming and where-to-watch options. The idea of some weirdo spiking the punch at a family Christmas event sounded like it could be oddly fascinating. However, the ensuing movie was not to my liking. The director Adam Marcus is best known for his comedy film Fitz and Slade (2013) but he is responsible for Jason Goes to Hell (1993.)
The Secret Santa trailer was filled with frenetic chaos but for Mother of Movies, the narrative was a mess.
Written by Adam Marcus and Debra Sullivan, Secret Santa includes cast Michael Rady, Drew Lynch, Debra Sullivan, A Leslie Kies. Brought to you by Signature Entertainment and produced by Distilled Media.
Where to Watch Secret Santa Movie
Where to watch Secret Santa:
Christmas Blood (JuleBlod) 2017
Christmas Blood was released on December 11, 2018, on DVD and VOD. The title is considered one of the very best Christmas horror movies you can watch right now. You can see it on iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, YouTube/Google Play, Vudu, FandangoNOW, and DISH.
No Christmas movie list is complete without at least one foreign title in my opinion. Written and directed by Reinart Kiil (appropriate horror name for sure!) Christmas Blood stars Julianne Aga, Pernille Baggeranas, and, Ida Malene Smith Bakke.
The distributors are none other than Artsploitation Films, the same company that gave us Red Christmas and more recently Trauma (2017.) Produced by Sanctum Film, Christmas Blood reminded me of the excellent horror movie Rare Exports (2010.) Taking the idea of Santa and applying it to inherently evil people and killing those who are naughty or nice is kind of a cool way to swing the Christmas horror bat. Check out the dark and blood-soaked trailer and tell me you think it looks cool too.
Once Upon a Deadpool 2018— A PG Horror Film
December 12 saw the release of a Christmas horror you can see with your kids at the cinema and it’s the only reason it’s on this list. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t the best or isn’t horror. Ryan Reynolds is one funny guy and even in this promotional excerpt, they’ve applied some things to this film that I can get behind.
“Fox has been asking for a PG-13 basically since the start in 2006,” Ryan Reynolds told Deadline. “I’ve said no since 2006. Now, this one time, I said ‘Yes’ on two conditions. First, a portion of the proceeds had to go to charity. Second, I wanted to kidnap Fred Savage. The second condition took some explaining…”
Quote from Ryan Reynolds about his Christmas movie, Deadpool.
Fred Savage will join Reynolds in new scenes for ONCE UPON A DEADPOOL in an homage to Savage’s starring role in the 1987 bedtime-story classic THE PRINCESS BRIDE. Fred remarked, “while my participation in this film was anything but voluntary, I am happy to learn that Fudge Cancer will be the beneficiary of this shameless cash grab”
The latest trailer dropped just yesterday and I’ve included it for your convenience. It looks like it might actually be pretty funny, to be honest.
Mercy Christmas 2017
Released in 2017 just in time for the holiday lineup, “Mercy Christmas” is a hidden gem that often flies under the radar during the festive season. If you’re a fan of Christmas horror movies, you won’t want to miss this action-horror-comedy. Despite being a B-grade film, it manages to deliver a disturbing and unique story.
The plot revolves around Michael, who is ecstatic when he finally meets the ‘perfect woman’ and receives a lovely invitation to her family’s Christmas dinner. However, things take a dark turn when he discovers that he is intended to be the main course for the family’s holiday feast. It’s a twisted and gripping tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
“Mercy Christmas” marks the directorial debut of Ryan Nelson, and while it may not be a big-budget production, it stands out with its well-executed aspects. The film is produced by No Mercy Pictures and distributed by Gravitas Ventures. If you’re looking for a holiday movie that combines elements of horror, action, and comedy, give “Mercy Christmas” a chance. You won’t be disappointed.
Mother of Movies list from last year can be found here.
Where to Watch Mercy Christmas Horror Movie
Mercy Christmas is streaming on: