PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Christmas time may not be a time that many associate with horror, but us fiends know that every day is Halloween, especially Christmas. So, to get you even more in the Christmas-y mood, here are my personal top must watches for holiday horror.
1. Black Christmas
Black Christmas is an obvious choice, but of course, it is a classic. It’s such a great film because it leaves me with that cozy warm feeling in my stomach, like when you drink hot chocolate or when you’ve had too much whiskey. much like Margot Kidder in this slasher. With an innovative twist ending and a classic sorority slasher style storyline, this film will leave you with all the holiday feels. Released in 1974 and filmed in Canada, you can check out a young Andrea Martin (SCTV) in one of her first film appearances! Black Christmas is streaming on Tubi.
2. And All Through The House
And All Through The House is technically not a movie, but it is a definite must-watch at Christmas time! There are two versions, and I’m including both. The original scene was released in the anthology film, Tales From The Crypt (1972). The original And All Through The House stars Joan Collins, and is a slightly fancier wine-by-the-fire version of the 1989 Tales From The Crypt television series version. Both are equally scary. However, I will always always always remember the first time I saw the Santa from the 1989 version. Nightmare fuel! The whole scenario! I’m avoiding spoilers for those that haven’t seen this classic, so check it out ASAP! And All Through The House is streaming on YouTube.
3. Better Watch Out
I only recently viewed this instant classic, and I absolutely loved it! A great review from someone who normally shies away from newer horror films. I really loved the acting. Super creepy and super believable. Again, I don’t want to give spoilers, so I will just say, “Don’t babysit, you guys! It’s never worth it!” Better Watch Out was released in 2016, and I think I will personally return to it every year. There’s nothing too holiday-like, just plain old psychopathic murder. Isn’t that what the holidays are really about? Better Watch Out is streaming on Tubi.
4. Silent Night, Deadly Night
Sweet young Tommy has some major pent up childhood trauma! In this 1984 classic slasher, we learn why we should never trust Santa. Also, when your angry grandpa who’s locked up in an institution tells you to be good, you better listen! An orphanage is probably one of the scariest settings for a film, especially when Mother Superior could scare the bejesus out of Sister Jude, so this holiday slash-fest has plenty of that action. Watch Tommy snap in the trailer below! Silent Night, Deadly Night is streaming on Tubi.
5. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
This 2010 chiller is pretty fun if you like a classic Grinch tale. As long as the Grinch is pretty much the scariest Santa you’ve ever seen. Nothing beats a hardworking father who flies into a rage when his winter work is stolen from him! Who’s killing the reindeer? Who’s killing the children? Check it out in Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale, which is streaming on Netflix.
Some winter but technically not holiday movies to check out if you like such things include Frozen… Disney movies are the scariest of all! Just kidding. I’m talking about the other Frozen (2010) where the skiers get stuck on a ski lift for nearly a week and have to figure out how to survive. Amazing, surprisingly exciting, and gory too! Them there’s Dead Snow (2009). two words… Nazi zombies. Enjoy! Gremlins (1984) is cute, classic, a little sad, and good for the kiddos.
Have a ghoulish holiday, my little horror fam! Remember, BE GOOD or you never know who will come and slash their way into your home to teach you a lesson! Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the elves bite.
