If you loved the darkly comedic and action-packed 'Violent Night' (2022), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 movies and shows that share the same thrilling blend of brutal action, dark humor, and holiday-themed chaos. Whether you're craving more Santa-with-a-twist stories or just want to dive into similarly wild rides, these picks will keep you entertained. Get ready to discover your next favorite watch!

Gremlins (1984)
Description: 'Gremlins' and 'Violent Night' both combine holiday cheer with dark, violent comedy. The films subvert the typical Christmas movie by introducing chaotic, destructive elements that disrupt the festive setting, creating a unique blend of horror and humor.
Fact: The film was originally intended to be much darker, with a scene where Gremlins eat the family dog. It inspired a PG-13 rating due to its mix of violence and family-friendly elements. A sequel, 'Gremlins 2: The New Batch', was released in


Lethal Weapon (1987)
Description: Like 'Violent Night', 'Lethal Weapon' pairs intense action with humor, creating a dynamic and entertaining experience. Both films feature protagonists with a penchant for violence who must navigate dangerous situations, with the holiday season adding an ironic contrast.
Fact: The film was a major success, spawning three sequels. Mel Gibson performed many of his own stunts. The original script was much darker, with Riggs attempting suicide in the first scene.


Die Hard (1988)
Description: Like 'Violent Night', 'Die Hard' combines action-packed sequences with a holiday setting (Christmas). Both films feature a protagonist who must use unconventional methods to defeat villains in a confined space, blending violence with dark humor. The festive backdrop contrasts sharply with the intense action, creating a unique tone.
Fact: 'Die Hard' was initially met with mixed reviews but has since been recognized as a classic action film. The role of John McClane was first offered to Frank Sinatra. The film is based on the novel 'Nothing Lasts Forever' by Roderick Thorp.


Home Alone (1990)
Description: While 'Home Alone' is more family-friendly, it shares with 'Violent Night' the theme of a protagonist using creative, often violent methods to defend against intruders. Both films use the Christmas setting to heighten the stakes and add a layer of irony to the violence.
Fact: Macaulay Culkin was only 10 years old during filming. The film was the highest-grossing live-action comedy until 'The Hangover' in


The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)
Description: Starring Geena Davis as a lethal amnesiac, this film shares with 'Violent Night' a mix of intense action and dark humor. Both movies feature strong, unconventional protagonists who must rediscover their violent skills to survive, set against a winter backdrop.
Fact: The screenplay was written by Shane Black, known for his work on 'Lethal Weapon'. The film was a box office disappointment but has since gained a cult following. Samuel L. Jackson's character was originally written for a white actor.


Bad Santa (2003)
Description: 'Bad Santa' shares with 'Violent Night' a darkly comedic take on Christmas, featuring a morally ambiguous protagonist. Both films subvert traditional holiday movie tropes by incorporating crude humor and violent elements, while still delivering a message of redemption.
Fact: Billy Bob Thornton ad-libbed many of his lines. The film was a box office success, grossing over $76 million worldwide. A sequel, 'Bad Santa 2', was released in


Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)
Description: This Finnish film, like 'Violent Night', offers a dark and twisted take on Santa Claus. Both movies feature a violent, non-traditional Santa and blend horror with dark comedy. The snowy, isolated settings in both films enhance the eerie atmosphere.
Fact: The film is based on a series of short films by the same director. It was Finland's official submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The Santa in the film is based on the original Nordic folklore of Joulupukki.


The Night Before (2015)
Description: 'The Night Before' and 'Violent Night' both use Christmas as a backdrop for unconventional stories. While 'The Night Before' is a comedy about a wild night out, it shares with 'Violent Night' a blend of humor and chaos, with both films featuring unexpected twists and turns.
Fact: The film features cameos from Miley Cyrus and James Franco. It was inspired by the real-life tradition of the director and his friends going out on Christmas Eve. The screenplay was written by Evan Goldberg, known for his work on 'Superbad'.


The Nice Guys (2016)
Description: This film, like 'Violent Night', blends action with dark comedy, featuring mismatched protagonists who must navigate a chaotic and violent world. Both movies use humor to offset the brutality, creating a tone that is both entertaining and subversive.
Fact: The film is set in 1970s Los Angeles, capturing the era's aesthetic. Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe had never worked together before. Director Shane Black also wrote the screenplay, known for his sharp dialogue and comedic timing.


Krampus (2015)
Description: Both 'Krampus' and 'Violent Night' explore the darker side of Christmas folklore. 'Krampus' uses horror and comedy to tell its story, much like 'Violent Night' blends action and humor. The films share a thematic focus on the consequences of losing the Christmas spirit.
Fact: The film is inspired by the Alpine folklore of Krampus, a demonic figure who punishes naughty children. Director Michael Dougherty also directed 'Trick 'r Treat'. The creature effects were achieved through a mix of practical and digital effects.
