10 Movies and Shows Similar to Black Christmas (2019)

Description: 'Scream' and 'Black Christmas' are both seminal slasher films that reinvented the genre for their respective eras. Both films feature strong female leads and a mix of horror and humor. The self-referential nature of 'Scream' finds a parallel in 'Black Christmas's' modern take on classic horror tropes.

Fact: The film was written by Kevin Williamson, who was inspired by the Gainesville Ripper murders. Drew Barrymore's death scene was originally intended for another character. The movie's success revitalized the slasher genre in the 1990s.

Description: Like 'Black Christmas', 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' is a slasher film with a group of young people being stalked by a killer. The themes of guilt, secrecy, and retribution are central to both films. The coastal small-town setting in 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' adds to the claustrophobic atmosphere, similar to the sorority house in 'Black Christmas'.

Fact: The film is based on a novel by Lois Duncan. It was one of the first major roles for Jennifer Love Hewitt. The iconic hook-handed killer was inspired by urban legends.

Description: 'Urban Legend' and 'Black Christmas' both revolve around a killer using familiar tropes and settings to instill fear. The college campus setting in both films creates a sense of isolation and vulnerability. The use of urban legends as a narrative device in 'Urban Legend' parallels the folklore elements in 'Black Christmas'.

Fact: The film features an early performance by Jared Leto. It was one of the first horror movies to capitalize on the post-'Scream' slasher revival. The movie's opening scene is a direct homage to the urban legend 'The Killer in the Backseat'.

Description: 'The Strangers' and 'Black Christmas' both feature home invasion scenarios where the victims are terrorized by masked assailants. The psychological horror and the sense of helplessness are palpable in both films. The random, motiveless violence adds to the terror, making the killers even more frightening.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events, including the Manson Family murders. It was shot in just 20 days. The masks worn by the killers were chosen for their eerie, impersonal quality.

Description: Both 'Sorority Row' and 'Black Christmas' focus on a group of sorority sisters being targeted by a killer. The themes of sisterhood, betrayal, and revenge are central to both films. The dark, glossy aesthetic and the blend of horror and dark comedy are also shared elements.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 1983 movie 'The House on Sorority Row'. It features a cameo by Carrie Fisher as a no-nonsense house mother. The movie was originally rated NC-17 before being edited down to an R rating.

Description: Like 'Black Christmas', 'Hell Fest' is set during a festive event that becomes the backdrop for a series of gruesome murders. Both films explore the idea of a killer blending into a crowded, chaotic environment, making the horror feel more immediate and unpredictable. The masked killer trope is prominent in both, adding to the suspense.

Fact: The film's director, Gregory Plotkin, was a long-time editor for the 'Paranormal Activity' series. The movie was shot at a real haunted house attraction in Georgia. The mask worn by the killer was designed to be both creepy and generic, allowing him to blend in with the crowd.

Description: Both 'The Purge' and 'Black Christmas' explore the idea of societal norms breaking down to reveal underlying violence. The home invasion aspect and the focus on a group of people trapped and hunted are central to both films. The political undertones in 'The Purge' mirror the feminist themes in 'Black Christmas'.

Fact: The film was made on a budget of just $3 million but grossed over $89 million worldwide. The concept was inspired by creator James DeMonaco's frustration with traffic. The masks worn by the killers have become iconic symbols of the franchise.

Description: Similar to 'Black Christmas' (2019), 'Happy Death Day' is a slasher film with a strong female lead facing a relentless killer. Both films blend horror with elements of dark humor and mystery, and they explore themes of survival and personal growth under extreme duress. The cyclical nature of the protagonist's ordeal in 'Happy Death Day' mirrors the relentless pursuit in 'Black Christmas'.

Fact: The film was directed by Christopher Landon, known for his work in the 'Paranormal Activity' series. It was shot in just 23 days. The movie's concept was inspired by 'Groundhog Day', applying the time-loop trope to a horror setting.

Description: 'Truth or Dare' shares with 'Black Christmas' a focus on a group of friends being hunted down one by one, with a supernatural twist. Both films feature a holiday setting that turns deadly, emphasizing the contrast between celebration and horror. The psychological tension and the inevitability of death are central themes in both.

Fact: The film was produced by Blumhouse Productions, known for low-budget, high-concept horror films. It was originally conceived as a found-footage film but was changed to a traditional narrative style. The movie's demonic smile effect was achieved through a combination of CGI and practical effects.

Description: 'Ready or Not' shares with 'Black Christmas' a darkly comedic tone and a focus on a woman fighting for survival against a group of attackers. Both films subvert traditional horror tropes, offering a fresh take on the genre. The themes of family secrets and betrayal are also prominent in both.

Fact: The film was directed by the duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, part of the filmmaking collective Radio Silence. It was shot in a real mansion in Toronto. The movie's ending was reshot multiple times to get the right balance of horror and humor.