If you're a fan of the darkly twisted holiday horror 'Christmas Evil' (1980), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 chilling movies and shows that share its eerie atmosphere, psychological depth, and festive terror. Whether you love unconventional Christmas horror or psychological thrillers, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Black Christmas (1974)
Description: A holiday-themed horror film that blends psychological terror with a festive setting, creating a chilling contrast between the joy of Christmas and the horror unfolding.
Fact: Considered one of the earliest slasher films, predating Halloween. It features an ambiguous killer whose identity is never fully revealed.


Gremlins (1984)
Description: A darkly comedic horror film set during Christmas, blending holiday cheer with monstrous chaos, much like the juxtaposition of festive and horrific elements.
Fact: The film's tone was so dark that it helped inspire the creation of the PG-13 rating. The gremlins were created using a combination of puppetry and animatronics.


Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
Description: A slasher film that uses the Christmas season as a backdrop for its violent narrative, exploring themes of trauma and revenge during what is supposed to be a joyful time.
Fact: The film was highly controversial upon release, leading to protests and being pulled from theaters. It spawned several sequels.


Dead End (2003)
Description: A psychological horror film set during a Christmas road trip, where the holiday setting contrasts sharply with the escalating terror and surreal events.
Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days and features a minimalist approach that heightens its eerie atmosphere.


The Gingerdead Man (2005)
Description: A campy horror film that turns a holiday treat into a murderous villain, blending absurdity with festive horror.
Fact: The film was produced by Full Moon Features, known for their low-budget, high-concept horror movies. It features a killer gingerbread man brought to life by dark magic.


Wind Chill (2007)
Description: A supernatural thriller set during a winter break, where the isolation and cold of the season amplify the horror and tension.
Fact: The film's chilling atmosphere was achieved by shooting in real snowy locations, adding to the authenticity of the setting.


P2 (2007)
Description: A tense thriller set in a parking garage on Christmas Eve, where the holiday setting contrasts with the protagonist's fight for survival.
Fact: The film's claustrophobic setting was inspired by real-life fears of being trapped in isolated places, adding to its suspense.


Krampus (2015)
Description: A horror-comedy that delves into the darker folklore of Christmas, featuring a malevolent holiday figure who punishes those who have lost their festive spirit.
Fact: The film's creature designs were inspired by European folklore and practical effects were heavily used to bring the monsters to life.


Red Christmas (2016)
Description: A horror film that uses the Christmas setting to explore themes of family dysfunction and violence, creating a stark contrast between holiday cheer and brutality.
Fact: The film features a unique antagonist with a tragic backstory, adding depth to its horror elements. It was shot in Australia but set in the U.S.


Jack Frost (1997)
Description: A horror film that turns a whimsical winter figure into a murderous entity, playing on the subversion of innocent holiday icons.
Fact: The killer snowman was created using a combination of practical effects and stop-motion animation, giving it a uniquely eerie presence.
