10 Movies & Shows Like The Mean One

Description: A pioneering slasher film set during the holiday season, where a group of sorority sisters are terrorized by an unknown killer. It establishes a chilling contrast between festive decorations and brutal murders.

Fact: The film is considered one of the earliest examples of the slasher genre, predating Halloween by four years. The killer's unsettling phone calls were improvised by the actor during filming.

Description: A horror-comedy that turns a seemingly innocent holiday gift into a source of chaos and terror. It combines humor with grotesque creatures, disrupting the peace of a small town during Christmas.

Fact: The film's release led to the creation of the PG-13 rating due to its mix of family-friendly elements and intense horror scenes. The mogwai's rules were inspired by traditional Chinese folklore about spirits.

Description: A controversial slasher film that features a killer Santa Claus, blending holiday iconography with graphic violence. It plays on childhood fears and the darker side of Christmas traditions.

Fact: The film sparked outrage upon release, leading to protests and boycotts due to its depiction of Santa as a murderer. It was pulled from theaters shortly after its debut but gained a cult following on home video.

Description: A stop-motion animated musical that merges Halloween and Christmas, featuring a protagonist who tries to take over the latter holiday with spooky results. It blends dark fantasy with festive themes.

Fact: The film was originally conceived as a poem by Tim Burton before being adapted into a full-length feature. It took over three years to complete due to the painstaking stop-motion animation process.

Description: A horror-comedy that reimagines Santa Claus as a demonic figure who terrorizes a small town. It subverts the jolly image of Santa with over-the-top violence and dark humor.

Fact: Professional wrestler Goldberg plays the murderous Santa, bringing a physical presence to the role. The film opens with a cameo-filled sequence featuring celebrities being killed by Santa.

Description: A psychological thriller set in a parking garage on Christmas Eve, where a woman is stalked by a deranged security guard. It uses the isolation of the holiday season to heighten tension.

Fact: The film's claustrophobic setting was inspired by real-life fears of being trapped in parking garages. Much of the movie was shot in an actual underground garage to enhance the atmosphere.

Description: A brutal French horror film set during Christmas, focusing on a pregnant woman who is terrorized by a mysterious intruder. It juxtaposes the joy of the season with extreme violence and dread.

Fact: The film was banned in several countries due to its graphic content and disturbing themes. It was shot in just 15 days, with much of the violence being achieved through practical effects.

Description: An animated retelling of a classic story about a grumpy, green outcast who despises Christmas and seeks to ruin it for others. It explores themes of redemption and the true meaning of the holiday.

Fact: This version of The Grinch features Benedict Cumberbatch voicing the titular character. The animation team studied real-life reindeer to accurately depict their movements in the film.

Description: A darkly comedic horror film that subverts traditional holiday cheer by introducing a malevolent folklore creature. It blends horror with Christmas themes, creating a twisted festive atmosphere.

Fact: The creature design for Krampus was inspired by European folklore and features a mix of practical effects and CGI. The film was shot during a real blizzard, adding to the authenticity of the winter setting.

Description: A horror-comedy about a serial killer who is transformed into a murderous snowman after a freak accident. It combines absurd humor with gruesome kills, set against a snowy backdrop.

Fact: The film's low budget led to creative practical effects, including the use of a real snowman suit for many scenes. Despite its initial poor reception, it has become a cult favorite among horror fans.