If you loved the darkly enchanting tale of 'The Legend of the Christmas Witch' (2018), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similarly magical and eerie movies and shows that capture the same mystical holiday spirit. Whether you're drawn to folklore, fantasy, or chilling winter tales, these picks will keep you spellbound.

The Wicker Man (1973)
Description: A folk horror film that delves into pagan rituals and unsettling rural traditions, blending mystery with eerie, atmospheric tension.
Fact: The film was heavily edited upon its initial release, with some scenes considered lost for decades. Its shocking ending has become one of the most iconic in horror cinema.


Black Christmas (1974)
Description: A pioneering slasher film set during the holiday season, where a group of sorority sisters is stalked by an unseen killer, blending festive cheer with dread.
Fact: Considered one of the earliest slasher films, it predates Halloween by four years. The film's ambiguous ending was controversial at the time of its release.


Gremlins (1984)
Description: A horror-comedy that subverts holiday cheer with mischievous, destructive creatures, blending dark humor with festive settings.
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 gremlins were brought to life using puppetry and animatronics.


The Others (2001)
Description: A gothic horror film that relies on atmosphere and psychological tension, featuring a haunted house and supernatural occurrences tied to family secrets.
Fact: The film was shot almost entirely on a single set in Spain, using natural light to enhance its eerie mood. It was a critical and commercial success despite its modest budget.


The Village (2004)
Description: A period horror-thriller that explores isolation and fear of the unknown, set in a secluded community with dark secrets and eerie folklore.
Fact: The film's twist ending was kept highly secret during production, with actors given fake scripts to prevent leaks. The village set was built entirely from scratch in a Pennsylvania forest.


Trick 'r Treat (2007)
Description: An anthology horror film that interconnects multiple Halloween-themed stories, featuring a mix of folklore, supernatural elements, and dark humor.
Fact: Despite its cult following, the film was delayed for two years before its direct-to-DVD release. The character Sam has become an iconic figure in horror culture.


The Advent Calendar (2021)
Description: A horror film centered around a cursed advent calendar that brings supernatural terror, blending holiday traditions with eerie, supernatural consequences.
Fact: The movie was filmed in France and incorporates elements of European folklore. The advent calendar prop was custom-made for the film and plays a central role in the plot.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: A psychological horror film that uses a sinister storybook creature to explore themes of grief and mental illness, creating a haunting atmosphere.
Fact: The Babadook's design was inspired by early 20th-century silent film monsters. The film gained unexpected popularity as a symbol of LGBTQ+ acceptance due to internet memes.


A Christmas Horror Story (2015)
Description: An anthology horror film that weaves together multiple dark Christmas tales, featuring a mix of supernatural threats and holiday-themed terror.
Fact: The film features a unique twist on Santa Claus, portraying him as a violent figure battling zombie elves. It was shot in a single take for certain segments to create a seamless narrative flow.


Krampus (2015)
Description: A dark holiday-themed horror film that blends folklore with modern horror elements, focusing on a sinister figure punishing those who lose the Christmas spirit.
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 the summer but used fake snow and winter sets to create a festive atmosphere.
