If you loved the darkly comedic and twisted holiday horror of Mercy Christmas (2017), you're in for a treat. This article curates 10 similarly unsettling movies and shows that blend festive cheer with chilling thrills. Whether you're a fan of holiday horror or just crave something uniquely macabre, these picks will keep you entertained—and maybe a little uneasy—long after the credits roll.

Black Christmas (1974)
Description: A pioneering slasher film set during the holidays, where a group of sorority sisters are stalked by an unseen killer, blending suspense with seasonal dread.
Fact: One of the earliest examples of the slasher genre, predating Halloween by four years.


Gremlins (1984)
Description: A mix of horror and dark comedy set around Christmas, where cute creatures turn into mischievous and deadly monsters when rules are broken.
Fact: The film's tone was so dark that it helped inspire the creation of the PG-13 rating.


Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
Description: A controversial slasher film where a traumatized man dressed as Santa Claus goes on a killing spree, blending holiday themes with brutal violence.
Fact: The film was pulled from theaters due to protests over its depiction of Santa Claus as a killer.


The Strangers (2008)
Description: A chilling home invasion thriller that plays on the fear of random violence, with masked intruders tormenting a couple in their remote home.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life break-ins and the Manson Family murders.


P2 (2007)
Description: A tense thriller set on Christmas Eve, where a woman is stalked by a deranged security guard in a parking garage, combining holiday isolation with relentless suspense.
Fact: The film's claustrophobic setting was inspired by real-life fears of being trapped in parking garages.


Inside (2007)
Description: A brutal and intense home invasion horror film set during Christmas, where a pregnant woman is terrorized by a mysterious stranger.
Fact: The film is known for its extreme violence and was banned in several countries upon release.


The House of the Devil (2009)
Description: A slow-burn horror film that pays homage to 1980s satanic panic, with a babysitter uncovering terrifying secrets in a remote house.
Fact: The film was shot on 16mm film to authentically replicate the look of 1980s horror movies.


The Guest (2014)
Description: A stylish thriller with a mysterious stranger ingratiating himself into a family, blending dark humor with sudden bursts of violence.
Fact: The film's synth-heavy soundtrack became iconic and heavily influenced its retro aesthetic.


Krampus (2015)
Description: A darkly comedic horror film that blends holiday cheer with terrifying folklore, featuring a sinister creature that punishes those who lose the spirit of Christmas.
Fact: The creature design was inspired by European folklore and features practical effects to enhance its terrifying presence.


Hush (2016)
Description: A suspenseful home invasion film with a unique twist, as the protagonist is deaf, adding an extra layer of tension and vulnerability.
Fact: The film was shot in just 18 days on a modest budget, yet received critical acclaim for its innovation.
