Elves, often depicted as benevolent beings in folklore, take a sinister turn in these horror films. This curated list explores the darker side of these mythical creatures, showcasing their potential for terror and suspense. From ancient curses to modern-day nightmares, these movies will make you rethink the innocence of elves, providing a thrilling experience for horror enthusiasts and fantasy fans alike.

Santa's Slay (2005)
Description: Here, Santa Claus is revealed to be a demon who must kill people on Christmas Eve. While not strictly about elves, the film includes demonic elves as part of Santa's entourage, adding to the horror element.
Fact: Bill Goldberg, a former professional wrestler, stars as the demonic Santa.


Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)
Description: This Finnish film turns the traditional Santa Claus story on its head, revealing a dark secret about the origins of Santa and his elves. It's a chilling tale of a boy who discovers that the elves are not the friendly helpers we imagine.
Fact: The film was inspired by a short film of the same name, and it was Finland's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in


Krampus (2015)
Description: Although primarily about the Krampus, this film features elves as part of the dark Christmas folklore, turning the holiday season into a nightmare for one family.
Fact: The film was a surprise hit, grossing over $60 million worldwide.


Elves (1989)
Description: A group of college students accidentally unleash an ancient evil in the form of an elf during a Christmas celebration. This film explores the idea of elves as not just mischievous but truly malevolent beings.
Fact: The film was released straight to video, becoming a cult classic among horror fans.


The Elf (2017)
Description: In this modern take, a family adopts a seemingly innocent elf, only to find out it's a malevolent creature with a dark agenda. The film blends holiday cheer with horror, creating a unique and unsettling experience.
Fact: The film was shot in a real house to give an authentic feel to the family's terror.


The Elf (2016)
Description: Another film with the same title, this one follows a family's encounter with a malevolent elf that has been cursed to bring misfortune to anyone who adopts it during the holiday season.
Fact: The film was shot in a small town in Canada, adding to its eerie, isolated feel.


The Elf on the Shelf: Sweet Showdown (2019)
Description: While not a traditional horror movie, this film features a dark twist on the popular "Elf on the Shelf" concept, where the elves turn from playful to menacing, creating a holiday horror experience.
Fact: This film was part of a marketing campaign for the "Elf on the Shelf" brand, but it took a darker turn than expected.


The Elf (2019)
Description: A family's Christmas turns into a horror show when they adopt an elf that turns out to be a creature with a taste for human flesh. This film delves into the dark side of holiday traditions.
Fact: The film was produced by the same company that brought us "The Elf on the Shelf: Sweet Showdown."


The Elf (2018)
Description: This film explores the legend of an elf that was once a human child, cursed to live as an elf and bring terror to those who celebrate Christmas. It's a dark twist on the idea of holiday magic.
Fact: The film was inspired by local folklore from the director's hometown.


The Elf (2020)
Description: A modern horror film where a family's Christmas decoration, an elf, comes to life with sinister intentions. This film plays on the fear of the unknown and the dark side of holiday traditions.
Fact: The film uses practical effects to bring the elf to life, making its presence all the more terrifying.
