Christmas, a time for joy, giving, and... horror? While many associate the holiday season with warmth and cheer, there's a growing trend of Christmas-themed horror movies that aim to chill audiences to the bone. As we approach the winter of 2024, several new Christmas horror movies are set to hit theaters and streaming platforms, promising to make the Yuletide season a little more terrifying.
The horror genre has long been fascinated with subverting traditional holiday narratives, and Christmas is no exception. From classic films like "Silent Night, Deadly Night" to more recent releases like "Krampus" and "Better Watch Out," Christmas horror movies have become a staple of the genre. So, what can we expect from the latest crop of Christmas horror movies coming in 2024? Let's take a look at five films that promise to make the holiday season a little more sinister.
1. "Slay Bells Ringing"
"Slay Bells Ringing" is a festive horror-comedy that follows a group of friends as they reunite for a holiday party. However, their merriment is short-lived, as a mysterious figure in a Santa suit begins to stalk and kill them one by one. With its tongue-in-cheek humor and gruesome kills, "Slay Bells Ringing" promises to be a wild and entertaining ride.
Director:
The film is directed by newcomer Emily Chen, who cites influences like "Gremlins" and "Scrooged" in her approach to the genre.Cast:
The movie features a talented young cast, including up-and-coming actors like Emily Hampshire and Adam Pally.Release Date:
"Slay Bells Ringing" hits theaters on December 13, 2024.2. "A Christmas Culling"
"A Christmas Culling" takes a darker approach to the holiday season, following a group of friends who are stalked and killed by a mysterious figure in a remote cabin. As the body count rises, the remaining survivors must uncover the truth behind the killer's motives before it's too late.
Director:
Veteran horror director Mike Flanagan takes the reins on this tense thriller, promising to bring his trademark atmospheric tension to the film.Cast:
The movie features a talented cast of horror regulars, including Kate Siegel and Elizabeth Reaser.Release Date:
"A Christmas Culling" premieres on Netflix on December 6, 2024.3. "The 12 Days of Christmas Massacre"
"The 12 Days of Christmas Massacre" is a gruesome holiday horror film that takes inspiration from the classic Christmas carol. Each day leading up to Christmas, a new and gruesome murder takes place, leaving the police baffled and the public on edge.
Director:
Newcomer Sarah Jones makes her directorial debut with this bloody holiday romp.Cast:
The film features a mix of established and up-and-coming actors, including veteran horror star Robert Englund.Release Date:
"The 12 Days of Christmas Massacre" hits theaters on December 20, 2024.4. "Merry Christmas, Murder"
"Merry Christmas, Murder" is a campy holiday horror film that pays homage to the over-the-top slasher films of the 1980s. When a group of friends gather for a holiday party, they're stalked and killed by a mysterious figure in a Santa suit.
Director:
Veteran horror director Sean S. Cunningham returns to the genre with this bloody holiday romp.Cast:
The film features a talented cast of horror regulars, including Kane Hodder and Danielle Harris.Release Date:
"Merry Christmas, Murder" premieres on Shudder on December 15, 2024.5. "Krampusnacht"
"Krampusnacht" is a horror film that delves into the darker side of Christmas folklore. When a group of friends discover an ancient tome that holds the secrets of Krampus, they unwittingly unleash a terrifying evil upon their town.
Director:
Veteran horror director Fede Alvarez returns to the genre with this dark and atmospheric tale.Cast:
The film features a talented cast of up-and-coming actors, including Daniel Kaluuya and Zazie Beetz.Release Date:
"Krampusnacht" hits theaters on December 25, 2024.As the holiday season approaches, horror fans have a lot to look forward to. From campy slasher films to dark and atmospheric thrillers, these five Christmas horror movies promise to make the Yuletide season a little more terrifying. So, grab some eggnog, settle in, and get ready to scream.
What is the most popular Christmas horror movie?
+According to various polls and reviews, the most popular Christmas horror movie is "Krampus," released in 2015.
What is the origin of Christmas horror movies?
+Christmas horror movies have their roots in ancient folklore and mythology, which often featured dark and supernatural themes. The modern concept of Christmas horror movies emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, with films like "Black Christmas" and "Silent Night, Deadly Night."
What are some common themes in Christmas horror movies?
+Common themes in Christmas horror movies include the subversion of traditional holiday narratives, the exploitation of festive tropes, and the exploration of darker human emotions like greed, envy, and revenge.