Contributing Writer Robyn Dhami, ’23
We all love the classic holiday movies that have a cheerful mood, and we always shun anything that sparks fear instead of joy during the holidays. But what about all the scary movies out there that are also centered towards Christmas? What about movies like Better Watch Out, that are considered holiday movies, too. Here are five non-traditional, Christmas horror movies to watch. Horror movies aren’t just for Halloween anymore.
Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
Starring: Ella Hunt, Malcolm Cumming, Sarah Swire
Directed by: John McPhail
Summary: Taking place in the UK, high schooler Anna just wants to live her life her own way, without her dad trying to control her. But at the same time during Christmas, a zombie apocalypse arises. Now Anna and her friends have to struggle to survive in a new life she never planned. And yes, it is a musical.
Recommended for: Any theatre buff who believes every type of movie needs at least one dance number.
Better Watch Out (2016)
Starring: Olivia DeJonge, Levi Miller, Ed Oxenbould
Directed by: Chris Peckover
Summary: Ashley spends a night babysitting a twelve year old while his parents are gone for the night. On the outside, he seems like an innocent boy who would never hurt a soul. But when his parents aren’t home, he and his friend spend the night drinking and committing murder, using a gun. While other kids would get in trouble for staying on their phones for too long, these kids are doing much worse.
Recommended for: Whoever has babysat before and thought their night with a kid was wild.
P2 (2007)
Starring: Rachel Nichols, Wes Bently, Simon Reynolds
Directed by: Franck Khalfoun
Summary: Angela thought she should be driving to her sister’s house to see her relatives for Christmas. But it turns out, there’s one man who wants her to stay home for Christmas. No matter how hard she tries, he won’t even let her escape the parking lot.
Recommended for: Those who had to stay home for the holidays and did not like it at all.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Starring: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara
Directed by: Henry Selick
Summary: Every year in his spooky town, Jack Skellington is in charge of celebrating Halloween. But one day, he discovers a totally different holiday called Christmas, which makes him curious. Now Jack would rather celebrate Christmas over Halloween, and so does his entire town, despite it possibly backfiring.
Recommended for: Anyone who likes Christmas, but loves Halloween.
Gremlins (1984)
Starring: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton
Directed by: Joe Dante
Summary: Billy gets an adorable little creature for Christmas from his dad, an unsuccessful inventor. The cute critter looks like a little puppy, yet more unique. But it turns out, taking care of these types of animals requires a lot of strictness, or else it will just get harder to control them.
Recommended for: Anyone who had their first pet after begging their parents, but it did not go well.
