Prepare to be shocked and intrigued as we delve into the dark side of Christmas with a twist! The jolly old man in red, Santa Claus, has been given a sinister makeover in these killer Santa movies, and it's a wild ride. Get ready to question everything you thought you knew about this festive icon.
The Dark Side of Santa: A Sub-Genre of Horror
In the 1980s, horror filmmakers decided to play with our expectations and turn the beloved Santa Claus into a symbol of fear. This sub-genre of horror Christmas movies was born, and it's a fascinating, if controversial, take on the holiday spirit.
But here's where it gets controversial... some might argue that these films are a fun twist on the traditional Christmas movie, while others might find them offensive or disturbing. So, let's explore some of the best (or should we say, worst?) killer Santa movies and decide for ourselves.
Violent Night (2022): A Fight for Good
In this newer take on the killer Santa trope, we find a wealthy family held hostage, and their only hope is none other than Santa Claus himself! David Harbour portrays a Santa who's lost faith in the holiday but must step up to save the day. The film adds an interesting twist by having Santa fight for the side of good, making it an enjoyable watch.
And this is the part most people miss... Santa's not just any ordinary hero; he's a badass with a grenade down the back of his enemies' pants! Talk about a unique way to take down mercenaries.
Santa's Slay (2005): Demonic Santa
Get ready for a wild ride with this over-the-top title! Goldberg, the wrestler, steps into the role of Santa, but there's a twist. Santa is revealed to be the son of the Devil, and after a thousand years of being the jolly man, he's ready to return to his demonic ways. He starts by taking out famous people who have long been on everyone's hit list, and then the killing spree begins.
This film is a goofy, fun time, but it also raises an interesting question: Can a killer Santa ever truly be stopped?
Tales from the Crypt (1972 & 1989): A Cryptic Christmas
This entry is a cheat, but in the best way possible! We get a glimpse of a killer Santa in both a movie and a TV show. In the 1972 movie, a woman is killed by a demented man in a Santa suit, and the story is retold in the HBO series with an even better portrayal of the evil St. Nick by Larry Drake.
Both versions are great watches, but which one do you think captures the essence of a killer Santa better?
Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022): Killer Robot Santa
Hold onto your hats, because this film takes the cake for creativity! It features a killer robot Santa, which is reason enough to watch. The premise is bonkers: decommissioned military robots are turned into store Santas, and chaos ensues when one of them comes to life and goes on a killing spree.
A kid even gets an axe to the head! It's a wild, Terminator-inspired holiday film that will leave you in stitches.
Christmas Evil (1980): Early Killer Santa
One of the earliest killer Santa films, Christmas Evil, shows us the dark side of Santa from a young boy's perspective. Harry, as a child, witnesses his parents getting intimate while his father is dressed as Santa. This traumatic experience leads him to cut himself with a broken snow globe, and as an adult, he works in a toy manufacturing company, trying to spread Christmas cheer year-round.
However, when he feels wronged at work, he snaps and begins a killing spree, dressed as Santa Claus. He targets those he believes have been naughty, giving them a fate worse than a lump of coal.
Silent Night (2012): Flamethrower Santa
Silent Night is a fun take on the killer Santa sub-genre, with a Santa running amok with a flamethrower and a wood chipper. A small town in Wisconsin becomes the backdrop for this entertaining bloodbath, as the residents try to figure out where Santa will strike next.
With Malcolm McDowell as the town sheriff, chewing the scenery, this film is a wild ride that will get any horror fan into the holiday spirit.
Rare Exports (2010): The Origin of Mall Santas
While Rare Exports doesn't feature a killer Santa, it does show us the origin of those mall Santas we all know and... well, maybe not love. An excavation team uncovers a large, bearded man encased in ice, and soon after, they disappear. A boy and his father find this mysterious figure in their shed, believing it might be Santa.
They quickly learn that this Santa is an evil being, imprisoned in ice years ago, and now on the verge of being released. A swarm of Santa's helpers arrives to stop the villagers from destroying him for good. It's a fun Finnish film that explores the strange folklore surrounding evil Santas.
Deadly Games (1989): French Killer Santa
This French film, Deadly Games, has gained popularity over the years, especially after being featured on Joe Bob Brigg's The Last Drive-In. A homeless man gets a job as a mall Santa but is fired after slapping a child. He then heads to the manager's house, only to find a young kid and his sick grandad at home.
Unbeknownst to the homeless man, the kid is a technical genius who has set up booby traps all over the house. It becomes a battle of wits, with the young lad channeling his inner Rambo. It's a unique blend of Die Hard and Home Alone, and it's definitely worth checking out.
Saint (2010): Evil Bishop Nicholas
Saint, a film from The Netherlands, portrays St. Nicholas as an evil bishop who kidnaps children on the night of a full moon in December. A teenager and a disgraced police detective are the only ones who understand the true nature of this evil Santa.
They must confront St. Nicholas and his minions to stop him from kidnapping more children. This film draws on old folklore legends and ancient European traditions, bringing a unique twist to the killer Santa sub-genre.
Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984): The Most Famous Killer Santa
Silent Night, Deadly Night is the most well-known killer Santa movie, and for good reason. It caused quite a stir, with protests from parent groups and a letter of shame from film star Mickey Rooney, who later starred as the evil Toy Maker in the fifth installment.
This film not only has one killer Santa but two! Billy, who witnesses his parents' murder by a maniac in a Santa outfit, goes on a killing spree, deciding who has been naughty and deserves punishment. It features one of the most iconic holiday horror deaths, with Billy impaling Linnea Quigley on a set of deer antlers.
So, there you have it, a list of killer Santa movies that will leave you questioning your holiday cheer. Which one will you watch this Christmas season? And remember, don't be too naughty, or you might end up on Santa's hit list!
What are your thoughts on these films? Do you have a favorite killer Santa movie? Let us know in the comments, and let's discuss the controversial nature of these festive horrors!
