All I want for Christmas is screams: 5 holiday horror movies to watch instead of another cozy rewatch

Christmas is just around the corner, and it's that time of the year when people crave to watch genre pieces. While a lot of people might prefer family holiday dramas, there is a section that's always looking for horror movies.

So here's a list of five such holiday horror movies that you can enjoy instead of merely rewatching comfort stuff. This list includes titles like Silent Night, Deadly Night and Halloween.

These picks might make your holiday more exciting if you are a fan of the horror genre. All these titles have received positive critical responses.

5 holiday horror movies to enjoy this Christmas

1) Terrifier (2016)

Terrifier is a film in the slasher genre that might make your Christmas more exciting. It focuses on a serial killer named Art the Clown, who starts stalking two women. The film was made independently and met with mixed reviews. But it ended up starting a franchise that continues to grow. The film is available on Peacock and Tubi.

2) Halloween (2018)

Halloween is a name most people would be familiar with. But we're talking about the 2018 version that serves as a direct sequel to John Carpenter's 1978 title. We meet Laurie Strode, planning to confront Michael Myers, who recently escaped. The film was a critical and commercial success and was followed by two more sequels. It's available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.

3) Black Christmas (1974)

Black Christmas is a slasher film that even predates Halloween. However, this Canadian flick has largely been ignored and remains underrated. It takes its plot from an urban legend and focuses on a set of sorority sisters who are stalked and killed by a killer during Christmas. The film was remade and kick-started a franchise, and it can be rented on Hulu and Prime Video.

4) Silent Night, Deadly Night (2025)

Silent Night, Deadly Night is the second reboot of the namesake 1984 flick. It's written and directed by Mike P. Nelson and focuses on a serial killer who dresses as Santa Claus to do his deed every Christmas. If you feel like the original is too far from your time, give this reboot a try.

5) Trick 'r Treat (2007)

Trick 'r Treat is possibly the most underrated film in this list. This title perfectly blends horror with genuine comedy. Michael Dougherty has written and directed this film, and it features four different stories that feature a Halloween demon. All of them centre around bizarre situations, and they will scare you and make you laugh in equal measures. The film can be watched on Prime Video, and it's available for rent on Apple TV as well.

There are certain honorable mentions like My Bloody Valentine and All Hallows' Eve, among others.