It’s the most wonderful time of the year… for horror! With the holidays, snow, and seasonal depression on its way, the only cure to warm yourself up in the next few months is through the watchings of your favorite winter and Christmas horror movies. Seeing as nobody in their right mind would want to read a list that’s forty films deep, I have narrowed it down to fifteen of my favorites (in no particular order) that I like to throw on from now until winter’s dreary end. So let’s get started, shall we?

FARGO

My favorite of the Coen films, this kidnapping scheme gone horribly wrong is the perfect mix of cold weather, suspense, comedy, and horror. Everything about this movie is brilliant, from its beautiful cinematography, right down to its lonesome score and gritty sequences. What can I say? I love FARGO. It is sure to send chills down your spine all winter long.

KRAMPUS (2015)

Tis the season for all-things Krampus! Cuddle up with your favorite horned demon as he and his minions hunt down a dysfunctional family who take the true meaning of Christmas for granted. What I really appreciate about this movie is its traditional puppetry techniques and awesome practical effects. The artistic vision that went into KRAMPUS as a whole is pretty amazing, and the storyboards and concept art are just absolutely gorgeous. So sit back and enjoy this movie throughout the month of December, and be careful what you wish for!

THE THING (1982)

There aren’t enough words to really describe my love for John Carpenter’s THE THING. With some of the greatest effects, I feel, to ever be created in a horror film, THE THING brings nothing short of excellence to the table. This film exhibits a chilling atmosphere, and really gives you the terrifying feeling of being utterly stranded and alone (and cold)!

CRIMSON PEAK

This eerie tale about aspiring author Edith Cushing caught in the thralls of a sinister plot is sure to grab your attention throughout the duration of winter, with its red stained snow and Victorian ghosts to keep you company. I absolutely love this movie, and love getting lost in the spooky world that Guillermo Del Toro has created. This is a great watch for the months of January and February.

GREMLINS

It wouldn’t be the holidays without popping on this Christmas classic! What can be said about GREMLINS that we already don’t know or love? Still to this day, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to watch this movie without Gizmo turning my heart to complete mush.

MISERY

If you happen to get snowed in this season, try putting on MISERY while enjoying a nice hot beverage. If this movie doesn’t make you feel completely stuck and frozen to the core, than I don’t know what will. And if you haven’t read the book yet, I highly recommend delving into this classic as well – to say that it exceeds the film with its gore and tension would be the understatement of the year.

CHRISTMAS EVIL

Ahh, Christmas time, the time for family, gifts, and slipping into a complete state of insanity. This film would definitely make my top favorite Christmas horror movies, as it focuses more on the character’s state of mind than the slasher concept. If you haven’t added this film to your list of holiday watchings, I strongly suggest that you do.

FROZEN

Although this movie doesn’t stop me from wanting to hit the slopes, it may have the Jaws effect on a first time skier wanting to give the sport a go. I remember first viewing this flick and being very intrigued by the concept, not knowing how the presented events would play out. It’s definitely a fun ride from start to finish, keeping your attention with its suspenseful scenarios and bone-chilling camera shots.

JACK FROST

Being a completely ridiculous movie, it would almost be blasphemous not to have JACK FROST on your winter list. This is a film that is best watched amongst friends, as all of you are sure to be endlessly entertained by this sinister snowman’s shenanigans. With murder like you’ve never seen it on screen before, JACK FROST makes for a great watch during this time of year.

THE SHINING

Stay warm with all of your friends at The Overlook hotel this season with THE SHINING being a perfect addition to anyone’s list! Another great movie to throw on while getting snowed in – it wouldn’t be winter without watching this flick at least a few (or ten) times.

30 DAYS OF NIGHT

Nothing says winter quite like vampires wreaking havoc on the people of a desolate Alaskan town. I remember watching this movie in January this year when temperatures hit in the negatives, setting a great tone for the present weather, and really portraying the sense of fear and darkness.

SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT

Have you been naughty or nice this year? I’m sure Billy would be able to answer that question with one swing of his axe. Presenting more cheese than craftsmanship, SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT is a film that is more hoaky than serious. But, nonetheless I greatly enjoy watching this flick during the duration of December, providing a great bloody holiday ambiance that is sure to entertain its viewers until Christmas comes to close.

DEAD OF WINTER (1987)

If you haven’t given this late 80s horror/thriller a shot, I suggest rectifying that this instant. DEAD OF WINTER hosts everything you could possibly ask for in a thriller, showcasing blackmail, suspense, and relentless danger dipped in 80s charm. This is a great film to change up any viewing monotony you may be experiencing this coming winter.

RAVENOUS

This is a film that I very much like and am confused by all at the same time. The haphazard nature of this plot really throws me for a loop at times, leaving me questioning what in the hell I just watched. But if you’re down for some desperate and stranded individuals wrapped in the premise of cannibalism, than I highly recommend giving this unique film a try.

BLACK CHRISTMAS (1974)

Pulling rank as my number one favorite holiday horror movie, BLACK CHRISTMAS contains everything needed for the perfect seasonal watching. And let’s not forget the ever lovable alcoholic housemother sneaking booze from her secret hiding places every chance she gets – gotta love it! The 2006 remake also has its moments, displaying an altered plot with some great lighting and gore sequences.

Abigail Braman
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