Prepare to be spooked this holiday season as we delve into the dark side of Santa Claus! While the jolly old man in red is often associated with wholesome cheer and happiness, some filmmakers have twisted this image into something sinister. Get ready for a chilling journey through the best killer Santa movies, a sub-genre that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about Christmas.
The Dark Side of Santa: A Sub-Genre Unveiled
In the 1980s, horror enthusiasts decided to play with our expectations by transforming the beloved Santa Claus into a menacing figure. This sub-genre of horror Christmas movies was born, offering a unique twist on the traditional holiday narrative. But here's where it gets controversial: is it possible to enjoy these films without feeling a twinge of guilt for rooting for the 'bad guy'?
Let's explore some of the most iconic killer Santa movies and decide for ourselves!
Violent Night (2022): A Twist on the Traditional Santa
In this modern take, David Harbour portrays a Santa Claus who is losing faith in the holiday spirit. When a wealthy family is taken hostage, he becomes their unexpected savior. With a grenade down the back of his enemies' pants and a camera-facing smirk, this Santa is not your average gift-giver. He takes on a group of mercenaries, leaving a trail of gore and a memorable catchphrase: "I have to watch." A unique twist on the killer Santa trope, this film offers a refreshing take on the genre.
Santa's Slay (2005): The Devil's Return
Get ready for a wild ride with Goldberg, the wrestler-turned-actor, as he portrays Santa Claus with a twist. In this film, Santa is revealed to be the son of the Devil himself! After a thousand years of being forced to play the jolly man, his time is up, and he's back to his demonic ways. He embarks on a mission to kill famous figures and anyone else who crosses his path. Only an angel and a couple of brave teenagers stand in his way. It's a goofy, fun time that will leave you questioning the true nature of Santa.
Tales from the Crypt (1972 & 1989): A Chilling Anthology
This entry is a double feature of sorts, featuring a story from both a movie and a TV show. In 1972, Amicus Productions presented a tale of a woman (Joan Collins) who, on Christmas Eve, kills her husband only to meet her demise at the hands of a demented man in a Santa suit. The story was later reimagined for the HBO series, with Larry Drake's portrayal of the evil St. Nick leaving a lasting impression. Both versions offer a chilling take on the killer Santa concept, providing a fun and eerie watch.
Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022): Killer Robot Santa!
Get ready for a unique twist on the killer Santa genre with the only film on our list to feature a killer robot Santa! In a world where decommissioned military robots are repurposed as store Santas, things quickly go awry. One robot comes to life and embarks on a murderous rampage, sparing no one. Even a child isn't safe, as they meet their end with an axe to the head. This Terminator-inspired holiday film is a wild ride, with a scene of a robot Santa driving an ambulance into cop cars that will surely get you in the holiday spirit - if you dare!
Christmas Evil (1980): A Dark Origin Story
One of the earliest killer Santa films, Christmas Evil, takes us on a journey with Harry, a young boy who witnesses his parents' intimate moment while his father is dressed as Santa. This traumatic experience leads him to cut himself with a broken snow globe, a symbol of his shattered innocence. As an adult, he works in a toy manufacturing company, trying to spread Christmas cheer year-round. However, when he feels wronged at work, his dark side emerges, and he begins a killing spree as Santa Claus, targeting those he believes have been naughty.
Silent Night (2012): Flamethrower and Wood Chipper
Although marketed as a "remake" of Silent Night, Deadly Night, this film stands on its own as a fun and entertaining bloodbath. In a small Wisconsin town, a killer Santa runs amok, armed with a flamethrower and a wood chipper. The town's residents must figure out where he will strike next, creating a tense and thrilling atmosphere. With Malcolm McDowell as the town sheriff, chewing the scenery and adding to the film's charm, Silent Night is a must-watch for horror fans seeking a unique holiday thrill.
Rare Exports (2010): The Origin of Mall Santas
While Rare Exports doesn't feature a killer Santa, it reveals the dark truth behind the mall Santas we often see. An excavation team uncovers a large being encased in ice, only for them to disappear soon after. A young boy and his father discover a bearded man in their shed, believing it to be Santa. They quickly learn that he is one of Santa's "helpers," an evil being imprisoned in ice years ago but now on the verge of being released. A swarm of these helpers arrives to prevent the villagers from destroying Santa for good. This Finnish film offers a fun and eerie take on the legend of Santa Claus and the folklore surrounding him.
Deadly Games (1989): A French Twist
This French film has gained popularity over the years, especially after its appearance on Joe Bob Brigg's The Last Drive-In. A homeless man finds work as a mall Santa but is fired after slapping a child. He then heads to the manager's house, unaware that only a young boy and his sick grandfather are home. Little does he know that the boy is a technical genius who has set up booby traps throughout the house. It becomes a battle of wits, with the young lad's obsession with Rambo adding an extra layer of danger. A unique blend of Die Hard and Home Alone, Deadly Games is a must-watch for fans of unconventional holiday horror.
Saint (2010): Evil Bishop and Ancient Folklore
This Dutch entry presents 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 threat. They must confront St. Nicholas and his minions to prevent more children from falling victim. Drawing on ancient folklore legends that inspired the Santa Claus we know today, Saint offers a unique and fun take on the killer Santa sub-genre, showcasing European traditions that may be unfamiliar to American audiences.
Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984): The Iconic Killer Santa
While it may not be the first killer Santa movie, Silent Night, Deadly Night is undoubtedly the most well-known. The film caused such a stir that parent groups protested, leading to its removal from theaters. Even film star Mickey Rooney wrote a letter shaming the filmmakers, calling for them to be run out of town for tarnishing Santa's image. Rooney would later star as the evil Toy Maker in the fifth entry in the series. This film not only features a killer Santa but introduces us to two of them! Billy, a young boy who witnesses his parents' murder by a maniac in a Santa outfit, grows up in an orphanage before being released on his 18th birthday. When he takes a job at a retail store and is forced to dress up as Santa, his traumatic memories resurface, and he snaps, embarking on a killing spree to determine who has been "naughty." This film features one of the most iconic holiday horror deaths, with Billy lifting Linnea Quigley, topless, and impaling her on a set of deer antlers mounted on the wall. A true classic that deserves a watch every Christmas season.
So, which killer Santa movie is your favorite? Join the discussion in the comments and share your thoughts on these chilling yet entertaining films! Don't forget to share your own recommendations and opinions on this unique sub-genre of horror Christmas movies.
Source: JoBlo
