Horror Movies You’ve Already Seen… But Forgot Took Place on Christmas
Mike Sprague
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Merry Christmas!
Every year we get swamped with lists recommending horror films we should watch (again) this Christmas. Usually the same films end up on the lists, with classics like Gremlins, Black Christmas, and Silent Night, Deadly Night being recommended year after year.
Sometimes we might even see a list that holds Christmas themed films you haven’t seen, such as Home for the Holidays (which seems to be the big one this year), Elves, and Don’t Open till Christmas. These are solid (enough) films; don’t get me wrong. But what we wanted to do here today on Dread Central is throw some holiday classics your way that you have no doubt seen time and time again. But these are films you may very well have forgotten take place on and/or around the Christmas holidays.
Now let’s get to it.
P2 (2007)
I’m starting off with this entry because chances are you remembered the film takes place on Christmas. If you didn’t, well, bonus points to me. That said, you probably did remember the holiday horror contained within this overlooked film, but the point today is the recommend of a rewatch.
Sure P2 isn’t a major hidden classic, but I do think that if you rewatch the film again this Christmas, you will find it a much more enjoyable (and terrifically simple) roller coaster ride with a terrific performance by Rachel Nichols.
The Dorm That Dripped Blood (1982)
For those who may have forgotten, The Dorm That Dripped Blood (aka Pranks) follows a group of college coeds who stay on campus over the Christmas holidays to clean out an old dorm. A delightfully gory low-budget slasher classic, The Dorm That Dripped Blood also holds the distinction of being the second film that famed composer Christopher Young (Hellraiser, Drag Me to Hell) ever composed.
Mix that bit of trivia with a pinch of the holiday spirit, and The Dorm That Dripped Blood is a quality watch that you may have skipped over in years previous.
Inside (2007)
Personally, I consider the French home invasion thriller Inside to be one of the few perfect horror films ever made. Along with Rosemary’s Baby, Jaws, Alien, and select few others, Inside is everything you could want and more in a fright flick. And what better reason to rewatch the film with someone you love this holiday season than with the cheerful excuse that the film is a hidden Christmas classic. Yeah, that should work on friends, family, and loved ones. Moo-haha.
But seriously, give Inside a watch this Christmas.
The Children (2008)
The Children is a film that I didn’t catch up on until last year. I’m not the biggest fan of killer kid movies, but I’m glad I took the recommendation as The Children is not only a solid horror film, but it is absolutely gorgeous. Set in the snowy winter-woods, The Children is as visually stunning as it is delightfully bloody and mean-spirited.
Gather the nieces and nephews together this holiday season and share with them the tale of The Children. Empower them. If only for the holidays. The rest of the family will be utterly horrified, but the kids will love it. Guaranteed.
ATM (2012)
Urgh. ATM. Urgh. I don’t know if you ever bothered to watch this Christmas contained thriller starring Alice Eve and Josh Peck, but if you didn’t, maybe that’s for the best. It isn’t good. That said, this is one of those films that contains what casual fans will think is quality horror… and it will have you rolling your eyes. But again, this is for friends and family that are feeling a bit brave this Christmas and willing to take a horror recommendation from you.
Bonus points for playing ATM and the abovementioned P2 as a double feature. Just don’t expect to watch it yourself.
Maniac Cop 2 (1990)
The undead killer Cop, Matt Cordell (Robert Z’Dar), returns in the Christmas-centric sequel to William Lustig’s Maniac Cop. Set over the holidays and loaded with over-the-top action and gore, Maniac Cop 2 is a favorite among horror fans all year round. But how about giving this film a spot on your must-watch every Christmas list? Or, you know, at least this Christmas.
The best part about adding Maniac Cop 2 to the yuletide viewing experience is you have to add the original film in there as well. And nothing sounds more fun to me on a dull pre-Christmas Eve than watching Robert Z’Dar maim and murder Manhattan.
Psycho (1960)
This one is a bit of a stretch, but do you really need a reason to add Alfred Hitchcock’s utter classic Psycho to your Christmas festivities? No, you don’t. The film begins with the title card that lets us know that the day and date of Marion Crane going full Danny Ocean takes place on December 11. Meaning the remainder of the film plays out in the following days leading up to Xmas.
Bonus points for all the Christmas decorations you can spot throughout the film. There aren’t many, but again, who needs a holiday to tell you to watch Psycho again? Exactly.
And there you have it. These are our recommends for some horror flicks you’ve already seen but may have forgotten take place on/or around the Christmas holiday.
So this year switch up the pace, and give your copies of Black Christmas, Christmas Evil and “Tales from the Crypt: And All Through the House” a year off (just kidding, keep “All Through the House” on in a constant loop).
What are your favorite horror movies to watch every Christmas? Make sure to hit us up and let us know in the comments below or on social media!
