Christmas movies often focus on laughter — think “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” — and love — just look at all those Hallmark holiday rom-coms.
But this list isn’t that. This is where the holidays get dangerous, whether it’s little Kevin McCallister bonking bad guys on the head in “Home Alone,” or the more existential threats facing John McClane in “Die Hard.”
Here are 10 of the all-time best holiday movies that mix horror, comedy, action and more.
“Anna and the Apocalypse” (2017): What says Christmas more than a high school overrun by zombies at Christmas? That it’s also a musical and Scottish only adds to its funny horrors.
“Batman Returns” (1992): Gotham City is all dressed up for the holidays but does Batman get to enjoy the pretty lights? No! The Penguin and Catwoman murder the Ice Princess, and frame Batman for the job. No wonder the Dark Knight is always so … dark.
“Black Christmas” (1974): The sorority house is getting weird phone calls and the sisters are getting nervous. As well they should. This holiday horror flick is also one of the first-ever slasher movies.
“Die Hard” (1988): Yes, “Die Hard.” Bruce Willis plays NYPD detective John McClane, a regular guy who just wants to get back with his wife. So he flies to Los Angeles to see her at her office party. Oops! Terrorists have taken over Nakatomi Plaza and if McClane hopes to ever see his wife again he’s gonna have to deal with bad guy Hans Gruber first.
“Fatman” (2020): A spoiled 12-year-old hires a hitman after Santa leaves him a lump of coal, so a resourceful Santa, played by Mel Gibson, has to defend himself and Christmas itself from the baddies. That kid deserved his lump of coal.
“Gremlins” (1984): Sure, they’re cute, and every kid wanted one for Christmas that one year, but please, do NOT feed them after midnight!
“Home Alone” (1990): True, it’s a comedy when Kevin gets left at home as his family flies to Europe for the holidays. But just look at his ingenious schemes to foil a pair of not-so-bright burglars. A holiday action movie at its heart.
“Krampus” (2015): Krampus is like the anti-Santa. Like, do not even put your stocking out if you hear Krampus is in the neighborhood. Adam Scott and Toni Collette give this horror show a stronger cast than a lot of traditional Christmas movies.
“Lethal Weapon” (1987): As Christmas approaches, LAPD detective Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) is suicidal. But an urgent case springs him and partner Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) into action. When they crack the case, without Riggs getting Murtaugh killed or hurt, Murtaugh invites him to Christmas dinner with the family.
“Scrooged” (1988): Bill Murray’s retelling of “A Christmas Carol” might seem like a traditional holiday movie, but ask yourself: What was Charles Dickens’ novella really about? Ghosts.
