The 12 Scariest Killer Santa Clauses in Horror Movies, Ranked
A look at the most terrifying depictions of killer Santa Clauses in horror movies, each with its unique twist on the malevolent figure of St. Nick.
The Terrifying World of Killer Santa Claus
The holiday season is often associated with warmth, joy, and kindness, but in the realm of horror movies, it takes a darker turn. Killer Santa Claus movies have been a genre staple for over four decades, subverting the innocence of jolly St. Nick by portraying him as a malevolent murderer who punishes naughty and nice behavior in equal measure. These movies offer a terrifying twist on the beloved figure of Santa Claus, depicting him as a vengeful and deadly character.
The killer in Santa Claws.
From the iconic Black Christmas to the cult classic Silent Night, Deadly Night, the depiction of killer Kris Kringle varies widely, with some movies featuring people dressing up as Santa to kill, while others portray the actual Santa Claus as the murderous figure. The genre also includes films where an evil version of Santa Claus wreaks havoc, adding a new layer to the slasher horror genre with grisly scenes and a relentless killer in a Santa costume.
Ricky wielding an ax in the movie Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2.
The Most Terrifying Killer Santa Claus Movies
1. Tales From The Crypt (1972): The opening chapter in Tales From the Crypt features a truly terrifying Santa Claus who sets the template for the genre. In this anthology horror film, Santa is portrayed as old, feeble, and endearing at first, before revealing his lethal intent as he stalks a woman in the house.
An evil Santa from Tales of the Crypt
2. Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984): Widely hailed as the most famous killer Santa horror movie, this film follows the story of Billy, a boy who witnesses Santa Claus murder his parents and grows up to follow in his parent's killer's footsteps.
Billy in a Santa suit in Silent Night, Deadly Night
3. Silent Night, Deadly Night 2 (1987): This cult classic features Ricky, a vengeful boy who grows up to become a killer Santa Claus, seeking revenge against Mother Superior from the first movie.
4. Santa's Slay (2005): Former professional wrestler Bill Goldberg stars as a buffed Santa Claus who goes on a brutal murder spree, using his domineering physique to brutally waylay anyone in his way.
Goldberg as Santa in Santa's Slay.
5. Christmas Evil (1980): This slasher film features a protagonist who becomes a deadly Santa Claus after being scarred by the image of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. He goes on an indiscriminate killing spree as a Santa.
Santa in Christmas Evil.
6. Rare Exports (2010): A deeply unsettling Scandinavian horror-fantasy film that turns the historical mythology of Santa Claus on its head, portraying Santa as an evil figure involved in violent acts.
Santa Claus sitting in a wooden box in Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale.
7. Sint (2010): This Dutch horror film offers a refreshing take on the killer Santa Claus subgenre, imagining St. Nicholas as a sinister figure who slaughters victims with his sharpened staff.
Sint in St. Nick.
8. Deadly Games (1989): A little-known French slasher that features a terrifying killer Santa Claus who targets a young boy and his grandfather, leading to a battle for survival.
A man dressed as Santa with a knife in Deadly Games
9. To All A Goodnight (1980): A festive and ferocious killer Santa Claus movie that takes place at an all-girls school, where a deranged serial killer dressed as Santa begins slaughtering the boys in wildly gruesome ways.
The killer Santa Claus in To All a Goodnight.
10. Silent Night (2012): A remake of Silent Night, Deadly Night with a new wrinkle that makes the killer Santa Claus nearly as scary as the original, using various murder weapons in inventive ways.
Santa in Silent Night (2012)
11. Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984): The controversial 'video nasty' that centers on Billy, a boy who witnesses Santa Claus murder his parents and grows up to become a ferociously fatal killer Santa Claus.
12. Santa Claws (1996): A killer Santa Claus movie that delves into toxic fandom and stalkers, featuring a B-movie scream queen who becomes the victim of a stalker dressed as a demonic Santa Claus.
The Diverse Depictions of Killer Santa Claus
The depiction of killer Santa Claus in horror movies is diverse, ranging from the portrayal of Santa as a vengeful figure seeking revenge to the subversion of the beloved Christmas icon into a malevolent murderer. Some movies feature actual Santa Claus characters, while others involve people dressing up as Santa to commit heinous acts. Additionally, there are films that reimagine Santa Claus as a demonic or sinister figure, adding a new layer of horror to the holiday season. Each movie offers a unique twist on the killer Santa Claus subgenre, contributing to the rich tapestry of horror cinema.
From the terrifying portrayal of Santa in Tales From the Crypt to the deeply unsettling Scandinavian horror of Rare Exports, the diverse depictions of killer Santa Claus in horror movies have captivated audiences with their unique twists and terrifying narratives. These films stand as a testament to the enduring appeal of the horror genre, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved figure of Santa Claus and the darker side of the holiday season.
