5 CHRISTMAS IN JULY HORROR FILMS TO WATCH AFTER DARK!

by Jimmy O'Hara

Source: Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation - Official Trailer

5. Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation (1990)

In the subversive fourth sequel to the 80s Santa-slasher franchise, the jolly nosed, ax wielding maniac is replaced with a cult of lesbian coded witches who worship satanic bugs during the sacrificial holiday season.

Source: Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation - Official Trailer

Sex, hedonism, and body horror, all staples of any Brian Yuzna film, are on full display in this nastily gory and disgustingly stunning showcase of costuming, make up, and practical and visual effects. ​

Source: Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation - Official Trailer

Fans of cult film Society (1989) will be pleased to realize Yuzna is able to utilize his signature gnarly style in horrifyingly staunch juxtaposition against the cheery holiday setting, creating an unforgettable, self-contained sequel installment that is able to stand on its own two…or six…legs.

4. Adult Swim’s Yule Log (2022)

Source: Fireplace Yule Log | adult swim

Charmingly surreal, psychedelically horrifying, and effectively hilarious; all the renowned trademarks of THE Adult Swim network! And throwing in a surprisingly evocative dive into historical fictitious lore, an equally nuanced subtextual analysis of class divide, and the perfect hint of extra-terrestrial cosmic horror ensures this found-footage horror-comedy TV movie will warm horror lovers of all ages on one of those cold summer nights.

Whether on vacation like the main heroine, or just trying to dream of cooler, winter days ahead to get you through the hot July, an annual Yule Log viewing is the perfect untraditional tradition!

3. Cuento de Navidad (2005)

Source: CUENTO DE NAVIDAD (Películas Para No Dormir) - Trailer español

Is there anything more horrifying than the loss of youthful innocence? In many Western cultures, the myth of Santa Claus is held most dearly by the youngest and most innocent within society. Fitting that this Spanish Santa-slasher indie film would use the jolly holiday as a chillingly naughty allegory for societal greed, human corruption, and animalistic vengeance surrounding a group of poor, young children looking to get rich quick in time to get everything they want for the holiday season. Layered, sympathetic, and brutal.

Source: CUENTO DE NAVIDAD (Películas Para No Dormir) - Trailer español

2. Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)

Joy to the world, peace on earth, and goodwill to all men and…zombies?! This critically acclaimed, Scottish indie horror-action MUSICAL (and future cult classic) has enough energy, heart, and meat (pun intended) to remind viewers of the true reasons for the holiday season!

Source: Anna and the Apocalypse Official Trailer

There's plenty of suspense, horror, and gore to keep every horror lover engaged as well! Anna and the Apocalypse is a profound display of indie filmmaking, musical storytelling, and genre exploitation coming uniquely together to create a wholly original and subversive, yet classic, modern-day epic of adolescent, apocalyptic, and acoustic proportions! Anna and her merry band of survivors will make you laugh, cry, and sing along all summer!

1. Silent Night, Bloody Night (1972)

Source: Silent Night, Bloody Night (1972) - Trailer

A horror masterpiece that must be experienced to be believed, Silent Night, Bloody Night is a holiday gothic nightmare filled to the brim with mood, atmosphere, and period allure. A haunted old mansion with a sinister backstory, a small-town urban legend turned deadly conspiracy, and a violent, ax-wielding psychopath leaving threatening phone calls ties an ensemble of colorful victims together in this early proto-slasher gem. Featuring Killer POV shots predating Black Christmas (1974) and Halloween (1978) that effectively crafts a visceral, slow burning sense of dread that meanders within the stone halls of the haunted house, lingering throughout the film to yield a sense of voyeuristic intimidation. 

Source: Silent Night, Bloody Night (1972) - Trailer

A predator stalks its prey! The murder mystery is heavily stylized, atmospheric, and reminiscent of golden age Italian giallo classics (think your favorite Argento). It also serves as an early blueprint for the American slasher craze that would soon begin to BOOM in the latter half of the 70s decade; conventions of which would be imitated in more famous titles like Black Christmas (1974), When A Stranger Calls (1979), and, of course, Halloween (1978).

And the entire drama unfolds to the most deliciously foreboding score that dances along with the dialogue, adding to and/or diluting the suspense in waves; it successfully matches the trepid uncertainty contained until the final moments.

Source: Source: Silent Night, Bloody Night (1972) - Trailer

It is in these last beats of the films where the true horrors are revealed in incredible German expressionist silent film era glory - the iconic hymn after which the title is named chimes in minor harmony with the credits. A full circle ending that calls back to the opening title card sequence.

The action of the plot in between these cyclical moments, self-contained to two Christmas Eve nights exactly two decades apart, starts and ends with the famed holiday. Christmas comes and goes every year, and it will come again. Just like the horrors of life, none of which care about ruining the holiday season!