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Christmas films don’t have to be completely saccharine sweet, we’ll have you know - despite it being the most popular formula this time of year.
There are some of you out there that just ‘loathe’ the notion of a festive movie that follows the familiar cinematic tropes; it’s either a boy and girl fall in love, separate but somehow get back together for Christmas, or a family coming together and realising the importance of the season.
But what about something a little more, dare we say it, “transgressive?” “Nasty?” Dare we say it, quite anti-Christmas in its execution? Then perhaps we can be of service this year.
Be it a controversial ‘80s slasher that led to a huge moral panic upon its release, to a classic piece of nasty British horror, we’ve compiled 13 ‘alternative’ Christmas films that you can stream this year.
Be warned though - some of these are not suitable for all the family, despite former WCW World Champion Bill Goldberg starring in one of our irreverent offerings.
9. Don’t Open Till Christmas (Amazon Video)
In this British slasher, a killer hunts down anyone dressed as Santa Claus. Set against a festive London backdrop, it’s a sleazy, gory reminder to keep your Christmas celebrations low-key. | 21st Century Film Corporation
10. Christmas on Mars (Apple TV+)
The Flaming Lips deliver a bizarre space opera about a man trying to create holiday cheer on a Martian colony. Psychedelic, surreal, and vaguely Christmassy, it’s unlike any other holiday film. | Shout! Factory
11. Tales From the Crypt: Demon Knight (Apple TV+)
While not overtly a Christmas movie, this supernatural horror flick features plenty of snowy visuals and festive chaos. It’s a Cryptkeeper classic with gore and laughs aplenty. | Universal Picture/Tales from the Crypt Holdings
12. Adult Swim Yule Log (Adult Swim)
What starts as a cosy fireplace video turns into a mind-bending, horror-filled Christmas special with killer logs and bizarre twists. It’s the weirdest thing you’ll watch this season—and that’s saying something. | Williams Street Productions