From Gremlins to Krampus, these cult classic Christmas movies mix cheer, chaos, and oddball charm. Start a new holiday watch tradition.
Holiday viewing doesn’t have to be all cozy cheer. Some Christmas movies built their reputations the long way—through midnight screenings, late-night TV, and loyal fans who kept spreading the word. These are the oddballs that mix joy with chaos and have become seasonal favorites for people who like something a little stranger.
Below are some of the best cult Christmas movies every fan should see at least once.
Gremlins (1984)
Cute meets chaos when small-town Christmas collides with mischievous creatures. Joe Dante’s dark comedy remains one of the most rewatched cult classics of the season.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
Black Christmas (1974)
A quiet, unsettling Canadian thriller that helped define the slasher genre. Its snowbound atmosphere and eerie phone calls still chill today.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
Scrooged (1988)
Bill Murray modernizes *A Christmas Carol* as a cynical TV exec haunted by ghosts and ratings. It’s weird, witty, and somehow still heartfelt.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
Once banned, now beloved. A traumatized toy store clerk dons a Santa suit and takes revenge. It’s exploitative, outrageous, and completely unforgettable.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964)
So bad it’s good. A Martian plot to kidnap Santa results in one of the strangest, most oddly charming holiday films ever made.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
Batman Returns (1992)
Tim Burton’s gothic fairy tale turns Gotham into a snow globe. Catwoman and Penguin steal the show in one of the most stylish superhero Christmas movies ever made.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
Shane Black’s witty crime caper sparkles under Christmas lights. Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer are magnetic in this darkly funny LA noir.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
The Ref (1994)
A burglar accidentally becomes a marriage counselor on Christmas Eve. It’s biting, clever, and perfect for anyone who prefers holiday dysfunction.
Where to stream: Available on DVD and on streaming.
The Ice Harvest (2005)
A dark comedy set on a freezing Christmas Eve. John Cusack and Billy Bob Thornton make this bleak little noir worth rediscovering.
Where to stream: Available on DVD and on digital.
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)
A Finnish film that reimagines Santa as something ancient and terrifying. It’s eerie, inventive, and oddly heartwarming.
Where to stream: Available on DVD and on streaming.
Krampus (2015)
A modern cult classic that blends family drama, folklore, and monsters. The practical effects and twisted humor made it an instant favorite.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
Three homeless companions find an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve and set out to find her parents. Satoshi Kon’s film is both funny and deeply moving.
Where to stream: Available on DVD and on streaming.
Better Watch Out (2016)
A babysitting gig turns into a Christmas nightmare. It’s smart, tense, and one of the sharpest recent additions to the holiday horror canon.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold digitally.
Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
A British high school musical with zombies, songs, and Christmas cheer. It’s energetic, original, and full of heart.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
Die Hard (1988)
The eternal holiday debate. John McClane just wants peace on earth—and to see his family. Whether or not you call it a Christmas movie, it belongs on this list.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
How We Picked
Each title earned its status through loyal fandom, home video revival, or late-night screening circuits. Christmas isn’t just the setting—it’s the spark that makes these stories stand out. From horror to comedy, each one gives the holidays a different twist.
