Best in Show: Holiday Horrors (Pt. I of II)

The holidays can be a pretty fun time. Whether gathering around a tree or lighting the menorah, we're constantly reminded that this is a time for family and to resonate on all the things we're thankful for. But, for some, the season is a reminder of how terrifying their family is. This week's list covers the best holiday horror movies. On it, there's a notable absence of Gremlins, simply due to the overly fond memories held of this movie as a happier, campy children's film. The rest of these flicks are most certainly aren't meant for kids and will add an adult flair to an otherwise typical family theme found on Hallmark and Freeform. So without further ado, happy holidays! May they be as horrific as they are in these films.



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10. The Children

Cheesy and sometimes annoying, The Children gets plenty wrong in its attempts at making a horror film about a gaggle of youngsters who turn on their parents. The adult characters, and especially the one teenager unaffiliated by the strange happenings, are all pretty one dimensional. But in some ways, this makes the bloodbath that much more fun. The Children never really makes hearts beat faster, but it does provide a few good laughs and plenty of jovial moments with psychotic children doing exactly what one could expect. 


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9. The Conjuring 2

The Conjuring 2 is a terrifying horror sequel. If this was a list on modern horror movies, it would even be placed higher. But, what is often overlooked is that this film is actually a holiday movie. Taking place during the holiday season, even featuring Christmas decorations, The Conjuring 2 has even received (sarcastic) confirmation from creator and horror icon James Wan that the follow up of the fantastic original is, in fact, a Christmas horror movie. Even without many references, this movie is about family and its themes are reminiscent of those shared during yuletide celebrations. All that's missing in this generally not-about-Christmas-but-most-definitely-is-about-Christmas horror film to push it up this list is perhaps some more sparkling lights.

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8. Body 

Want to lose the Christmas spirit? This indie-thriller following a trio of girls who accidentally push a groundskeeper down the stairs of a house they broke into is just the kind of darkly mean-spirited flick to halt any thoughts of Santa or elves. Intense and void of any joy, Body would best be reserved for those who hate holiday fun. While the movie may have some disturbingly comedic moments, the ever-grim Body definitely isn't for the faint of heart.

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7. Orphan

Often forgotten on the list of Christmas-themed horror movies is Orphan; a film that takes place almost entirely around the holiday season. With perhaps one of the most iconic plot twists in modern horror, it's easy to forget how holiday-driven Orphan is. From scenic snowfalls and warm interior tones, to a Christmas tree and presents that matter later in the film, Orphan is a must-have inclusion for any jolly horror fanatic. Like many of the movies on this list, the themes go deeper than the setting and décor, featuring a family that must stand together or be ripped apart.

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6. Wind Chill

Before she stars opposite her real-life husband as a mother who must keep her family safe from a supernatural danger attracted to noise, Emily Blunt first starred in a little horror film called Wind Chill. Following two classmates who end up stranded on a "scenic" route during their trip home for the holidays, Wind Chill is an on-the-fly tale reminding all of us to be thankful for all we have, no matter how we got it or where we are. Wind Chill could have easily been a terrifying survival film, but when it ties in ghostly elements, audiences will certainly find plenty to appreciate during the holidays, given the sad lives of the road's previous victims.

Best in Show: Clingy Foes (Pt. II of II)



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4. Obsessed Beyoncé in a horror movie? Yes. Before the bat-swinging vengeful Beyoncé of Lemonade, she was playing the equally vengeful mother and wife of a man who attacks the unwanted attention of stalker Lisa, played by the especially starling Ali Larter. This movie is entertaining purely based on the insanity of Lisa and the eventual melodramatic confrontation between Beyoncé's Sharon and her. This movie isn't scary, but it is fun. Idris Elba's Derek is perfect in his role as the trapped victim of Lisa's games. Whether at work or on a trip, he can't escape her.


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3. Misery

In perhaps one of the most iconic obsession films, the Stephen King original finds Kathy Bates in one of her biggest roles. As an obsessed reader and self-proclaimed "number one fan" of fictional author Paul Sheldon, Bates' Annie is a terrifying control freak and stalker. So obsessed with the writer that she attempts to keep him for herself, Annie forged the way for future characters like hers. From spoofs to music videos, Misery left a lasting mark on pop culture. Misery is a dreary film that finds chaos in fandoms. It’s the type of film that is especially poignant in today's celebrity-obsessed culture where fans, "stans" and trolls engross themselves and harass famous people as if they're their best friends or their worst enemy. In fact, Misery now, feels ahead of its time.



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2. The Gift

Entering this film with little outside knowledge of it is the best way to become fully enveloped in the twisting plot of The Gift. Deeply unsettling and grossly underrated, The Gift follows the arrival of a mysterious man from a husband's past as he interjects himself in the couple's lives. All isn't as it seems though, and by the movie's climax, this obsession story featuring gifts left on doorsteps becomes an engulfing experience that'll leave you stunned. Without saying more, as not to give away all this film holds, The Gift is a troubling must-see.

 

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1. Orphan

In terms of commitment, nothing will ever reach the levels of insanity that is Esther from Orphan. By far one of the most legendary movies to come out of modern horror, the film's infamous twist paired with compelling performances by horror maven Vera Farmiga and up-and-comer Isabelle Fuhrman made audiences shriek. Orphan is one of those movies that "goes there;" completely unafraid of what its reception would be. Esther's obsession with the father, and well, her past fathers, is next level. The film's finale reveal brings on major creep vibes and whether you think you're a clingy person or not, chances are you'll realize you're not that level of obsessed. While movies like it have come before and will surely follow, Orphan deserves this spot of infamy.