Alternative Christmas Films: bored of what's on the box? Try these 13 alternative Christmas features instead

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.

1. Krampus (Sky Cinema)

When a dysfunctional family loses their Christmas spirit, they unwittingly summon Krampus, a terrifying demon who punishes the naughty. Equal parts horror and holiday satire, this chilling flick puts a dark spin on festive traditions featuring acting talents such as Toni Collette and Adam Scott. | Legendary Pictures 

2. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale

A young boy and his father discover a secret that Santa isn’t who we thought he was—and he’s very dangerous. This Finnish cult favourite blends folklore, horror, and dark comedy, making it a perfect anti-Christmas tale. | Oscilloscope Laboratories

3. Silent Night, Deadly Night (Shudder)

A man traumatized by childhood events goes on a rampage dressed as Santa Claus. This controversial ‘80s slasher film explores the dark side of Christmas with shocking kills and over-the-top camp. | TriStar Pictures

4. Black Christmas (MUBI)

Widely considered the first slasher movie, this 1974 classic follows a group of sorority sisters as they’re terrorized by mysterious phone calls and gruesome murders over the holidays. Its snowy backdrop makes the horror all the more chilling. | Ambassador Film Distributors

5. A Christmas Horror Story (Prime Video)

This anthology film features four interwoven holiday horror tales, including Krampus attacking a family and zombie elves at the North Pole. A twisted take on traditional holiday cheer. | Image Entertainment

In this over-the-top action flick, Santa Claus himself takes on a group of mercenaries threatening a family’s Christmas. Think Die Hard, but with Santa in the lead role - and played by 'Stranger Things' actor David Harbour. | Universal Pictures

7. Terrifier 3 (Amazon Video)

Art the Clown is back, and this time he’s wreaking havoc during the holiday season. Expect buckets of gore and a very, very disturbing scene involving Santa Claus, among other horrific set piece. | Cineverse

8. Santa's Slay (Plex)

Wrestler Bill Goldberg stars as Santa—a demonic figure on a Christmas killing spree. This horror-comedy is as ridiculous as it sounds, but it’s also wickedly entertaining. | Lionsgate

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

13. Tokyo Godfathers (Apple TV+)

On Christmas Eve, three homeless people in Tokyo find an abandoned baby and embark on a chaotic yet heartfelt journey to reunite her with her family. This anime classic blends absurd comedy, touching drama, and a strong holiday message of hope and redemption. | GKIDS/Madhouse