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The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Sphere

The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Sphere

Prepare to time warp back into the iconic madness of 1975’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a new experience at Sphere in Las Vegas. In special arrangement with Primary Wave Music and 20th Century Studios, Sphere Studios will use its advanced technologies to enhance the original film for a unique immersive experience. Jim Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment, said in a press release, “Since The Rocky Horror Picture Show premiered in 1975, it redefined audience participation and became a cultural phenomenon. With Sphere, we have the opportunity to take that spirit of immersion to an entirely new level.” This new production is part of The Sphere Experience, Sphere’s slate of original immersive content including The Wizard of Oz at Sphere.

The company has yet to announce in what ways the original film will be enhanced. Its predecessor, The Wizard of Oz at Sphere, has drawn criticism from the use of generative AI to add extras and scenery to fit the 60,000-square-foot wraparound interior LED display, and for cutting nearly 30 minutes of runtime from the film (including some musical numbers). 

Expected to open in 2027, audiences will just have to wait in antici…pation.

Learn more about Sphere and their immersive programming at the venue’s official website. 

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a 1975 musical comedy directed by Jim Sharman, and distributed by 20th Century Fox. The film is based on the 1973 musical stage production The Rocky Horror Show, with music, book, and lyrics by Richard O’Brien.

The story concerns an engaged couple whose car breaks down in the rain near a castle, where they search for help. The castle is occupied by strangers in elaborate costumes holding a party. They meet the head of the house, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a mad scientist and alien transvestite from the planet Transsexual in the galaxy of Transylvania, who creates a living muscle man named Rocky.

For over 50 years this cult movie & musical has thrilled audiences worldwide. Midnight screenings are still common around the world with shadow casts often performing alongside the film.

Halloween Drawings

August 18, 2026 No Comments

Day 27 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Draw a Halloween Picture. My artistic talents reside in photography, film, and papercraft. That, however, does not stop me from picking up a

Read More »

Learn a Halloween Song

August 17, 2026 No Comments

Day 26 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge: Learn to Play a Halloween Song. I have been playing the piano since I was a little girl. I love to try new songs

Read More »

Spooky Artists

August 16, 2026 No Comments

Day 25 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Support a Horror Artisan. With AI slop flooding the world, now more than ever it is important to celebrate the creativity and beauty

Read More »
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Entertainment Lifestyle Movies Uncategorized

Host a Horror Movie Night

Host a Horror Movie Night

Invite your bravest friends for a horror movie night! Scary movies are best when surrounded by other people. Horror connects all of us – no matter where you are from, we have all been afraid of what may lurk in the dark. Watching movies with friends allows you all to cower, laugh, and scream together. 

Ever since I was a freshman in college, I used to host movie night parties with my friends. I love to plan the perfect double-feature, meal, and activities to keep the fun going all night long. Here are a few of my tips for hosting an awesome horror movie night.

Pick Your Movie(s)

Single screening or double-feature? When you screen just one movie, anything can really work in the slot. For double-features, try to find films that share a theme or tonally work well together. I often will schedule the darker or more serious film first and save the funnier or more lively film second. That way they will be fresh and ready to experience the heavier film. Having the lighter film second will cleanse your pallet after the terror or darkness of the first film. Additionally, it helps to energize your crowd later in the evening, when they may be a little sleepy. 

My favorite movie nights feature campy horror – allowing us to riff on the film and laugh along. Other times it has been wonderful to share my favorite lesser-known horror films with my friends. It all depends on your taste. I love to introduce people to new movies they otherwise may not encounter.

Here are some pairings my friends rated among their favorites:

Invite Your Guests

Crafting the attendee list is a bit of an art. Here are a few of my guidelines for when I look for the right group of people for a party:

  • Send out invites early. Unlike me, my friends have active social lives, so they need to schedule it in their calendars.
  • If I intend to mix friends from different friend groups, I try to always make sure that each person knows at least one other person besides me at the party. This allows them to have someone they can talk to instantly while they are warming up to the rest of the group.
  • Think about who will actually enjoy the movies you are showing. Especially with horror, sometimes certain people will not do well with the movies you show. An animal lover might have a hard time watching Pet Sematary. A religious friend may not appreciate a movie with demonic possession.

Plan the Menu

Whether it just be popcorn and snacks or a full meal, plan your menu in advance. 

  • Have classic movie theater staples available: Popcorn, M&Ms, Skittles, and Soda
  • Match your meal to the movies. Do the films you show have certain featured foods? Try to incorporate them into the night’s menu.
    • Try some Chinese takeout-inspired dishes with The Lost Boys
    • Spaghetti with homemade tomato sauce, bruschetta, and other tomato-based dishes compliment an Attack of the Killer Tomatoes double-feature. 
    • Check out The Horror Movie Night Cookbook by Richard S Sargent for some other pairing ideas.
  • Make sure to have enough food for all. General guidelines advise to make about 4-6 oz of your main protein, 4-6 oz of your sides, 2 oz of bread or starch, and 1-2 servings of dessert per person. You should also add about a 10% buffer in case you have a particularly ravenous friend (or the unexpected guest arrives). 
  • Be sure to ask ahead if any guests have allergies or dietary needs. If so, be sure to mark allergens and/or safe-to-eat foods so guests can choose their items with care. 
  • Remember food safety! Non-shelf stable foods should not be sitting out all evening. Keep warmers on hand or refrigerate leftovers to prevent food-borne illnesses. 

Plan Fun Activities

Yes, they all came for the movies, but a few fun activities are what will help your group bond and decompress after a scary movie. I love to have a few party games on hand to help people mix and mingle before, after, an/or in-between the films. Here are some of my friends’ favorites:

  • Horror Movie Trivia – Try the Horror Movie edition of Trivial Pursuit, or the horror-themed “Murder Party” Jackbox games
  • Drinking Games – Let guests take shots (or mocktail shots for teetotalers like me) based on criteria matched to your films.
    • Sip for each jump scare
    • Sip when a ghost or monster appears
    • Sip when a horror trope occurs
  • Arts & Crafts
    • During our Attack of the Killer Tomatoes double-feature, my guests decorated their own pet tomato to take home. 
    • Guests can make their own killer masks for screenings of The Purge films, The Strangers films, or other slashers.
    • When in season, carve pumpkins to accompany Halloween-themed films.
  • Board & Card Games – There are a bunch of horror themed games to set the mood.
    • Last Night on Earth (Zombies)
    • Horrified (Universal Monsters)
    • Final Girl (Various Horror Tropes)
    • Official Film Adaptations: Halloween, Scream: The Game, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Board Game, Chucky, The Thing, and many more
    • Werewolf (Various Versions)
    • Campy Creatures (B-horror monsters)

Enjoy Your Horror Movie Night

You’ve done the planning, cleaned your house, made the food, set up the games, and now the guests are arriving. It is time to enjoy all your efforts and have a wonderful movie night.

Want some suggestions for a mini movie marathon? Check out some of my favorite horror shorts in my Film Friday blog post series:

Halloween Drawings

August 18, 2026 No Comments

Day 27 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Draw a Halloween Picture. My artistic talents reside in photography, film, and papercraft. That, however, does not stop me from picking up a

Read More »

Learn a Halloween Song

August 17, 2026 No Comments

Day 26 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge: Learn to Play a Halloween Song. I have been playing the piano since I was a little girl. I love to try new songs

Read More »

Spooky Artists

August 16, 2026 No Comments

Day 25 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Support a Horror Artisan. With AI slop flooding the world, now more than ever it is important to celebrate the creativity and beauty

Read More »
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Emily Movies News

The Joe Haggerty Legacy Collection Box Set

The Joe Haggerty Legacy Collection Box Set

After 10 years of being in the vault, my feature film directorial debut, Who Was Buffalo Bill?,  has been released on DVD as part of The Joe Haggerty Legacy Collection Box Set. Do you like low-budget cult horror? Looking for a box set that has a little something for every horror fan on your list and that one guy who only wants to watch dramas? Do you want to see me play a porn star but not take off any clothes or do anything remotely sexy? (That last one is oddly specific but I am not going to judge). Well, if you have answered yes to any or all of those questions, The Joe Haggerty Legacy Collection Box Set is for you!

In addition to Who Was Buffalo Bill?, the collection features “Camp Blood” and “Camp Blood 2” (Blu-ray, presented in 2D & Blu-ray 3D), Grindhouse Double Feature with “Evil Unleashed” and “Zombie Chronicles” (Blu-ray, presented in 2D & Blu-ray 3D), “Dark Crimes” (DVD), and “Camp Blood 8“. More importantly, the collection has bonus features including a making-of discussion with yours truly and other Who Was Buffalo Bill? cast & crew. We share behind-the-scenes stories and reminisce on our favorite moments in the film. Of course I also ham it up for the camera – just a bit.

You can purchase your box set today through Makeflix for $89.99.

Who Was Buffalo Bill?

Who Was Buffalo Bill? is a “mumblecore” (Joe’s term) drama about a literary agent who receives poetry from a liquidator handling the estate of William F. Marquard III, aka “Buffalo Bill”, a porn actor who recently died from an OD. The poetry is superb, but did Buffalo Bill really write it? The agent teams with a documentary filmmaker to find out who this intriguing man really was, and in the process questions if we ever really know anyone.

The film was shot as a series of interviews with the various people in Buffalo Bill’s life. For a film with an ample array of porn star characters, we didn’t show anything racy – except for a little pan up on my legs at one point. We also didn’t have any cutaway shots – everything was just two cameras documentary style. It was quite the acting challenge to essentially monologue and know that the camera would be catching any imperfection in the performance, but our cast pulled it off wonderfully!

Although this was just my first feature film (and my inexperience certainly shows), I am immensely proud of my work. I managed to direct a large, diverse cast of SAG actors. Being a young woman in a director role, I had to overcome biases and assert myself in a very male-dominated field. On top of all that, I also acted in this film – playing porn star “Sandy Brown” – and having no time to change out of my costume before directing the next scene!

Get Your Joe Haggerty Legacy Collection Box Set Today!

I know 90 bucks is steep, but consider supporting indie filmmakers. It’s a great opportunity to own some fun cult horror in addition to a high brow drama. It’s your only chance to see my first feature film in the comfort of your home! Get yours before they are all gone!

Halloween Drawings

August 18, 2026 No Comments

Day 27 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Draw a Halloween Picture. My artistic talents reside in photography, film, and papercraft. That, however, does not stop me from picking up a

Read More »

Learn a Halloween Song

August 17, 2026 No Comments

Day 26 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge: Learn to Play a Halloween Song. I have been playing the piano since I was a little girl. I love to try new songs

Read More »

Spooky Artists

August 16, 2026 No Comments

Day 25 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Support a Horror Artisan. With AI slop flooding the world, now more than ever it is important to celebrate the creativity and beauty

Read More »
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News

Casting Notice: Tales of the Wildermist Season 1

Casting Notice: Tales of the Wildermist Season 1

The Hollywood Guerilla Film Club is now casting various roles for an upcoming episodic cosmic horror series, Tales of the Wildermist. One of the episodes – To All My Haters – will be directed by yours truly!

This is a non-union production and actors of all experience levels are welcome to apply. If you are interested in auditioning for any role, please send me a message with your contact information, the role(s) you would like to audition for, and a link to your headshot and/or reel.

Tales of the Wildermist Roles

To All My Haters

MACK – 24 years old, white male. Up and coming “influencer” who makes videos of him being a success guru, and how to be more like him. He’s cultivated a following around the image he portrays but could never live up to.

BODY DOUBLE MACK

Crucifact (Bay Area)

ROGER – Homeless dissabled war veteran – 30-50

JUNIPER – Transexual prostitute 25-45

VAGRANT – Homeless Addict and Messiah 30-35

STORE CLERK – Eastern European 35-55

POLICE OFFICER – All reasonable ages and races

Cheater

HARRY – early 30s, male, academic

GAGE – late 20s, male, bad boy heart throb

The Meddler

STEVE – 30s husband, LA city type freshly moved to the suburbs

MISSI – 50s female, MAGA style white supremacist

TREVOR – 50s male Missi’s husband MAGA style white supremacist

TRACEY – early 30s working mom

Casting Call

PATOOTIE – late 30s Latinx male, no nonsense bodyguard that moonlights as a debt collector for the mob.

VANCE – 40s male. LA talent agent. Self involved, narcissistic, stereotypical fast talker producer type.

ROB – Producer, slimy, late 40s, sex predator.

ABBIE – young 20s, aspiring actress, auditioning for a big role and is attacked by predator producer.

Detox

NATALIA – 20s aspiring model, struggling mentally to cope with the demand of meeting the body requirements of her chosen job.

PHOTOGRAPHER – 40s male, stereotype asshole photographer, snobby accents Encouraged.

GUINEVERE – mid 30s female. Women’s health guru and MLM founder. Sells vampire repellent oils, detox teas, and energy crystals.

MODEL – 20s aspiring model at Natalia’s first shoot. Fierce. Loves shoes. Famous for how well she works the camera.

CASHIER – young 20s millennial female who loves her job. Hardcore Santa Monica new age stereotype.

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT – 20s female. Snobby, pretentious, and overwhelmed photographer’s assistant that treats her boss like a deity.

CAMERA ASSISTANT – 20s female.

Say My Name

LAYLA – 23 year old female ghost.

TRENT – 25 year old, white male. Washed up jock from high school. Bitter, recently unemployed, living out of his car, and dumped by his girlfriend.

ETHAN – Successful elite LA living programmer, nerdy rich, necrophiliac serial killer.

Robosexual

JACOB – 20s male, romantically inexperienced and socially awkward

IVY – early 20s athletic female, secretly an android

KEN – 50s male tech billionaire, mad scientist

Halloween Drawings

August 18, 2026 No Comments

Day 27 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Draw a Halloween Picture. My artistic talents reside in photography, film, and papercraft. That, however, does not stop me from picking up a

Read More »

Learn a Halloween Song

August 17, 2026 No Comments

Day 26 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge: Learn to Play a Halloween Song. I have been playing the piano since I was a little girl. I love to try new songs

Read More »

Spooky Artists

August 16, 2026 No Comments

Day 25 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Support a Horror Artisan. With AI slop flooding the world, now more than ever it is important to celebrate the creativity and beauty

Read More »
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Movies

10 Movies to Be Excited For in 2021

DVDs and Toys

10 Movies to Be Excited For in 2021

2020 certainly threw a curveball in many studios’ movie release schedules. Many films only released digitally or had their release dates pushed to this year. Now that most studios have a pulse on the state of the industry, we can tell that 2021 will be a much better year for horror releases. From sequels to new indie horror titles, I foresee 2021 being a strong year for horror. Here are 10 movies to be excited for in 2021:

Psycho Goreman - January 22nd, 2021

After unearthing a gem that controls an evil monster looking to destroy the Universe, a young girl and her brother use it to make him do their bidding. It isn’t long before PG’s reappearance draws the attention of intergalactic friends and foes from across the cosmos. Before long, a rogues’ gallery of alien combatants converges in small-town suburbia to battle for the fate of the galaxy.

Willy's Wonderland - February 12th, 2021

A quiet drifter (Nicholas Cage) is tricked into a janitorial job at the now condemned Wally’s Wonderland. The mundane tasks suddenly become an all-out fight for survival against wave after wave of demonic animatronics. Fists fly, kicks land, titans clash — and only one side will make it out alive.

Last Night in Soho - April 23rd, 2021

A young girl, passionate about fashion design, is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s. There she encounters her idol, a dazzling wannabe singer. But 1960s London is not what it seems, and time seems to fall apart with shady consequences.

A Quiet Place Part II - April 23rd, 2021

Following the events at home, the Abbott family now face the terrors of the outside world. Forced to venture into the unknown, they realize the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats lurking beyond the sand path.

Godzilla vs. Kong - March 26, 2021

This film is the epic next chapter in the cinematic Monsterverse. The fearsome Godzilla and the mighty Kong battle each other -with humanity caught in the balance.

Spiral: From the Book of Saw - May 21st, 2021

Working in the shadow of an esteemed police veteran (Samuel L. Jackson), brash Detective Ezekiel “Zeke” Banks (Chris Rock) and his rookie partner (Max Minghella) take charge of a grisly investigation into murders that are eerily reminiscent of the city’s gruesome past. Unwittingly entrapped in a deepening mystery, Zeke finds himself at the center of the killer’s morbid game.

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It - June 4th, 2021

The Devil Made Me Do It reveals a chilling story of terror, murder and unknown evil that shocked even experienced real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga). The film revolves around one of the most sensational cases from their files. It starts with a fight for the soul of a young boy, then takes them beyond anything they’d ever seen before. The case marks the first time in U.S. history that a murder suspect would claim demonic possession as a defense.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife - June 11th, 2021

When a single mom and her kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind.

Candyman - August 27th, 2021

A “spiritual sequel” to the horror film Candyman (1992) that returns to the now-gentrified Chicago neighborhood where the legend began. A decade after the last of the Cabrini towers were torn down, Anthony and his partner move into a loft in the now gentrified Cabrini. A chance encounter with an old-timer exposes Anthony to the true story behind Candyman. Anxious to use these macabre details in his studio as fresh grist for paintings, he unknowingly opens a door to a complex past that unravels his own sanity and unleashes a terrifying wave of violence.

Halloween Kills - October 15th, 2021

The saga of Michael Myers and Laurie Strode continues in the next thrilling chapter of the Halloween series.

What movies are you excited for in 2021? Let me know on Instagram or Twitter @EmilyIsHorror

Halloween Drawings

August 18, 2026 No Comments

Day 27 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Draw a Halloween Picture. My artistic talents reside in photography, film, and papercraft. That, however, does not stop me from picking up a

Read More »

Learn a Halloween Song

August 17, 2026 No Comments

Day 26 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge: Learn to Play a Halloween Song. I have been playing the piano since I was a little girl. I love to try new songs

Read More »

Spooky Artists

August 16, 2026 No Comments

Day 25 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Support a Horror Artisan. With AI slop flooding the world, now more than ever it is important to celebrate the creativity and beauty

Read More »
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Events Movies News

Screamfest Bloodvember Drive-In Screenings

Screamfest Bloodvember Drive-In Screenings

Not quite ready to move from scary to merry? Come on down to the Screamfest Bloodvember Drive-In Screenings on Thursday, November 19th, 2020. Taking place at The Plant Drive In (7876 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, VA 91402), Screamfest will present a double-feature of Black Christmas (1974) & The Amityville Horror (1979). Buy a ticket for one or both screenings to get into the holiday horror spirit.

Black Christmas tickets start at $20 for the driver only and go to $60 for a car with a driver & 4 passengers. For an extra $20, you can upgrade your ticket to a double feature for the full carload. The Amityville Horror tickets are $40 per carload.

Go to Screamfest’s website to purchase your ticket today!

Black Christmas - 7:00 p.m.

Director Bob Clark is a Christmastime staple with his family-friendly A Christmas Story, but he first ventured into holiday films with Black Christmas.

When sorority sisters Olivia Hussey (ROMEO & JULIET ’68), Margot Kidder (SUPERMAN) and Andrea Martin (SCTV) are under attack from a vicious potty-mouthed killer, it’s up to police chief John Saxon to even the odds. But what about Keir Dullea (2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY), the brooding art-school pianist? Could he have something to do with the Xmas rampage?

The Amityville Horror - 9:30 p.m.

The evening’s second feature is the original The Amityville Horror. get ready for a second dose of actress Margot Kidder with the chilling haunted house film.

Based on terrifying true events, The Amityville Horror tells the story of George and Kathy Lutz who believe they have found the perfect family home on the coast of Long Island. But the house has a shocking history and within its walls a demonic presence lies in wait that will turn the Lutz’s lives into a living nightmare. Their only hope is to get out before it’s too late.

Get Your Screamfest Bloodvember Tickets Today!

Spaces are limited for this drive-in theater event. Get your ticket early to ensure your spot.

The Plant Drive-In is located in a shopping center in Van Nuys. The address is: 7876 Van Nuys Blvd Van Nuys, CA 91402.

Grab a takeout meal from one of the nearby restaurants and grab some popcorn from the theater’s concessions stand. This Screamfest Bloodvember double-feature is sure to be a frighteningly fun event!

Halloween Drawings

August 18, 2026 No Comments

Day 27 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Draw a Halloween Picture. My artistic talents reside in photography, film, and papercraft. That, however, does not stop me from picking up a

Read More »

Learn a Halloween Song

August 17, 2026 No Comments

Day 26 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge: Learn to Play a Halloween Song. I have been playing the piano since I was a little girl. I love to try new songs

Read More »

Spooky Artists

August 16, 2026 No Comments

Day 25 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Support a Horror Artisan. With AI slop flooding the world, now more than ever it is important to celebrate the creativity and beauty

Read More »
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Movies

Christmas Horror Movies – Part 2

Christmas Horror Movies – Part 2

Have you seen all the Christmas horror movies in Part 1 of this post? Ready for another five films to liven up the holiday season?

As a horror fan, the Christmas season can get a little too merry and not enough scary. These five films showcase some of the best holiday horror on the market and are set to remain classics for years to come.

Gremlins (1984)

The Plot: After disobeying the care instructions for his strange and exotic pet, Billy Peltzer accidentally releases a hoard of miniature green monsters upon the formerly idyllic town of Kingston Falls. Billy must unite with his family, friends, and neighbors to stop these mischievous monsters before they take over the town and ruin Christmas for all.

This film is a spectacular showcase of practical effects and puppetry, and an eccentric mix of humor and horror. It is a holiday must-see for the horror-lover. It also reminds us of this important warning:

“So, when your washing machine blows up or your TV goes on the fritz, before you call the repair man, turn on all the lights and look under all the beds. ‘Cause you never can tell, there just might be a gremlin in your house.”

A Christmas Horror Story (2015)

The Plot: One festive radio host connects four tales of terror happening on Christmas Eve. A family brings home more than just a Christmas tree. Four students breaking into school during holiday recess get into the “spirit” of the holiday. A family learns that Krampus is more than just folklore. And, lastly, Santa fends off hordes of the living dead.

This film is like four Christmas horror movies in one. The stories interweave, each slowly building on the terror and tension. The zombies vs. Santa story-line has the most action of the bunch. The changling story has eerie imagery of a young boy who is not quite right. The Krampus story line will have you cheering when a little brat gets what he deserves. The student’s tale is a solid standard ghost story.

Better Watch Out (2016)

The Plot: On a quiet suburban street, a babysitter must defend a twelve-year-old boy from intruders, only to discover it’s far from a normal home invasion.

The less you know going into this film, the better. Thus, the trailer is not posted in this article and I would recommend going in blind. The film is a gory, brutal film that features strong performances from the child actors. Levi Miller stands out with his phenomenal acting skills – giving a chilling performance. The twists and turns make this film a nail-biter to the end!

Krampus (2015)

The Plot: When his dysfunctional family clashes over the holidays, young Max loses his Christmas spirit. This causes Krampus to descend onto the household, punishing the family with a menagerie of evil toys and elves. The family must come together and remember the true spirit of Christmas to survive this holiday.

This PG-13 Christmas horror movie is reminiscent of the “family horror” films of the 1980’s. It is dark and scary, but something you can watch with your 12-13 year-old family members as an introduction to horror. The film mixes horror and humor, and at its heart has a positive message regarding the importance of family bonds. It also includes amazing practical puppetry by Weta Workshop, and detailed set design.

Fans of the movies will also enjoy the companion comic book.

Rare Exports (2010)

The Plot: On Christmas Eve in northern Finland, an archeological dig unearths the real Santa Claus. But this Santa is not the jolly old man from picture books. When something begins decimating local reindeer herds, young Pietari and his father Rauno, a reindeer hunter by trade, capture the mythological being. Santa’s elves, however, will stop at nothing to free Santa from captivity.

This Finnish film is not just one of my favorite Christmas horror movies, but one of my favorite films in general. It is a wonderful blend of fantasy, thrills, humor, and heart. Unlike many modern films, the children and adults actually work together to solve their problems. The dynamic between father and son is charming and heartwarming. This film has less scares than others on this list, but it will be the perfect addition to your holiday movie list.

Enjoy Watching These and More Christmas Horror Movies!

What are your favorite Christmas horror movies? There are so many more than could be fit in this list of 10. Let me know on Instagram and Twitter @EmilyIsHorror

Halloween Drawings

August 18, 2026 No Comments

Day 27 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Draw a Halloween Picture. My artistic talents reside in photography, film, and papercraft. That, however, does not stop me from picking up a

Read More »

Learn a Halloween Song

August 17, 2026 No Comments

Day 26 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge: Learn to Play a Halloween Song. I have been playing the piano since I was a little girl. I love to try new songs

Read More »

Spooky Artists

August 16, 2026 No Comments

Day 25 of the #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is: Support a Horror Artisan. With AI slop flooding the world, now more than ever it is important to celebrate the creativity and beauty

Read More »
Categories
Movies

Christmas Horror Movies – Part 1

Christmas Horror Movies – Part 1

With Halloween still eleven months away, and cheerful jingles being played ad nauseam since 12:01 a.m. on November 1st (if not earlier in some stores), for many horror fans, this is the slow part of the year.  However, the Christmas season is actually ripe with horror touches if you know where to look. Horror and Christmas actually have a long history together – from Krampus to the old tradition of telling scary stories on Christmas (remember that line from It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – “there will be scary ghost stories”). Many filmmakers have modernized that tradition to create amazing frightfully fun Christmas horror movies.

Here are some of the best films to add some scary to your merry Christmas: 

Chistmas Horror Movies: Part I

Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

The Plot: Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, becomes bored of the same old Halloween routine. When he wanders into Christmas Town, he is inspired and tries to take over the holiday from “Sandy Claws” for a year – with disastrous results.

While there is heated debate in my household as to whether this is a Christmas or Halloween movie (and we have called it a Thanksgiving film as a compromise), this is one of the most-referenced horror-Christmas family films. Its music is catchy and memorable, and the unique style of Tim Burton shines through this stop-motion masterpiece.

Sint (2010)

The Plot: On December 5th, 1492, bishop Niklas and his murderous gang are killed in a fire after townsfolk rebel against their evil ways. They place a curse on the town, causing their ghosts to rise from the grave every December 5th that has a full moon. Over the years, as the truth of the gang is forgotten, Sinterklass becomes the legend of a benevolent Dutch Santa Claus that gives presents to kids. In 2010, a full moon presides over the annual Sinterklaas festival, causing Niklas and his gang to go on a murderous rampage in the town.

This action-packed horror film from the Netherlands is a fun watch for groups of friends. It adds a wonderful twist onto the rich Dutch folklore of Sinterklass and creates beautiful horror imagery from the traditional depiction of Saint Nick. It is a lesser-known Christmas horror, but worth a watch for horror film enthusiasts.

Silent Night (2012)

The Plot: On Christmas eve, a murderous Santa Claus goes on a rampage. He knows if you’ve been naughty and will fatally punish you for your transgressions. Can Sheriff Cooper (Malcolm McDowell) and the Deputy stop the killer before they also get put on Santa’s deadly naughty list?

This is not the most cerebral or fantastic film on the list, but it is a fun gore-fest that delivers exactly what it promises. A loose retelling of the classic Silent Night, Deadly Night, and within the same franchise, it doesn’t deliver anything new, but it is a solid slasher flick. The kills are creative and disgustingly bloody. It also has tongue-in-cheek humor that adds a little sparkle to this popcorn flick. My friends and I enjoy the humorous lines, such as:

  • “Don’t put avocado on the burger!”
  • “Double ‘S’, double screwed”

Black Christmas (1974)

The Plot: During Christmas break, a group of sorority girls are stalked and murdered by a stranger.

Released in 1974, this Christmas horror movie is a seminal early slasher flick. It inspired filmmakers (like John Carpenter) for decades to follow. While not as gory as its successors, the subtle murders are still effective at sending chills down one’s spine. Its elusive killer is a complete stranger to the girls. The arbitrary killings make it all the scarier – anyone could be next – even you!

Black Christmas was remade in 2006 and a retelling is being released this December on Friday the 13th, 2019. None, however, can outshine the original.

P2 (2007)

The Plot: Working late on Christmas Eve, businesswoman Angela Bridges plunges into a deadly game of cat & mouse with her stalker.

While I was skeptical about the restricted setting of the film, director Franck Khalfoun does a wonderful job of keeping the film action-packed mostly within the setting of a parking garage. Actor Wes Bentley is perfect for the twisted parking attendant. This is a non-traditional Christmas horror movie for those looking for something a little different this holiday season.

Christmas Horror Movies: Part 2

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post continuing our Christmas horror movie list. When posted, you can see it here:

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