Carlisle Cult Cinema Club’s favourite cult Christmas horror films

Bored of classic Christmas films? Fancy something a bit different? Look no further.

We’ve invited Paul Donaldson, who runs Carlisle Cult Cinema Club, to share with us his favourite cult Christmas horror films.

Paul has been running the club – which is dedicated to bringing cinematic trash and treasures to Carlisle – since 2017.

During that time he has screened over 100 films from all kinds of genres on a 200-inch screen for people to come and watch at The Source Collective in Denton Holme.

He is very well-versed in film and also runs the Carlisle Cult Cinema Cast podcast where he interviews cult cinema stars and unpacks film news and debates with fellow enthusiasts Darren Johnson, Andrew Waugh, Clive Tonge, and Steve McCormick in their unique Cumbrian style.

He has interviewed talented people like Neil Marshall, known for Dog Soldiers and The Descent, Dominic Brunt, Paddy the vet from Emmerdale, and Madeline Smith, actress from Carry On, Hammer Horror, and James Bond and many more.

He also runs a radio show, regularly contributes to We Belong Dead magazine and is really making a name for himself with his podcast in the British cult movie scene.

CONTENT WARNING: Please be aware some of the films referenced are rated 18 and contain horror, gore, violence and some disturbing themes.

If horror films are not for you – you can read Paul’s classic Christmas film picks here instead.

SAINT (2010) AKA SINT

First up I’ve chosen this absolute Christmas Cracker, I have a dubbed version of Saint (aka Sint), a Dutch Christmas horror film that I’ve watched every Christmas since its release in 2010.

This film, written and directed by Dick Maas, who is known for horror classics like Amsterdamned (1988) and The Lift (1983), is a delightful mix of Dutch Santa and slasher film.

Despite some ropey CGI, it’s loads of fun with a dark streak of fun running through it. It’s quite gory in parts and features some great practical effects.

For fans of Christmas Horror, this film offers a good dose of entertainment. One thing to keep your eyes peeled for while watching is the nods it gives to John Carpenter’s Halloween and The Fog.

It’s always fun to catch those subtle references in films and shows that the Directors having fun with the concept. However, it’s important to note that if you’re easily offended, this film might not be for you.

There is a significant amount of blackface present, which can be uncomfortable for some viewers, but it’s just their customs and folklore. It doesn’t hold back when it comes to jump scares and the body count.

It keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout, providing some decent little scares. For those interested in watching it, Saint is available on Amazon Prime Video, but it is the subtitled version.

Nevertheless, I personally enjoy the the film it’s great fun. It’s a great fun-filled Christmas horror film that I’ve been enjoying for the past 13 years.

With its unique blend of Dutch folklore and slasher elements, it offers a thrilling and entertaining experience. Just be prepared for the gore, jump scares, and the presence of blackface.

Rated: 18

RARE EXPORTS.(2010)

Next up we have the 2010 Christmas horror film Rare Exports this can also be found on Amazon Prime, written and directed by Jalmari Helander and starring the talented father and son acting team of Jorma and Onni Tommila, among others.

This film is a cracker and it delves into the darker side of Santa Claus, showcasing a unique take on the myth and legends surrounding the jolly old man.

Having previously watched the short films that inspired the full-length feature, I was thrilled to see the story expanded on the big screen.

It was also my introduction to the on-screen chemistry between Jorma and Onni Tommila, who would later star together in other films by the same director, such as Big Game and Sisu.

It’s a cracking Christmas horror film that perfectly balances fun and fright. I have made it a tradition to watch this film every year since its release, as it never fails to entertain with its great story and engaging characters. The pacing is spot-on, ensuring that the film doesn’t overstay its welcome and keeps you hooked from start to finish.

One of the film’s strongest aspects is its visuals, which enhance the fantastic story being told. The last 20 minutes of the film are particularly thrilling, reminiscent of Night of the Living Dead.

Instead of zombies, we are treated to killer feral Santa’s Elves, with a frozen Kaiju Santa thrown into the mix. Young Pietari, the film’s protagonist, takes charge and leads the adults in a mission to combat this unexpected threat.

It’s a joy to watch as the young boy’s plan unfolds and he stops the threat and saves his father’s Business in the process.

It’s a delightfully twisted Christmas horror film that offers a fresh take on the Santa Claus mythology.

With its well-paced storytelling, and the standout performances of the Tommila duo, this film is a must-watch for fans of Christmas horror. It’s a great blend of fun and fright, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a unique and thrilling holiday movie.

Rating: 15

SANTA’S SLAY.(2005)

The 2005 Christmas comedy horror film “Santa’s Slay,” written and directed by David Steiman and starring an ensemble cast including Douglas Smith, Emilia De Ravin, Robert Culp, and Bill Goldberg as Santa Claus himself.

This film kicks off with a dysfunctional family gathering for dinner, only to have their festivities interrupted by a Santa Claus who brings a whole new meaning to the phrase naughty or nice.

From the very beginning, Santa’s Slay sets the tone with a delightfully gory and fun opening scene. The dysfunctional family, played by talented actors like Rebecca Gayheart, Chris Kattan, Fran Drescher, and James Caan, are dispatched by Santa in various creative and Christmas-themed ways.

It’s a fantastic introduction that prepares the audience for what’s ahead. One thing about this film is it doesn’t take itself too seriously. With its tongue firmly in its cheek, the film embraces its absurd premise and delivers a fun and entertaining festive fright fest.

It’s the perfect choice for those looking for a Christmas film that deviates from the traditional and embraces the darker side of the holiday but is still so much fun. Another thing I liked was all the cameo appearances by various actors, adding to the festive fun factor.

The strip club scene is a cracking moment, as Santa goes for a lap dance and takes out unsuspecting patrons with a mix of goofiness and festive violence. The juxtaposition of the cheerful Christmas music playing in the background adds an extra layer of comedic effect.

I particularly enjoyed the Rankin/Bass style animation used to tell the backstory of why Santa turned evil. It adds a nice throwback visual element to the film and provides a fun twist on the traditional Santa Claus story.

Clocking in at a well-paced 1 hour and 18 minutes, Santa’s Slay keeps the momentum going as Santa unleashes havoc on the townspeople. While some of the early 2000s CGI may appear dated, it adds to the charm and overall campiness of the film.

The practical effects are a highlight, showcasing some fun and gruesome visuals.

For those interested, Santa’s Slay is available for free on YouTube . It’s a film that I have revisited every year since its release, as it never fails to deliver good, silly fun. Don’t forget to stick around for the end credits for an additional sequence.

It’s a fun twisted Christmas comedy horror that takes the concept of Santa Claus and turns it on its head. With its dark humor, memorable kills, and an ensemble cast that embraces the absurdity of the story, this film is a must-watch for those seeking a fun and unconventional holiday movie.

Rating: 15

BETTER WATCH OUT (2016)

This is one you would have to pick up on disc at the moment, Better Watch Out, written and directed by Chris Peckover, is a Christmas horror film that takes a refreshing and twisted approach to Baby sitter slasher films.

Starring Olivia Dejonge, Levi Miller, Ed Oxenbould, Patrick Warburton, and Virginia Madsen, the film combines comedy, suspense, and unexpected twists to deliver a truly entertaining festive horror.

The film follows the story of Ashley, a teenage babysitter, tasked with looking after 12-year-old Luke Lerner during the holiday season. What starts as an innocent night of babysitting takes a dark turn when Luke’s romantic feelings for Ashley lead to a series of unsettling events.

The film cleverly plays with the usual babysitter slasher film tropes, only to flip them on their head, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats and thoroughly entertained.

I really liked its dark sense of humour, which runs consistently throughout. From the witty and hilarious banter between the parents at the beginning to the unexpected twists and turns, Better Watch Out keeps you engaged with its cleverly crafted comedic moments.

The cast, including the talented Olivia Dejonge, Levi Miller, and the rest of the ensemble, deliver excellent performances throughout. What sets it apart is its ability to go where you least expect it.

Just when you think you have it figured out, the film takes a sharp turn, leaving you pleasantly surprised. The pacing is relentless, and once the action starts, there’s no let-up.

The film incorporates a few Home Alone references, which is a nice touch. Levi Miller shines in his portrayal of Luke, capturing the character’s manipulative and disturbed nature with chilling precision.

His performance is captivating, and it’s evident that he had a blast embodying the twisted mind of Luke. It’s a dark and twisted Christmas horror film that doesn’t hold back. With its great sense of humor, decent cast, and unexpected plot twists, it’s a must-watch for fans of Christmas Horror.

The film keeps you guessing, laughing, and cringing in equal measure, making for an absolute Christmas cracker of a movie. It’s a delightful and wickedly entertaining film that will leave you thoroughly entertained.

If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend checking it out. Just be prepared for a wild and darkly humorous ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Rating: 15

CHRISTMAS BLOODY CHRISTMAS.(2022)

This one is available to stream on Amazon Prime via Shudder. Christmas Bloody Christmas, written and directed by Joe Begos, is a fun and gory Christmas horror film that combines elements of Silent Night, Deadly Night and The Terminator.

Starring Riley Dandy, Sam Delich, Jonah Ray, Dora Madison, and Abraham Benrubi as the axe-wielding Robo-Santa, the film delivers a neon-drenched, blood-soaked Christmas frenzy that is sure to satisfy fans of alternative holiday films.

The film kicks off with hilarious fake advertisements that set the tone for the film that follows. These ads reminded me of the memorable commercials from Robocop, adding a touch of nostalgic humor to the proceedings. Joe Begos’ signature neon-drenched visual style is on full display, some folk hate it but I don’t mind it here as it’s as if everything is lit with Christmas lights.

One thing to note is the abundance of profanity in the dialogue. If you’re not a fan of Swearing, be warned that every other word seems to be a Swear, it didn’t bother me, but it may bother for some folks.

Abraham Benrubi’s portrayal of the axe-wielding Robo-Santa is a standout. Fans of the TV show ER will recognize Benrubi from his role as the kind-hearted Jerry Markovic. Seeing him take on the role of a Terminator-like killing machine adds an unexpected and fun bit of trivia.

It’s an absolute blast from start to finish. It combines elements of classic Christmas horror films with the relentless action of The Terminator, resulting in a chaotic and mayhem-filled Christmas cracker.

While the film may not be perfect, its imperfections can be easily forgiven due to the sheer entertainment value it provides. The film’s eclectic soundtrack also adds to it.

With a mix of rock-based tracks and Carpenter/Fiedel-esque synth wave, the music helps with the atmosphere and perfectly complements the on-screen chaos. The blood flows and heads explode as the body count rises, satisfying gore enthusiasts.

The practical effects are top-notch, adding an authentic and visceral quality to the film’s gruesome moments. The film’s relentless pace keeps you on the edge of your seat as the chaos unfolds.

As a fan of alternative Christmas films, Christmas Bloody Christmas has earned its place on my annual watchlist. It’s a nostalgic throwback with a modern twist, delivering a fun and enjoyable movie.

Despite its flaws, the film’s chaotic and gory nature makes it a delightful and entertaining watch.

It’s a neon-drenched, blood-soaked Christmas present that keeps on giving. With its throwback vibe, great practical effects, and an eclectic soundtrack, it’s a must-watch for fans of alternative Christmas films. Sit back, embrace the madness, and enjoy the chaos this film has to offer.

Rating: 18

THERE’S SOMETHING IN THE BARN (2023)

This one you can find on Sky Cinema. Directed by Magnus Marten, There’s Something In The Barn is a Christmas comedy horror that delivers a fantastic blend of laughs and gore.

Starring Martin Starr, Amrita Acharia, and introducing the talented Townes Bunner in his screen acting debut, this film takes viewers on a wild and mischievous ride.

From the moment I caught the trailer for There’s Something In The Barn a few months ago, I knew it would be a great fun watch. Not only does it feature the talented Martin Starr in a starring role, but he also serves as a producer, adding his comedic touch to the film.

Starr has consistently impressed with his performances in some funny films over the years, and it’s always a pleasure to see him on screen. One of the highlights of the film is the design of the barn elves.

They resemble dirty little Santas, adding a visually appealing element to the story. Their mischievous nature is a constant source of entertainment, leading to gruesome consequences for the unsuspecting family.

The film is packed with proper Christmas tunes like “Sleigh Ride,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “Holly Jolly Christmas,” which enhance the festive atmosphere and immerse viewers in the holiday spirit.

The family dynamics in There’s Something In The Barn are quite disjointed, and as the mischievous elf unleashes havoc, the fractures within the family become more pronounced. It starts off slowly, introducing us to the family and the barn elf, as Lucas, the son, tries to follow the three important Barn Elf Rules.

However, the family dismisses the existence of barn elves, leading to a Night of the Living Dead-style chaos when an army of elves descends upon them. The film delivers great gory fun, with great splatter and practical effects used for the elves.

The mischievousness of the elves brings to mind the classic Gremlins (1984), with their rule-breaking antics and their indulgence in booze and partying amidst the carnage.

My only gripe is it could have been slightly shorter, losing about ten minutes to maintain a tighter pace, it remains a solid entry into the pantheon of Christmas horror films.

The film is so much fun that I would gladly watch it again, as it successfully combines humor and gore, culminating in a touch of Christmas sentiment at the end. It’s a funny and blood splattered Christmas comedy horror that delivers on its promise of laughs and thrills.

With Martin Starr’s cracking performance, memorable practical effects, and a mischievous army of barn elves, this film is a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Despite a slight pacing issue, the film’s ability to balance humour and horror makes it a delightful addition to the Christmas horror canon. Get ready for a wild and festive ride with There’s Something In The Barn!

Rating: 15

IT’S A WONDERFUL KNIFE (2023)

This is another that you can find on Amazon Prime via Shudder. Directed by Tyler McIntyre, It’s a Wonderful Knife is a cracking spin on the classic 1946 Christmas film It’s a Wonderful Life.

Starring Jane Widdop, Joel McHale, Justin Long, Kathrine Isabelle, and the cigarette smoking man himself William B. Davies, this Christmas slasher/fantasy film offers a delightful and gory treat for horror fans.

In this twisted tale, Winnie Carruthers, the town savior of Angel Falls, finds herself transported to an alternate universe after wishing she had never been born. In this new reality, the psychotic killer she once vanquished returns to unleash terror once more.

One of the highlights of It’s a Wonderful Knife lies in its cracking cast. With talents like Justin Long, who never fails to deliver, the film delivers a belter performance from him as he embraces the role with gusto, complete with some crazy dental work that makes his teeth appear massive.

Penned by the same writers as the cracking slasher film with a twist, Freaky, It showcases the same creativity and mastery of the genre.

The film takes inspiration from Scream, slightly adopting the look and actions of the killer, while also featuring some fantastic practical gore effects and bloody kills that us horror fans will relish.

While It may not be perfect, it is undeniably a great, fun watch. As a fan of Christmas horror films, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off the festive season.

The film keeps you engaged throughout and delivers some unexpected twists that add to the film and I wasn’t expecting.The twist within the twist in it is a stroke of brilliance, leaving me pleasantly surprised as I didn’t see it coming.

For me, this film was an excellent start to my festive fright films. It combined the joyous spirit of the holiday season with the bloody elements of a slasher film, creating a unique blend of genres.

It’s a festive slasher delight that offers a fresh twist on a beloved Christmas film.

With a cracking cast, fantastic practical effects, and unexpected twists, it delivers a cracking and enjoyable film. As a fan of the genre, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this film and highly recommend it to fellow horror fans.

Rating: 18