2. The Children (2008)
If you’re a bit sick of all the Christmas stuff on this list, then at least 2008’s The Children is a little more focused on the New Year holiday. It’s got all of the snow, coldness, brutal sledding accidents and murderous children you could hope for. Though, as brave as you might think you are, you may not quite be able to stomach all of it. Fair warning.
The film begins with one of those ubiquitous, if not beloved, holiday traditions: the family road trip. Casey, a teenage girl, is traveling with mother Elaine, stepfather Jonah, and half-siblings Miranda and Paulie. They’re all headed to Aunt Chloe’s house, where they’ll meet Chloe, husband Robbie, and cousins Nicky and Leah.
Adding to the holiday cheer is young Paulie’s sudden vomiting, which everyone first attributes to car sickness. Well, except that Nicky and Leah quickly start to show similar symptoms when the family arrives. Soon enough, Miranda begins to get ill, to the point where she becomes violent and starts scratching at her Aunt Chloe.
Eventually, all of the young children begin viciously attacking the adults, including Casey. The non-infected adults must fight for their lives while grappling with the sudden monstrous nature of their own children. Though the nature of the illness is never fully explained, it’s pretty clear that the kids affected by it have become unknowable and brutal. Even childish things turn evil by association. Crayons and toys become deadly weapons rather than innocent playthings.
The Children is a frightening, practically taboo situation that is not for the faint of heart. However, it was well-reviewed by most of the press for its shocking nature and well-crafted scares.