12 best holiday horror movies

12. Krampus (2015)

Krampus is a bit of a confusing movie. What does it want to be, anyway? Given the wacky relatives and occasional one-liners, you might think that it’s supposed to be a dark comedy. Then, with the appearance of the demonic Krampus, you may also be forgiven for thinking that it’s become an out and out horror movie. People do get dragged down to hell or something similar, at any rate.

It’s a weird, bumpy combination that leaves you with actors like Adam Scott (who played Leslie Knope’s gently goofy boyfriend, Ben Wyatt, on Parks and Rec) sometimes playing it straight. Other times, he and his fellow actors are fielding gross jokes and ridiculous demon-doll gags.

The movie isn’t terrible, though, just oddly goofy. At any rate, it’s worth a watch during the holiday season, especially if your family is driving you insane. Essentially, the quarreling, thoughtless Engel family pays for their lack of holiday spirit when the Krampus comes to their neighborhood. Said demon is accompanied by a bevy of creepy, suddenly animate toys, including a murderous jack-in-the-box called Der Klown. Oh, and, of course, there are terrifying, hellish elves to carry out Krampus’ will.

Luckily, they’ve got Omi, their German grandmother, to clear things up. She explains that the Krampus is an ancient demon who punishes those who have lost their Christmas spirit. She recalls a time when the Krampus dragged her entire family and town down to the underworld. However, it’s strongly implied that everyone is down in the dumps because of war or famine. You’d think the Krampus would give them a break, there.