15 of the least jolly holiday movies to watch this year, from 'Black Christmas' to 'Violent Night'

Gabbi ShawDec 20, 2022, 20:53 IST

"Violent Night."Universal Pictures

If you're sick and tired of "Love Actually" and "It's a Wonderful Life," you're not alone.
There are plenty of holiday movies that are full of blood, guts, laughs, and more.

First up is "Violent Night," in theaters now, starring David Harbour as a version of Santa Claus who's ready for a fight.

"Violent Night."Universal

No matter where you fall on the "Die Hard" Christmas movie debate, it's impossible to call this movie "jolly."

"Die Hard."20th Century Fox

"Batman Returns" is one of the freakiest superhero movies of all time, and it puts Batman and Catwoman right under the mistletoe.

"Batman Returns."Warner Bros. Pictures

"Bad Santa" is a black comedy that shouldn't be missed.

"Bad Santa."Miramax Films

"Gremlins" is another black comedy that shouldn't be missed.

"Gremlins."Archive Photos/Getty Images

"Krampus" is a horror comedy about a demon who intimidates naughty kids.

"Krampus."Universal Pictures

But "Black Christmas" is the original holiday horror film.

"Black Christmas."Warner Bros. Pictures

"Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" contrasts the darkness of the plot with a sunny California Christmas.

"Kiss Kiss Bang Bang."Warner Bros. Pictures

"Anna and the Apocalypse" is a Christmas zombie musical. Really.

"Anna and the Apocalypse."Vertigo Releasing

If you're looking to turn your brain off and watch a dumb action movie, look no further than "Reindeer Games."

"Reindeer Games."Miramax Films

"The Long Kiss Goodnight" is another Christmas-set action film, this time starring Samuel L. Jackson and Geena Davis.

"The Long Kiss Goodnight."New Line Cinema

"Tangerine," an indie movie shot entirely on an iPhone, follows a transgender sex worker on Christmas Eve.

"Tangerine."Magnolia Pictures

The holidays are a perfect time for neo-noir, as proved by another film in this list, "The Ice Harvest."

"The Ice Harvest."Focus Features

Just like "Die Hard," there's debate about whether or not "Lethal Weapon" is a Christmas movie.

"Lethal Weapon."Warner Bros.

"In Bruges" stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as two hit men hiding out in Bruges.

"In Bruges."Universal Pictures

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