25 Holiday Movies For People Who Hate The Holidays

    From Bad Santa to Krampus.

    Ken W. Hanley
    by Ken W. Hanley

    BuzzFeed Contributor

    For some, the right holiday movie can make all the difference during the most wonderful time of the year, whether it's a Christmas classic like It's a Wonderful Life or a more modern offering like Elf. But if you're the kind of person who can't stand the holly jolly season, there's plenty of darker holiday fare that will help bring out the Grinch in you!

    25. Uncle Nick (2015)

    Uncle Nick (Brian Posehn) delivers a monologue in "Uncle Nick"
    Chris Kasick Company

    Starring Brian Posehn (Nerd Poker) as the titular character, Uncle Nick follows an inappropriate drunk uncle who attempts to hook up with a guest at his brother’s Christmas dinner, but finds himself embroiled in debauchery and tension as family secrets come to light. If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t quite despise the holidays but hates the family drama that comes with it, Uncle Nick will provide you with some old-fashioned schadenfreude in your stocking.

    Where to Watch It?: Uncle Nick is currently streaming on Amazon Prime via IMDbTV and Tubi.

    24. Die Hard 2 (1990)

    John McClane (Bruce Willis) in "Die Hard 2"
    20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

    Listen, we’re all tired about the arguments about whether or not Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Instead, we should be talking about whether Die Hard 2 is a Christmas movie, which it definitely is. Holiday travel nightmares, a snowmobile chase sequence, and a murder-by-icicle all but cement Die Hard 2 as an ultraviolent holiday staple for those who need a break from Rankin-Bass, and makes for a fitting Christmas double-feature with its predecessor…if you so choose.

    Where to Watch It?: Die Hard 2 is currently streaming on Amazon Prime via IMDbTV and Tubi.

    23. Better Watch Out (2016)

    Ashley (Olivia DeJonge) and Luke (Levi Miller) hide behind a couch in "Better Watch Out"
    Storm Vision Entertainment

    If you were to put American Psycho and Home Alone in a blender, you might get this clever twist on the home invasion horror genre. Set during the holiday season, Better Watch Out follows a teenage babysitter watching a rich preteen and his friend when the three appear to be besieged by an armed intruder. However, things aren’t quite as they seem, and if you fancy yourself a bit of a Christmas cynic, you might want to throw on this devilishly dark holiday thriller this season.

    Where to Watch It?: Better Watch Out is currently streaming on Shudder, Tubi, Peacock, and Crackle.

    22. The Ice Harvest (2005)

    Charlie Arglist (John Cusack) converses in a strip club bar in "The Ice Harvest"
    Focus Features

    One of the final films from director Harold Ramis, The Ice Harvest is a dark comedy about two low-level criminals (John Cusack and Billy Bob Thornton) attempting to rip off a crime lord on Christmas Eve. With a solid cast behind it and some inspired moments of nihilistic, pitch-black humor, The Ice Harvest will be a perfect accompaniment for those who see holiday decorations as the first sign to unlock the liquor cabinet.

    Where to Watch It?: The Ice Harvest is currently streaming on Tubi.

    21. The Day of the Beast (1995)

    (L-R) José María (Santiago Segura), Father Ángel (Álex Angulo) and Professor Cavan (Armando De Razza) in "The Day of the Beast"
    Canal+ España

    Some people just have the worst luck during the holidays, but rarely does the term “worst case scenario” apply to Christmas as it does in Alex de la Iglesias’s The Day of the Beast, in which a priest, a call-in psychic, and a metalhead team up to prevent the birth of the Anti-Christ on Christmas Eve in Madrid. Wild, wicked, and way ahead of its time, this macabre masterpiece makes for a sleeper standout for those looking for more freaky X-mas fare.

    Where to Watch It?: The Day of the Beast is currently streaming on Shudder and Tubi.

    20. Lethal Weapon (1987)

    Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) and Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson) in "Lethal Weapon"
    Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection

    The first of Shane Black's Christmas-based action classics, Lethal Weapon has brutal fistfights, torture, nudity, and suicidal ideation, all set to the backdrop of Christmas trees, lawn decorations, and jolly jingles. Spawning three sequels and myriad "buddy cop" ripoffs in the years that follow, there's nothing quite like spending Christmas morning with Riggs and Murtaugh as they shoot and punch their way through illicit CIA-backed heroin traffickers!

    Where to Watch It?: Lethal Weapon is currently streaming on HBO Max.

    19. Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)

    Billy Chapman (Robert Brian Wilson) in a Santa suit, holding an axe in "Silent Night, Deadly Night"
    TriStar Pictures

    Notorious for the fervent protests that accompanied its short-lived theatrical release, Silent Night, Deadly Night is a sleazy, exploitative pioneer of holiday horror. Among the first movies to offer a Santa suit-donning slasher, Silent Night, Deadly Night isn't the best film of its ilk, but there are few things that'll make Christmas misanthropes happier than the iconic "Grandpa" monologue that sets the film's oh-so-twisted tone.

    Where to Watch It?: Silent Night, Deadly Night is currently streaming on Tubi.

    18. Silent Night (2021)

    Simon (Matthew Goode) raises a toast in "Silent Night"
    RLJE Films / Via Everett Collection

    Ever watch Phoebe Cates' speech in Gremlins and wish your Christmas movie was that bleak the entire time? Well, you're in luck! Silent Night posits a star-studded holiday story about a group of friends uniting to celebrate Christmas while anticipating a killer gas cloud that could wipe out all of humanity. Of course, laughs are had and secrets are revealed as the film veers into the darkest Christmas morning in film history!

    Where to Watch It?: Silent Night is currently streaming on AMC+.

    17. Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2 (1984)

    Ricky Caldwell (Eric Freeman) in "Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2"
    Silent Night Releasing Corporation

    One of the more memeable holiday movies of all time, Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2 works as both a completely batty horror sequel and an unintentionally hilarious slice of cult Christmas cinema. So if the stress and dread of the holiday season has got you down, there are few better pick-me-ups than the "so-bad-it's-good" laughs you'll find in Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2.

    Where to Watch It?: Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2 is currently streaming on Shudder, Tubi, and PlutoTV.

    16. The Silent Partner (1978)

    Harry Reikle (Christopher Plummer) dons a Santa suit and a pistol in "The Silent Partner"
    Emc / EMC / courtesy Everett Collection

    A suspense-filled thriller surrounding a bank-robbing Santa and his manipulative bank teller adversary, The Silent Partner is a twisty and brutal favorite of '70s crime cinema fanatics. While most might not equate deception, murder, and psychological torture with Christmastime, this shocker makes for a stellar choice for those looking for something more adult to watch than Rankin-Bass this holiday season.

    Where to Watch It?: The Silent Partner is available to rent on Video-on-Demand platforms.

    15. Deadly Games (aka Dial Code Santa Claus) (1989)

    Le Père Noël (Patrick Floersheim) in "Deadly Games"
    L.M. Productions

    Deadly Games (aka Dial Code Santa Claus) pits a child left with his elderly grandfather against a killer donning a Santa outfit who has broken into his sprawling home. Offering Home Alone by way of First Blood, Deadly Games pulls no punches, presenting a palpable sense of peril that is often unseen in holiday mainstays.

    Where to Watch It?: Deadly Games (aka Dial Code Santa Claus) is currently streaming on Shudder.

    14. The Ref (1994)

    image of three actors near a tree appearing to be in distress on the left is a man with a gun, in the middle is a woman looking forward and on the right is a man with has hand on his head
    Buena Vista Pictures / Everett Collection

    A sardonic Christmas flick that has become a staple of late night cable television for more than 25 years, The Ref follows a bickering married couple who find themselves at the mercy of a temperamental burglar on Christmas Eve. A biting dissection of the holiday season, The Ref is a perfect movie for those looking to take the piss out of X-mas.

    Where to Watch It?: The Ref is available to rent on Video-on-Demand platforms.

    13. Tales From the Crypt (1972)

    'Santa' (Oliver MacGreevy) and Joanne (Joan Collins) in "Tales from the Crypt"
    HBO / Courtesy Everett Collection

    While the entirety of the original Tales From the Crypt film doesn't qualify as a Christmas movie, the unforgettable first segment sees a woman (Joan Collins) who is terrorized by a homicidal maniac after murdering her own husband on Christmas Eve. A gripping and creepy cat-and-mouse game, this segment was later remade as the equally disturbing second episode of the Tales From the Crypt HBO series.

    Where to Watch It?: Tales From the Crypt (1972) is currently streaming on Tubi.

    12. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

    Victor Ziegler (Sydney Pollack) and Bill Harford (Tom Cruise) in "Eyes Wide Shut"
    Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection

    A sexually charged drama set in the backdrop of the holiday season, Eyes Wide Shut is better known as the last film of Stanley Kubrick as well as the final collaboration between then-husband and wife Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. Though this won't be one to watch with the whole family on Christmas morning, Eyes Wide Shut is nevertheless the right holiday option for those whose only speed is "Santa Baby."

    Where to Watch It?: Eyes Wide Shut is currently streaming on HBO Max.

    11. Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (2005)

    Perry van Shrike (Val Kilmer) and Harry Lockhart (Robert Downey Jr.) in "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang"
    Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection

    Yet another Shane Black action-comedy taking place during the holidays, Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang follows a lowlife criminal (Robert Downey Jr.) and an acerbic private investigator (Val Kilmer) who become entangled in a hard-boiled conspiracy. While this flick might be among the most accessible titles on the list, some of the dark humor and bleak backstory beats prevent Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang from joining the greater cultural conversation on Christmas cinema.

    Where to Watch It?: Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang is available to rent on Video-on-Demand platforms.

    10. Black Christmas (2006)

    Melissa Kitt (Michelle Trachtenberg), Kelli Presley (Katie Cassidy), Heather Fitzgerald (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and Leigh Colvin (Kristen Cloke) in "Black Christmas"
    Mgm / ©MGM/Courtesy Everett Collection

    Though the original Black Christmas (1974) is a stone-cold classic in the world of holly jolly counter-programming, the 2006 remake is certainly the one for those who are absolutely, positively out of Christmas cheer. A nastier, more jaw-dropping take on the X-mas slasher, Black Christmas (2006) is bleaker, bloodier, and way more bizarre than the more festive, family-friendly holiday offerings.

    Where to Watch It?: Black Christmas (2006) is currently streaming on Tubi.

    9. Bad Santa (2003)

    Willie T. Soke (Billy Bob Thornton) in "Bad Santa"
    Dimension Films/Courtesy Everett Collection

    Of course, this list would not be complete without Bad Santa, the Billy Bob Thornton-starring dark comedy that redefined the anti-holiday film. An unlikely hit that has snowballed into a beloved modern Christmas classic in the years since, Bad Santa remains the first choice for those wanting to watch a hard-drinking, foul-mouthed mall Santa learn about the true meaning of Christmas.

    Where to Watch It?: Bad Santa is currently streaming on PlutoTV.

    8. Anna and the Apocalypse (2018)

    John (Malcolm Cumming), Chris (Christopher Leveaux), Steph (Sarah Swire) and Anna (Ella Hunt) in "Anna and the Apocalypse"
    Magnolia Pictures / Everett Collection

    For some people, the holiday season is defined by its music, from the pop hits to the crooning songs of yesteryear. So for those who could do without the holidays but dig the Christmas tunes, you might want to watch Anna and the Apocalypse, a zombie comedy musical from Britain that decks the halls with catchy ballads and gory undead action in equal measure.

    Where to Watch It?: Anna and the Apocalypse is currently streaming on PlutoTV.

    7. Friday After Next (2002)

    Willie Jones (John Witherspoon) in "Friday After Next"
    New Line Cinema/Courtesy Everett Collection

    The final chapter of the Friday franchise (as of this writing), Friday After Next finds Craig (Ice Cube) and Day-Day (Mike Epps) having to find a way to regain their rent money after their Christmas presents and goods are stolen on Christmas Eve. Though the holiday-set film is not as revered as its two predecessors, Friday After Next is guaranteed to lift the most cold-hearted scrooges with its unique brand of raunchy and weed-centric comedy as well as the manic energy brought by Katt Williams in his film debut.

    Where to Watch It?: Friday After Next is currently streaming on Peacock.

    6. Santa’s Slay (2005)

    Santa Claus (Bill Goldberg) in "Santa's Slay"
    Media 8 Entertainment

    For some, Christmas is less about the holly, jolly Saint Nick and more about some of the darker folklore behind the holiday season. In that regards, Santa's Slay twists that lore into an over-the-top horror comedy with wrestling legend Bill Goldberg playing a bloodthirsty version of Santa Claus. It's no Miracle on 34th Street, but if you ever wanted to see Santa use a Christmas tree star as a ninja star, look no further than Santa's Slay.

    Where to Watch It?: Santa’s Slay is currently streaming on Peacock.

    5. In Bruges (2008)

    Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) in "In Bruges"
    Focus Features

    Loaded with coarse language, stark violence, and gallows humor, In Bruges is a great Christmas-set movie for those permanently on the naughty list. Moreover, the movie captures the feeling of anxiety and frustrations of the tourist traps commonly associated with the holiday season while telling an incredibly biting (and surprisingly mature) tale of murder, guilt, and redemption.

    Where to Watch It?: In Bruges is currently streaming on Starz.

    4. Tangerine (2015)

    "Tangerine"
    Magnolia Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

    Shot on an iPhone 5S and inspiring the first Academy Awards campaign for its openly transgender lead actor, Tangerine is not only an acclaimed drama-comedy but a Christmas movie in its own right. While holiday films usually offer tales of reindeer, elves, or lovelorn singles over sex workers and drug use, Tangerine has a likely chance at becoming a seasonal staple for those who prefer palm trees over Douglas firs.

    Where to Watch It?: Tangerine is currently streaming on Tubi, PlutoTV, and Crackle.

    3. The Family Stone (2005)

    Sybil (Diane Keaton), Kelly (Craig T. Nelson), Amy (Rachel McAdams), and Everett (Dermot Mulroney) in "The Family Stone"
    20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

    When families gather during the holidays, lingering tensions, political discourse, and boiling over-frustrations make many want to throw their stockings in the fire and watch it burn. Few movies capture the complicated, uncomfortable environment of holiday dinners as The Family Stone, which offers a grounded and realistic take on family in-fighting during Christmastime.

    Where to Watch It?: The Family Stone is currently streaming on Peacock.

    2. Krampus (2015)

    "Krampus"
    Legendary Entertainment

    From Michael Dougherty, the director of the cult classic Trick ‘r Treat, Krampus pits a dysfunctional family who has lost the spirit of Christmas against the more terrifying figure that’ll creep down your chimney: the Krampus, an Austro-Bavarian demon hellbent on punishing the naughty. With the same chaotic (and somewhat sadistic) spirit as Gremlins, Krampus is an X-mas creature feature that is slowly becoming a must-see title in every horror fans' holiday rotation.

    Where to Watch It?: Krampus is available to rent on Video-on-Demand platforms.

    1. Eight Crazy Nights (2002)

    Davey Stone (Adam Sandler) rides a garbage can lid down a handrail in "Eight Crazy Nights"
    Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

    With all of the darker and demented X-mas movies on this list, it'd be a shame if one of the more high-profile Hanukkah movies geared toward an adult (or at least older teenage) audience was left out in the cold. With Adam Sandler's brand of obnoxious gross-out humor, Eight Crazy Nights makes for a solid companion for his beloved "Chanukah Song" series and a proper alternative for those looking for representation outside of traditional Christmas-oriented holiday fare.

    Where to Watch It?: Eight Crazy Nights is currently streaming on Amazon Prime via IMDbTV.

    What's your favorite holiday movie?