The Ten Slays of Christmas
Amanda By Night checks her list twice

Silent Night, Deadly Night: a big hit with the parents.

When it comes to horror hounds, too much is never enough. From eleven Friday the 13ths to the hundreds of impersonations it spawned, rabid lovers of the genre couldn't get their fix. If outwardly evil holidays like the 13th and Halloween could give audiences a taste of unrelenting terror, then why not try the other dates? Everything from April Fool's Day to New Year's Evil filled up our calendar with such fun frights that the makers of The Mutilator even created the fictional college holiday 'fall break'! So it seemed inevitable that Christmas and the potentially scary Saint Nick would make an appearance in the genre. What's surprising was how many Christmas-time slashers were (and are still) being made.

Without question, the idea of Santa slitting the throats of all those who were naughty was too good an idea to pass on. Some of these movies were good, but most were bad. Very bad. But if you, like so many of us, dread spending another Christmas season inside a busy mall filled with screaming kids and detached parents, then I suggest you grab your egg nog, turn down the lights and join me for a slay-ride. This is a list of the best (and worst) Christmas horror movies. Enjoy!

Black Christmas (1974) - The best of the bunch and the forbearer of such wonderfully twisted flicks as When a Stranger Calls and Halloween. Olivia Hussey and Margot Kidder are pitted against a psychotic killer and a few red herrings. Very atmospheric and genuinely terrifying. Oh, and it's directed by the guy who did Porky's! Available on DVD through Music Video Distribution. Click here to buy!

Dead End (2003) - A holiday trip turns into Yuletide terror! This sick and twisted romp through the Christmas season should get you in the spirit. Not available on DVD yet.

Don't Open Until Christmas (1984) - One of the sleazier holiday horror films, it was directed by well respected thespian Edmund Purdom (who also starred in the gory favorite Pieces) without any thought or talent. It's a must see for Christmas haters and Caroline Munro lovers. Currently out-of-print.

Elves (1990) - Dan Haggerty stars as an in-store Santa going toe to toe with an evil elf. That's right, just one singular fake looking elf, not elves as the title would suggest. More low budget than Grizzly Adams deserves, it's still a laugh riot and a must for elf-fetishists. Released on video by Hemdale Home Video.

Home for the Holidays (1972) - Not the saccharine filled Jodie Foster fest, but a creepy Aaron Spelling produced TV movie about secrets and lies. Starring Sally Field, Jessica Walter and Julie Harris. Great acting and a suspenseful story make this a classic scarefest. Would Aaron ever let us down? Currently out-of-print but was originally released on video through Vidmark.

I don't even know where to start with this one (Jack Frost).

Jack Frost I and II (1997, 2000) - Guaranteed to bring a smile to even the most jaded Scrooge! As cheesy as it gets, it's hard to believe that both of these were directed by the guy who wrote the popular 2003 suspense flick Identity! Whodathunk? Available on DVD through Simitar. Click to buy!

Santa Claws (1996) - Great title AND Debbie Rochon. 'Nuff said? Available on video through American Home Entertainment. Click to buy!

Silent Night, Deadly Night I thru whatever (1984-1991) - The first in this never-ending series was one of the most controversial and twisted films ever made. It caused a tidal wave of debate when youngsters were terrified of the poster featuring Santa and an axe shimmying down the chimney! Now the original is finally available on DVD on a double bill with its inferior sequel. Don't let the holiest of holy days pass you by without popping this blood splattered disc into your player. And watch out for Linnea Quigley and a friendly pair of antlers! The first two are available on DVD through Anchor Bay. Click to buy!

Andrea Martin is unaware that the killer is hiding in her boyfriend's afro (Black Christmas).

Tales from the Crypt (1972) - Amicus' superior tale of a not-too-nice Santa. This went on to become the pilot for the Tales from the Crypt TV series. A classically scary anthology about classically scary folks! Available on video through 20th Century Fox.

To All a Good Night (1980) - David Hess' directorial debut (and swan song) about a bunch of bitchy sorority sisters trapped in their house with some horny guys and a diabolical killer in Santa gear. This movie has to be seen to be believed. There's not a competent shot in the whole thing. In other words, a classic! Currently out-of-print.

Merry Axe-mas From Amanda By Night!