5 holiday-themed horror movies that are not Halloween-themed, and 1 that is

As a seasoned gamer and horror aficionado with a penchant for all things spooky, I can confidently say that these holiday-themed horrors are not to be missed! Whether you’re in the mood for a silent masterpiece or a modern twist on classic slasher tropes, there’s something here for everyone.

Spooktacular times: Sometimes thrilling, sometimes chilling, but generally amusing. A plethora of horror stories tied to holidays exist beyond Halloween, and they always manage to make the eerie season more enjoyable.

If you enjoy horror set on any holiday at all, read on to get a few recommendations.

1. The Phantom Carriage (New Year’s Eve)

As a gamer, I’d recommend giving “The Phantom Carriage” (1921) a try if you’re into eerie tales. In this movie, David Holm plays an alcoholic character who encounters the rider of Death’s carriage and is forced to confront his past errors and regrets. This film was revolutionary with its groundbreaking practical effects and unique narrative structure that blends seamlessly with flashbacks. It left a lasting impact on directors like Ingmar Bergman and Stanley Kubrick when they were creating “The Shining”. The movie’s atmosphere is downright chilling, so if you don’t mind the lack of dialogue and appreciate a good ghost story, give it a watch!

2. My Bloody Valentine (Valentine’s Day)

1981 saw the release of a chilling Canadian slasher film that skillfully intertwines the innocence of the holiday with the gruesome actions of its murderous antagonist, set against an eerie backdrop of an abandoned coal mine. The narrative revolves around a town scarred by a devastating mine explosion on Valentine’s Day, caused by reckless management.

25 years ago, I was the lone soul who endured the horrors beneath that place, and after being trapped down there, I lost my mind. On Valentine’s Day, I let loose with a bloody rampage of revenge, leaving a chilling warning for the town: never host another dance or suffer the same fate.

3. Slaughter High (April Fool’s Day)

In this less-acknowledged horror movie packed with surprises, a band of former classmates reunite at their high school years later, following an unforgettable prank that severely injured one of their peers. However, what was intended to be a fun get-together takes a dark turn as they discover that they are the only guests invited, and the school, which is in disrepair, has been abandoned.

They opted to crash the place and have a good time, unaware that the janitor had passed away and someone was lurking in hiding. This film garnered numerous positive reviews upon release and continues to be well-received by slasher enthusiasts today, largely due to the engaging 91-minute experience that solidified its place among cult slasher classics.

4. I Know What You Did Last Summer (Fourth of July)

In the style of ’90s horror movies like “Scream”, this script was written by Kevin Williamson, but unlike the original source material, it wasn’t directly based on his book. Instead, it was adapted from a novel of the same name by Lois Duncan. Four unsuspecting teens find themselves in a terrifying situation when they unintentionally run over someone and decide to dispose of the body at sea, only to discover that the person is actually still alive during the process.

Approximately a year ago to the day, on July 4th, the four young adults encounter ominous warnings, one of which hints that the sender is aware of their past actions and seems intent on retribution. If you’re fond of suspenseful, non-gruesome slasher films or a mix of thrill and humor, I Know What You Did Last Summer (IKWYDLS) is an engaging watch. This movie has left its mark on subsequent horror productions in similar veins, and it was itself inspired by several 80s slasher films, notably “Prom Night” starring Jamie Lee Curtis, as well as the urban legend “The Hook.

5. Black Christmas (Christmas)

Among all the chilling Christmas-themed horror films, there’s one that stands out as a favorite for many – Bob Clark’s 1974 masterpiece, Black Christmas. This film revolves around a tense sorority house where the residents receive terrifying phone calls from what seems to be a deranged individual. Unbeknownst to them, the caller is already lurking within their very home, hidden away upstairs.

As a gamer, I can’t deny the impact this movie has had on countless films that followed. It’s often hailed as one of the pioneers of the slasher genre and one of the first to cleverly use the “the phone calls are originating from within the house” plot device, sending chills down our spines even today.

6. Hell Fest (Halloween)

John Carpenter’s 1978 film named “Halloween” is undoubtedly a masterpiece, and there’s no arguing with that. However, if you’re seeking a Halloween-themed movie other than “Halloween” or “Trick ‘r Treat”, I would recommend giving “Hell Fest” a look. It might not be the worst choice.

As a gamer, I’d say: In a heartbeat, I can tell you I zoomed through Hell Fest in a swift 89 minutes! It’s all about a gang of us thrill-seekers, celebrating Halloween at a roving horror park. The fun and frights were flowing, but things took a dark turn when we realized someone was twisted enough to make our chills real – by murdering people among the attractions! With a pulse-pounding pace, classic slasher feels, and a cameo from the legendary Tony Todd, this rollercoaster ride never lets up on the adrenaline. Not a single second of boredom in sight!

2024-10-26 19:25