9 Most Violent Christmas Movies to Watch During the Holidays

As a lifelong fan of action-packed movies and someone who cherishes the holiday season, I must say that this list has truly captured my heart (and maybe even a bit of my liver). The sheer variety and creativity on display here is nothing short of remarkable!

There are some Christmas-themed films that portray Kevin McCallister’s battle with Harry and Marv as relatively mild compared to the intensity and suspense they offer. These movies tend to either pump up viewers’ adrenaline or cause feelings of unease, sometimes even managing to do both at once.

Instead of “slashers to actioners,” let’s say we have a list of films that are not exactly jolly and bright but rather violent and intense. These movies may not all be equally good, but they share a common trait – plenty of gunfights, stabbings, or fist fights, which might make them challenging for those who prefer peace. So, if you were expecting a peaceful Christmas with all the trimmings, these movies probably won’t fit that bill as it appears little was left out during their production.

Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)

One of the most debated films in history, “Silent Night, Deadly Night“, sparked numerous protests due to its contentious portrayal. Parents were particularly displeased with the representation of Santa Claus as a serial killer on promotional materials for the movie. Considering how brutal and bloody the film turned out to be, their concerns were valid.

In the realm of ’80s slasher films, I’d say this one slightly surpasses its contemporaries in terms of quality, but just barely. When it comes to gory kill scenes, it certainly holds its own against similar, just-under-the-A-list slashers like “The Prowler” and “The Burning”. However, its immediate sequel definitely gives it a run for its money, especially when it’s not resorting to excessive use of stock footage from the original film.

Invasion U.S.A. (1985)

Known for producing films like “Breakin'” and “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace,” which are not typically considered high-quality, The Cannon Group primarily produced action movies starring Chuck Norris, Charles Bronson, and later Jean-Claude Van Damme. One such film was “Invasion U.S.A.” featuring Chuck Norris, a sequel to his collaboration with director Joseph Zito on “Missing in Action” the previous year, who also directed “Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter.

Similar to “Missing in Action”, “Invasion U.S.A.” is just as over-the-top as a film can be. The story revolves around Soviet/Cuban-backed guerrilla forces invading the United States, with only one man, often seen in action amidst a bustling shopping mall, capable of wiping them out. It’s typical Chuck Norris action, but it does feature the martial artist knocking off Richard Lynch’s stereotypical Russian antagonist through a window.

Cobra (1986)

As a supporter looking back, if I had to pick one standout production by the Cannon Group, it would undeniably be “Cobra.” Originally, “Cobra” was intended to be a showcase for Sylvester Stallone, modeled after “Beverly Hills Cop.” However, when Stallone rewrote the script, transforming the lead character into Axel Cobretti, stripping out the humor, and increasing the intensity of the violence, it was determined that this grittier take would be more fitting for Eddie Murphy. Eventually, with some tweaks here and there, Stallone’s brutal vision for this box-office smash did make its way to the big screen, albeit with Stallone portraying Marion Cobretti as he pursued a cabal of ruthless serial killers.

Simply put, Beverly Hills Cop is more lively and entertaining compared to Cobra. While Cobra can tend to be overly serious, it’s not without its merits – Brian Thompson delivers a chilling performance as the villain, and there are moments that inadvertently provoke laughter, thanks to the film’s attempts at intimidating one-liners.

Lethal Weapon (1987)

The movie “Lethal Weapon,” directed by Richard Donner and written by Shane Black who loves Christmas, relies heavily on the relationship between its main characters as much as it does on exciting action scenes. Luckily for viewers (and Warner Bros., considering the huge audience in 1987), the movie excels in both areas. In terms of action, you’ve got Gary Busey with a sniper rifle, an explosive car, a drive-by shooting, a standoff in the desert, suburban fights, and even Mel Gibson’s Martin Riggs imitating the slapstick humor of Larry, Curly, and Moe from “The Three Stooges” by slapping and poking suspects’ eyes.

There’s an argument to be made the second film is even better than the first, but there’s just as strong an argument to be made that the fresh nature of the original makes it the most rewatchable of the bunch. It’s also the only one of the quadrilogy that takes place during Christmas, making it a worthwhile holiday treat. Black’s similarly festive actioner The Long Kiss Goodnight is also pretty violent, but its sequences lack the impact of Lethal Weapon‘s.

Die Hard (1988)

Among ’80s Christmas-themed action films, none surpasses “Lethal Weapon” quite like John McTiernan’s “Die Hard”. This timeless masterpiece has sparked numerous discussions for good reason. From its opening scene to the very last frame, it embodies the essence of an action movie in a way that is unparalleled.

John McClane, our endearing yet imperfect hero, might leave viewers questioning his survival in Nakatomi Plaza if not for the existence of three sequels. Filled with memorable moments, catchy one-liners, and an unforgettable villain, Die Hard stands as a testament to cinematic brilliance. Notably, it offers ample gunfire and gore, earning its reputation as the epitome of violent holiday entertainment (provided you view it as a Christmas movie).

Black Christmas (2006)

The 1974 movie “Black Christmas” is generally devoid of blood and gore, as it was more challenging for studios to include such content during its release date in the early ’70s. Conversely, the 2006 remake stands out as one of the most brutal and violent slasher films from that decade, with a notable fascination with the human eye, possibly alluding to the killer’s visible eye in Bob Clark’s original film.

In contrast to the original film, which employed a more subtle approach, such as a young woman’s death by plastic bag suffocation, the 2006 remake of “Black Christmas” is far from discrete. It includes scenes like repeated instances of the bag scene and further violence, such as stabbing or gouging out an eye by hand. The film’s excessive brutality is also evident in the killer beating his mother to death with a rolling pin, carving cookie cutters into her body, and then consuming the cookies. To add to the nauseating content, there is a scene of scalping with an ice skate. Furthermore, while not directly related to violence, the movie introduces a murderous sister for the killer, who is also his daughter. Essentially, the 2006 “Black Christmas” was, until recently, the most excessively brutal and unpleasant holiday horror film available.

Fatman (2020)

Although it might be the least violent movie on this list, “Fatman” delivers enough thrilling moments to make it a good choice for action enthusiasts considering rental. The film mainly focuses on setting up the plot, which is why it manages to hold its own. This build-up also adds tension to the extended third-act shootout, making it more impactful.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: In this film, I find myself as Chris Cringle, a man whose Christmas miracle workshop is on the brink of collapse. Today’s kids aren’t as innocent as they used to be, and to make matters worse, our government-funded business is losing support. To keep things afloat, we agree to build fighter jets for the military – a decision that doesn’t sit well with me. But my unease pales in comparison to the arrival of a vengeful hitman, Jonathan Miller, at my workshop/home. This man, skillfully portrayed by Walton Goggins, was hired by an ungrateful child who didn’t like the lump of coal he got this year. Unfortunately for the kid, the contracted assassination doesn’t go as planned, but Miller certainly takes out a number of Army guards on his way to confront the big man… or in my case, the rotund hero known as Fatman.

Violent Night (2022)

Christmas films resonate strongly with audiences when they portray troubled families, as this aspect often mirrors everyday experiences. In “Violent Night”, both the family and Santa Claus are far from perfect, offering a realistic touch to the storyline.

This film follows the holiday-themed spin-off style of “John Wick,” given that it was produced by David Leitch, co-director of the original movie and executive producer for the sequels. As fans of the “John Wick” series are aware, this movie is filled with a playful spirit and meticulously designed action scenes. If you’re seeking a “Die Hard” alternative featuring John McClane with reindeer and Christmas toys, then this would be an excellent choice for you.

Terrifier 3 (2024)

Recently, it would have been surprising to predict that an unrated, extremely graphic horror movie (Terrifier 3) would outperform the second weekend of the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Joker. However, this was indeed the case, as the Joker sequel struggled significantly at the box office, and it turned out that the fanbase for Art the Clown-themed gore films is even larger than expected. Essentially, Terrifier 3’s victory can be considered well-deserved due to its status as a modern slasher movie classic.

Similar to the second movie, the strength of Terrifier 3 lies in its character development. This would fall flat if the acting wasn’t exceptional, and luckily, it is, particularly by Lauren LaVera. Notably, David Howard Thornton once more delivers a chilling (and occasionally humorous) portrayal of Art, while Samantha Scaffidi impresses as Victoria Heyes (the lead from the first film). However, it’s LaVera who elevates this gory nightmare above its peers.

2024-12-22 22:12