Although Rotten Tomatoes didn’t exist during the peak of slasher films in the 1980s, reviews for those movies – and their many sequels – have gradually been added to the site. You might be surprised to find that even older films like Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers have a Rotten Tomatoes score (currently based on 28 reviews, with a very low 11% approval rating). But it’s even more unexpected when a new installment in a long-running series receives a dramatically different reception.
This Friday, Cineverse is releasing a reimagining of the 1980s slasher film, Silent Night, Deadly Night, written and directed by Mike P. Nelson and starring Rohan Campbell. Early reviews are surprisingly positive, and the new film has achieved a “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes – something the series has never seen before.
Silent Night, Deadly Night Reboot Sets Major Franchise Record
The latest installment in the Silent Night, Deadly Night series is surprisingly well-received, currently boasting an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 27 reviews. While it hasn’t quite reached “Certified Fresh” status, it’s closer than anyone expected for a film in this franchise. Critics are impressed, with Deep Focus predicting it will become a holiday favorite for horror fans, and The Mary Sue noting its inventive approach to the original story. Even Fangoria, a leading horror publication, praised the film’s over-the-top gore and playful humor.
The new Silent Night, Deadly Night currently has an 85% rating, which is significantly higher than any other film in the series. The original 1984 movie has the next highest score at 53%. While horror fans are familiar with it, the first Silent Night, Deadly Night caused controversy when it came out because of its depiction of a murderous Santa Claus, at a time when audiences were growing tired of violent slasher films. Ironically, the protests surrounding the movie likely boosted its popularity and led to the creation of several sequels.
The original movie was followed by a sequel, Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2, which has gained a cult following. It’s known for the now-famous line “Garbage Day!” and for reusing about 25 minutes of footage from the first film, all within its short 88-minute running time. While some horror fans enjoy it now, it only has a 30% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
After the first sequel, three more Silent Night, Deadly Night movies were made, but they weren’t well-received. In fact, they don’t even have a rating on Rotten Tomatoes because so few people reviewed them. Silent Night, Deadly Night 3: Better Watch Out! only has four negative reviews, and Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation and Silent Night, Deadly Night 5: The Toy Maker each have just three. (Part 4 has one positive review, while Part 5 has two.) A 2012 remake, simply titled Silent Night, received a low 62% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with 13 reviews, barely avoiding a “rotten” score.
Overall, the Silent Night, Deadly Night series doesn’t hold up well compared to other horror franchises. However, the positive reception to the 2025 revival suggests either the filmmakers are on the right track, or critics are finally appreciating this unique brand of holiday horror.
Silent Night, Deadly Night premieres in theaters on December 12.
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2025-12-10 00:18