When you think of Christmas movies, warm and cozy tales with snow, romance, and family come to mind. But if you’re in the mood for something more intense this year, Christmas thrillers are a perfect choice! They deliver the festive atmosphere with an added dose of suspense, action, and unexpected twists.
Whether it’s Santa Claus going rogue or a mysterious home invasion, these thrilling holiday movies promise to keep you entertained. Here are five of the best Christmas thrillers to stream right now.
1. Violent Night (2022)
Streaming on Starz
“Violent Night” is a wild ride filled with action, humor, and holiday chaos. On Christmas Eve, a group of mercenaries breaks into the wealthy Lightstone family’s mansion to steal their fortune. But they didn’t count on one thing: Santa Claus himself.
David Harbour stars as a badass, no-nonsense Santa who’s more skilled in combat than delivering gifts. With brutal yet creative fight scenes and a heartfelt bond between Santa and a young girl named Trudy, this movie is the perfect mix of thrills and festive spirit.
2. Better Watch Out (2016)
Streaming on Peacock
This darkly funny psychological thriller starts like a classic Christmas babysitting story but quickly flips into something far more sinister. Ashley, a teenage babysitter, spends the evening looking after 12-year-old Luke, who has a secret crush on her.
What begins as a harmless night takes a chilling turn when an apparent home invasion unravels into a shocking and twisted series of events. “Better Watch Out” keeps you guessing until the very end, making it a must-watch for fans of clever holiday thrillers.
3. Black Christmas (1974)
Streaming on Prime Video
A pioneer in the slasher genre, “Black Christmas” is a chilling thriller set in a sorority house during the holiday season. As the women prepare for their Christmas break, a series of unsettling phone calls takes a deadly turn when one of their friends disappears.
The true terror lies in the fact that the killer is hiding inside the house. With a strong lead performance by Olivia Hussey, this classic delivers suspense, mystery, and festive fear.
4. The Lodge (2019)
Available on Amazon to Rent or Buy
“The Lodge” is a modern psychological thriller that perfectly blends emotional drama with spine-chilling suspense. Grace, a woman trying to bond with her fiancé’s children during Christmas, finds herself stranded with them in a remote cabin.
As a blizzard traps them indoors, secrets unravel, and reality begins to blur. With themes of grief, trauma, and paranoia, this movie delivers a haunting holiday experience that’s as thought-provoking as it is unsettling.
5. Fatman (2020)
Streaming on Showtime or Buy/Rent on Amazon
“Fatman” brings a gritty, darkly comedic twist to the Santa Claus legend. Mel Gibson stars as a grumpy, cash-strapped Chris Cringle, struggling to keep his toy-making business afloat.
Things take a bizarre turn when a vengeful young boy hires a hitman to take out Santa after receiving a lump of coal for Christmas. What follows is an intense game of cat-and-mouse as Santa fights to survive—and prove he’s not the jolly pushover people think.
Add Some Thrills to Your Christmas
These Christmas thrillers bring a fresh perspective to holiday movie nights. Whether you prefer action-packed chaos, mind-bending suspense, or dark comedy, these films ensure your festive season is anything but ordinary. Grab some popcorn and prepare for a Christmas like no other!
