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The Christmas season isn't just about feel-good movies; it can also include thriller movies filled with suspense and dark twists. Black Doves is a recently released mystery-thriller show capturing the festive spirit. The British spy thriller series follows Helen, played by Keira Knightley, as she teams up with an old assassin friend to avenge her murdered lover. Black Doves premiered on Netflix on December 5, 2024.
For thriller fans, this show combines Christmas with a tense mystery, offering excellent pacing and suspense.
Moreover, the Christmas thriller genre offers a unique blend of holiday charm and heart-pounding suspense. Films like Violent Night and Silent Night showcase action-packed narratives, while Better Watch Out and Mother Krampus fall into psychological and supernatural horror. Meanwhile, cult classics like Jack Frost and The Nightmare Before Christmas bring a quirky edge to the genre.
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More must-watch Christmas thriller movies
1) Carry-On (2024)
Released in 2024, Carry-On is a tense thriller set during the holiday season, specifically Christmas Eve. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, the movie stars Taron Egerton as a TSA agent forced into an impossible situation. A criminal group blackmails him into letting a dangerous package through security during the busiest travel season of the year.
Taron Egerton's performance is a must-see as he captures the desperation and determination of a man caught in a complicated position. It sparks the discussion of doing what is right when your life is at stake. The holiday backdrop further adds to the tension, with the chaos of the season mirroring the main protagonist's internal struggle.
Where to watch: Netflix
2) Violent Night (2023)
Released in 2023, Violent Night turns the idea of Santa Claus into a gritty action hero. The film stars David Harbour as the not-so-friendly Santa Claus, who gets caught in a home invasion while delivering presents. The family inside is being held hostage by a team of mercenaries led by Scrooge, played by John Leguizamo.
This Christmas thriller doesn't shy away from the brutal action sequences and dark humor. Harbour's portrayal of Santa as a no-nonsense fighter adds a different twist to the story, making it both thrilling and entertaining. Meanwhile, the film's holiday setting adds a sinister undertone, making the danger feel even more immediate.
Where to watch: Netflix
3) Silent Night (2021)
Silent Night offers a chilling take on family gatherings during the holidays. This thriller film, released in 2021, stars Keira Knightley and Matthew Goode as a couple hosting a Christmas dinner with friends and family. However, the seemingly normal evening hides a dark secret as a toxic cloud approaches, and the world's end is imminent.
The film is both a gripping psychological drama and a stark commentary on human behavior when faced with doom. Moreover, Silent Night explores the fragility of life and the lengths people go to preserve hope, even when none remains. Its mix of holiday cheer and apocalyptic tension creates a hauntingly unforgettable experience.
Where to watch: Netflix and AMC Plus
4) The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The Nightmare Before Christmas is a Tim Burton animated musical fantasy film. It features the story of Jack Skellington, dubbed the King of Halloween Town, who accidentally discovers a Christmas Town. The movie features the voices of Chris Sarandon, Danny Elfman, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey, and Glenn Shadix, among others.
Where to watch: Disney Plus
5) Better Watch Out (2017, USA)
Better Watch Out subverts the classic home invasion trope with a Christmas twist. Directed by Chris Peckover, the film stars Olivia DeJonge as Ashley, a babysitter who finds herself defending Luke (Levi Miller) during what appears to be a break-in. However, nothing is as it seems, and the story takes shocking turns that keep viewers guessing.
The Christmas thriller film's festive setting adds a layer of irony to the terror, creating a juxtaposition that enhances the suspense. Better Watch Out is a smart, gripping watch that proves the holidays can be as unsettling as they are merry.
Where to watch: Apple TV
6) Mother Krampus (2017)
Drawing its inspiration from European folklore, Mother Krampus churns out a chilly dosage of holiday horror. This 2017-released thriller by director James Klass tells the story of a witch named Frau Perchta who terrorizes a small town during the twelve days of Christmas. Claire-Maria Fox and Tony Manders are featured as townpeople who confront the terrifying curse that has come upon them at the most unusual time of the year.
The villagers seek to know what happened in reality, causing these people to disappear, and from that point on, the tale develops into a suspense and supernatural terror mix. The backdrop of snow and Christmas decorations give, at the same time, an uncomfortable feeling of juxtaposition of these dark events.
Where to watch: Prime Video
7) Jack Frost (1997)
Jack Frost, directed by Michael Cooney and released in 1997, is a classic for fans of campy horror. This Christmas thriller tells the bizarre story of a serial killer who transformed into a mutant, murderous snowman after an accident. Scott MacDonald voices the titular character.
The film is unapologetically over-the-top, combining gory kills with dark humor. Its absurd premise and creative execution have earned it a loyal following among fans of unconventional thrillers. Despite its campy tone, Jack Frost doesn't hold back on suspense, making it an entertaining watch for those who enjoy their holiday thrills with a side of absurdity.
Where to watch: Apple TV.
8) The Lodge (2019)
Released in 2019, The Lodge is a psychological Christmas thriller that delves into themes of isolation and trauma. Directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, the film stars Riley Keough as Grace, a woman spending the holidays in a remote cabin with her boyfriend's two children. As a snowstorm traps them inside, eerie events start to unravel, forcing them to confront Grace's dark past.
The film's claustrophobic setting and slow-burning suspense create a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll. Meanwhile, the holiday setting contrasts sharply with the film's dark tone, making it a must-watch for fans of atmospheric thrillers.
Where to watch: Prime Video
For those who want the thrill and excitement, these films are a good alternative to feel-good Christmas movies.
