It's the jolliest time of year, starring Santa Claus, everyone's favorite chubby mascot! By tradition, Santa decides if you've been naughty or nice during the past year, and rewards you accordingly. But who decides if Santa himself has been naughty or nice?
Horror-movie fans know that men in red suits and floppy hats often proven to be the source of terror and madness, even if they (occasionally) intend to do good, as the following movies suggest.
Gremlins (1984)
Phoebe Cates explains to her boyfriend why she hates Christmas, painting a frightening word picture about an unpleasant discovery in the chimney. This is a case where Santa has all the good intentions in the world yet still causes nightmares.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
In a frightening moment, ambitious Jack Skellington (voiced by Chris Sarandon), who is the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, commands the kidnapping of Santa Claus from Christmas Town so he can take over Christmas, but things go terribly awry. Jack eventually comes to his senses and saves Christmas.
Tales From the Crypt (1972)
Joan Collins has just killed her husband when she hears a radio report about a homicidal maniac who may be on the prowl. And then she spies the madman dressed in a Santa Claus suit, right outside, but, of course, how can she call the police when she still hasn't disposed of her dead husband's body? And then her daughter welcomes Santa into the house...
Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
Getting things started on a horrific note, a 5-year-old boy witnesses the murder of his parents by a man clad in Santa Claus gear. The boy is, understandably, scarred for life. Some 13 years later, an assault at a Christmas Eve party triggers a slew of murderous assaults, all involving someone clad in a Santa Claus costume. Is it the work of the the traumatized boy, all grown up?
Christmas Evil (1980)
Young Harry is traumatized by the sight of "Santa" assaulting his mother at home, a scene that begins the movie on a very disturbing note. He grows up with a heartfelt, all-consuming desire to become a more worthy Santa Claus, but instead becomes a creepy, homicidal maniac, running around town terrorizing people in a Santa suit.
Santa's Slay (2005)
This comic horror movie purports to reveal the true origin of Santa Claus. In this version, Santa is a mass serial killer who is free to murder again after serving a 1,000 year sentence of delivering presents. And he's ready to make up for lost time by killing as many people as possible on Christmas Day. Agan, it's the opening scene that sets a tone of terror, as Santa comes down a chimney with murder in mind.
