With Christmas just around the corner, it's time to dive into the world of holiday horror. But what if you're not in the mood for merriment? Don't worry, we've got you covered with these feel-bad, bleak holiday horror movies that explore the dark side of humanity.

Uncover the Grim Side of Christmas with These Horror Picks

A Christmas Tale - Tubi

Before Paco Plaza became renowned for international horror hits like the [REC] franchise and Netflix's Veronica, he directed this Amblin-like kids story that takes a grim turn. Set in 1985, five twelve-year-old friends discover a pit with an unconscious woman dressed as Santa Claus at the bottom. Their decision on whether to help or use her leads to grisly horror. It's a morality tale that separates the naughty from the nice, and the film is available on Pluto TV in Spanish without English subtitles.This movie shows the darker side of childhood and the consequences of our actions. It's a reminder that not everything during the holidays is happy and cheerful.

I Trapped the Devil - AMC+, Shudder

Writer/director Josh Lobo's Christmas film is a haunting exploration of grief and familial guilt. When Steve's brother and sister-in-law arrive for the holidays, they discover a man locked in his basement. Steve insists it's the devil. The film's paranoia and psychological terror are expertly carried by its three leads, making it brooding yuletide horror at its best.It delves deep into the emotions and conflicts that can arise during the holidays, showing how they can bring out the worst in us.

Inside - Tubi

Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury's debut begins with a tragedy that plunges the pregnant lead character into depression. Over Christmas, she embarks on an intense, visceral bid for survival. This home invasion horror film is ruthless, doling out punishment and pain. Béatrice Dalle's La Femme is a bone-chilling villainess, and the excess of bloodshed is the only prominent reference to the holidays.It's a tense and gripping movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat, showing the dark side of the holidays in a unique way.

The Lodge - Kanopy

A family's weekend getaway to their remote lodge turns into a harrowing voyage into madness. Soon-to-be stepmom Grace, still recovering from a traumatic upbringing, is left alone with hostile step-children Aidan and Mia. When a blizzard hits and the power cuts off, they're trapped in freezing isolation with Grace's dark past.This movie explores the psychological and emotional turmoil that can occur during the holidays and how it can affect our relationships.

Silent Night (2021) - AMC+, Netflix

Writer/Director Camille Griffin's feature debut starts as a typical family comedy but quickly reveals a sinister side. A large family tries to celebrate Christmas while dealing with personal conflicts and stress. But something more grim is brewing beneath the surface. The film boasts a great ensemble cast that leans into holiday cheer before delivering a bleak reveal.It shows how the holidays can mask deeper issues and how they can lead to unexpected and terrifying situations.