As the holiday season approaches, it’s that festive time of year when Christmas trees twinkle with lights and stockings are carefully arranged. Meanwhile, the world of action movies takes a thrilling turn with explosive scenes set around December 25. If you’re in search of the ultimate blood-soaked holiday film to ensure your in-laws leave earlier than expected, it?s crucial to make an informed choice. While many films boast of being the most violent Christmas movie, the real question is, which one truly delivers on that promise?
When determining what defines a violent Christmas film, the simplest yet most effective measure is, without a doubt, the yuletide body count. While a plethora of horror films take place during the holidays, this list expands to encompass all Christmas-related themes. So, buckle up, put on your Santa hat, and prepare yourself as we rank the top ten most violent Christmas movies based on their body counts.
10 ‘The Santa Clause’ (1994)
Estimated Body Count: 1
Disney?s The Santa Clause may not be an outright violent film, yet it certainly earns a mention for a particular incident?Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) inadvertently causes Santa’s demise. While it wasn?t intentional, Scott?s actions lead to Santa falling off the roof, resulting in his tragic death, which prompts Scott to take over the Santa role. Upon arriving at the North Pole, it?s surprising to see that the elves seem unfazed by the disappearance of their former boss. Despite the winter wonderland outside, the elves inside the workshop remain mysteriously indifferent.
While the estimated body count is nearly two, the film leaves viewers questioning the fate of Mrs. Claus. After Santa’s demise, her absence at the North Pole raises eyebrows, and the sequel, The Santa Clause 2, emphasizes that Santa requires a partner to fulfill his duties. So, what truly became of Mrs. Claus? It?s plausible she remained at home when Santa met his untimely end, yet Scott ends up in an empty bed, suggesting the elves are privy to some hidden truths that remain unresolved. Perhaps a future Netflix documentary will finally provide clarity.
The Santa Clause
When a man inadvertently makes Santa fall off his roof on Christmas Eve, he finds himself magically recruited to take his place.
- Release Date
- November 11, 1994
- Director
- John Pasquin
- Cast
- Wendy Crewson , Judge Reinhold , David Krumholtz , Eric Lloyd , Tim Allen
- Runtime
- 97 minutes
- Writers
- Steve Rudnick , Leo Benvenuti
- Studio
- Tagline
9 ‘Bad Santa’ (2003)
Estimated Body Count: 1
The R-rated holiday comedy Bad Santa features Billy Bob Thornton as Willie, a master thief who masquerades as a mall Santa to pull off a heist. Despite having a body count of just one, Bad Santa possesses a darker undertone and adult themes that elevate its violence compared to Disney?s The Santa Clause. Thornton’s performance, combined with the film’s raunchy humor, makes it a perennial holiday favorite.
Notably, Bad Santa entertains audiences with its mix of dark comedy and unforgettable performances from Thornton and the late comedian Bernie Mac. While there are moments of violence, such as Thornton confronting underage bullies who harass a child he befriends, the film ultimately concludes with just one murder. Its lasting popularity even led to a sequel over a decade later, though it failed to match the original’s magic. Still, Bad Santa remains an essential watch for fans of unconventional holiday films.
In this dark comedy, the crotchety Willie T. Stokes (Billy Bob Thornton) and his partner (Tony Cox) reunite once a year for a holiday con. Posing as a mall Santa and his elf, they rip off shopping outlets on Christmas Eve. This year, however, Willie is falling apart. He’s depressed and alcoholic, and his erratic behavior draws the suspicion of mall security (Bernie Mac). But when befriending a small boy brings out his kinder side, Willie begins to wonder if there is still some hope for him.
- Release Date
- November 26, 2003
- Director
- Terry Zwigoff
- Runtime
- 1h32m
- Writers
- Glenn Ficarra , John Requa
- Studio
- Columbia Pictures, Dimension Films, Triptych Pictures
- Sequel(s)
- Bad Santa 2
- Where To Stream
- Paramount Plus
8 ‘Gremlins’ (1984)
Estimated Body Count: 3, Estimated Gremlin Body Count: Hundreds
