Thanksgiving, while not a traditional genre, seamlessly blends cheeky humor with grindhouse sensibilities, resulting in a unique and notable addition to holiday slashers.
Thanksgiving is one of the latest holiday-themed slasher movies, but there are other movies that are equally chilling and worth watching.
As a sub-genre of the horror genre, holiday slasher movies often center around holiday-themed mythology from different parts of the world. Their commitment to the genre or their premises has made them some of the best slasher movies of all time. Despite the stylistic flair and violence combined with its witty humor, Thanksgiving is still a required viewing for longtime pundits of the genre.
Black Christmas is the latest addition to the Black Christmas series after the 1974 original and the 2006 remake, and it sees a group of female college students uncovering a campus conspiracy while combating a murdering stalker. Similar to the previous two movies, Black Christmas is notable for its strong feminist themes and gusto, while also containing horrific scenes of violence and death. However, Black Christmas's commentary about patriarchal institutions that disadvantage many women is explored while deconstructing many horror movie tropes, which helps give the 2019 remake a unique identity among the genre.
The direct-to-video black comedy slasher movie, "Leprechaun," centers around the fictional serial killer named St. Patrick's Day mythology who evades execution in December after a genetic experiment causes his body to fuse with the surrounding snow. Although one of the most absurd horror movies, "Leprechaun's" unflinching commitment to it via deliberately cheesy one-liners and underrated onscreen kills demonstrate that the movie has more substance than its premise would suggest. As such, "Leprechaun" has developed a cult following and even a 2000 sequel titled, "Leprechaun 2: The Revenge of the Mutant Killer Snowman."
Director Mark Jones released Leprechaun in 1993, featuring Jennifer Aniston in her feature-length debut. The movie, despite its lack of convincing kills and self-aware humor, showcased impressive make-up and costuming, earning recognition. While critically panned, Leprechaun's box-office success fueled five sequels, cementing its franchise potential.Terror Train depicts a group of college students embroiled in a prank gone disastrously wrong. As the train moves, a masked serial killer targets them, creating a claustrophobic and terrifying atmosphere that other horror movies often lack. Starring Jamie Lee Curtis, Terror Train offers an eerie and unique perspective on the genre, despite its predictable pacing and clichéd elements. The film, while not as highly recognized as some of its peers, possesses a unique and unsettling charm that sets it apart from the typical horror film.
Silent Night, Deadly Night subverts the Santa Claus mythos by presenting him as a serial killer who spares good people while targeting naughty individuals. The movie's protagonist, Billy Chapman, experiences a traumatic upbringing in an orphanage, mirroring the fate of his victims. Billy's violent methods and references to Santa Claus's mythology are a humorous and subversive take on the holiday horror genre.
My Bloody Valentine, a cult classic that captured the imaginations of audiences in the early 1980s, is known for its portrayal of a vengeful killer dressed as a coal miner gruesomely murdering couples on Valentine's Day. Despite criticism for its depictions of violence, the movie's status as a cult classic eventually led to a 2009 remake titled "My Bloody Valentine 3D," which sparked controversy due to the alterations made to the original film. The movie's censorship, which resulted in the removal of certain violent kills from the original version, contributed to its growing reputation among younger audiences.
Krampus involves a young boy named Max whose lack of Christmas spirit causes him to accidentally summon the demon Krampus during the beloved holiday. But what makes Krampus truly unique is its ability to weave in a heart-felt story about family, and the negative impact it can have on a child when it's not functional. The film combines impressive practical and special effects with a unique take on the European folklore, resulting in a more serious approach to the holiday horror genre.Trick 'r Treat is an anthology horror movie that comprises five distinct narratives that explore the complexities of Halloween and its associated themes. Each story offers cautionary tales about the holiday's impact on family, friends, and oneself. While the movie may not be as terrifying as many other horror films in the genre, its unique narrative approach makes it feel more akin to a comic book than anything else. Packed with gruesome kills and homages to other horror movies, Trick 'r Treat is a thought-provoking and unsettling film that stands out from the usual holiday horror fare.Midsommar centers around a young woman named Dani who embarks on a trip to Sweden with her abusive boyfriend and their friends after everyone in her family dies on the same night. Midsommar's cinematography is stunning, featuring beautiful landscapes and intricate details that capture the horror and beauty of the Swedish countryside. The movie features a diverse cast and a strong cast led by Vicky Krieps. The film's distinct setting and mythology-inspired imagery elevate its status as one of the best horror movies based on a holiday.
John Carpenter's Halloween is arguably the most recognizable holiday horror movie due to its iconic Michael Myers serial killer. Featuring a breakout performance by Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode, Halloween is perhaps the best example of how a movie can blend the tropes and clichés of a horror movie with the overall atmosphere and feel of a beloved holiday. With a deathly creepy score, iconic imagery that still scares audiences forty-plus years later, and scores of horror movies paying homage to Halloween, it is arguably the best example of a holiday horror movie that Thanksgiving is most like.