Christmas films don’t have to be completely saccharine sweet, we’ll have you know - despite it being the most popular formula this time of year.
There are some of you out there that just ‘loathe’ the notion of a festive movie that follows the familiar cinematic tropes; it’s either a boy and girl fall in love, separate but somehow get back together for Christmas, or a family coming together and realising the importance of the season.
But what about something a little more, dare we say it, “transgressive?” “Nasty?” Dare we say it, quite anti-Christmas in its execution? Then perhaps we can be of service this year.
Be it a controversial ‘80s slasher that led to a huge moral panic upon its release, to a classic piece of nasty British horror, we’ve compiled 13 ‘alternative’ Christmas films that you can stream this year.
Be warned though - some of these are not suitable for all the family, despite former WCW World Champion Bill Goldberg starring in one of our irreverent offerings.

7. Terrifier 3 (Amazon Video)
Art the Clown is back, and this time he’s wreaking havoc during the holiday season. Expect buckets of gore and a very, very disturbing scene involving Santa Claus, among other horrific set piece. | Cineverse

8. Santa's Slay (Plex)
Wrestler Bill Goldberg stars as Santa—a demonic figure on a Christmas killing spree. This horror-comedy is as ridiculous as it sounds, but it’s also wickedly entertaining. | Lionsgate

9. Don’t Open Till Christmas (Amazon Video)
In this British slasher, a killer hunts down anyone dressed as Santa Claus. Set against a festive London backdrop, it’s a sleazy, gory reminder to keep your Christmas celebrations low-key. | 21st Century Film Corporation

10. Christmas on Mars (Apple TV+)
The Flaming Lips deliver a bizarre space opera about a man trying to create holiday cheer on a Martian colony. Psychedelic, surreal, and vaguely Christmassy, it’s unlike any other holiday film. | Shout! Factory

11. Tales From the Crypt: Demon Knight (Apple TV+)
While not overtly a Christmas movie, this supernatural horror flick features plenty of snowy visuals and festive chaos. It’s a Cryptkeeper classic with gore and laughs aplenty. | Universal Picture/Tales from the Crypt Holdings

12. Adult Swim Yule Log (Adult Swim)
What starts as a cosy fireplace video turns into a mind-bending, horror-filled Christmas special with killer logs and bizarre twists. It’s the weirdest thing you’ll watch this season—and that’s saying something. | Williams Street Productions