Low-budget horror films, especially holiday horror, tend to have a mix of the good, the bad, and the chaotic. We’ve covered you if you’re looking for killer cookies or robotic Santas with guns. The movies that filled our stockings for less are listed below. This list of low-budget holiday horror films will bring cheer this Christmas.

(2005) The Gingerdead Man

In this movie, Gary Busey senselessly robs a diner in broad daylight for no apparent reason. The next three minutes set the tone for the rest of the film. This movie is for those interested in how a killer cookie gets involved. Despite its forgettable plot, this movie is worth watching at least once. You can watch it for free on Tubi. It has wrestling references, puns galore, and ridiculous kills.

Jack Frost (1997)

One of our favorite horror movies is “Jack Frost.” It’s a straight-to-video gem because we thought the cover was of an icy skeletal entity. We were informed that it was a snowman with attitude. This movie requires you to suspend belief, but it’s worth it in the end. Jack Frost leans heavily into the camp and chaos of this movie, and we respect that. Some jokes and puns fell flat, but we’re okay with that. We weren’t okay with it when one character made an ice cream joke at another’s expense. It is available on Prime Video, Tubi, PlutoTv, or Peacock!

The Cadaver Christmas (2011)

Even though this indie gem doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it is entertaining. A zombie flick is always our favorite, and this one has a unique twist at the end. It uses plenty of budget for gore, so pull on the gloves for the blood, guts, and ass. You can watch it on Tubi. The characters are fun to follow, despite some of the performances.

Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022)

Christmas Bloody Christmas is a classic red stab, a must-see for fans of Chopping Mall, Silent Night, Deadly Night, and The Terminator. It’s set in the 80s and follows a party-loving record store owner who can’t seem to get enough of the drug cocaine on Christmas Eve. The ending drags on a little with our robotic killer Santa who won’t stay down, but we had fun watching this film with its bloody trick-or-treat gags, lots of alcohol-induced violence, and pretty lights. Check it off your watchlist from Shudder.

The Mean One (2022)

This movie knows it’s a parody, and that’s why we love it. If you like The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Hallmark movies, and computer-generated blood, then you should check out The Mean One. There are a lot of bodies in the film, but the budget may be low, but there isn’t a shortage of bodies. While the movie has a limited release in theaters, we’re still waiting for a streaming release date. Dr. Seuss-like narration guides the viewer through the film, which is excellent during the violent scenes.

Santa Jaws (2018)

In this movie, a shark is summoned by Christmas items. The teen makes a holiday wish, which unfortunately causes his comic shark to wreak havoc on his family and cause him to make a few funny gags. The effects could be better, but if you like SYFY shark movies, you know what to expect. Check this out on Prime Video with a candy cane.

Mercy Christmas (2017)

The holidays wouldn’t be complete without a feast! The viewer follows Michael Briskett as he attends a holiday party. As he goes from guest to entree, he must find a way out of this holiday hell. This year there are human steaks and hijinks under the Christmas tree. Prime Video, Paramount Plus, or Tubi have this movie if you like comedy and cannibalism.

There are several reasons why people might enjoy watching horror movies during the Christmas season. One reason is that the holiday season can be stressful, and some people find that watching horror movies helps them relax and de-stress. Horror movies can also provide a welcome distraction from the holiday hustle and bustle, allowing people to escape into a different world for a while. Additionally, some people find that the contrast between the festive holiday atmosphere and the dark and suspenseful nature of horror movies creates a unique and enjoyable viewing experience. Finally, horror movies have long been a popular genre, and the holiday season is when people often gather with friends and family to watch movies together. Hence, it’s not surprising that horror movies would be a part of that tradition.