horror

Winnie’s Weekly Wonders: Top 10 Christmas Holiday Horror Movies

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The holiday season is upon us, and while most people turn to cheerful classics like Home Alone or Elf, some of us prefer our Christmas cheer with a side of blood. So, here’s a list of some of the best holiday horror movies to watch again.

1. Black Christmas (1974)

Widely regarded as one of the first slasher films, Black Christmas tells the story of a group of sorority sisters terrorized by a mysterious killer during the holidays. Its eerie atmosphere and unsettling phone calls make it a must-watch for horror fans.

2. Gremlins (1984)

This dark comedy horror classic is the perfect mix of cute and creepy. When mischievous creatures wreak havoc on a small town during Christmas, it’s a chaotic reminder to always follow the rules—especially when it comes to holiday pets!

3. Krampus (2015)

A modern holiday horror gem, Krampus is about the ancient Christmas demon who punishes those who lose their festive spirit. The film’s mix of humor, folklore, and frights makes it an instant classic for horror lovers.

4. Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)

In this cult slasher, a young man traumatized by his childhood experiences with Santa takes up the red suit—and an axe. It’s a gory, over-the-top ride that has become a staple of Christmas horror.

5. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)

This Finnish gem reimagines Santa Claus as a dark and terrifying figure unearthed by archeologists. Combining folklore and chills, this movie offers a fresh perspective on holiday horror.

6. Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)

Who says Christmas horror can’t have a little music? This unique blend of horror, comedy, and musical follows Anna and her friends as they fight to survive a zombie apocalypse—set during the holidays. It’s festive, funny, and gory in all the right ways.

7. The Lodge (2019)

The Lodge is a slow-burning psychological horror that takes place during a snowed-in Christmas retreat. With its unsettling atmosphere and shocking twists, it’s a tense addition to your holiday watchlist.

8. P2 (2007)

For those who want a more grounded holiday horror, P2 follows a woman trapped in a parking garage on Christmas Eve, stalked by a deranged security guard. It’s a tense, claustrophobic thriller perfect for those who dread holiday office parties.

9. A Christmas Horror Story (2015)

This anthology film delivers multiple holiday horror tales, including a showdown between Santa Claus and Krampus. It’s a fun, campy option for those who enjoy a variety of scares in one sitting.

10. Dead End (2003)

This underrated gem follows a family on a road trip gone wrong during Christmas Eve. With eerie twists and an unsettling atmosphere, it’s a haunting reminder that sometimes, getting home for the holidays can be the scariest journey of all.

Bonus: Honorable Mention

  • Jack Frost (1997): A campy cult favorite about a killer snowman. It’s so bad it’s good and perfect for a laugh-filled horror night.

These films are perfect for curling up on a chilly winter evening, hot cocoa in hand, with the Christmas lights casting just enough shadow to keep you on edge. Whether you’re a fan of slashers, supernatural scares, or dark comedy, this list has something to make your holiday season delightfully frightful.

Which holiday horror movies are your favorites? Let me know in the comments—I’m always on the lookout for more spooky cheer, so I’ll be in touch with any new holiday horror I find and watch whether they’re good or send me to check my email.

Winnie’s Weekly Wonders: Time to Binge Watch Halloween Movies

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This week, I have some exciting news to share—I’ve officially released The Pumpkin and the Mouse Jinn under my other writer name, Wendy Spurlin. The story has been a labor of love and a long time coming! It blends whimsy, adventure, and a touch of magic. I’ve mentioned previously that this tale that centers around a grumpy pumpkin and a tricky mouse jinn. It’s a story about the consequences of wishes and never being happy. I’m absolutely in love with the mouse, so there’s gotta be another book for him.

Besides that, my annual Halloween movie binge started a few weeks ago with the first 3 Halloween movies, although I’m only talking about the first 2. I don’t have to tell you that the first two Halloween movies (1978 and 1981) are pretty much a continuous story, creating a seamless narrative that feels like one extended film. Halloween (1978), directed by John Carpenter, introduces Michael Myers, who escapes from a mental institution and returns to his hometown of Haddonfield to stalk and kill babysitters, including Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis). And, of course, the movie ends with Michael being shot by Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasence) and disappearing after falling from a balcony. Then in Halloween II (1981), it picks up immediately where the first movie leaves off, continuing the same night of terror. Laurie is taken to the hospital, where Michael relentlessly pursues her. Meanwhile, Dr. Loomis remains on Michael’s trail, determined to stop him for good. The second film expands on the story by revealing Laurie’s connection to Michael as his sister. Together, the two films follow a single narrative arc, with Halloween II feeling like the second act of the horror that began in the first film.

These 2 movies are so frequently watched that it seems like a waste of time to redescribe what I’ve seen so many times. Anyway, there’s rich with thematic meaning in the movies as I delve into my love of evil in pop culture. No, they’re not just teen slasher movies as we like to call them.

1. The Nature of Evil

In the first Halloween movie, Michael Myers is portrayed as the embodiment of pure evil. Dr. Loomis describes him as “purely and simply evil,” emphasizing that Michael is more than just a disturbed individual—he is a force of unstoppable, inexplicable malevolence. His lack of motive or reason for his killings makes him more terrifying, suggesting that evil can strike anywhere, without warning, and without a clear cause. Michael’s blank mask further enhances this idea, symbolizing the facelessness and anonymity of evil. He becomes less of a person and more of a supernatural, relentless force, representing the primal fear of the unknown and uncontrollable darkness lurking in society.

2. Survival and Innocence

Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) represents innocence and survival. As the “final girl,” she’s the lone character who faces off against Michael and manages to survive, thanks to her resourcefulness, intelligence, and strong will. Her character can be seen as a symbol of purity and resilience in the face of chaos and violence.

Throughout the film, there’s a contrast between the carefree, hedonistic teenagers who fall victim to Michael and Laurie, whose sense of responsibility and vigilance ultimately save her. This theme plays into traditional horror tropes, where characters who engage in “reckless” behavior are often punished, while those who are more careful and virtuous survive.

3. The Impact of Trauma

In Halloween II (1981), the theme of trauma and its long-lasting effects is explored. The film picks up immediately after the first, following Laurie as she is hospitalized after her terrifying ordeal. Michael, now revealed to be her brother, relentlessly hunts her down again, linking the idea of family ties to deeper, personal trauma. Laurie’s journey in the second movie deals not only with physical survival but also the emotional toll of encountering such evil.

4. Fear of Suburbia’s Vulnerability

Both films emphasize the vulnerability of suburban life, shattering the notion that small towns are safe havens. Michael brings terror to the quiet streets of Haddonfield, proving that no place is immune to violence or evil. The setting of a seemingly idyllic, quiet suburban neighborhood juxtaposed with brutal murders reflects societal anxieties about the fragility of safety and normalcy, particularly in a time when suburban America was seen as an idealized retreat from urban dangers.

5. The Unstoppable Force

The films also tap into the fear of an unstoppable threat. Michael Myers survives being shot, stabbed, and injured, yet keeps coming. This persistence mirrors the broader theme of evil as an uncontainable force that can’t be easily destroyed or understood. The ending of Halloween (1978), where Michael disappears after being shot multiple times, leaves the audience with the unsettling idea that evil may never truly be vanquished.

The first two Halloween movies delve into themes of pure evil, survival, trauma, and the vulnerability of everyday life. Michael Myers represents an unstoppable, faceless force of terror, while Laurie Strode symbolizes innocence and resilience in the face of that evil. These elements, coupled with the backdrop of small-town America, create a lasting sense of dread and anxiety, leaving audiences to confront the idea that danger can lurk anywhere, at any time.

That’s all for this week’s wonders. More Halloween movies yet to come. What are your favorites?

Winnie’s Weekly Wonders: Time Machine back to 1986 with Class of Nuke ‘Em High

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Not much artwork to brag about this week. It was a week of catching up on marketing activities and editing other people’s work. Not always the most fun, but something that must be done.

Class of Nuke ‘Em High (1986) Review

I watched a few horror movies while posting on social media. Puppet Master, one of my favorite horror movies, was one of them. Considering the title above and the picture to the right, the main feature was Class of Nuke ‘Em High. Wasn’t my first time watching the movie, but it had been many years since I’d seen it back when it was first released.

If you’re a fan of 1980s horror comedies, it’s a cult classic that delivers a delightful blend of absurdity and nostalgia. My favorite students in the movie is a reminder of the the weird shit I used to wear in high school.

The cheesy FX is delightfully low-budget and campy, adding to the film’s charm. From grotesque mutations to exaggerated explosions, the special effects perfectly capture the outrageous spirit of 80s B-movies. The movie oozes with an 80s vibe—from the neon colors and wild fashion to the punk rock soundtrack. It’s a time capsule that transports you back to my era of carefree fun and unapologetic camp. Despite its horror label, it leans heavily into comedy, especially with the bad boy/girl characters. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, often stemming from the absurd situations and the characters’ over-the-top reactions.

While the acting contributes to the film’s campy appeal, some viewers might find it lacking. But in the realm of Troma films, the less-than-stellar acting is almost a feature, not a bug. For a movie with a radioactive premise, I expected a bit more gore. The film delivers some gruesome scenes, but it’s relatively tame compared to other entries in the genre.

Overall, “Class of Nuke ‘Em High” is a fun, nostalgic ride that captures the essence of 80s horror comedies. If you enjoy cheesy effects, a vibrant 80s setting, and a healthy dose of absurd humor, this film is a must-watch. Just grab some popcorn and prepare for a radioactive good time!

Rating: 4 out of 5

The Zombie Stage & Artsy Horror Movie

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This week’s horror collage, although it’s more of a stage scene. I’ve moved to Photoshop, so this is less choppy. I find this corny, but it was a great practice. As an afterthought, I probably should have painted in some mist. My favorite part is the hand at the bottom right. I also like the combination of hues with the teal and orange.

What shall I do next. Unfortunately, I’m not really feeling much Halloween inspiration this year. Not sure why, considering it’s my favorite holiday.

For my Halloween movie/show viewing pleasure this week I watched a really cool movie and Jack Osborne’s Night of Terror. Reminder I’m only watching stuff I’ve never seen. We’re All Going to the State Fair was more of an art/horror piece. Everyone will come away from it with their own interpretation. At first I expected more paranormal activity, but I came away terrified about how people take advantage of each other via the internet. But I’m also more afraid of the living than the dead. Night of Terror was another fun ghost hunting show. I love Portals to Hell, so I loved Jack Osborne’s new show.

All I got for ya. Have a GREAT week!