Once the kids are asleep, trade the family-friendly fare for these festive films—from horror and dark comedies to raunchy holiday humor—made strictly for grown-ups.

The holiday season is filled with family-friendly classics, but after a long day of festive activities, adults deserve their own kind of Christmas cheer. When the little ones are finally tucked in, it’s time to unwind with movies that are equal parts merry, scary, brutal, and sexy—films that would undoubtedly land on Santa's naughty list.

From terrifying snowmen to folkloric demons and comedies with a sharp edge, here are 10 adult Christmas movies perfect for a kid-free viewing night.

1. Jack Frost (1997)

Forget the heartwarming Michael Keaton film. This cult horror classic features a murderous snowman resurrected after a serial killer's DNA mixes with the snow. rotten tomatoes. It's a bizarre, low-budget slasher that delivers exactly what the title promises

2. Krampus (2015)

When a dysfunctional family loses their Christmas spirit, it summons the ancient, demonic Krampus. This dark fantasy horror-comedy blends genuine scares with a biting critique of holiday commercialism.

3. The Night Before (2015)

Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Anthony Mackie star in this raunchy comedy about three lifelong friends on their final annual Christmas Eve outing. filled with drug-fueled misadventures, it's a modern take on friendship.

4. Better Watch Out (2016)

This home-invasion thriller brilliantly subverts the Christmas babysitter trope. What starts as a typical night turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse, full of clever twists.

5. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)

This Finnish dark fantasy film offers a terrifying origin story for Santa Claus. An archaeological dig unleashes a sinister being, and a young boy must save the town

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6. The Holiday (2006)

A step lighter but still firmly adult, this romantic comedy follows two women who swap homes for the holidays to escape heartbreak. With charming performances, it's perfect for feel-good, romantic fare.

7. Die Hard (1988)

The perennial debate is settled here: it's a Christmas movie. Bruce Willis stars as John McClane, battling terrorists on Christmas Eve. It's the ultimate action-packed holiday film.

8. The Apartment (1960)

A classic Billy Wilder film set during the Christmas season, following an insurance clerk who lends his apartment to executives for their affairs. It's a sharp, witty comedy-drama.

9. Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)

A zombie apocalypse musical set at Christmas? This genre-bending film is a hilarious, gory tale of Scottish teenagers fighting to survive. The original songs are catchy and clever.

10. Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)

Notorious upon release, this slasher film follows a traumatized young man who, dressed as Santa, goes on a murderous rampage. It's a gritty, controversial cult classic. 

11. Tokyo Godfathers (2003)

This acclaimed anime follows three homeless people in Tokyo who find an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve. Their quest is filled with dark humor and social commentary.

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12. Tangerine (2015)

Shot entirely on an iPhone, this vibrant comedy-drama follows a transgender sex worker on a frantic quest across Los Angeles on Christmas Eve. It's raw, funny, and deeply humane.

13. The Green Knight (2021)

A stunning, atmospheric fantasy film loosely based on the Arthurian legend of Sir Gawain. set during a Christmas feast, it's a visually breathtaking meditation on honor and legacy.

 

Grab a seasonal drink, settle in, and enjoy these festive films that prove the holidays can be thrilling, chilling, and decidedly adult.

Source: Film synopses and data sourced from Rotten Tomatoes.