10 Horror Movies Way Darker Than Advertised

With Krampus you have a big studio horror movie that's part Gremlins, part Silent Night, Deadly Night, and part National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - and not just because, like those, it's a festive treat.

The 80s-inspired horror stars Adam Scott as Tom, a dad trying to simultaneously give his kids a memorable Christmas and stop his extended visiting family from killing each other. His son Max, however, is at the age where the festive magic is beginning to wear off, and his lack of Christmas spirit accidentally conjures the bloodthirsty anti-Claus, Krampus, to his small town.

While it's definitely a goofy comedy horror, director Michael Dougherty refuses to pull any punches despite how ridiculous the premise gets. By the time delightfully spooky animatronic Christmas presents start brutally attacking and murdering the family, it's clear that Max's accidental wish isn't going to be easily undone.

Still, this is a Christmas movie after all, so you expect everything to work out in the end, right? Surely they all rally together, finding the true spirit of the season to fend off Krampus and his goons?

Well, put simply: nope. There are no happy endings to be found here.