As a horror aficionado who’s spent countless nights huddled under the blankets with only a flashlight for company, I’ve come to appreciate the strength and resilience of the heroines that grace our screens during the most terrifying time of year – Halloween!
It’s perfectly fine if not everyone enjoys Christmas-themed horror films, but for those who do share our enthusiasm, here’s a roundup of some tough, empowered female leads, heroines, and unwavering sidekicks from Christmas horror movies you might appreciate.
To start off, let’s clarify our definitions. We consider a “Christmas movie” as any film that features Christmas. As for a “horror movie”, this refers to films designed to scare viewers or those containing traditional horror elements. And when we say something is a “badass”, it means whatever we deem it to be. Now, moving on…in no specific sequence:
Trudy: Violent Night (2022)
This contemporary Christmas favorite offers a multitude of endearing aspects. In fact, how often does one truly desire to rewatch Die Hard, seeking the unique blend of Christmas cheer, violence, and gunplay within a single movie? Trudy emerges as an ideal heroine for the season, demonstrating resilience in the face of impossible odds and asserting her strength amid those who doubt her capabilities. Leah Brady delivers a remarkable performance, standing out as the sole mature character throughout most of the film.
Ashley: Better Watch Out (2016)
It’s strongly advised that viewers watch this movie without any prior knowledge, so they won’t anticipate when [spoiler, spoiler, spoiler] occurs – a truly shocking and unforeseen twist. Ashley finds herself in a challenging situation where she must react swiftly, handle an irritating partner, and display remarkable adaptability to outwit an enemy she hadn’t expected. The narrative is steeped in socio-political undertones, adding depth to a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat with suspense. Viewers will find themselves cheering for Ashley, and she responds admirably to the situation.
Rachel Cooper: The Night of the Hunter (1955)
The Night of the Hunter isn’t merely an American classic; it showcases one of Robert Mitchum’s most chilling performances among his entire career. The character of Rachel, beautifully portrayed by the esteemed Lilian Gish (who was seen as elderly when she appeared in this film at 60 years old, but continued to act for another three decades!), serves as a guardian for children in need. It is her efforts that successfully ward off the villain and provide little Pearl and her brother with their most joyful Christmas in a long time.
Sienna Shaw: Terrifier 3 (2024)
Not all Christmas films are suitable for everyone in the family. If you’re familiar with the Terrifier series, remember that it’s not appropriate for kids. I’m not certain if I’m mature enough to watch some of these scenes. The third installment is a mix of humor, terrors, and the ongoing tale of Sienna—a character well-known for her comedic yet nightmarish conflicts with Art the clown.
Jess: Black Christmas (1974)
Olivia Hussey portrays a character ahead of her time as the lead in this timeless holiday horror film. Jessica “Jess” Bradford is a determined, academic-minded woman, yet her partner struggles to comprehend her reluctance to abandon her education and career for marriage and motherhood. Interestingly, Jess finds herself unintentionally pregnant (a situation that was legally possible for single women to manage with birth control pills just two years after the movie’s release) and contemplates an abortion. Her partner’s opposition to this decision leaves us questioning his intentions throughout much of the film, making us suspect him as the potential stalker and killer of several girls, including a young Margot Kidder. However, Jess ultimately emerges as a heroic final girl deserving of our lasting respect.
Winnie: It’s a Wonderful Knife (2023)
Jane Widdop shines as the spirited lead character Winnie in a somewhat average holiday movie. The storyline, which intertwines the villainous real estate developers reminiscent of ‘Scooby Doo’ with the ancestral vengeance narrative from ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’, is a bit disorganized. However, Winnie’s relentless quest for truth, the killer, and justice itself makes for an exciting holiday viewing experience as we desperately hope she triumphs. Will she succeed?
Watch and see.
Lola: Carnage for Christmas (2024)
Lola, a transgender podcaster, finds herself unwillingly drawn into a town mystery involving a ghostly murderer, which adds an extra layer of complexity to returning home for the holidays after her transition. For any horror enthusiast, this must seem like a real-life nightmare, especially given Australia’s penchant for graphic horror in their films. The movie “Carnage for Christmas” is no exception to this rule.
Sally: The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Sally doesn’t necessarily need to unravel mysteries or get into fights to shine as an exceptional holiday heroine. Instead, she embodies honesty, cleverness, exceptional sewing skills, and wise application of magic – a tool that helps her navigate everything from finding love to evading her maker. What sets Sally apart is not only her role in saving Christmas, rescuing Santa from a chorus of buggy songs, but also finding love with her admirer in the end.
Jena: Santa Jaws (2018)
Santa Jaws, as its title suggests, isn’t a top-notch movie. Given its genre – a playful, gory adventure featuring engaging characters and an outlandishly fantastic plotline (a magical pencil that brings drawings to life), it’s surprisingly enjoyable. The character Jena serves as the emotional core of the film, and even if you find yourself surrounded by relatives with whom you share little common ground, this movie will surely bring laughter to the table.
Wednesday: The Addams Family Movie (1991)
As an ardent fan, it’s hard to hide my affinity for the character Wednesday and the Addams Family franchise. In the first “Addams Family” film, it was Wednesday who suspiciously unmasked Dr. Pintershlauss and her son as impostors. And if you don’t consider this a holiday movie, I fear you might have overlooked the carolers who got a little too close to the boiling oil!
Evie: Gingerdead Man vs Evil Bong (2013)
Instead of explicitly saying this movie is excellent and suggesting it for your holiday watchlist, let me put it this way: The character Evie, whether she’s seen as a benevolent or malicious bong, depends on one’s perspective towards her scheme to transform Earth’s air into smokeable substances and water into bongwater, making everyone perpetually high. If you dislike this notion, then you may consider her Captain Buzzkill-ish. On the other hand, if you appreciate or even despise that spooky Christmas cookie more, Evie could be a timeless heroine in your eyes.
Diane: Silent Night, Bloody Night (1972)
This isn’t referring to the 1980s horror-themed Christmas series involving a troubled Santa character, but rather a suspenseful mystery set during the holiday season. Initially appearing as a slasher film, it evolves into an unsettling narrative about morally corrupt individuals committing heinous acts and escaping justice for decades. Remarkably, Diane endures everything bravely and chooses not to claim the haunted mansion that she could have easily inherited from Jeffrey.
Anna: Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
Is Christmas really Christmas without the thrill of battling zombies? That’s subjective, of course. In the film, Ella Hunt beautifully portrays Anna, who navigates various challenges as she strives for a pre-college break. Unlike typical characters, she doesn’t rely on men for rescue or seek romance, and ultimately manages to escape her hometown. If I were assembling a team for a zombie apocalypse, she would undoubtedly be my pick.
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2024-12-18 18:15