New Years' Day
1. New Year's Evil (1980)
What's better than a good old slasher film? A festive setting with a backsplash of punk rock and new wave, and a killer basing his victims on time zones, this movie is a perfect, delightfully campy watch to start your New Year off right.
2. Bloody New Year (1987)
If you're not in the mood for a slasher, you could try out this supernatural sci-fi number. This under-the-radar movie features adventure-seeking teenagers, a haunted hotel, a remote island, a time warp. What more could you want?
Valentine's Day
1. My Bloody Valentine (1981)
Now, I might be a bit biased here, because I love this movie. Is it a good movie? No, not particularly, but when you're looking for Valentine-themed horror, you get what you pay for. This Canadian slasher features a murderous miner maiming young lovers during a Valentine's Day dance. If you're looking for cheesy lines, over-acting, and a fair amount of creative kills, this is the movie for you.
2. Heart Eyes (2025)
This recent feature is a rom-com AND a slasher! What better way to celebrate the holiday of love? You've got a serial killer targeting couples, coworkers getting cozy in times of crisis, and enough twists and turns to keep viewers on their toes.
3. Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)
A bit of a deeper cut here, Picnic at Hanging Rock is an Australian mystery, one that aided in pulling the world's attention to the Australian New Wave genre of cinema. Following a community in the aftermath of the disappearance of several schoolgirls and a teacher, this is a movie that will command your attention.
4. Pontypool (2009)
This psychological horror takes us to Canada, with a unique and memorable take on the "zombie virus" trope. With a cast of characters locked in a radio station for the majority of the plot, this film creates a claustrophobic feeling of isolation, one that only increases as paranoia and infection threaten to take over.
5. Valentine (2001)
Valentine is an early-2000's slasher, and it feels like one, in the best way possible. The plot follows a group of girls from their high school days into their young adulthood, where they are stalked and picked off by a grudge-carrying killer donning a Cupid mask. This movie is one of those fun slashers, where you don't get too attached to any of the victims, and you marvel at how far writing for female characters has come since 2001.
6. Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Okay, okay, so it's not a Valentine themed movie, per se, but come on! The film was released on Valentine's Day, and the book explicitly says it takes place during that time. That's enough for me. This movie is a classic, one I think everyone should see, regardless of the time of year. But it would be an especially perfect movie to watch on a Valentine's Day date, over a dinner of fava beans and a nice Chianti.
Saint Patrick's Day
1. Leprechaun franchise (1993-2018)
Believe it or not, there actually isn't a wide variety of St. Patrick's Day themed horror movies. However, there is always the iconic Leprechaun series. Whether you like these movies or not, you've got to admit they'll get you in the mood to wear green and have a tall glass of Guinness. Plus, the first movie features a pre-Friends Jennifer Aniston, so how bad could it be?
Easter
1. Beaster Day (2014)
Okay, Easter horror movies were even harder to find than St. Patrick's horror movies. At least, movies that I could recommend to you in good conscience. Now, I'm not at all saying Beaster Day is a good movie, but boy, is it entertaining. I mean, the tagline of the thing is "Here comes Peter Cottonhell" and it features a bloodthirsty Easter Bunny. Make this movie your yearly watch as you prepare baskets for the Easter egg hunt! Just...maybe make sure the kids are asleep first.
2. Critters 2: The Main Course (1988)
Who doesn't love the Critters franchise? This sequel combines comedy, horror, AND sci-fi for a second helping of everyone's favorite furry little aliens. When Critter eggs take the place of Easter eggs, even the Easter Bunny isn't safe from their path of destruction.
3. Lamb (2021)
Okay, so, again, not technically an Easter film. But, like....it's got a lamb? Pretty much. This quiet, moody Icelandic feature rides the line between fantasy and horror, and it's perfect for anyone who prefers slow-burn, comtemplative movies. If nothing else, the impeccable cinematography will at the very least make you want to start planning your trip to Iceland.
Mother's Day
1. Mother's Day (1980)
What better way to celebrate your mom than by sitting down with her and watching a movie featuring the unhinged mother of two murderous, inbred brothers? Yeah, maybe you should watch this one on your own. This rape-revenge slasher film is certainly a product of its time, although it's not just a cheap sleazefest. Both a satire and a commentary, this movie has a cult following for a reason.
2. Serial Mom (1994)
Now this is a movie to watch with your mother! This John Waters flick is a satirical crime movie, infused with notes of black comedy. Kathleen Turner's performance allows you to peek into the world of a housewife acting on those morbid "what if" thoughts we're all too loath to admit to having.
3. Mother! (2017)
This movie isn't about Mother's Day, but Jennifer Lawrence's intense performance is too good not to recommend. Plus, the movie is actually about two mothers: Jennifer Lawrence's character and Mother Earth! A raw psychological experience, this film will have you staring at the wall in silence hours after it's over.
Juneteenth
1. The Blackening (2022)
While this movie has a basic set up (a group of friends in a cabin and a masked killer) the rest of it is anything but. This hilarious slasher tips horror tropes on their heads left and right, all while maintaining a meta style and a wink to the audience. This is the perfect movie for horror newbies.
Independence Day
1. Jaws (1975)
A classic! This is my family's Fourth of July tradition, and for good reason. There's tension, there's bloody kills, there's a great score, there's a massive shark! How else would you celebrate America's birthday?
2. Uncle Sam (1996)
Despite the patriotic title, this flick isn't the America-first glorification piece you'd think it is. When you look past the murderous reanimated soldier and wacky kills, Uncle Sam is actually an anti-war movie, one that ends on a hopeful note for future generations.
3. I Know What You Did Last Summer franchise (1997-2025)
Yet another classic for you, I Know What You Did Last Summer is the perfect amount of slashing summer fun without tiptoeing too far over into the cheese (with the exception of the third movie). Fun kills, intense mystery, and iconic lines combine to make an explosively festive viewing.
Labor Day
1. The Belko Experiment (2016)
This section was another case of not being able to find specifically Labor Day themed movies, but I think I've found a solution. It still counts if the horror part takes place in a working environment, right? In this action horror, 80 people are locked in their office building and told to start killing each other, or else they will all be killed. Tense, fast-paced, and action-packed, this movie is a good pick for Labor Day (and for making you feel better about your own workplace conditions).
2. Mayhem (2017)
When a dangerous virus spreads through a law firm, the building is shut down for quarantine, leaving everyone trapped inside subject to the victims of the disease when they start acting on all of their violent impulses. This movie, likeThe Belko Experiment, plays with the themes of confinement, isolation, and distrust.
Indigenous People's Day
1. Prey (2022)
Prey falls into the Predator franchise, although it's technically a prequel. This movie takes place in 1719, in the Northern Great Plains. We follow a Comanche warrior as she fights to provide for her tribe and protect her family from the Yautja that is hunting them.
Halloween
1. Halloween franchise (1978-2022)
You know these movies. I know these movies. He, she, they know these movies. Need I elaborate? If I had to say anything, I would tell you that my personal recommendation for this franchise is Halloween (1978) and Halloween (2018), but that's just my opinion.
2. Trick 'r Treat (2007)
This movie is fun, spooky, and gory. Trick 'r Treat is an anthology film that ties several stories into one big interconnecting one, all the while maintaining the feeling of a good old fashioned early 2000's Halloween.
3. All Hallows' Eve (2013), Terrifier (2016), and Terrifier 2 (2022)
Art the Clown takes center stage in this set of movies. All taking place on Halloween night, this series is perfect for a movie marathon after coming home from Halloween festivites. Just...maybe don't eat anything while you're watching these...
4. Late Night With The Devil (2023)
Starring David Dastmalchian, of The Boogeyman, this movie combines elements of analog horror, found footage, and documentary filmmaking. The slowly building tension makes for a white-knuckle ride of a viewing experience, and the 70's late-night show vibe adds a layer of authenticity.
5. Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark (2019)
Every 90's and 2000's baby knows these stories; in fact, many a horror fan started by reading these books. This movie combines several of the most iconic monsters and brings them to life, in a way that original readers absolutely had nightmares about.
6. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Not technically the first found-footage movie, but definitely the first movie most people think of when they hear "found-footage", The Blair Witch Project is just the spooky, moody, understated film you need for your Halloween night.
7. The Houses October Built (2014)
Another frightening found-footage film, this movie covers a bit more ground than Blair Witch. Five friends go on a road trip looking for haunted houses, and then things start to go wrong. This movie may fly a bit under the radar, but it's absolutely worth looking into if you're in the mood for a scare.
Thanksgiving
1. Thanksgiving (2023)
When a movie is directed by Eli Roth, you know you're in for some grisly kills. This is exactly the case for Thanksgiving. Featuring several watch-through-your-fingers moments, and an oddly pleasant amount of festive cheer, this is a movie you should turn on during halftime.
2. Thankskilling (2008)
If you're looking for a cinematic experience that will make your family ban you from ever picking a movie again (I've been there), this is for you. A possessed turkey, a character who is listed only as "Naked Pilgrim", and a budget of $3,500 USD sounds like the perfect recipe for the good-bad movie night of your dreams.
3. Black Friday (2021)
Possibly the most American entry on this list (even more than Uncle Sam!) Black Friday is a tradition observed by many and known by all. So what better way to cool off and tend to your post-shopping wounds than by turning on this festive flick? Featuring the iconic Bruce Campbell, we get to watch a group of store employees getting ready for Black Friday shoppers, when an alien parasite threatens to take over.
4. Pilgrim (2019)
Now, I'm actually struggling with what to write for this one, because it's really a movie that you just need to see for yourself. The most I can tell you is that there's a smattering of blended family awkwardness, with an infusion of pilgrim reenactors who aren't quite what they seem.
Christmas
1. Terrifier 3 (2024)
The first of the Terrifier series to break away from the Halloween night setting, Terrifier 3 sees Art the Clown donning a Santa suit and a beard. A beard that still has a bit of someone else's face attached to it. Oh, Art, what are we going to do with you?
2. Krampus (2015)
Have we really gotten to the end of this list without mentioning a Toni Collette feature?? They should strip me of my credentials! This movie offers a creative plot, interesting characters, and an all around enjoyable mix of horror and comedy, plus an iconic monster from German folklore.
3. It's A Wonderful Knife (2023)
If you haven't seen this movie, you're streets behind! (Community fans? Anyone?) A new twist on a classic tale, this fresh take would be a great watch combined with the original for a double feature. While funny, it doesn't get too bogged down with an overly-comedic feel, and even makes way for a more dramatic tone during the second half.
4. Black Christmas (1974)
Featuring sorority sisters, threatening phones calls, and an unknown killer, this Canadian slasher was actually inspired by the urban legend of the babysitter receiving calls from inside the house. Despite the fairly basic premise, the movie is actually one of the first of its kind, even inspiring John Carpenter's Halloween.
5. Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
Silent Night, Deadly Night (which will be getting a remake later this year!) allows viewers into the damaged psyche of an orphan suffering from PTSD- an orphan who grows up and goes on a murder spree dressed as Santa. Tie that together with an abusive Mother Superior, and you've got a movie that will pump out 4 sequels and 1 (soon to be 2) remakes.
6. Violent Night (2022)
You've seen David Harbour as a bereaved police chief; now get ready to see him as a drunk, take-no-prisoners Santa Claus. With some holiday-themed savagery and a sprinkling of inspiration from Home Alone, this is a movie you should add to your holiday rotation, especially since its sequel is set to come out next year.
7. Gremlins (1984)
Here's a fun fact: this was my very first horror movie! My mom set 7-year-old me up with her laptop, a CD, and a heart-shaped lollipop and sent me on my way. Now it's one of our favorite Christmas traditions. Gremlins has its scares, yes, but it also has a sweet, homey, authentic feeling to it, with a family that actually seems to love each other and Gizmo, the Baby Yoda of 1984. (Although he's much cuter than Baby Yoda, if you ask me).
8. Better Watch Out (2016)
This movie, at first sight, seems commonplace. You've got a babysitter, you've got a home invasion, and you've got a quiet suburban setting. But that's where the basics end. That's all I'm going to say about it, because this movie's twists and turns are best experienced going in blind.
9. The Lodge (2019)
Elvis's granddaugher (yes, THAT Elvis), Riley Keough, plays Grace: the young stepmother-to-be for two children. They are distrustful of Grace, as she was raised in a cult and is the sole survivor of its mass suicide. They prank her, hiding her things, including her psychiatric medication. As the plot progresses, the audience is left unsure of what's real, and even whether or not the children are behind all the happenings. This is a movie that plays on the feeling of isolation and is bleak to the very end.
10. Inside (2007)
Inside, or À l'intérieur, is a French slasher, following a pregnant widow, Sarah, on the verge of giving birth. Her husband having died in a car crash, she is alone on Christmas Eve, until the other woman involved in the crash comes to visit her, or rather, her baby. The other woman's baby died in the crash, and she has come to take Sarah's for herself. Like most French horrors, this movie is every inch of the word "extreme", and I wouldn't recommend it to the faint of heart.
11. Await Further Instructions (2018)
This British sci-fi horror received some mixed reviews, but that is to be expected with commentary-style movies. Yet again playing with the themes of isolation, this film takes place on Christmas Day, when a family is trapped inside their home by a black substance, and their television begins to give them instructions. Although it's a bit heavy-handed with the metaphors, whether or not this is an effective take on today's social media usage is up to you.
And that's all I've got for you today. For those of you wondering why I didn't include certain classics, it's because I tried to limit my choices to specifically holiday-themed movies, or movies set on that specific day. I obviously threw in a couple of wild cards for padding, but hey, my article, my rules. I undoubtedly neglected to include quite a few festive features, but there are just way too many out there, and I wanted to draw focus to some of the better (and some of the laughably bad) ones. So go forth, all you year-round scare lovers, with this handy list in tow, and enjoy your fright-fest!