5 Best Zombie Christmas Movies of All Time

Picture this – it’s the holiday season, lights are twinkling, and snow is falling, but instead of carols, you hear groans of the undead. Zombie Christmas movies bring a wild twist to the festive cheer, blending horror with holiday vibes in a way that’s both thrilling and unexpected. For those of us who love a good scare mixed with some tinsel, these films are a perfect escape from the usual sugary-sweet holiday lineup. They take the cozy December setting and flip it into something dark, funny, or downright creepy, proving that zombies don’t take a break just because it’s Christmas.

I’ve always thought the holidays could use a bit more edge, and these movies deliver exactly that. They’re not just about brain-eating chaos – they toss in clever humor, catchy tunes, or even a touch of heart alongside the gore. With so many zombie flicks out there, finding the best ones tied to Christmas can feel like digging through a snowbank. That’s why I’ve narrowed it down to five standout films that mix the undead with holiday spirit. Each one has its own flavor, from musical madness to gritty survival tales, so let’s dive into the chaos and see what makes them special.

Anna and the Apocalypse

This gem from 2017 is a wild ride that throws zombies, Christmas, and musical numbers into one crazy blender. Set in the small Scottish town of Little Haven, it follows Anna, played by Ella Hunt, and her friends as they battle a zombie outbreak during the holidays. What makes it stand out is how it balances catchy songs – think upbeat tunes about surviving the end of the world – with gruesome zombie action. Directed by John McPhail, it’s got a fresh vibe that feels like a love letter to both horror and high school musicals.

The cast, including Malcolm Cumming and Sarah Swire, brings a lot of charm to the table, making you root for them even as the undead close in. It’s not all about the scares – there’s a real emotional punch as Anna deals with friendship, loss, and growing up, all while swinging a candy cane at zombie heads. Released just before Christmas in 2018, it’s become a cult favorite for those of us who want something different from the usual holiday fare. If you’re into slashing zombies while humming a tune, this one’s a must-watch.

A Cadaver Christmas

For a low-budget flick with a big heart, ‘A Cadaver Christmas’ from 2011 is a hidden treasure. It’s about a ragtag group – a janitor, a cop, a drunk, and a few others – who team up to stop a mad professor’s army of reanimated corpses during the holiday season. Directed by Joe Zerull, this indie horror comedy leans hard into its absurdity, with the Christmas setting adding a quirky backdrop to the chaos. The undead here aren’t your typical slow shamblers – they’re a messy, funny threat that keeps the pace lively.

The actors, like Daniel Rairdin-Hale and Hanlon Smith-Dorsey, play it straight despite the wild plot, which makes the humor hit even harder. Shot on a shoestring budget, it’s got that gritty charm that reminds me of old-school B-movies, but with a festive twist. The story wraps up with the group fighting to save the holidays, and while it’s not polished, that’s part of its appeal. It’s the kind of movie you watch with friends late at night, laughing at the ridiculousness while cheering for the underdogs.

Christmas with the Dead

This 2012 short-turned-feature has a weird, offbeat energy that’s hard to resist. Based on a story by Joe R. Lansdale, it centers on Calvin, played by Brad Maule, a guy trying to fix his life just in time for Christmas – except it’s June, and his family’s turned into flesh-eating zombies. Directed by T.L. Lankford, it’s a mix of dark humor and Southern grit, set in a small town where the holiday feels more like a fever dream. The zombies aren’t the main focus – it’s Calvin’s bizarre quest that drives the story.

What I love about this one is how it plays with expectations. You’ve got Christmas lights and decorations, but the summer heat and undead family members make it feel totally unhinged. Damian Maffei pops up in a small role, adding some familiar horror cred to the mix. It’s rough around the edges, having started as a 14-minute short before expanding, but that rawness gives it a unique vibe. If you’re up for a zombie tale that’s more quirky than terrifying, this one’s worth a look.

Stalled

‘Stalled’ from 2013 takes a simple idea and runs with it – a janitor, played by Dan Palmer, gets trapped in a bathroom during a zombie outbreak at a Christmas party. Directed by Christian James, this British horror comedy keeps things tight and claustrophobic, with most of the action unfolding in one grimy location. Palmer’s character, W.C., is an everyman just trying to survive as the undead bang on the door, and his dry humor carries the film through its bloody moments.

The small cast, including Antonia Bernath as a fellow survivor, keeps the focus on quick wit and desperate plans. It’s not a big-budget affair, but the confined setting ramps up the tension, making every noise outside the stall feel like a threat. Released in the UK with a modest run, it’s flown under the radar for some, but I think it’s a solid pick for its clever use of space and holiday chaos. If you like your zombies with a side of sarcasm, this one’s a fun, fast watch.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Okay, hear me out – ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ from 1993 isn’t a straight-up zombie movie, but it’s got enough undead vibes to sneak onto this list. Directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton, it follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, voiced by Chris Sarandon, as he stumbles into Christmas Town and tries to take over the holiday. The stop-motion magic brings skeletons, ghouls, and a spooky crew to life, blending creepy with festive in a way that’s pure Burton.

The voice cast, including Catherine O’Hara and Danny Elfman – who also wrote the iconic songs – adds so much personality to this twisted tale. It’s more about Jack’s midlife crisis than a zombie apocalypse, but the undead aesthetic and holiday mashup make it fit here. Since its release, it’s become a classic that people argue over – is it a Halloween flick or a Christmas one? I say it’s both, and its dark charm makes it a perfect pick for this lineup. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re missing out on a holiday treat with a bite.