5) Gremlins
We almost put Ghostbusters on this list but, as funny as it is, it’s probably more supernatural-flavoured than a full-on horror. Another 80s classic is just about gleefully horrific enough to feature instead, though. Enter Gremlins.
The presence of the cuddly Gizmo often fools people into thinking that Gremlins is a family film, but it is far too anarchic and rebellious to really fit that description. From the violent deaths offered out by the titular creatures to Phoebe Cates’ bleak tale of her father’s disappearance on Christmas Eve, Gremlins circumvents your expectations of the wholesome Christmas movie at every turn.
[zergpaid]The Gremlins themselves are also one of the great horror monsters. Governed by a set of oddball rules that have seeped into popular culture, these critters (no, not Critters) are full of mischief and malevolence in equal measure – they’ll happily go on a murder spree and then sing along to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs afterwards.
Gremlins II: The New Batch might be an underrated sequel, ramping up the cartoonish humour in place of horror, but it is the original that stands as the true classic.