A few weeks ago, my sister was reflecting on our cancelled travel plans for the year, and decided we needed something new to look forward to. Originally, we had planned on attending a huge horror convention in California the first week of August, but decided in March that it was not a good idea to buy plane tickets for numerous reasons, including COVID-19. Ultimately, the convention was canceled.

Her idea for a local alternative? Since the 25th lands on a Saturday this month, celebrating a Black Christmas in July. We are turning the AC up, wearing sweaters, and watching Christmas themed horror movies all day.

My husband was sold on the idea for several reasons; he is a movie buff, I’m making a sausage potato casserole, and I’m thawing out frozen Christmas cookies from last December. We also have a leftover bottle of Christmas wine to top things off.

Here’s a list of movies I came up with for anyone interested in planning their own movie marathon. I know not everyone is a fan of gore, so I tried to distinguish from the truly violent slasher movies and more suspenseful horror. Others fall into the action and thriller genres, and I even tried to include a few kid friendly options for parents who might need something new to keep their kids busy.

All Through the House (slasher horror) streaming for free on Tubi.

Black Christmas (slasher horror) streaming on for free on Tubi.

Christmas Evil (horror) streaming for free on Vudu.

Die Hard (action) available for rent on several platforms.

Dead of Night (horror anthology) streaming on Amazon prime video or Shudder.

Eyes Wide Shut (thriller) streaming on Hulu and available for rent on several other platforms.

Gremlins (horror/adventure) available for rent on several platforms.

Krampus (horror) available for rent on several platforms.

The Long Kiss Goodnight (action) available to rent on several platforms.

Nightmare Before Christmas (animated) streaming on Disney+.

Rare Exports (horror/adventure) free on Tubi and Crackle, for rent on several platforms.