Christmas films with atmosphere and a bit of spookiness, preferably British or Irish?

[sprigatito]

I do love all the usual American schmalz Christmas movies, and I love a few British comedy ones like Arthur Christmas and Click and Collect... but are there any British or Irish Christmas films with a bit of non-gory spooky atmosphere to them? I want to watch something that's Christmassy but reasonably intelligent and doesn't look like an American Christmas tat shop has thrown up all over it. Any ideas? I've seen all the Ghost Story for Christmas episodes.

I was going to suggest a ghost story for Christmas until the end of your post. We're enjoying working our way through the box set, you've seen the modern as well as the original ones I imagine. I love this sort of thing too so shamelessly following for some good recommendations.

They're so good I wish I hadn't already seen them! I hope we get some good recommendations.

The Nightmare Before Christmas is so obvious it's not worth mentioning I suppose. 👀🌲🎅

It's American, I think?

Anna and the apocalypse is currently on Prime Video (£1.99 to rent)

It’s not spooky but it’s about zombies. British. A bit of a dark comedy/musical. Definitely enjoyed watching it.

So it is! I always think it feels British. 🤣😬

Bumping for the evening crowd! I've just remembered Silent Night which we saw last year really enjoyed.

Its American. But Krampus has the dark Christmas thing going on. Violent night is like die hard but with Santa. Plus it’s high action and gory so not really sure why I’m recommending it to you. But it’s English!

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I did a search for ‘alternative Christmas movies’ and came up with this list. Amongst sone more well known films, there’s a few which I’ve not heard of, and you may like.

A Christmas Carol. I haven't seen any of the films for years, but I read the book (novella) every year. The beginning especially is very atmospheric and creepy.

There was a good mini series of A Christmas Carol about 3 years ago.

The Dead zone

The Inside Number 9 Christmas specials are good. 12 days iof Christine, Bones of St Nicholas, plus others.

Isn't that American as well?

It's not a movie but the Inside Number 9 Christmas special about Krampus fits the bill.

I rented Crimson Peak in YouTube, after asking chatgpt for a recommendation for a wintry, Gothic, spooky film. It was pretty good!

The Amazing Mr Blunden. It's an oldie.

If you like Mark Gatiss how about the episode of Sherlock which is wintry but victorian, the Abominable Bride? Or the children's classic, I've just ordered the DVD, The Box of Delights, it's quite eerie and full of real snow and cold countryside.

This is my favourite children's movie! Thank you for reminding me of it 😊

Just to add, crimson peak is mostly set in Cumberland (I think? Although possibly filmed elsewhere??) and is mostly American actors, plus Tom Hiddleston.

Erm I've also just noticed that you specified non-gory. It actually does have some horribly gory moments.

That's ok, it was a tall order! I can cope with a bit of gore, but I prefer suspense and atmosphere.

There’s The Others which is British and non gory but it’s not Christmassy.

The Children is a creepy watch set in a beautiful, snowy setting. And the Joan Collins story from Vault of Horror from the 70s!

Not Christmas but lots of snow; The Wolves of Willoughby Chase.