Two men wearing traditional Krampus beast-like mask from Alpine region ()
Everyone is familiar with Christmas classics such as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “A Christmas Story” and the several versions of “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” as well as modern classics like “Elf” and “Bad Santa.” However, there can be a darker side to the holiday season: Krampus.
There are several legends about Krampus, but the gist is that Krampus is a horned being, sometimes half-goat/half-demon, originating in the Alps, who scares children that are misbehaving during the holiday season.
If you want to watch something other than the traditional Christmas specials, this list is for you.
“Minstrel Krampus,” from the television series, “American Dad.” Originally aired in 2013.
High schooler, Steve Smith, has made Santa’s naughty list and is kidnapped by Krampus. The Smith family must travel to the North Pole and rescue him. Hilarity and hijinks ensue during the rescue mission.
“Violent Night” movie. Originally released in theaters in 2022.
A group of holiday-themed-named mercenaries holds a wealthy family hostage in their home and Santa Claus must come to the rescue in this violent action comedy. The main mercenary, Scrooge, wants the family’s $300,000,000 mansion, and his second-in-command, Krampus, is there to help Scrooge in his mission.
“Wrath of the Krampus,” from the television series, “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated.” Originally aired in 2012.
The Scooby Gang must search for the pieces of the Planispheric Disc when a mysterious goat-man, Krampus, appears.
“A Very Venture Christmas,” from the television series, “The Venture Brothers.” Originally aired in 2004.
It’s time for the Venture Brothers’ annual party. Unfortunately, the Dean interrupts their party plans when he accidentally summons the Christmas demon. Action and adventure follow as the brothers just try to save their house and annual party.
“Twelve Days of Krampus,” from the television series, “Grimm.” Originally aired in 2013.
Delinquent teens go missing in town and an Austrian anti-Santa is the prime suspect. Krampus takes the teens and hides them away in a cold forest in baskets hanging from trees. Will the teens be rescued before the twelve days are over?
“Krampus” movie. Originally released in theaters in 2015.
Max, a disgruntled young boy, accidentally summons Krampus to his house during Christmas. The family must come together to save each other from Krampus and his evil antics.
“Robot Chicken Christmas Special: X-Mas United,” from the television series “Robot Chicken.” Originally aired in 2015. Also, two more episodes in 2018 and 2019.
Robot Chicken provided three Krampus segments over the years, but the first premiered in 2015 during their Christmas special. The recurring character, “The Nerd,” discovers Krampus is his father.
“Welcome to Halloween,” from the television series, “Teen Titans GO!” Originally aired in 2022.
While on a journey, the titans escape the cold by going into a castle where they discover Krampus. The titans learn that being “Krampus,” is actually a family business and the current version doesn’t want to be Krampus; he just wants to be happy.
“A Krampus Carol,” from the television series, “The League.” Originally aired in 2012.
The recurring character, Taco, dresses up at the anti-Santa, Krampus, and makes his way to the local mall to scare the local children. He is taken down by the mall Santa in this non-traditional Christmas special.
“A Christmas Horror Story,” movie. Originally released in 2015.
William Shatner plays an alcoholic radio DJ forced to work the Christmas Eve shift. An anthology of horror stories is weaved together through Shatner’s character’s radio show. Krampus appears in the fourth story when zombies have taken over the local mall.
Bonus: “Better Watch Out“ and “Fairytale of Salzburg“ from the Dr. Who audio series, “Ravenous.” Originally released in 2018.
The Dr. and the population of Salzburg become trapped in the underworld after Krampus brings a wave of misery to the city during his visit.
Due to Krampus’ very nature and the overall adult themes/language of some of these specials, be sure to view them before watching with the children.
