Krampus

Krampus

Year: 2015

Runtime: 98 min

Language: English

Director: Michael Dougherty

Budget: $15M

FantasyHorrorComedy

When a young boy's holiday doubts unleash the demonic Krampus, his family finds themselves under siege by a monstrous force. Festive symbols become terrifying, and the household is plunged into a chaotic battle for survival. They must confront the ancient evil and rediscover the importance of family to overcome the nightmarish ordeal and protect themselves from Krampus's wrath.

Krampus (2015) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Krampus (2015) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the midst of a frenzied holiday rush, a suburban home gathers for an uneasy celebration. Tom and Sarah strive to keep the spirit alive for their children—wide‑eyed Max, who clings to the magic of Santa, and his pragmatic sister Beth—while an eccentric grandmother, known affectionately as Omi, tends to the kitchen. The house teems with relatives, mismatched personalities, and the clutter of seasonal décor that hangs like ornaments over a delicate balance of expectations and anxieties. As the snow falls outside, the festive veneer begins to feel thin, hinting at something far less jolly lurking beneath the pine‑scented air.

The film’s tone blends the cozy glow of a traditional Christmas with a sharp, unsettling edge, turning familiar symbols into potential threats. Warm lighting and nostalgic music clash with sudden bursts of darkness, creating a world where cheerful carols can quickly become a soundtrack for dread. The family dynamics—parental pressure, sibling rivalry, and the weight of generational traditions—are amplified by an atmosphere that feels both intimate and claustrophobic. Hints of an ancient folklore whisper through the corridors, suggesting that the season’s myths may hold a more literal, terrifying truth than anyone anticipated.

When Max voices a deep‑seated doubt about the very heart of the holiday, that uncertainty acts as a catalyst, stirring an age‑old spirit known as Krampus. The ancient evil threatens to turn the household’s cherished symbols into instruments of chaos, forcing each member to confront their own beliefs and fears. As the night descends, the family must reckon with forces that test the limits of their unity, drawing them into a harrowing battle for survival that will demand both courage and a rediscovery of what truly matters during the season.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 04:13

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Festive Horror Siege movies like Krampus

Where familiar celebrations become a claustrophobic nightmare of survival.If the blend of holiday chaos and supernatural siege in Krampus thrilled you, explore these movies where festive settings become horror stages. Discover similar stories of families facing ancient evils and survival horror during Christmas and other celebrations.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically begins with domestic tension during a holiday, which escalates into a full-scale siege by a folklore-inspired evil. The story focuses on survival within a confined, familiar space, with characters forced to confront their own flaws and rediscover their bonds under extreme duress.

Why These Movies?

They share the core experience of subverting holiday cheer with intense horror, combining familial drama with high-stakes survival against a thematic, often ancient, antagonist. The mood is a potent mix of sinister dread and dark comedy, set against a once-joyous backdrop.

Ancient Evil Domestic Invasion films similar to Krampus

Ancient folklore monsters breach the modern home, punishing human failings.If you enjoyed Krampus's theme of an ancient folklore monster attacking a modern family home, you'll find similar thrills here. These movies feature vengeful supernatural entities that punish characters by invading their personal space, creating tense, high-stakes horror.

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Narrative Summary

A straightforward cause-and-effect plot is common: a character's action (like loss of faith) unleashes an ancient evil that targets their home. The narrative becomes a tense and often chaotic battle to survive within the compromised safety of the household, with the entity using psychological torment and physical threats rooted in folklore.

Why These Movies?

They are united by the central concept of a mythological beast enforcing its ancient rules upon a modern family, creating a unique blend of folk horror and domestic thriller. The experience is defined by high tension, a sinister atmosphere, and the unsettling idea that our homes are not safe from primordial judgment.

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Krampus Summary

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Krampus Summary

Krampus Timeline

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Krampus Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Krampus

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Krampus

More About Krampus

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