Krampus (2015)
12-month trend
12-month trend
Monthly article views
2025-09 to 2026-08
A dysfunctional family's holiday squabble inadvertently unleashes the wrath of a demonic Christmas spirit.
The story
Three days before Christmas, the Engel family prepares for the holidays amidst internal tensions. While Max, a young boy who still believes in Santa, writes a letter to him, his cousins mock him, leading to a heated outburst where he declares his hatred for his family and Christmas. That night, a severe blizzard hits, and the following day, Beth ventures out only to be chased by a horned creature. As the family deals with the aftermath of her disappearance and other supernatural threats, Omi reveals the truth about Krampus, an ancient demon who punishes those who lose the Christmas spirit.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
The Engel family is preparing for Christmas when tensions boil over due to a visit from Sarah's sister, Linda, and her family. After Max lashes out at his cousins and tosses his letter to Santa out the window, a blizzard strikes. Beth is chased by a horned creature and killed by a living jack-in-the-box. The family is soon besieged by living toys and gingerbread men. Omi reveals she once summoned Krampus during the hardships of war, leading to her village's destruction. The house is overrun by dark elves and violent toys, kidnapping several family members. Tom leads some to safety while Omi faces Krampus alone. Outside, the rest are attacked by a 'Snow Beast.' Krampus confronts Max, who realizes his actions summoned the demon. Max offers to sacrifice himself to save his family; Krampus tosses him into a fiery pit. Max wakes up on Christmas morning believing it was a nightmare, but finds Krampus's bauble among the presents, while Krampus watches them from his underworld lair.
- First release year
- 2015
- Runtime (minutes)
- 98
- Production countries
- United States; New Zealand
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Michael Dougherty
- Writers
- Todd Casey · co-writer; Michael Dougherty · co-writer; Zach Shields · co-writer
- Cast and characters
- Adam Scott · Tom Engel; Toni Collette · Sarah Engel; David Koechner · Howard Jackson Sr.; Allison Tolman · Linda Jackson; Conchata Ferrell · Aunt Dorothy; Emjay Anthony · Max Engel; Stefania LaVie Owen · Beth Engel; Krista Stadler (de) · Omi (Granny) Engel
- Genres
- comedy horror; fantasy; comedy thriller
- Themes
- dysfunctional family; loss of holiday spirit; folklore
- Tone and mood
- gory; non-traditional; B-movie
- Setting
- A town during a blizzard three days before Christmas.
- Premise and plot tags
- Christmas; horror; demons; elves; monsters
- Source material / true-story basis
- Austro-Bavarian folklore
- Reception
- The film received mixed reviews and grossed over $61 million against a $15 million budget.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 49 · scale: 100 · review count: 21
- Awards and nominations
- Best Horror Film · Empire Awards · Nomination; Best Horror Film · Saturn Awards · Nomination
- Production trivia
- The film was moved to December 4, 2015, to be closer to Krampusnacht.; Creature effects were made by Weta Workshop.; The concept began in 2011 when Dougherty was planning a Christmas-themed horror film.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
Your lists
Loading your lists…