11 Best Christmas Movie Villains We Love to Hate
The holiday season is typically full of joy, cheer, and goodwill toward men. But Christmas movies always give us a few legendary villains to keep an eye on.
From misunderstood misers to literal monsters, a great antagonist is what makes a happy ending feel earned. Whether they’re seeking redemption or just trying to ruin the party, these are the heavy hitters of holiday havoc. That’s why I’m counting down the best Christmas movie baddies of all time.
Don’t see your favorite holiday villain on this list? (Jack Frost from the 1997 schlock film Jack Frost, anyone?) Let us know in the comments of our original TikTok video.
1. The Grinch (How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 2000)
Sure, he’s basically a Whovillian version of Scrooge, but his oddball charm and sly humor are very relatable this time of year. I mean, that’s why we love him. Jim Carrey’s physical comedy brings this green curmudgeon to life in a way that makes you root for him even as he’s stuffing Christmas trees up chimneys. But you can’t overlook the original 1966 TV special, where Boris Karloff shines as both the narrator and the Grinch himself.
2. Ebenezer Scrooge (Scrooge, 1951)
We all love to despise Scrooge across his infinite movie adaptations. That is, until the cold-hearted miser turns things around and discovers the true meaning of Christmas. While he starts as the ultimate humbug, his redemption arc is the stuff of legend, reminding us all that it’s never too late to change our stripes.
There are countless versions of A Christmas Carol to choose from when crafting your holiday movie marathon. The 1951 film Scrooge, starring Alastair Sim, is a classic. But if you’re looking for my personal favorite, it’s hard to beat Michael Caine’s iconic turn in The Muppet Christmas Carol.
3. Hans Gruber (Die Hard, 1988)
Whether or not Die Hard is a Christmas movie is up to you. Either way, Hans Gruber made John McClane’s holiday trip to LA very memorable. Alan Rickman’s suave, sophisticated take on a terrorist leader set the gold standard for action movie villains, proving you can be bad and stylish at the same time. It’s wild to think Die Hard was Rickman’s big-screen debut.
4. The Wet Bandits (Home Alone, 1990)
Harry and Marv tried to ruin Christmas for Kevin McCallister, but they took quite a beating instead. These two bumbling burglars are the perfect foil for Kevin’s traps, selling every hit with a level of physical commitment that turns a home invasion into a slapstick masterpiece. They feel like a gritty version of the Three Stooges dropped into a family holiday movie.
5. Mr. Potter (It’s a Wonderful Life, 1946)
Unlike Scrooge or the Grinch, Mr. Potter never gets a redemption arc. He stays a grumpy, greedy miser right to the bitter end. He’s the ultimate holiday antagonist because he represents cold, corporate heartlessness in a town full of warmth. His refusal to change makes him one of the most effective and hated villains in cinema history. Heck, even Darth Vader turned things around in the end.
6. Oogie Boogie (The Nightmare Before Christmas, 1993)
This burlap sack full of bugs is the stuff of nightmares, quite literally. While Jack Skellington just wants to understand Christmas, Oogie Boogie wants to gamble with Santa’s life. His jazzy musical number is catchy, but don’t let that distract you from the fact that he’s a sadistic monster who loves to torture his victims. If you grew up playing Kingdom Hearts, you know firsthand just how frightening (and frustrating) this gambling ghoul can be.
7. Scut Farkus (A Christmas Story, 1983)
With his yellow eyes and raccoon-skin cap, Scut Farkus is the quintessential childhood bully. He terrorizes the neighborhood with a laugh that still echoes in our ears, making his eventual beatdown one of the most satisfying moments in holiday movie history. I especially love the use of the “Wolf” theme from Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf to signal his arrival, perfectly framing Scut as the neighborhood’s “big bad.”
8. Bumble (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, 1964)
The Abominable Snow Monster, or Bumble, spent most of this TV special trying to eat Rudolph and his friends. He’s terrifyingly large and has a roar that shakes the North Pole, but it turns out he just had a toothache. Isn’t that relatable? Once Hermey the Elf fixes him up, he becomes the star decorator of the Christmas tree. It’s a wholesome reminder that sometimes a “villain” is just a misunderstood giant in need of a root canal.
9. Stripe (Gremlins, 1984)
Stripe is the leader of the mischievous Gremlins and the definition of a party crasher. He stands out with his white mohawk and menacing grin, acting as the dark mirror to the adorable Gizmo. From attacking a department store Santa to terrorizing the entire town of Kingston Falls, Stripe takes pleasure in causing chaos. He proves that some Christmas presents need a clearly written warning label.
10. Krampus (Krampus, 2015)
While Santa brings toys to good girls and boys, Krampus brings punishment to those who have lost their holiday spirit. This ancient demonic force is terrifying, complete with a bag of twisted toys and evil elves. He’s the shadow of Saint Nicholas, reminding us that you’d better watch out—for real. The 2015 film is a chilling tribute to the character’s centuries-old roots in Bavarian folklore.
11. The Penguin (Batman Returns, 1992)
I was never allowed to watch Batman Returns as a young kid, which only made the movie all the more intriguing. Eventually, I got around to it, and it’s arguably my favorite Batman flick. The main reason for the household ban was, of course, The Penguin. And that makes perfect sense.
Danny DeVito’s performance is both grotesque and mesmerizing. As the tragic Oswald Cobblepot, he plays a villain abandoned at birth who rises from the sewers to run for mayor and wreak havoc on Gotham’s holiday festivities. He’s a standout Christmas fiend who leaves a dark stain on the season.
Christmas movie villains FAQ
Who is the most famous Christmas villain?
The Grinch and Ebenezer Scrooge are arguably the most famous. Both characters have become synonymous with "anti-Christmas" spirit, though both also find redemption in the end.
Is Die Hard actually a Christmas movie?
The CableTV.com team and I think so. While it's an action movie first, the plot takes place entirely during a Christmas party, features holiday music, and themes of family reconciliation. Hans Gruber is widely considered one of the best Christmas villains because of this setting.
Why is Mr. Potter considered the worst villain?
Mr. Potter is often cited as the "worst" in terms of morality because, unlike Scrooge or the Grinch, he never learns his lesson. He steals money, attempts to ruin a family business, and ends the movie without any punishment or change of heart.
