Let’s be honest, the Silent Night, Deadly Night franchise is quite inconsistent in terms of quality. There are some good entries like the original and some absolute disappointments like the third film. They reflect their respective eras, so enjoyment will depend on how much you appreciate the time period they belong to. With two separate reboots and four sequels to the original, this is a surprisingly large series that you might not watch every Christmas season. However, it’s a fun and quirky experience when you do. So let’s rank the entire SNDN franchise!
7. Silent Night, Deadly Night 3: Better Watch Out (1989)
The franchise has a peculiar tendency to disconnect from its previous entries. This version of Ricky is a complete mess, sporting a strange fish bowl on his head and an obsession with a blind woman. There’s a psychic connection involved, and he has just awakened from a six-year coma. Despite Bill Moseley taking over the role of Ricky, the film is so dull that it lacks the charm one would expect. It simply doesn’t work.
6. Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: Initiation (1990)
This movie is best viewed as if it has absolutely nothing to do with the franchise. Because it really doesn’t. Clint Howard plays Ricky here, but he hardly resembles the same character from other films. He seems more like a random homeless guy sharing the same name. Outside of one or two scenes, you wouldn’t even know it’s a Christmas movie. The plot mainly follows a strange lesbian witch cult that turns people into cockroaches. It’s not good, but it does feature a decent performance from lead Neith Hunter and some impressive practical effects from Screaming Mad George. Watch this as a Brian Yuzna film rather than an entry in the franchise for a better experience.
5. Silent Night, Deadly Night 5: The Toy Maker (1991)
Instead of a Killer Santa, we get an eccentric twist on the Pinocchio story featuring a toymaker named Joe Petto and his son Pino. There’s a Puppet Master vibe to it, although the effects lean more towards children playing with toys rather than enjoyable stop-motion effects typical of earlier films in the franchise. It’s amusing to see Mickey Rooney (who famously opposed the original film) participating in this one. However, it remains strange to see Clint Howard make an appearance.
4. Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2 (1987)
This film essentially serves as a clip show of the first movie; however, I commend it for making the original more accessible for those seeking entertainment rather than something more psychological. It’s silly and undoubtedly gave rise to the infamous “Garbage Day!” meme, which has transcended the franchise. Many may not know which film it originates from but certainly remember that scene.
3. Silent Night (2012)
This reboot embodies the essence of the 2010s, which means it may not appeal to everyone. However, as someone who enjoys the cheesy qualities of that era, I am quite fond of it. I’ve always believed this film would pair well with Patrick Lussier’s My Bloody Valentine 3D. It features some of the best kills in the franchise, with the woodchipper scene being particularly memorable. Plus, it’s always entertaining to see Malcolm McDowell hamming it up in a horror reboot. This one is definitely brutal.
2. Silent Night, Deadly Night (2025)
I approached this film with very low expectations and ended up genuinely enjoying myself. It adopts a karmic approach to Billy, focusing on him targeting genuinely bad individuals, resulting in numerous satisfying kills throughout. While I hope this concept could be further explored in sequels, certain decisions may complicate that possibility. The film was released recently, so I won’t spoil anything; however, it appears to be dividing fans somewhat. You can check out my full review HERE.
1. Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
I would genuinely consider the original to be one of the best slashers out there; it truly delivers a psychological shock. The killer is clearly an antagonist, yet you understand why he ultimately reaches his breaking point. Witnessing your mother being assaulted and both parents murdered will do that to someone. Whether he’s impaling Linnea Quigley on deer antlers or decapitating sledders, several kills will stick with you long after viewing. There’s a reason this film is regarded as a Christmas Horror classic.
What’s YOUR ranking of the franchise? Are there any kills that stand out to you? Let us know in the comments below!
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