When his dysfunctional family clashes over the holidays, young Max is disillusioned and turns his back on Christmas. Little does he know, this lack of festive spirit has unleashed the wrath of Krampus: a demonic force of ancient evil intent on punishing non-believers.
Too many obnoxious relatives, evil critters and weak gags at the expense of fat kids and foul-mouthed old ladies.
– Tom Huddleston,
Time Out,
4 Dec 2015
rotten:
The movie sends mixed messages. It's hard, but gooey, too. Trick 'r Treat showed that Dougherty has a mean streak (with wit), but with Krampus, he's clearly been charged with delivering a wide-appeal PG-13 film.
– Chuck Wilson,
Village Voice,
4 Dec 2015
fresh:
Although there are some amusing moments here and there and a couple of nicely effective scary bits, it is never quite as darkly funny nor as frightening as it would like to be ...
– Peter Sobczynski,
RogerEbert.com,
4 Dec 2015
fresh:
It has enough personality and ambition that it could easily become an annual tradition for those who prefer "Silent Night, Deadly Night" to "It's a Wonderful Life."
– Noel Murray,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Dec 2015
rotten:
The fact we care at all about the outcome is a testament to the actors, and only the actors. But buried beneath the Christmas clutter is a much better movie.