If you've been meaning to watch David Harbour's gleefully violent Christmas romp Violent Night, time is running out. The cult hit action-comedy is set to leave Peacock on July 20, 2026, giving subscribers just a few more days to stream it before it vanishes from the platform.
Released in 2022, Violent Night quickly became a sleeper success, earning over $75 million worldwide on a modest $20 million budget—a feat that echoes the original John Wick's $86 million gross. The film's blend of Norse mythology, holiday cheer, and bone-crunching action struck a chord with audiences, earning an 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and spawning a sequel due later this year.
Directed by Tommy Wirkola (Dead Snow, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters), the movie imagines Santa Claus as a weary, immortal Viking who has been delivering presents for centuries. When a wealthy family's Christmas Eve celebration is hijacked by a group of mercenaries, Santa trades his sleigh for a sledgehammer and delivers some decidedly un-festive justice. Harbour's performance as the boozy, battle-weary Saint Nick earned widespread praise, with critics calling it a perfect vehicle for his gruff charm.
The film was produced by David Leitch, who co-directed the first John Wick and later helmed hits like Deadpool 2, Hobbs & Shaw, Bullet Train, and The Fall Guy. Leitch's signature sleek action choreography is on full display, making Violent Night a must-watch for fans of the genre. The sequel, Violent Night 2, is set for release this December, with Wirkola returning to direct and Harbour reprising his role.
For those who haven't seen it yet, the film's Rotten Tomatoes consensus sums it up: "Violent Night isn't as wildly entertaining as its concept might suggest, but for those seeking harder-edged holiday fare, it may be a ho-ho-whole lot of fun." With a 74% critics' score and an 88% audience score, it's clear that viewers have embraced this unconventional holiday treat.
If you're looking for more action-packed streaming options, check out our list of 6 Sci-Fi Action Movies That Were Total Disasters (and Not the Fun Kind) for a cautionary tale. Meanwhile, Jaws 2 is also surging on Peacock, proving that sequels can sometimes find new life on streaming.
Don't miss your chance to see Violent Night before it leaves Peacock on July 20. And if you're already a fan, mark your calendars for the sequel's release this December. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on what's coming and going from your favorite streaming services.
