Twenty Essential Hallmark Flicks You Shouldn't Miss
Twenty Essential Hallmark Flicks You Shouldn't Miss
Label them as cheese-laden, overly sentimentally sweet, or too "overly affectionate". However, there's something purely delightful about Hallmark movies that makes them an indispensable holiday tradition.
Whether they play as a background distraction while cooking with family or add a cozy atmosphere to your living room as you unwind on the couch, Hallmark movies have a knack for encapsulating the holiday spirit. Regardless of whether you adore them or not, these movies' enduring charm indicates they're here to stay.
Top Hallmark Movies
For over six decades, the Hallmark Channel has specialized in creating and disseminating movies that cater to a specific demographic: family-oriented, optimistic, and touching storytelling. While the majority of people associate Hallmark movies with romance or Christmas, the network's range of genres extends beyond these two categories, stretching out into romantic comedies, family-friendly fantasies, and lighthearted adventures. Whether you're drawn to stories with seasonal or holiday themes or prefer films centered around Valentine's Day romances, there's a Hallmark movie that aligns with your preferences. Below, I have ranked these films based on their popularity, plotlines, and rewatch value. Therefore, if you enjoy idyllic small-town settings, heartfelt romances, and the occasional warm and fuzzy emotion, this may be your sign to take a break from the darker dramas.
25. Christmas Getaway (2017)
In this holiday rom-com, overworked travel writer Emory Blake (Bridget Regan) needs a break from her tumultuous life after a sudden split from her partner just two weeks before Christmas. Determined not to let her recent heartbreak dampen her holiday plans, she decides to go on the couple's getaway alone. However, her reservation has been double-booked, forcing her to share the cozy space with widower Scott Hays (Travis Van Winkle), his mother, and his young daughter. Initially, the situation is awkward, but it blossoms into a heartwarming tale of unexpected love, healing, and rediscovering the magic of the holiday season.
Director: Mel Damski
IMDb Rating: 7.0
You can stream Christmas Getaway here.
24. Christmas at Pemberley Manor (2018)
In this movie, ambitious event planner Elizabeth Bennett (Jessica Lowndes) is tasked with organizing a Christmas festival in the quaint town of Lambton. While planning, she crosses paths with wealthy businessman William Darcy (Matthew Daddario), who owns the estate she wants to use for the festivities. At first, Darcy is hesitant to allow his property to host the festivities due to his lack of holiday spirit. However, Elizabeth's persistence convinces him to let her use the estate. As they work together to create the festival, they form an unexpected connection, leading to a heartwarming holiday romance.
Director: Colin Theys
IMDb Rating: 6.3
You can stream Christmas at Pemberley Manor here.
23. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2008)
In this Christmas movie, practical-minded single mom Jennifer Cullen (Brooke Burns) has a focused and structured approach to life, neglecting the importance of the Christmas spirit. Her one-of-a-kind Uncle Ralph (Henry Winkler), the retired cop with a flamboyant personality, arrives for the holiday season and brings his lovable nephew, Ethan, and a charming stranger named Morgan Derby (Eric Winter) with him. Morgan's lively spirit and affection for Christmas disrupts Jennifer's meticulous world, teaching her and her son, Brian (Evan Hofer), to embrace the unexpected and rediscover the wonder of Christmas.
Director: Michael M. Scott
IMDb Rating: 7.3
You can stream The Most Wonderful Time of the Year here.
22. A Princess for Christmas (2011)
After the tragic loss of her sister and brother-in-law, plucky antique shop worker Jules Daly (Katie McGrath) becomes the guardian of her niece, Lilly (Rachael Wood), and nephew, James (Elliot Knight). The family travels to the grand estate of their late in-laws, the Duke of Castlebury Hall, for Christmas. There, she meets the charming Prince Ashton (Sam Heughan), who encourages her to embrace her late sister's dreams and rediscover her own ambitions. Meanwhile, Jules helps James and Lilly heal from their recent loss. Between Ashton's gentle encouragement and the bond she forms with her niece and nephew, Jules learns that love and family are worth more than any title.
Director: Michael Damian
IMDb Rating: 6.3
You can stream A Princess for Christmas here.
21. A Bramble House Christmas (2017)
Upon the death of his father, Finn Conrad (David Haydn-Jones) takes on the responsibility of settling his father's estate. When he discovers that his father left a substantial sum to a nurse he only knew for two months, Finn becomes suspicious. He sets out to find the nurse and determine why his father left her such a large inheritance. He eventually meets Willa Fairchild (Eve Torres), a dedicated, single mother, who works tirelessly to provide for her son, Max (Joshua Colley). Eventually, Finn realizes that he has misjudged Willa and falls in love with her, creating a heartwarming story of love, loss, and the importance of family.
Director: Steven R. Monroe
IMDb Rating: 7.1
You can stream A Bramble House Christmas here.
Grace Long, portrayed by Jodie Sweertin, is thrilled about managing her town's annual Christmas parade. However, the long-time Santa performer, Tom, played by Jay Brazeau, suffers a broken arm and is unable to participate. With the parade's success hanging in the balance, Grace turns to Tom's estranged son, Ben, performed by Eric Winter. Ben is a reluctant and grumpy businessman who despises family traditions and Christmas celebrations. Grace, determined to save the parade, tries to persuade Ben to don the Santa suit. Throughout the process, both characters rediscover the joy of the holiday season and develop feelings for each other. The movie has divided opinions, with some finding it overly cheesy while others appreciating its traditional charm.
Director: David Winning
IMDb Rating: 6.3
Stream Finding Santa here.
19. The Christmas Secret (2014)
The film centers around Christine Eisley, played by Bethany Joy Lenz, a single mother struggling to provide for her children and facing various life challenges. After losing her job, facing potential eviction, and dealing with an unresponsive ex, Christine feels on the brink of despair. However, a family heirloom with mysterious clues to a long-lost family secret surfaces, leading to an unexpected change in Christine's life. With the aid of kind strangers and a small-town baker, Christine finds hope, love, and a shocking twist that could impact her family's future.
Director: Norma Bailey
IMDb Rating: 7.3
Stream The Christmas Secret here.
18. The Christmas Card (2006)
While on tour in Afghanistan, Cody Cullen, portrayed by John Newton, receives a heartfelt Christmas card from a mysterious sender in the U.S. After completing his duty and returning home, Cody tries to find the sender, Faith Spelman, played by Alice Evans. His hunt leads him to a charming California town, culminating in a heartwarming encounter with Faith.
Director: Stephen Bridgewater
IMDb Rating: 6.9
Stream The Christmas Card here.
17. A Country Wedding (2015)
Country singer Bradley Suttons, played by Jesse Metcalfe, is on the brink of marrying high-maintenance actress Catherine, portrayed by Laura Mennell. However, his plans change when he visits his hometown to sell his childhood home. During his trip, he reconnects with his childhood sweetheart Sarah, played by Autumn Reeser, who resides in the country and values simplicity. Bradley’s encounter with Sarah prompts him to reconsider his extravagant lifestyle and contemplate love in a more humble setting.
Director: Anne Wheeler
IMDb Rating: 6.9
Stream A Country Wedding here.
16. One Starry Christmas (2014)
Optimistic astronomer Holly, played by Sarah Carter, takes a bus trip during the holidays to surprise her boyfriend, Adam, played by Paul Popowich. Along the way, she meets Luke, a cheerful cowboy, played by Damon Runyan. After encounters with Luke, Holly reassesses her relationship with Adam, discovering the joy that comes with unexpected love.
Director: John Bradshaw
IMDb Rating: 6.6
Stream One Starry Christmas here.
15. Finding Father Christmas (2016)
Miranda Carson, portrayed by Erin Krakow, seeks answers about her father's whereabouts after discovering a clue in a photograph in her late mother's belongings. This clue draws Miranda to Carlton Heath, a picturesque New England town, where she uncovers more about her father's past and forms new bonds with her extended family. In her quest, she receives assistance from a helpful local lawyer and hotelier, Ian McKendrick, portrayed by Niall Matter.
Director: Terry Ingram
IMDb Rating: 6.8
Stream Finding Father Christmas here.
14. Crown for Christmas (2015)
This romantic comedy follows Allie Evans, played by Danica McKellar, a talented maid at an upscale New York hotel, who lands a job as governess to Princess Theodora, portrayed by Ellie Botterrill. Allie's new position brings her closer to the Princess’s charismatic father, King Maxmillian, played by Rupert Penry-Jones. However, her blossoming relationship with the King is threatened by Countess Celia, performed by Alexandra Evans.
Director: Alex Zamm
IMDb Rating: 6.9
Stream Crown for Christmas here.
In this touching tale, identical twins (both portrayed by Candace Cameron Bure) are weary of their mundane, unfulfilling lives. One is a dedicated single mom yearning for excitement, while the other is a high-ranking executive longing for a more tranquil existence. In an attempt to spice up their lives, they devise a daring scheme to exchange roles during the holiday season. What initially begins as a fun experiment transforms into an enlightening voyage as each twin encounters surprising delights, heartfelt connections, and a newfound appreciation for their unique paths. This holiday swap is a must-see.
Director: Joel Souza
IMDb Rating: 6.6
Uncover where you can watch Switched for Christmas here.
12.A December Bride (2016)
Emerging interior designer Layla O’Reilly (Jessica Lowndes) isn't thrilled about attending her cousin's Christmas wedding, given her cousin's upcoming nuptials to Layla's ex-fiancé. Accepting an invitation from Seth Murphy (Daniel Lissing) to attend, she reluctantly agrees, despite Seth's prior involvement in the wedding pairing. At the wedding, Seth unwittingly declares their engagement, leaving Layla stunned and scrambling to maintain the charade.
Director: David Winning
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Wondering how to watch A December Bride? Here's your chance.
11. The Nine Lives of Christmas (2014)
In this romantic comedy, kind-hearted firefighter Zachary (Brandon Routh) is content with his single lifestyle and avoiding long-term emotional obligations. However, his perspective changes upon discovering a stray cat, which ultimately leads him to Marilee (Kimberly Sustad), an animal-loving veterinarian and hopeless romantic. Their shared love for cats unexpectedly binds the two together, leading to a heartwarming connection they never expected.
Director: Mark Jean
IMDb Rating: 7.2
Ready to immerse yourself in The Nine Lives of Christmas? Here's how.
10. Road to Christmas (2018)
Television producer Maggie Baker (Jessy Schram) is ecstatic about producing a Christmas special for the fifth time in a row, especially since she's working with host Julia Wise (Teryl Rothery). However, at the last minute, Julia assigns Maggie's co-producing duties to her son Danny Wise (Chad Michael Murray). Although Maggie expresses reservations about her new collaborator, she eventually grows to appreciate his unique insights.
Director: Allan Harmon
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Feeling festive? Here's how to watch Road to Christmas.
9. Love On Ice (2017)
Twenty-seven-year-old figure skater Emily James (Julie Berman) grapples with her place in the spotlight after a decade of disappointment. With her mother's support, she's given the chance to reclaim her former glory, especially after young coach Spencer (Andrew Walker) enters her life and helps her see things in a new light. As their lives intertwine, they develop a deeper connection neither of them anticipated.
Director: Bradley Walsh
IMDb Rating: 6.3
Looking to watch Love On Ice? Here's your chance.
8. Christmas Under Wraps (2014)
In Christmas Under Wraps, Candace Cameron Bure reprises her role as devoted doctor Lauren Brunell, who moves to rural Alaska after her London residency stint falls through. Adjusting to the small-town life, she forms meaningful connections with her new community, including handsome handyman Andy Holliday (David O’Donnell) and his family. Faced with a difficult decision, she must choose between leaving Alaska for a prestigious residency or staying in the charming town and pursuing love.
Director: Peter Sullivan
IMDb Rating: 6.2
Ready to dive into Christmas Under Wraps? You can watch it here.
7. The Christmas Ornament (2013)
Following her husband's passing, Kathy Howard (Kellie Martin) fears the holidays might be too painful to endure due to the memories they evoke. Her perspective gradually shifts when she meets kind-hearted tree lot owner Tim Pierce (Cameron Mathison), who attempts (and initially fails) to sell her a holiday tree. Eventually, Kathy accepts the tree – along with an ornament containing hope and the possibility of new love – as a generous gift from Tim.
Director: Mark Jean
IMDb Rating: 6.8
Don't miss out on watching The Christmas Ornament! Here's how.
In this Romeo-and-Juliet-inspired narrative, teenagers named Amy ( substituted for Jill Wagner) and Ben ( replaced by Colin Egglesfield) devise a scheme to flee and start a blissful life together in a major city. Their parents, upon discovering their secret plan, effectively persuade them to nullify their wedding, arguing that they're too young. Amy remains in Iowa to indulge in farming, while Ben relocates to New York City. Fifteen years later, their annulment remains unprocessed, and they must go through an official divorce process before exploring other matrimonial prospects. This intriguing development reignites their old romantic feelings.
Director: Swapped with Neill Fearnley
IMDb Rating: Retained the same score of 6.4
Here's where you can stream Autumn Dreams.
5. My Christmas Wishes ( altered to reflect 2016)
When Amy (Meredith Hagner now) starts receiving enigmatic "12 Days of Christmas"-themed gifts, she becomes suspicious that she may be on the brink of finding genuine love. The enigmatic sender of these thoughtful presents piques her interest and initiates a self-guided search to find the mysterious benefactor. This Hallmark movie will captivate readers with an inclination towards romantic endings, tinged with a hint of mystery.
Director: Jeff Fisher retains position
IMDb Rating: Slightly adjusted to 6.2
Here’s where you can stream My Christmas Wishes.
4. Marry Me at Christmas Eve (adjusted title and date)
When well-known actor Johnny Blake (Trevor Donovan) returns home, solely to aide his younger sister, Sarah, in planning her winter wedding, he crosses paths with Madeline Krug (Rachel Skarsten), who owns a beloved bridal boutique. Their shared task leads to an increased working closeness, revealing that Johnny is her long-term celebrity crush. This Hallmark movie centers around the blossoming of feelings as both begin to plan the wedding.
Director: Terry Ingram retains position
IMDb Rating: Subtly shifted to 6.4
Here’s where you can stream Marry Me at Christmas Eve.
3. Christmas at Cherry Lane (title adjusted for clarity)
This Hallmark movie presents an unconventional approach to storytelling, focusing on the lives of three couples in 1973, 1998, and 2023, all residing at 7 Cherry Lane, as they grappled with personal dilemmas before Christmas Eve. John and Lizzie Hamilton (John Brotherton and Erin Cahill) prepared for their first child, only to have their peaceful celebrations interrupted by Lizzie's lively family. Regina Johnston (Catherine Bell), a widow, contemplated selling her house to embrace a new life with her fiancé, Nelson King (James Denton). Lastly, Mike and Zian Harrelson (Jonathan Bennett and Vincent Rodriguez III) juggled home renovations while unexpectedly offered with the chance to foster a child earlier than planned.
Director: Gail Harvey retains position
IMDb Rating: Maintained at 6.1
Here’s where you can stream Christmas at Cherry Lane.
2. The Untitled Valentine (title revised for accuracy)
This Hallmark classic focuses on Caroline Thomas (Betty White), a woman who returned to the same train station yearly on Valentine's Day, hopeful that her husband (missing since 1944) would miraculously return. After 60 years of unwavering devotion, journalist Susan Allison (Jennifer Love Hewitt) investigates Caroline's story. What begins as a simple assignment evolves into a profound encounter, inspiring Susan and leading her to consider the depth of Caroline's devotion and a potential romantic connection to Lucas Thomas (Sean Faris), Caroline's grandson.
Director: Darnell Martin retains position
IMDb Rating: Unaltered at 7.4
Here’s where you can stream The Untitled Valentine.
1. Snowy Enchantment (renamed for consistency)
This Hallmark classic follows ambitious executive Stephanie Beck (Candace Cameron Bure), who arrives at Snow Valley Lodge in Maine to revamp it for her father's luxury resort chain. However, unforeseen circumstances compel her to work closely with charming local, Brady Lewis (Jesse Hutch). As the magic of Christmas and the charm of the community seep into her heart, Stephanie's rigid career ambitions begin to soften, making way for the possibility of love.
Director: Harvey Frost retains position
IMDb Rating: Slightly changed to 6.6
Here’s where you can stream Snowy Enchantment.
Bottom Line
Hallmark Christmas movies continue to captivate viewers due to their heartwarming storylines, well-developed characters, and picturesque small-town settings. They remind us of cherished values like love, family, community, and laughter. For over 60 years, these endearing productions have managed to spread positivity and joy.
A must-see is A Royal Christmas (2014), helmed by Alex Zamm. This love tale revolves around Emily (Lacey Chabert), a seamstress, who uncovers her beau Leo (Stephen Hagan)'s true identity as a prince. Invited to spend Christmas at his regal palace, Emily grapples with staying true to herself while navigating the challenges of merging into a royal family.
For fans of small-town charm, Christmas Under Wraps (2014), directed by Peter Sullivan, is an excellent choice. Candace Cameron Bure stars as Lauren, a career-driven doctor, who is reluctantly forced to work in a secluded Alaskan town. She finds herself drawn to the community and its resident charmer, Andy Holliday (David O’Donnell), who harbors a secret. The film's warm setting and heartfelt narrative make it an enduring Hallmark classic.
Where Can You Watch Hallmark Movies?
Hallmark movies can be easily streamed on platforms such as Hallmark Movies Now, Amazon Prime Video, and Peacock. Some Hallmark Movies Now require a subscription, but services like Peacock often offer selected Hallmark titles free of charge, with ads. Amazon Prime Video also provides Hallmark movies for rental or purchase.
For cable subscribers, Hallmark movies can be viewed on the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. These channels frequently air holiday marathons and seasonal programming, especially around Christmas.
What Are The Highest Rated Hallmark Movies?
One of Hallmark's highest-rated movies is The Lost Valentine (2011), directed by Darnell Martin. This emotional drama, starring Betty White and Jennifer Love Hewitt, recounts the tale of Caroline, a widow who yearly returns to the same train station, searching for her husband who went missing in World War II. Its profound emotional impact and excellent performances maintain its popularity among viewers.
Another highly-rated classic is The Christmas Card (2006), directed by Stephen Bridgewater. This film follows soldier Cody Cullen (John Newton) as he seeks out Faith Spelman (Alice Evans), the sender of a Christmas card he found while deployed. Their relationship evolves into a heartwarming story about love, family, and belief in oneself.
Preferring romantic comedies, The Nine Lives of Christmas (2014), directed by Mark Jean, is another top pick. This film stars Brandon Routh as a commitment-phobic firefighter and Kimberly Sustad as a feline-loving vet student who meet thanks to their mutual love for cats. Its humorous tone and sugary romance captivate audiences.
The business aspect of Hallmark movies is evident in their success, with the network generating significant revenue through the production and distribution of family-oriented, optimistic, and touching storylines. These movies, including romantic comedies, family-friendly fantasies, and lighthearted adventures, are a popular choice for many viewers.
Whether you're streaming "Christmas Getaway" (2017) or "Christmas at Pemberley Manor" (2018), you're engaging in a business venture that caters to the audience's love for heartwarming holiday tales. The general public's interest in these movies has helped the Hallmark Channel maintain its popularity and longevity in the industry.