25 Must-Watch Hallmark Original Movies

Call them cheesy, sappy or too “touchy-feely.” Still, there is something inherently wholesome about Hallmark movies that makes them the ultimate holiday staple.

Whether they are playing in the background as you cook with family or adding a cozy charm to your living room as you curl up on the couch, Hallmark movies have a way of capturing the spirit of the holidays. Love them or not, these movies’ timeless appeal shows they’re here to stay.

Top Hallmark Movies

For over 60 years, the Hallmark Channel has created and distributed movies that tap into a unique niche: family-friendly, uplifting and heartwarming storytelling. While most people associate Hallmark movies with romance or Christmas, the network’s repertoire spans a variety of genres, including romantic comedies, family-friendly fantasies and lighthearted adventures. Whether you’re drawn to seasonal or holiday plots or prefer stories that are centered around Valentine’s romance, there’s likely a Hallmark movie tailored to what you like. In this list, I’ve ranked these films based on their popularity, storyline and replay value. So, if you enjoy charming small-town settings, heartfelt romance and don’t mind indulging in a bit of warm-and-fuzzy sentiment, this might be your sign to take a break from the grittier dramas.

25. Christmas Getaway (2017)

In this holiday romance, travel writer Emory Blake (Bridget Regan) is eager for a break from her chaotic life after a sudden breakup two weeks before Christmas. Determined not to let the split ruin her plans, she decides to go on the couple’s getaway alone. Upon arriving, she discovers her reservation has been double-booked, forcing her to share the cozy space with widowed dad Scott Hays (Travis Van Winkle), his mother and his young daughter. What begins as an awkward situation soon blossoms into a heartfelt story of unexpected love, healing and rediscovering the magic of the holiday season.

Director: Mel Damski

IMDb Rating: 7.0

Here’s where you can stream Christmas Getaway.

24. Christmas at Pemberley Manor (2018)

In this movie, New York event planner Elizabeth Bennett takes on a project in the picturesque town of Lambton to organize a Christmas festival. While planning, she meets William Darcy, a wealthy businessman who owns the estate she hopes to use for the event. At first William is reluctant to allow his property to host the festivities due to his lack of holiday spirit, Darcy eventually agrees after Elizabeth’s persistence. As they work together to bring the festival to life, the two form an unexpected connection, leading to a heartwarming holiday romance.

Director: Colin Theys

IMDb Rating: 6.3

Here’s where you can stream Christmas at Pemberley Manor.

23. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2008)

In this Christmas movie, pragmatic single mom Jennifer Cullen is more focused about the practical and structured details of her life rather than the Christmas spirit. But when her Uncle Ralph, a retired cop with a big personality, arrives for the holidays and brings along a charming stranger named Morgan Derby, everything begins to change. Morgan’s happy-go-lucky personality and love for Christmas shake up Jennifer’s carefully planned world, teaching her and her young son, Brian, to embrace the unexpected and rediscover the magic of Christmas.

Director: Michael M. Scott

IMDb Rating: 7.3

Here’s where you can stream The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

22. A Princess for Christmas (2011)

After the loss of her sister and brother-in-law, Jules Daly (Katie McGrath), a kindhearted antique shop worker, unexpectedly becomes the guardian of her niece and nephew. Determined to bring joy back into their lives, Jules is surprised to receive an invitation to spend Christmas at the grand estate of their estranged in-laws, the Duke of Castlebury Hall. At the castle, she steps into a world of luxury and tradition, where she not only helps heal her family but also finds an unexpected romance with the charming Prince Ashton (Sam Heughan).

Director: Michael Damian

IMDb Rating: 6.3

Here’s where you can stream A Princess for Christmas.

21. A Bramble House Christmas (2017)

After his father’s death, Finn Conrad (David Haydn-Jones) is responsible for settling his father’s estate and becomes suspicious when he discovers that his father left $50,000 to a nurse he knew for less than two months before his death. Finn sets out on an investigative mission to figure out who the nurse is and why his father gave her such a large sum of money. When he meets Willa Fairchild (Autumn Reeser), he realizes she is not a gold digger but a dedicated nurse and mother. And as Finn gets to know Willa and her son, Scout (Liam Hughes), he realizes he may have misjudged her.

Director: Steven R. Monroe

IMDb Rating: 7.1

Here’s where you can stream A Bramble House Christmas.

20. Finding Santa (2017)

Grace Long (Jodie Sweertin) is excited to be taking over her small town’s annual Christmas parade, but when long-time Santa Claus performer, Tom (Jay Brazeau), breaks his arm and cannot participate, she needs to find a replacement fast. With the event hanging in the balance, Grace discovers that Tom’s estranged son, Ben (Eric Winter), might be the perfect replacement. But Ben is a grumpy and reluctant businessman who wants nothing to do with family traditions or Christmas festivities. Determined to save the parade, Grace tries to convince Ben to don the suit, and along the way, both discover the magic of the season and love. Some viewers have found this movie too much on the cheesy side but, for the most part, have appreciated its traditional appeal.

Director: David Winning

IMDb Rating: 6.3

Here’s where you can stream Finding Santa.

19. The Christmas Secret (2014)

Christine Eisley (Bethany Joy Lenz) is a young, divorced, struggling single mother doing her best to provide for her two children while facing a series of life challenges. After losing her job, facing eviction and dealing with an ex who does not pay child support, Christine feels like her world is falling apart. But when she discovers a family heirloom that seems to hold clues to a long-lost family secret, her life begins to change in unexpected ways. With the help of kind strangers and a small-town baker, Christine finds hope, love and a surprising connection that could change her family’s future.

Director: Norma Bailey

IMDb Rating: 7.3

Here’s where you can stream The Christmas Secret.

18. The Christmas Card (2006)

While on tour in Afghanistan, Cody Cullen (John Newton) receives a Christmas card from a stranger back in the U.S. through a church group that sends cards out to military service members. Touched by the kindness, Cody tries to find the sender, Faith Spelman (Alice Evans) after completing his tour and returning to the U.S. His search leads him to a quaint town in California, and when the two finally meet, their connection feels immediate.

Director: Stephen Bridgewater

IMDb Rating: 6.9

Here’s where you can stream The Christmas Card.

17. A Country Wedding (2015)

Famous country singer Bradley Suttons (Jesse Metcalfe) is about to get married to high-maintenance actress Catherine (Laura Mennell), but just before the wedding, he heads back to his small-town roots to sell his childhood home. During this trip home, he reconnects with his childhood sweetheart, Sarah (Autumn Reeser), who has small town roots and is grounded in nature and the charm of the countryside. Bradley’s reconnection with Sarah pushes him to question the value of his high-profile life and reconsider a quieter lifestyle in favor of love.

Director: Anne Wheeler

IMDb Rating: 6.9

Here’s where you can stream A Country Wedding.

16. One Starry Christmas (2014)

Aspiring astronomer Holly (Sarah Carter) is taking a bus trip over the holidays to surprise her boyfriend, Adam (Paul Popowich). During the bus ride, she meets Luke (Damon Runyan), a good-natured cowboy with a passion for music. Their paths cross again later in the movie after Adam leaves Holly alone during Christmastime. Soon, they form a connection that forces Holly to reevaluate her life and relationship with Adam. This specific movie plays well into Hallmark’s theme of finding love in unexpected places and pursuing it.

Director: John Bradshaw

IMDb Rating: 6.6

Here’s where you can stream One Starry Christmas.

15. Finding Father Christmas (2016)

Miranda Carson (Erin Krakow) is raised by a single mother who kept the identity of her father a secret. And all her life, Miranda wonders about her father’s whereabouts. After her mother’s dies, Miranda finds a clue in a photograph hidden in her late mother’s belongings, which leads her to Carlton Heath, a picturesque New England town. There, she discovers more about her father’s past and builds connections with a new family. Along the way, she also gets some help from a local lawyer and hotelier Ian McKendrick (Niall Matter).

Director: Terry Ingram

IMDb Rating: 6.8

Here’s where you can stream Finding Father Christmas.

14. Crown for Christmas (2015)

This Hallmark movie is a must-watch for film buffs who enjoy a good rags-to-riches romcom. After Allie Evans (Danica McKellar) gets fired from her job as a maid at an upscale hotel in New York City, she lands another job as a governess to the mischievous Princess Theodora (Ellie Botterrill). This leads her to eventually fall in love with the princess’ good-looking father, King Maxmillian (Rupert Penry-Jones). But this budding romance does not without some competition from Countess Celia (Alexandra Evans).

Director: Alex Zamm

IMDb Rating: 6.9

Here’s where you can stream Crown for Christmas.

13. Switched For Christmas (2017)

In this heartwarming story, identical twins (both played by Candace Cameron Bure) are tired of their monotonous, unsatisfying lives. One is a single mom craving adventure, while the other is a high-powered executive longing for a simpler life. In a bid to shake things up, they hatch a bold plan to swap lives for the holidays. What starts out as a fun experiment quickly turns into an eye-opening journey, as each twin discovers unexpected joys, heartfelt connections and a deeper appreciation for their own paths. This holiday switch-up is a must-watch.

Director: Joel Souza

IMDb Rating: 6.6

Here’s where you can stream Switched For Christmas.

12. A December Bride (2016)

Up-and-coming interior designer Layla O’Reilly (Jessica Lowndes) is not looking forward to her cousin’s Christmas wedding, mostly because her cousin is getting married to her ex-fiancé. When Seth Murphy (Daniel Lissing) invites her to the wedding, she reluctantly agrees to go with him, even though he introduced the soon-to-be married couple. At the wedding, Seth slips up and impulsively announces that he and Layla are engaged to be married. Although Layla is horrified at this abrupt announcement, she is forced to keep up the act anyway.

Director: David Winning

IMDb Rating: 6.7

Here’s where you can stream A December Bride.

11. The Nine Lives of Christmas (2014)

In this romantic comedy, handsome fireman Zachary (Brandon Routh) is a selfless public servant who is always looking out for other people. He seems content with his single life and averse to long term emotional commitments until a stray cat catches his attention and sets his life in a different direction. Marilee (Kimberly Sustad), an aspiring veterinarian and romantic at heart, has a cat of her own, whom she is well bonded with. Somehow, both of their cats play a role in introducing the two to each other, which leads to an unexpected connection.

Director: Mark Jean

IMDb Rating: 7.2

Here’s where you can stream The Nine Lives of Christmas.

10. Road to Christmas (2018)

When Maggie Baker (Jessy Schram), a TV producer, is asked to produce a Christmas special for the fifth time in a row, she is excited. She works for host Julia Wise (Teryl Rothery) and is looking forward to putting on a great show, but at the last minute, Julia tells Maggie that she will be co-producing the special with her son Danny Wise (Chad Michael Murray). Even though Maggie is not as thrilled about this at first, as she starts to work with Danny, she begins to realize that he has valuable insight.

Director: Allan Harmon

IMDb Rating: 6.7

Here’s where you can stream Road to Christmas.

9. Love On Ice (2017)

In Love On Ice, 27-year-old figure skater Emily James (Julie Berman) used to be a figure skating hero but has been away from the public eye and feels that she is past her prime. With her mother’s support, Emily has the opportunity to reclaim her glory days. This kicks into full gear especially after her mother hires Spencer (Andrew Walker), a young coach, to work with her. Before too long, the two discover that they have more in common than love for the icy sport.

Director: Bradley Walsh

IMDb Rating: 6.3

Here’s where you can stream Love On Ice.

8. Christmas Under Wraps (2014)

In Christmas Under Wraps, Hallmark fan-favorite Candace Cameron Bure plays resident doctor Lauren Brunell, a surgeon who accepts an offer to practice in Garland Alaska after her residency opportunity in the big city doesn’t work out. As she gets to know her new town, she finds herself actually liking the small-town lifestyle and the people who also call it home. She also unexpectedly falls in love with handsome handyman Andy Holliday (David O’Donnell) and his family. She now has to make the difficult decision to either stay in the small town or move back to Boston for a bigger residency opportunity.

Director: Peter Sullivan

IMDb Rating: 6.2

Here’s where you can stream Christmas Under Wraps.

7. The Christmas Ornament (2013)

After losing her husband, Kathy Howard (Kellie Martin) is convinced that she wants nothing to do with the holidays because they bring back painful memories of her late husband. Her perspective begins to shift when she meets Tim Pierce (Cameron Mathison), a handsome Christmas tree owner who attempts, and fails at first, to sell her a Christmas tree. Eventually, Kathy accepts the tree as a gift from Tim, along with an ornament, which, to her, represents hope and the possibility of loving again.

Director: Mark Jean

IMDb Rating: 6.8

Here’s where you can stream The Christmas Ornament.

6. Autumn Dreams (2015)

In this Romeo-and-Juliet-themed plot, teenagers Annie (Jill Wagner) and Ben (Colin Egglesfield) set out a plan to elope and live happily ever after in a big city. When their parents find out, they successfully convince them to annul the marriage because they are both too young. Annie ends up staying behind in Iowa to pursue farming while Ben moves to New York City. Fast forward to 15 years later, they find out that their annulment never went through, and before they can marry other people, they have to get an official divorce. Ironically, the process of getting a divorce leads to old romantic sparks flying.

Director: Neill Fearnley

IMDb Rating: 6.4

Here’s where you can stream Autumn Dreams.

5. My Christmas Love (2016)

When Cynthia (Meredith Hagner) starts receiving anonymous “12 Days of Christmas” themed gifts at her door, she begins to suspect that she might have a real shot at finding true love. The mysterious person behind the thoughtful gesture piques her curiosity and leads her on a self-directed journey to find the gifting stranger. This Hallmark movie will interest readers who are interested in romantic happy endings with a dash of mystery.

Director: Jeff Fisher

IMDb Rating: 6.3

Here’s where you can stream My Christmas Love.

4. Marry Me at Christmas (2020)

When movie star Johnny Blake (Trevor Donovan) returns to his quaint hometown, its only to stay long enough and help his younger sister, Sarah, plan her winter wedding. Madeline Krug (Rachel Skarsten), the town’s beloved bridal boutique owner, soon finds out that she will be working closely with Johnny who has been her celebrity crush for a long time. As both planners fall into the swing of planning, feelings soon follow.

Director: Terry Ingram

IMDb Rating: 6.5

Here’s where you can stream Marry Me at Christmas.

3. Christmas on Cherry Lane (2023)

This Hallmark movie takes a fresh storytelling approach, following the lives of three couples at 7 Cherry Lane, who are each at a crossroads before Christmas Eve. In 1973, John and Lizzie Hamilton (John Brotherton and Erin Cahill) prepare for their first child, only to have their quiet holiday plans interrupted by Lizzie’s rowdy family. In 1998, Regina Johnston (Catherine Bell) a widow, considers selling her family home as she starts a new life with her fiancé, Nelson King (James Denton). In 2023, Mike and Zian Harrelson (Jonathan Bennett and Vincent Rodriguez III) juggle a home renovation and the surprise opportunity to foster a child sooner than expected.

Director: Gail Harvey

IMDb Rating: 6.1

Here’s where you can stream Christmas on Cherry Lane.

2. The Lost Valentine (2011)

In this Hallmark classic, Caroline Thomas (Betty White) returns to the same train station every Valentine’s Day, holding on to the hope that her husband, Neill—a U.S. Navy pilot who went missing in 1944—will one day come home. For 60 years, her unwavering love has kept her waiting. Meanwhile, Susan Allison (Jennifer Love Hewitt), a skeptical TV reporter, is assigned to cover Caroline’s story. What starts as just another assignment soon becomes something more as Susan finds herself inspired by Caroline’s devotion—and drawn to her charming grandson, Lucas Thomas (Sean Faris).

Director: Darnell Martin

IMDb Rating: 7.4

Here’s where you can stream The Lost Valentine.

1. Let It Snow (2013)

In this Hallmark classic, ambitious executive Stephanie Beck (Candace Cameron Bure) is sent to Snow Valley Lodge in Maine to modernize it for her father’s luxury resort chain. Determined to impress her father, she arrives ready to transform the rustic lodge into a trendy hotspot. But Stephanie didn’t expect Brady Lewis (Jesse Hutch), the charming son of the retiring owners, or the magic of the lodge’s rich Christmas traditions. As she’s swept up in the festive spirit and the warmth of the community, Stephanie’s corporate ambitions begin to thaw and she must choose between the charm of Snow Valley and, possibly, a chance at love.

Director: Harvey Frost

IMDb Rating: 6.7

Here’s where you can stream Let It Snow.

Bottom Line

Hallmark movies have a special place in the hearts of viewers because of the films’ feel-good storytelling, wholesome characters and dreamy small-town settings. They remind us of the simpler, most important things like love, family, community and laughter. For over 60 years, these tear jerkers haven’t stopped entertaining and doling out positivity.