The 35 Best Hallmark Christmas Movies Of All Time, Ranked by A Superfan
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Over the years, I've watched more Hallmark Christmas movies than I care to admit — and I know I'm not alone. There's just something magical about immersing myself into a feel-good world where the biggest drama typically revolves around gingerbread houses, Christmas pageants or, my favorite, a hunky heartthrob shaking up a small town. While some love to hate the predictable plots — ya know, the woman who ditches her career in the big city to find out the true meaning of life — millions of viewers agree that nothing compares to the comfort and joy that these festive films bring.
Each year, Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries surprise and delight us all by expanding their movie lineups (we're getting 41 new movies in 2021), increasing their diversity efforts and doubling up on the holiday cheer. But even with all the newness, I still find myself wanting to revisit "Countdown to Christmas" and "Miracles of Christmas" movies from Christmases past. That said, here's my highly subjective ranking of the best Hallmark Christmas movies of all time, dating all the way back to 2006. Sure, there are a few obvious choices (anything starring Candace Cameron Bure and Lacey Chabert), but this list also includes tons of hidden gems that tugged at my heartstrings, like the 2020 release, Holly & Ivy with Janel Parrish and Jeremy Jordan.
Whether they're new to you or an old favorite, all of these Christmas movies will make you laugh, cry and see the holiday in a whole new way. So, you might as well claim your spot on the couch now because at this rate, it doesn't look like you're going anywhere anytime soon.
Chateau Christmas
Sometimes, we need a friendly nudge from our past to remind us that we're exactly where we're meant to be. In Chateau Christmas, Margot (played by Merritt Patterson) returns home to Chateau Neuhaus to rediscover her passion for music — and along the way, she revisits an old love (played by Luke Macfarlane).
Deliver by Christmas
Molly (played by Alvina August) finds herself in a love triangle — or so she thinks. While she's falling for Josh (played by Eion Bailey) IRL, she's also pouring her heart out to a mystery man via text. The best part: She doesn't realize they're the same guy.
Christmas Everlasting
More of a tear-jerker than Hallmark's other offerings, Christmas Everlasting offers a poignant reminder to face life head-on even if it means owning up to your secrets and insecurities along the way. Tatyana Ali steals the show as Lucy, a hotshot lawyer who is forced to confront her past after her sister passes away.
A Christmas Melody
Lacey Chabert and Brennan Elliot's relationship is a gift to us all. Months after they warmed our hearts in the inaugural All of My Heart movie, the pair stunned in this Christmas favorite, directed by the one and only Mariah Carey. And if you can look beyond Lacey and Brennan's on-camera chemistry, you'll catch a special appearance by the Queen of Christmas herself.
The Christmas Secret
This is raw and real as it gets for Hallmark. A true rags to riches story, The Christmas Secret introduces us to Christine (played by Bethany Joy Lenz), a single mother who is facing one obstacle after the next — unemployment, eviction, legal disputes with her ex-husband and so on. But when she lands a new job at a local bakery, she gets a new lease on life ... and maybe just maybe, a new lover too.
It's Christmas, Eve
Clever name aside, this music-filled movie marks LeAnn Rimes' Hallmark debut. She plays an interim school superintendent, aptly named Eve, who plans to cut the school's music program until she meets the head of the music department, who is conveniently single.
Christmas in Evergreen
Take a trip to one of the merriest towns in America in this series, which is airing its fourth movie this holiday season. Each movie takes place in Evergreen — makes sense — and highlights a new budding romance among stars like Jill Wagner, Mark Deklin, Paul Greene, Holly Robinson Peete, Barbara Niven and Ashley Williams.
Christmas at the Plaza
This one may not have big-time star appeal like other movies on this list, but it has an old-timey feel that seems especially appropriate around the holidays. Jessica (played by Elizabeth Henstridge) takes a job at The Plaza in New York City only to find that she has to work with— and maybe, ya know, fall in love with — the hotel's longtime decorator, Nick.
Christmas at Graceland
There's just something about seeing Elvis Presley's beloved Graceland estate decked out in red and green that gets me in the holiday spirit. When Laurel (played by Kellie Pickler) returns to Memphis, she's met with two surprises: her ex-flame (played by Wes Brown) and a renewed love for this simpler way of life.
Christmas at Dollywood
Two words: Dolly Parton! Even though the country music icon only appears onscreen for a minute tops, it's well worth it. The rest of the movie showcases the best of Dollywood as Rachel (played by Danica McKellar) finalizes the details for the theme park's 30th Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration.
A Grandpa for Christmas
Because love stories come in all shapes and sizes. This time, it's about the unconditional love between a grandfather (played by Ernest Borgnine) and his granddaughter (played by Juliette Goglia). At first, the two are mere strangers, but her school's Christmas pageant bonds them forever.
A Heavenly Christmas
Serving as a reminder to embrace life's most precious moments, this movie follows Eve Morgan (played by Kristin Davis), a chronic workaholic, as she navigates life after her sudden death. She's called on to be a Christmas angel in Heaven with the guidance of her guardian angel, played by none other than Shirley MacLaine.
The Christmas Card
One of Hallmark's oldest efforts remains one of their best: After Cody Cullen (played by John Newton) receives an anonymous Christmas card while serving overseas, he tracks down the sender (played by Alice Evans). Upon meeting her, he learns that she might just be the person he needs and vice versa.
Christmas Town
Call a place "Christmastown," and I'm sold. Candace Cameron Bure plays Lauren, who gets stuck in Grandon Falls on her way home from Boston. While there, she's reminded of a long-lost family heirloom, and recruits the town's handyman and his foster son for help. (Psst, this is totally a shameless plug since I was an extra in this movie — that's me in the red coat!)
A December Bride
Nothing tops a winter wedding! After Layla (played by Jessica Lowndes) begrudgingly agrees to attend her ex-fiancé's wedding with Seth (played by Daniel Lissing), he "accidentally" tells the other wedding guests that they're engaged ... and well, he's onto something.
A Gingerbread Romance
Some consider the kitchen to be the heart of the home — and this sugary-sweet movie is proof. Before architect Taylor Scott (played by Tia Mowry-Hadrict) ships off to Paris, her boss tasks her with creating a life-size gingerbread house. She leans on a local pastry chef (played by Duane Henry) for help, and learns the secret ingredient to a happy life along the way.
The Mistletoe Promise
Sometimes, just sometimes, revenge is the best gift of all — at least in Elise (played by Jamie King) and Nick's (played by Luke Macfarlane) case. The two share a mutual hatred for the holidays, but make a "mistletoe promise" to trick their exes into believing that they're a real couple. You can guess the rest.
Coming Home for Christmas
This movie checks all the boxes: As the house manager at the Ashford Estate, Lizzie (played by Danica McKellar) is in charge of planning the Marley family's final Christmas gala. There is a ton of family drama, though: Some want to sell the estate, others are opposed, and one family member has his eyes on Lizzie.
I'll Be Home for Christmas
Life is practically perfect for Jackie (played by Susie Belzberg) until her troubled dad (played by James Brolin) hijacks her holiday plans. She won't let his baggage ruin her Christmas, and instead uses it as opportunity to forge ahead and leave their complicated past behind. What's sweeter: Barbara Streisand's music is woven throughout, and she just so happens to be Brolin's wife of more than 20 years.
Christmas at the Palace
This love story gives Harry and Meghan's royal romance a run for its money. Katie (played by Merritt Patterson) unknowingly befriends a king (played by Andrew Cooper) while visiting San Senova for work. Things get complicated once she discovers the truth about her new flame, but Hallmark finds a solution — as unrealistic as it may be.
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
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