Hallmark delivers an array of new holiday films each and every year — but some of their best festive flicks are actually from the past.
Delivering seasonal content since 2001, the network is known for keeping its viewers laughing all the way to Christmas Day, or finding a story that would pull at even Scrooge’s heartstrings. But beyond the heartwarming romance, wish fulfillment and stunning backdrops are Hallmark’s returning stars, many of whom have been around for a decade or more.
Paul Campbell made his Hallmark movie debut in 2014 with Window Wonderland, a quirky rivals-to-lovers romance in which he starred opposite Chyler Leigh. Even then, the actor knew the film — and the network — were something special.
“[Window Wonderland] is all about love at its core. It’s a great love story but it’s not sappy,” he explained. “It’s fun, and it’s funny and it’s quick and it’s snappy. It’s really well written [with] good dialogue but it has the happy ending you want at the end of the day when you watch a Christmas movie. It’s a feel-good movie. You want to see everyone get what they want in the end. And spoiler alert: they do!”
Hallmark movies just keep getting better, but don’t let the iconic films of holiday’s past be forgotten. Keep scrolling for five throwback films you need to rewatch this season:
‘Hitched for The Holidays’
Starring: Joey Lawrence, Emily Hampshire, Marilu Henner
Year: 2012
The Vibe: Laughing All the Way
Why You Need to (Re)Watch: Rob Marino (Joey Lawrence) is in a real pickle; he’s just broken up with his girlfriend before Thanksgiving despite his dying grandmother’s (Paula Show) wish to see him happy and in love. In the age of ever-advancing technology, Rob finds a fix in an online dating website where he and stranger Julie (Emily Hampshire) agree to fake a relationship to keep their families happy through the holidays. Hijinks ensue.
There’s really an endless amount of things to love about this hilarious film, from Lawrence and Hampshire’s natural rapport to the classic fake-to-real dating trope, a Hallmark fan favorite. Even better, Hitched for the Holidays revolves around Christmas and Hanukkah, introducing a variety of traditions and celebrations for all to enjoy.
‘The Christmas Secret’
Starring: Bethany Joy Lenz, John Reardon
Year: 2014
The Vibe: Holiday Heartfelt
Why You Need to (Re)Watch: Who doesn’t love a little magic at the holidays? This heartwarming Hallmark flick stars Bethany Joy Lenz as Christine, a struggling single mother who is down on her luck: she’s just been fired from her job, is being threatened with eviction and her slimy ex-husband is taking her to court for custody of their children. Think it couldn’t get any worse? Wrong. Christine also just lost a precious family heirloom that was handed down from her father when she was a little girl.
As she struggles to pick up the pieces of her life, she finds unexpected support from a handsome stranger — and bakery owner — named Jason (John Reardon), with whom she shares an unexpected connection. With her new found family, Christine’s luck slowly begins to change just in time for Christmas.
Lenz has never made a Christmas movie that wasn’t worth watching, but she delivers a particularly stunning performance in this story about love, hope and the importance of leading with kindness even in the hardest of circumstances. Break out the tissues, because this one’s a tearjerker.
‘Window Wonderland’
Starring: Paul Campbell, Chyler Leigh
Year: 2013
The Vibe: Laughing All the Way
Why You Need (Re)Watch: Is there anything better than two quick-witted rivals realizing that the reason there’s so much tension between them is because they’re actually in love? That’s exactly what Hallmark serves up in Winter Wonderland, which follows department store decorators Sloan (Leigh) and Jake (Campbell) as they fight it out for their dream job of dressing McGuire’s store window for Christmas. But, as the contest heats up, so does their attraction for one another — causing their rivalry to become all the more complicated.
Winter Wonderland has it all: witty dialogue, an all star cast, an impressive budget and fantastic chemistry between its two leads. Bonus? The film serves up the iconic close proximity trope when Sloan and Jake find themselves locked inside McGuires and forced to spend the night together.
‘The Christmas Cottage’
Starring: Merritt Patterson, Steve Lund
Year: 2017
The Vibe: Baby, It’s Cozy Inside
Why You Need to (Re)Watch: Nothing screams the holidays, like a magical Christmas cottage destined to bring you your happily ever after. In The Christmas Cottage, Lacey (Merritt Patterson) takes a break from her busy life as an architect to serve as her best friend’s maid of honor during her winter wedding. Her biggest responsibility? Decorate bride Ava’s (Brittney Wilson) family cottage so it is ready for the newlyweds to stay in after the ceremony.
Obviously, Lacey can’t decorate alone! She is forced to work with her ex-boyfriend, Ean (Steve Lund), who just so happens to be in the wedding. Legend has it that “everyone who’s ever stayed here during Christmas time has found true love,” which both Lacey and Ean believe — even if they don’t say it out loud. When the pair get stuck at the cottage ahead of the wedding, they are forced to see if their feelings for each other remain.
If you’ve never seen this Hallmark hit, prepare for cozy vibes, lots of Christmas decorations and a surprisingly adult breakup scene — spoiler: Lacey isn’t single when she arrives at the cottage! If this movie doesn’t make you want to escape to the mountains and rent a cabin for the holidays, we don’t know what will.
‘Christmas on My Mind’
Starring: Ashley Greene, Andrew Walker
Year: 2019
The Vibe: All Is Not Calm — But All Is Bright
Why You Need to (Re)Watch: Amnesia, a wedding dress and a romance with Andrew Walker — ugh, we mean, Zach Callahan, played by Walker — are three reasons to rewatch this classic. Christmas on My Mind follows Lucy Lovett (Ashley Greene) after she bumps her head while holding a wedding gown. When she wakes up, she goes to see her fiancé Zach, only they aren’t engaged. In fact, they broke up two years ago, but Lucy doesn’t remember a thing.
Zach is a good guy, or so it seems, so he helps Lucy get home to her new fancy house and awkwardly meets her new fiancé, Brad (Clayton James). Lucy, however, doesn’t understand why she’d break up with Zach, so under doctor’s orders, she returns to their hometown to celebrate the holidays and try and spark her memory. Let’s just say, the moment Lucy’s memories come back they aren’t what she thought they’d be.
While there is a bit of deception on the part of Zach in this movie, we can’t help but love the destined lovers storyline. Lucy and Zach are perfect for each other — so who are we to judge how they are brought back together. Outside of the dream romance, the movie’s scenery, Christmas trees by the sea and snowman building competition keep Us coming back year after year.
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