Hallmark brings out a slew of new holiday movies every year — but some of their best holiday movies are actually from the past.
Offering seasonal content since 2001, the network is known for keeping its viewers laughing until Christmas Day, or finding a story that would even tug at Scrooge's heartstrings. But beyond the heartwarming romance, the wish-fulfillment and stunning backdrops are Hallmark's returning stars, many of whom have been around a decade or more.
Paul Campbell made his Hallmark movie debut in 2014 with Wonderland windowa quirky rival romance with lovers in which he starred opposite Chyler Leigh. Even then, the actor knew the movie — and the network — were something special.
“(Wonderland window) is about love at its core. It's a big love story, but it's not dirty,” he explained. “It's fun, and it's funny, it's fast and it's fast. 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 Channel is the home of holiday cheer thanks to its annual Countdown to Christmas — which just keeps getting bigger and better. Every year, fans are treated to a variety of holiday-themed movies starring Lacey Chabert, Andrew Walker and other beloved actors. While the stories shown are varied, there are many (…)
Hallmark movies just keep getting better, but don't let the iconic movies of the holiday past be forgotten. Keep scrolling for five movies you need to rewatch this season:
'Travelled on holiday'
Marilu Henner, Joey Lawrence, L. Harvey Gold, Emily Hampshire
Distinctive signWith protagonist: Joey Lawrence, Emily Hampshire, Marilu Henner
YEAR: 2012
Vibe: Laughing all the way
Why You Should (Re)Watch: Rob Marino (Joe Lawrence) is in a real pickle; he just broke up with his girlfriend before Thanksgiving despite his dying grandmother (The Paula Show) I want to see him happy and in love. In the age of ever-advancing technology, Rob finds a solution on an online dating website where he and stranger Julie (Emily Hampshire) agree to fake a relationship to keep their families happy during the holidays. Hijinks ensue.
There really is an endless amount of things to love about this hilarious movie, from Lawrence and Hampshire's natural rapport to the classic fake-dating-truth trope, a Hallmark fan favorite. even better, He went on vacation revolves around Christmas and Hanukkah, introducing a variety of traditions and celebrations for everyone.
'The Christmas Secret'
Bethany Joy Lenz, Venus Terzo
Distinctive signWith protagonist: Bethany Joy Lenz, John Reardon
YEAR: 2014
Vibe: Hearty feast
Why You Should (Re)Watch: Who doesn't love a little magic at the holidays? This charming Hallmark movie stars Bethany Joy Lenz as Kristina, a struggling single mother down on her luck: she's just been fired, is being threatened with eviction, and her weak ex-husband is taking her to court for custody of their children. Think it can't get any worse? Wrong. Christine also just lost a treasured family heirloom that was given to her by her father when she was a little girl.
As she tries 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 he shares an unexpected bond. With her new family found, Christine's fortunes slowly begin to change just in time for Christmas.
Lenz has never made a Christmas movie that wasn't worth watching, but she gives a particularly stunning performance in this story about love, hope and the importance of leading with kindness even in the most difficult of circumstances. Break the tissues, because this is a tearjerker.
Hallmark Channel keeps viewers hooked year-round with its feel-good movies and annual Countdown to Christmas programs — but which movies do the network's stars want to see become sequels? Andrew Walker, Nikki DeLoach, Aimee Teegarden and more Hallmark personalities exclusively told Us Weekly which movies they want to rewatch. Both DeLoach and Teegarden, for (…)
“Window Wonderland”
Chyler Leigh, Paul Campbell
Distinctive signWith protagonist: Paul Campbell, Chyler Leigh
YEAR: 2013
Vibe: Laughing all the way
Why you need (re)Watch: What's better than two witty 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 Winter wonderlandwhich follows department store decorators Sloan (Leigh) and Jake (Campbell) as they vie for their dream job of window dressing McGuire's store for Christmas. But as the competition heats up, so does their attraction to each other – making their rivalry even more complicated.
Winter wonderland it has it all: sharp dialogue, an all-star cast, an impressive budget and fantastic chemistry between the two leads. Bonus? The film serves up the iconic trope of intimacy when Sloan and Jake find themselves locked inside the McGuires and forced to spend the night together.
'Christmas Cottage'
Merritt Patterson, Steve Lund
Distinctive signWith protagonist: Merritt Patterson, Steve Lund
YEAR: 2017
Vibe: Baby, it's cozy inside
Why You Should (Re)Watch: Nothing screams the holidays like a magical Christmas cottage destined to bring your happiness. IN Christmas cottageLacey (Merritt Patterson) takes a break from her busy life as an architect to serve as her best friend's maid of honor at her winter wedding. Her biggest responsibility? Decorate the bride Ava at (Brittney Wilson) family cottage so it is ready for the newlyweds to stay after the ceremony.
Of course, Lacey can't decorate alone! She is forced to work with her ex-boyfriend, Ean (Steve Lund), who happens to be at the wedding. Legend has it that “everyone who's ever stood here at Christmas has found true love,” which Lacey and Ean believe—even if they don't say it out loud. When the pair are stranded at the cottage before their wedding, they are forced to see if their feelings for each other remain.
If you've never seen this Hallmark hit, get ready for cozy atmosphere, lots of Christmas decorations, and a surprisingly break-up scene – spoiler: Lacey isn't single when she arrives at the cottage! If this movie doesn't make you want to run away to the mountains and rent a cabin for a vacation, we don't know what will.
Andrew Walker has solidified himself as one of Hallmark Media's biggest stars since making his debut on the network in 2012. The Canadian actor made his mark on viewers that year with A Bride for Christmas alongside Arielle Kebbel. The pair reunited in front of the camera for 2015's Bridal Wave, which made Walker an even bigger name (…)
'Christmas on my mind'
Andrew W. Walker, Ashley Greene
Distinctive signWith a protagonist: Ashley Greene, Andrew Walker
YEAR: 2019
Vibe: All is not quiet – But all is bright
Why You Should (Re)Watch: Amnesia, a wedding dress and a romance with Andrew Walker — oh, I mean, Zach Callahan, played by Walker — are three reasons to revisit this classic. Christmas on my mind follows Lucy Lovett (Ashley Greene) after she bumps her head while wearing a wedding dress. When she wakes up, she goes to her fiancé Zach, only they are not engaged. Actually, they broke up two years ago, but Lucy doesn't remember anything.
Zach is a nice guy, or so it seems, so he helps Lucy move into her fancy new house and awkwardly meets her new fiancé, Brad (Clayton James). Lucy, however, doesn't understand why she would break up with Zach, so on doctor's orders, she returns to their hometown to celebrate the holidays and try to jog her memory. Let's just say, when Lucy's memories come back, they aren't what she thought they would be.
While there is a bit of cheating on Zach's part in this movie, we can't help but love the story of the destined lovers. Lucy and Zach are perfect for each other – so who are we to judge how they're reunited. Outside of the dreamy romance, the movie scenery, seaside Christmas trees and snowman building competition keep us coming back year after year.
