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Ten years ago, holiday memories often revolved around the special Christmas movie marathons broadcast on Hallmark. Reflecting on it, these films played a unique role in enhancing the festive spirit. They served as poignant reminders of family togetherness, the enchantment of the season, and the possibility of miracles that everyone could appreciate from time to time.
Although certain classics like “The Christmas Card” and “Christmas At The Plaza” rightfully garnered attention and acclaim, there were other hidden gems that didn’t receive the spotlight they merited. Here are some Hallmark holiday movies that, despite being underrated, are worth revisiting on your TV screen this holiday season!
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10 Incredibly Underrated Hallmark Christmas Movies to Watch This Holiday Season
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2008)
Jennifer, a single mother to her son Brian, experiences a delightful twist in her life when her uncle Ralph introduces a mysterious man named Morgan into their home for Christmas. As unexpected events unfold, a heartwarming romance and a sense of family spirit blossom between Morgan and Jennifer.
Despite its charming elements, this movie remains underrated. It possesses all the essential ingredients for a heartwarming Christmas film – a child, an uncle, the palpable chemistry between Jennifer and Morgan, and the endearing personalities of each character. The touching scene where Morgan, posing as Santa’s helper, climbs the tree to deliver Brian’s present is sure to melt the audience’s hearts. If not that, Jennifer’s sincere love confession over the PA system is bound to leave a lasting impression.
Christmas in Vienna (2020)
Christmas in Vienna is a must-watch for several reasons. Set against the stunning backdrop of Austria and Romania during the holiday season, the film captures the breathtaking beauty of the festive atmosphere. The connection between Jess, a talented violinist from New York, and Mark, a renowned musician, is truly endearing. The romance unfolds gradually, creating a delightful slow-burn dynamic that culminates in a captivating realization of their feelings. One memorable scene during the festivities stands out, where Mark tenderly takes Jess’s hand and kisses it, evoking a swoon-worthy moment that adds to the charm of their burgeoning love story.
Mrs. Miracle (2009)
A widowed father named Seth Webster is struggling to manage his two mischievous twins, Judd and Jason, as Christmas approaches. Desperate for help, the family finds a magical nanny, Mrs. Miracle (Merkle). With her enchanting touch and heartwarming spirit, she brings order to their chaotic lives, helping them rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
What Sets Mrs. Miracle Apart: An angel in human form appears as the much-needed savior for a distressed single parent and his kids, creating a truly magical tale. Mrs. Merkle not only takes charge of cooking and bringing some much-needed order to their lives but also acts as a matchmaker for Seth, emphasizing the perfect timing of finding love during the Christmas season.
The film provides a heartwarming experience for the whole family, offering valuable lessons about the importance of family spirit and building strong parent-child bonds. The romantic storyline is skillfully executed, conveying the significant lesson of confronting one’s past and moving forward. A particularly touching moment occurs when Seth opens up to his boys about their mother, showcasing his personal growth and the healing power that Christmas can bring. These themes serve as poignant reminders during the holiday season.
A Kismet Christmas (2022)
In the heartwarming tale of “A Kismet Christmas,” Sarah, a beloved children’s book author, rediscovers her roots in New Britain during the festive season and unexpectedly reunites with her former crush, Travis. The film stands out from typical Hallmark movies by offering a less predictable plot enriched with elements of magic and family legends.
What sets “A Kismet Christmas” apart is the exceptional chemistry between Sarah and Travis. Their connection goes beyond the standard second-chance romance, as evidenced by scenes like the one where Travis leads Sarah to his cabin, encouraging her creativity by temporarily disconnecting her from the digital world. Throughout the film, viewers witness the couple’s healthy and heartwarming dynamic as they support each other through challenges, embodying the true magic of love and the potential for a joyous happily-ever-after, all set against the backdrop of some enchanting magical cookies.
A Dog Named Christmas (2009)
This heartwarming story revolves around Todd McGray, a young boy with intellectual disabilities, who inspires his community to embark on a special holiday project—fostering shelter dogs. In this touching tale, Todd forms a deep bond with a dog named Christmas, teaching everyone valuable lessons in love and compassion.
Why “A Dog Named Christmas” Is a Must-Watch: This Christmas-themed film features a lovable dog and an inclusive character in the lead roles, making it a delightful watch. The movie beautifully captures the essence of the holidays by emphasizing the importance of compassion and helping others, even if those others happen to be furry, four-legged friends.
The connection between Todd and Christmas is heartwarming. Picture the moment they first meet, and it becomes clear how perfectly they complement each other. Christmas’s leaps into Todd’s embrace and those endearing eyes create an adorable relationship. For those who adore animals and seek holiday relevance, Todd’s story is a must-see.
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Christmas Under Wraps (2014)
In “Christmas Under Wraps,” Lauren, a determined doctor, unexpectedly finds herself practicing medicine in a quaint Alaskan town. Struggling to adapt to her new environment and the unique challenges of rural healthcare, she experiences a transformative journey amidst the enchanting Christmas atmosphere. The movie follows the classic Hallmark formula, featuring a small-town romance, moments of conflict, and the enchantment of the holiday season. The charm of the film lies in the endearing romance set against the backdrop of breathtaking scenery. One standout scene captures the magic as Lauren and Andy find themselves bundled up beneath the northern lights, where she expresses that she has never been better—a moment that, while somewhat cliché, proves to be heartwarming and perfect for cozy viewing with a cup of hot cocoa.
Jingle Bell Bride
In “Jingle Bell Bride,” Jessica, a wedding planner, embarks on a journey to a small Alaskan town in search of a rare flower for her client. Amidst her quest, she discovers the enchanting charm of the tight-knit community and unexpectedly finds herself falling for a local man named Matt.
What sets this movie apart from typical Hallmark Christmas films is the palpable chemistry between the lead characters, a diverse cast, and a determined female protagonist who is both career-focused and resilient.
However, the heart of the film lies in its romantic storyline. One memorable moment unfolds when Matt takes Jessica to witness the town’s Christmas decorations, and she expresses awe at the beauty. In response, Matt gazes at her with affection and admits he hasn’t seen anything quite as beautiful either. This heartwarming scene adds a touching and adorable element to the holiday narrative, making “Jingle Bell Bride” a must-watch for those seeking a unique and delightful Christmas movie experience.
Noel Next Door (2022)
Noel, a single mother striving to create a memorable Christmas for her son, faces unexpected challenges from her bothersome neighbor, sparking a heated verbal exchange between them. However, as the holiday season unfolds, Noel discovers that her irritating neighbor may have hidden depths and is not as intolerable as she initially believed.
Reasons to Watch “Noel Next Door” For those seeking a departure from the typical small-town romantic encounters, “Noel Next Door” offers an entertaining and unpredictable narrative. The neighborhood’s enchanting backdrop adds to the appeal, and the witty banter between Noel and Jeremy, as well as Jeremy’s interactions with Henry, provides plenty of amusement. Notably, there’s a humorous scene where Henry, attempting to irritate Jeremy, kicks a ball against his wall, only to find himself in a predicament when Jeremy takes possession of the football, prompting a distressed Henry to seek solace with Noel.
A Gingerbread Romance (2018)
In the aftermath of her partner leaving amidst a life-sized gingerbread house competition, Tia invites Adam, a local baker, to join her team. Collaborating on this festive project, they not only craft a winning recipe but also discover a blossoming love and a shared enthusiasm for the holiday season.
The appeal of “A Gingerbread Romance” lies in its Christmas romance centered around baking, an inherently comforting theme. Furthermore, it brings a refreshing change by featuring talented people of color as the lead characters in a Hallmark movie, a rarity. In a poignant moment, Taylor expresses to Adam that, for the first time in a while, she feels like she’s truly home for Christmas. This heartfelt narrative makes it the perfect movie to enjoy with family, creating a wholesome and memorable experience.
A Boyfriend for Christmas
“A Boyfriend for Christmas” may not have the most intriguing plot, but its charm lies in the well-executed casting and picturesque settings. The film seamlessly weaves together likable characters, heartwarming family scenes, and a cheesy romance, making it a delightful choice for the holiday season. Memorable moments include Holly preparing for Christmas with her dad and the enchanting forest walk where Doug and Holly connect. The movie’s overall charm is a refreshing aspect that Hallmark enthusiasts wouldn’t mind enjoying during the festive period.
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