Top 10 of 2016: Hallmark Christmas movies to make you laugh… and cry

by Grace Gaydosh, Reporter

Nothing is better than cuddling up on your couch with a cozy blanket and watching a movie on a cold winter night. But you’re not just watching any movie… you’re watching a Hallmark Christmas movie.

As part of the Countdown to Christmas, Hallmark produces movies for families to watch together during the month of December that serves as a fun way to count down to the 25th. During the holiday season, the new movies are mixed in with movies from previous years.

Of course they all have the same cliché story line, but who doesn’t love a good romantic comedy? The stories are delightful and uplifting, with happy endings. 

Here are my top 10 Hallmark movies that I recommend everyone watch.

10) A Wish For Christmas (2016)

When Sara Thomas’ idea for a Christmas project at work gets stolen, she makes a wish to Santa that she will become more confident and able to stand up for herself. I like how the main character and the love interest bond over the holiday. The chemistry between them is believable as well. Lacey Chabert, famously known for her role in Mean Girls, plays the leading role.

9) A Dream of Christmas (2016)

A married woman with children wishes she had never married her husband because she gave up an executive business life. The “new” life turns out to be the opposite of her expectations. She struggles to get her old life back, but it’s a challenge. This movie made me come to the conclusion that we should be happy with our lives and not wish for something different.

8) A Christmas Detour (2015)

Stranded at the airport, an overly excited bride-to-be meets a man and a couple who help her realize that her feelings toward her fiancé aren’t what she thought. I think most engaged women can relate to the main character in this movie. She is over the top excited to get married but begins to question her decision. The romance in the movie slowly blossoms between the the main characters. Candace Cameron Bure, actress on Full House and Fuller House, stars in this movie.

7) A Royal Christmas (2014)

In this rags-to-riches movie, Emily Taylor, a girl from Philadelphia falls in love with a real prince. Right away, his mother does not approve. She wants her son to marry a duchess who is suitable for the throne than a commoner, so she tries to make Emily feel unwelcome. In the end, she has a change of heart and realizes that what’s best for her son is to be with Emily. This Christmas movie was well written and was delightful to watch. All of the characters give the movie a strong foundation, and the movie has a fairy tale quality to it. It entertains the viewer despite how it is similar to some of the other princess-type movies.

6) A Very Merry Mix-Up (2013)

A woman travels to the wrong house for Christmas and meets a guy she never thought she would fall for. The downside is that she is engaged to another man. This is a very cute movie because you just want them to end up together. I like how the main character chooses who she wants to be with and follows her heart. This movie has “Christmas spirit” written all over it. After watching, I think everyone will feel be a bit more excited for the holiday.

5) Christmas Under Wraps (2014)

When a doctor doesn’t get the position she wanted, she moves to Alaska to be a veterinarian. She doesn’t expect to find love, happiness, and a big secret. Of course, there are reindeer and a great Santa. It is an exciting story, with lots of corny holiday plot twists. Candace Cameron Bure also stars in this movie.

4) A Cookie Cutter Christmas (2014)

Two elementary school teachers compete in an annual Christmas cookie baking contest while also trying to win the affection of a student’s handsome father. This movie was definitely one of the funnier ones. Competition between them makes the movie fun to watch. We can all understand competition between friends. The characters are very cheerful and will get you into the right Christmas mood. Erin Krakow, a star on the show When Calls the Heart, plays the leading role.

3) A Bride For Christmas (2012)

A woman, who has a habit of leaving men at the altar, surprises herself when she falls in love with a businessman who has a loving heart towards dogs in animal shelters. The movie does a wonderful job of telling the story and the actors really convince you that they are in love. The dialog is interesting as well.

2) A Princess For Christmas (2011)

A young woman and her niece and nephew travel to their distant family’s castle in Europe. She feels out of place until she meets a charming young prince. If you are a fan of castles, princes, and princesses, then you will love this movie! This movie shows that family is important no matter what.

1) A December Bride (2016)

When her (ex) fiancé and cousin end up marrying each other, Layla finds herself in a situation where she pretends to be engaged to a man she has no interest in. When the two of them start to connect, they learn that they should stop ignoring their feelings for each other. The movie was well acted and will make you smile. Unlike the other Hallmark movies, this one isn’t as predictable. The plot does spiral out of control at times, but it never strays too far from the central plot. Daniel Lissing, another star on When Calls the Heart, plays one of the main roles.

Tune in to the Hallmark channel for more fun, holiday movies!