“Cheesy” is the hallmark of a Hallmark movie: That’s why we love them

Madeline Hull

Mady loves nothing more than a bing-watching afternoon with the Hallmark Channel.

There are 136 Hallmark Christmas movies, and I have seen at least 70 of them.

After taking a Hallmark Channel quiz,  it revealed that  I am an EXPERT when it comes to Hallmark Christmas Movies.

There are 40 new Hallmark Christmas movies and two new Hallmark Hanukkah movies for everyone to enjoy.

All the favorites like Kellie Pickler, Candace Cameron Bure, Chad Michael Murray, Erin Krakow, and more continue to star in many Hallmark movie. A couple of this year’s movies have A-listers like Kristin Chenoweth, Dolly Parton, and Blake Shelton.

Even the Hallmark Channel fans would likely admit that these movies are “cheesy.” And that’s kind of the point. 

It’s not that we don’t know there are better, higher quality options. It’s that we’re looking for the specific feel of a familiar favorite.

The main components of a Hallmark Christmas movie: cute kids, old people, adorably funny animals, and actual Christmas magic. 

In a Hallmark Christmas movie, cookies are never just “cookies,” but always “Christmas cookies.” Hot chocolate is only referred to as “hot cocoa.” Mistletoe is taken deadly seriously. If any of the actors have even the faintest ability to ice skate, there’s going to be a scene at an ice rink. 

In addition to appealing to people looking for “wholesome” entertainment, Hallmark movies are for family members of all ages. They are free of profanity, sexual situations, and heavy drama.

Of all the Hallmark movies I have seen my top 5. 

#5 Family for Christmas (2015)

Starring: Lacey Chabert, Tyron Leitso, Audrey Smallman, and Milli Wilkinson.

Investigative journalist Hannah Dunbar finds herself wondering what would have been had she stayed with the love of her life, Ben, 10 years before. When Santa Claus hears her “What ifs?” as a Christmas wish, he transports Hannah to a version of her life where she and Ben started a family. Hannah navigates the challenges of life in the suburbs with Ben and their daughters Caitlin and Hailie.  

It’s a lot like the old classic, It’s a Wonderful Life. 

#4 A Christmas Detour (2015)

Starring: Candace Cameron Bure and Paul Greene

Two New York City-bound travelers find themselves together when a snowstorm reroutes them to an airport hotel in Buffalo. Paige needs to find a way back home to meet her fiance’s parents before her upcoming wedding. It’s somehow up to passenger Dylan MacKenzie. The pair are joined on an adventure by an older couple named Frank and Maxine who are trying to get to Connecticut.  

Remember the Sandra Bullock and Ben Affleck movie, Forces of Nature. The plot is kind of like that, but instead of hurricanes, it’s blizzards.

Honestly this movie was a little weird. It goes against everything we were ever taught about getting in cars with complete strangers.

Why would she get in the car with some guy she just meet at an airport? Hello, Stranger Danger!

#3 Check into Christmas (2019)

Starring: Rachel Boston, Wes Brown and Richard Karn.

New York City lawyer Julia Crawley returns to her family’s inn for the holidays, she finds herself in the center of a generations-old feud with the family that runs the town’s other inn. As the competition between the inns escalates, a “forbidden” romance starts between Julia and Ryan Mason, whose family runs the inn that is her family’s big competitor. 

The movie in someway is a modern twist of Romeo and Juliet. Two hopeless romantics fall in love despite the families’ wishes. There are so many modern Romeo and Juliet movies, I just wish this movie had a little bit more of a twist.

#2 Crown for Christmas (2015)

Starring: Danica McKeller and Rupert Penry-Jones

After getting fired from her job at a  New York City hotel, Allie accepts a job as a governess to a young girl who is part of a royal family in Europe. After arriving, Allie learns the girl is named Theodora and her father is the King of Winshire. The governess and Princess wind up hitting it off while at the same time a spark forms between Allie and Max. The movie revolves around the King deciding if he should take a stand for his feelings for Allie.

Normally I wouldn’t be so nitpicky, but the fact that this entire story takes place over a matter of days feels a little weird. I think the film would have been better if there had been a longer time period between Allie’s arrival and the engagement, but love and Christmas often happen too fast!

#1 Christmas at the Plaza (2019)

Staring Elizabeth Henstridge, Ryan Paevey, Bruce Davison and Julia Duffy.  

In New York City, Jessica, an archival historian is hired to create an exhibition honoring the history of Christmas at The Plaza Hotel. At the Plaza, she meets Nick, a decorator who’s been hired to decorate the  hotel. When they’re paired together to prepare the exhibition, they wind up enjoying holiday traditions together and find themselves falling for each other. 

One of the newest movies of the season is most definitely my favorite. The only thing the movie was missing was a classic snowball fight. 

This movie reminded me of when I was little and would read fairy-tales, I think that why i really enjoyed this movie. It made me think of my childhood.