Forty-one new holiday movies premiered in 2024 between Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Mystery during Countdown to Christmas and Miracles of Christmas. Whether you've watched them all or are still wading through your DVR, we're ranking them from the worst to the best.
Since Hallmark airs Christmas movies each week for the entire year and kicks off Christmas in July each summer, you will likely have a chance to rewatch all the 2024 premieres. Our movie rankings can guide you in knowing which ones are worth your time and which ones aren't.
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Many Hallmark viewers have commented on social media that 2024 Christmas movies weren't as good as ones from prior years, and it's easy to conclude why: Hallmark doubled down on infecting a majority of their movies with "woke" elements that repelled an enormous chunk of their fan base. We address this in the conclusion of the blog post.
See how we rank all 41 of Hallmark's 2024 Christmas movies and be sure to check out our final analysis at the end.
The 5-Year Christmas Party Starring Katie Findlay & Jordan Fish
Probably THE most WOKE movie of the season starring a woman who considers herself queer and gender fluid (terms no one really understands because it's a concocted fantasy) and uses they/them pronouns (newsflash: there are only two genders).
Alice directs "A Christmas Carol" twice--once making it an indictment on capitalism (though she ironically spends the rest of the movie trying to achieve the American Dream) and once to use the Ghost of Christmas Future to virtue signal about climate change (which is a hoax). Throw in a gay Asian man in a biracial relationship and tons of DEI boxes are checked with this movie, which is likely why it stinks.
Confessions of a Christmas Letter Starring Angela Kinsey, Alec Santos, and Lillian Doucet-Roche
This movie wins the award for the dumbest 2024 Hallmark holiday movie. It can't be overstated how downright stupid the story is from start to finish. Families have to write annual Christmas letters for a chance to be on the town's Hall of Fame? As if! Just like social media, the townspeople embellish their letters until they don't even resemble reality. The two women who compete with each other are wildly controlling and their respective husbands are spineless invertebrates, which probably appeals to feminists who are watching.
The scenes are outlandish and implausible. Lily and Juan pretend to do a tango, which is total cringe. The grandpa's hobby is mooing like a cow. The dad stands up at his table in a restaurant to belt out a poem. The family does a silent disco on the driveway.
Settie hires a writer to craft her annual letter but then decides to write it herself. Her letter ends up being underwhelming, yet everyone acts like it's the best one ever. Juan is from Puerto Rico, yet when he and Lily find romance, there is no explanation how they could ever hope to make it work logistically.
Worse part of all, Hallmark casts Lily's brother as a gay man in a biracial marriage. Got to check all the DEI boxes! As if the movie wasn't already unwatchable, the gay crap cinched it.
Believe in Christmas Starring Meghan Ory and John Reardon
Writers try to be clever with this movie, but it's a miserable failure.
Christmasland is a town where every Hallmark romcom spoof happens--on purpose. Many of the townsfolk are in on the secret and have a part to play to enhance the experience of tourists. It's nauseating--especially the wild throwing of flour in the kitchen. Oddly, Beatrice and her best friend Emilia spend half the movie walking arm in arm even though adult women never do this in real life!
I expected a movie that stars an actual husband and wife duo to be better, but this one is a bomb!
Scouting for Christmas Starring Tamara Mowry-Housley & Carlo Marks
Hallmark places too much emphasis on inclusion and too little time on story development. It's clear from Scouting for Christmas that the goal is to appeal to single moms rather than tell a creative story.
Over the past few years, Hallmark has become obsessed with biracial couplings, even though only 10% of the American population is in one. It's not that there's anything wrong with it, other than the fact that it often results in zero onscreen sparks, but the objective should be to make the best matches, not fulfill a DEI requirement.
The movie is far-fetched, humdrum, unimaginative and there is no chemistry between the leads.
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Private Princess Christmas Starring Ali Skovbye, Derek Klena and Erica Durance
The best part of this movie is when Klena sings "Edelweiss," since he's a Broadway star.
Skovbye is a terrible actress whose ultra fake accent is cringy, and the premise is too far-fetched. No one would pass boot camp talking back to a commanding officer the way this crew does.
The dinner scenes where each cadet says grace is also pitiful. They say a few kind words about each other and don't actually pray to God, which is a far cry from the faith-filled Hallmark movies of years past.
Sugarplummed Starring Maggie Lawson and Janel Parrish
The movie is meant to be a spoof of all the tropes that are included in Christmas movies to make every family Christmas perfection. The moral is that the season's imperfections are actually what make it perfect.
Three fun cameos are included: Victor Webster, Fiona Gubelmann, and Carlo Marks.
Parrish finds her stride in this movie, playing a completely different character than what we're accustomed to, and it's refreshing. Still, the movie is ridiculously cheesy and hard to watch and results in second-hand embarrassment.
The writers also sneak in a jab about those who "make light of climate change" like the left-wing loons insist on doing at Hallmark, which is a huge turn-off (Dear Hallmark, climate change is a hoax).
'Tis the Season to Be Irish Starring Fiona Gubelmann and Eion Macken
The Irish landscapes are beautiful in this movie, but the movie is based on an unlikely premise and the leading stars aren't engaging. Most people don't uproot and move to a new country with the sole purpose of flipping a house. When Rose discovers that the real estate listing was falsely presented, she should have sued Sean, not pursued a relationship. He doesn't hold the same expectation for other buyers that he exacts on her, so he seems an unscrupulous person with no integrity, but that's just me.
Leah's Perfect Gift Starring Emily Arlook, Evan Roderick, and Barbara Niven
It makes no sense why Hallmark continues to mash Hanukkah and Christmas together. They do not go together. If you want a movie about Hanukkah, make a movie about Hanukkah. Christmas is the celebration of Christ's birth and what that ultimately means about saving mankind from their sins through the cross. In Hallmark world, it's easy to build a bridge across the faith divide, but in reality, such vast differences result in endless conflict.
Graham plays a weakling who lets his mom walk all over the woman he loves, and he doesn't redeem himself until the end. Barbara Niven continues to be cast in roles where she plays an over-the-top character, and her over-acting is unbearable.
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Hallmark includes yet another LGBTQ part in this one, too. Graham's lesbian sister sees two ex-girlfriends who are black at a couple points in the movie because, for the sake of DEI, she couldn't POSSIBLY be cast with another white woman--biracial relationships check the required boxes!
To cater to the climate cult, Hallmark also scripts that the app Leah designed is a food delivery network that partners with ECO-FRIENDLY restaurants. So, this is yet another movie about highlighting left-wing talking points rather than sharing a good story.
Deck the Walls Starring Ashley Greene and Wes Brown
Wes Brown's performance is great--he delivers several comedic moments and generates chemistry with his co-star, despite Ashley Greene being rather monotonous and uninspiring.
What ruins the entire movie is the flaming homo who plays Rose's brother, Sal. He comes across like a caricature of a woman, but it's not an act--he's really that effeminate and the ultimate gay stereotype. His big moment is when he realizes an old childhood rival is also gay, and the two happily head together down the road of perversion leading to hell.
Trivia at St Nick's Starring Tammin Sursok & Brant Daugherty
Many fans call this one a dud that they couldn't finish. Though it is a very average movie, it was not unwatchable and good enough to enjoy one time through. I was caught up with trying to answer the trivia questions, and I loved that one of the categories was Hallmark Christmas movies! Sursok isn't the best choice for a leading lady, and Daugherty tends to overact in some scenes, but the concept of the story is a nice change.
Holiday Mismatch Starring Caroline Rhea & Beth Broderick
Caroline Rhea "makes" this movie with her skilled comedic delivery. The plot is fun, where two clashing moms accidentally set their kids up through an app and then try to break them up.
What kills this movie is the unnecessary gay marriage of Barbara's son. It adds nothing to the story, except to make it vomitous with the effeminate gesturing and mannerisms. Hallmark ruins the movie by putting lipstick on a pig--always trying to dress up immorality to make the LGBTQ community feel good about their sin and attempting to force viewers to accept sexual perversion as "normal" (truth bomb--it's not normal).
My Sweet Austrian Holiday Starring Will Kemp & Brittany Bristow
This movie is practically a reboot of Love, Romance, & Chocolate. Nothing new to see here--apparently just filler for the Hallmark movie slate. There is literally no out-of-the-box thinking involved in the script--just a cut-and-paste of every Hallmark movie ever made, and it's embarrassingly unoriginal. Will Kemp deserves better.
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Five Gold Rings Starring Holland Roden & Nolan Gerard Funk
While the mystery is engaging, it's ridiculous to think that Audrey's grandmother was able to plot such an intricate scavenger hunt before she died that would lead Audrey into Finn's arms. Things fall too neatly into place. There is ZERO chemistry in this movie, largely due to the leading actor having no personality whatsoever.
Christmas with the Singhs Starring Benjamin Hollingsworth & Anuja Joshi
This movie boasts several comedic moments, even though it's ultimately just another movie fixated on diversity more than anything else.
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Why would a Hindu even celebrate Christmas? The writers try to explain that the Singh family is actually Christian, but they wildly botch what that means. A true Christian would not be superstitious, wave incense at guests to ward off the evil eye, pass stringed good luck charms to guests, or continue to participate in pagan customs rooted in Hinduism rather than simply Indian culture.
This movie is an affront to the Christian faith and further evidence that Hallmark has evolved into a woke, anti-God network.
Christmas on Call Starring Sara Canning and Ser'Darius Blain
The purpose of the movie is to recognize the sacrifices that medical professionals and first responders make in the line of duty, and it's an honorable acknowledgment. The characters miss dates, family functions, mealtimes, and more due to the nature of their jobs, and some put themselves in danger every time they answer a call.
Yet, Hallmark pulls the usual stunt of forcing DEI into their casting choices, which is so over-the-top that it's beyond ridiculous. In this movie, there is a character to represent every color of the rainbow along with two biracial romances. As mentioned in prior posts, there is nothing inherently wrong with diversity, but it is absurd when Hallmark intentionally and unnaturally shoehorns it into scripts to be politically correct and woke. The result is always the same--a lack of onscreen chemistry.
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Christmas Under the Lights Starring Heather Hemmins and Marci Grazzini
Nothing new to see here either. A businesswoman returns home to the family farm to help with the annual Christmas festival. The chemistry between the leads is great, and the flashbacks the heroine has of her mother are heart-warming and emotional. Otherwise, it's a very ordinary movie.
Happy Howlidays Starring Jessica Lowndes and Ezra Moreland
This movie features the winner of the "Finding Mr. Christmas" program that aired on Hallmark+. Ezra Moreland had no prior acting experience or training, and it shows in this movie. The story is about two dogs that fall in love, which leads to their owners finding true love in the process. Moreland is very stiff and struggles to convey emotion in his voice, eyes, and body language because he's too focused on remembering his lines. Lowndes make believes she's a talented actress, but she is like the "B" side of a vinyl record.
Jonathan Bennett, the Hallmark actor who hosted the "Finding Mr. Christmas" reality show, makes a cameo appearance as someone adopting a pet with his "partner," Dale, so if you thought Hallmark couldn't find a way to include more homos in their movies, you'd be wrong.
The Finnish Line Starring Kim Matula and Beau Mirchoff
A dogsled race in Finland to carry on family tradition is a very unique plot for Hallmark, and it's the story that engages the viewer, especially with the added element of peril.
Otherwise, the chemistry between the leads is lacking, and the movie has an overtly feminist bent. The women play the "lead dogs" in this movie in more ways than one. Both the heroine and her BFF are very forward. Anya kisses her man first, and her BFF not only asks a guy out, but she also initiates the first kiss. When Anya is almost disqualified after her lead dog is injured and a former racer loans his to her team, the "villain" makes a snarky comment about her relying on a man to save her, as if that's a bad thing.
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Hanukkah on the Rocks Starring Stacey Farber and Daren Kagasoff
This movie is built around the usual trope of a woman losing her job right before the holidays. In this case, she lands a temporary job in a dive bar and realizes she prefers working with people rather than being shut away in an office.
While the story unfolds about the close relationships of the bar "regulars," it's unfathomable that anyone heads to a dive bar on a daily basis. It's also another movie where writers couldn't resist including a left-wing, feminist mini rant. When the two leads dive for the last box of Hanukkah candles on the shelf, the guy tries to be a gentleman by saying he'd let her have them. She is offended by the word "let" and informs him that she's a feminist and refuses the candles. A short while later in the movie, she applauds another man's chivalry. You can have it both ways, you feminist loons!
Trading Up Christmas Starring Italia Ricci and Michael Xaviar
Italia Ricci shines in this movie in a role where she can be bouncy and eternally optimistic.
In the movie, her sister is divorced and on the brink of losing her third apartment. Michelle decides to trade up for a house for her sister, starting with a stocking. With the help of a handsome reporter, her story earns enough publicity to amass sufficient community support to pull it off.
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While the plot is charitable, Hallmark inserts the usual woke segments. The reporter initially balks at the assignment because he wants to write articles about the climate to change the world. And, of course, you can't have a Hallmark movie without biracial relationships--this one has two.
A Novel Noel Starring Julie Gonzalo and Brendan Penny
Is this Hallmark's millionth movie about a writer? The whole premise is a little odd. After five years of waiting, Harper is contacted about an annual opportunity to work in a bookstore while staying in an apartment above the store for a few weeks. Why would there be a long line to do this? How many people can leave their regular jobs for a short stint, and why would anyone want to leave home at Christmas for a JOB rather than a vacation? It makes no sense. The twist concerning Harper's best friend, Kimberly, is wrangled into the plot when it really doesn't fit. The movie a little slow but still enjoyable, yet once again, Hallmark unnecessarily patches another gay character into the storyline.
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A '90s Christmas Starring Eva Bourne, Chandler Massey, and Katherine Barrell
This time travel story is very engaging as Lucy is forced to choose between her current life and the life she could have had with Matt.
Unfortunately, Hallmark totally ruins it with another HEAVY dose of homosexuality. Not only is there a flaming gay co-worker who invites Lucy to his house for Christmas since HIS BOYFRIEND is making ham, but Lucy cheers her sister to "come out of the closet" and assures her it's the brave and courageous thing to do. The movie is more of a celebration of perversion rather than Christmas.
Holiday Crashers Starring Lyndsy Fonseca & Chris McNally
The concept of two college-educated best friends in their late thirties crashing parties, changing identities, and getting swept up in a fantasy without remorse or fear of consequences is very far-fetched. Even so, the strong cast, the fast-paced action, double the romance, and a satisfying conclusion pull the viewer into an entertaining whirlwind.
Regardless, two morally reprehensible and immature women rely on deceit and aren't sorry until they are caught. This movie is very secular and devoid of Christmas spirit.
Our Holiday Story Starring Nikki DeLoach & Warren Christie
The concept of this story is fun--never ask Nell and Dave how they met because they will tell you, and it takes FOREVER for them to finish. The acting and chemistry in this movie is great, though the story drags somewhat. The transitioning between past and present is done well, and the final scene will make you smile.
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To Have and to Holiday Starring Madeline Arthur, Robert Bazzocchi, and Eric Close
I was initially skeptical about the plot of a pastor putting his daughter and future son-in-law through a pre-wedding bootcamp in lieu of premarital counseling; however, Hallmark pulls it off. The cast is terrific! Despite only being together for three months, Jason proves to Celeste's father that he not only loves her, but that he possesses good character. The story is more about a dad who can't let go of his little girl who comes to accept that she's a capable of making her own life choices. It's a sweet movie with a dusting of humor.
The Christmas Quest Starring Lacey Chabert & Kristoffer Polaha
The plot is creative, the Icelandic location is spectacular, it's amusing, it's suspenseful, the chemistry is tangible, and the acting is superb. It's a little unrealistic to think no other treasure hunters had been successful through the decades when the clues and "hidden" locations were wide out in the open. The ending was pretty cheesy too, but overall, an entertaining movie from two Hallmark A-Listers.
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Hallmark includes subliminal LGBTQ messaging in this movie. In one short scene, our couple is filmed on Rainbow Street, which is a tourist attraction created to support the LGBTQ community. How sad that Chabert and Polaha would allow Hallmark to use their star power to promote sexual deviance.
A Carol for Two Starring Ginna Claire Mason & Jordan Litz
The carols and Christmas hymns included in A Carol for Two are simply gorgeous, many of them pointing to the true "reason for the season." The singing staff at Fiore's diner makes the viewer feel like they are visiting Broadway.
The cast is incredibly talented, and the fusion of a Christmas movie with a Broadway play is integrated beautifully. It's a movie with a fresh feel from the standard holiday romcom. There is one inferred gay character in the movie, but he makes only a brief appearance in one scene.
Although many viewers found Brad to be off-putting, his character is supposed to be a modern version of Christian from the story of Cyrano de Bergerac, which is brilliant.
We also garner a toe-tapping original song from this movie: "Who Knew It'd Be You This Christmas."
'Twas the Date Before Christmas Starring Robert Buckley & Amy Groening
It was great seeing Groening as a lead instead of a supporting actress, and this movie proves she's got what it takes. She's quirky, fun, and gives her character heart. The fake dating trope is coupled with a business that needs saving to frame the plot. The family Christmas Olympics is unique, and the light show at the end is festive. The cast is terrific, the tension is well-balanced, and the chemistry is organic.
A Reason for the Season Starring Taylor Cole & Kevin McGarry
Fans say this movie reminds them of older Hallmark movies. Taylor and Kevin play well off of each other, and it showcases everything there is to love about small-town folk. Generosity is at the heart of the movie, and it's sweet to watch as a billionairess awards people with heartfelt gifts to thank them for saving her life as a newborn, all while being embraced by all for who she is as a person rather than what she can do for them.
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Jingle Bell Run Starring Ashley Williams and Andrew Walker
This is such a fun story about a brainy bookworm and a jock pairing up and traveling across America in The Holiday Dash--a competition where the first team to find and ring a silver bell wins one million dollars each. The puzzles and challenges are creative and force each team member to rely on the other to complete each one. The movie includes a lot of humor showcases generosity, an important theme for the season.
However, Hallmark ruins another movie by including two gay men who get a lot of screen time. They kiss near the end, and it's revolting. It's reprehensible that Hallmark continues to normalize sexual deviancy and perversion, so it's no wonder their ratings plummeted during the 2024 holiday season (23%--43% depending on the demographic).
This Time Each Year Starring Alison Sweeney & Niall Matter
This movie is unique because it's not about finding new love but about making old love new. It's unbelievable that Lauren would separate from a husband she deeply loves without giving him much time to redeem himself, but that aside, it's a sweet story about rekindled romance, renewed hope, and rebuilding family relationships.
The Santa Class Starring Kimberley Sustad and Benjamin Ayres
What a fun and imaginative movie! It incorporates Santa and the magic of Christmas in a novel way.
As the North Star Santa Academy competes for the coveted Christmas Cup, Kate and Dan are also busy trying to help the real Santa remember who he is before Christmas. Santa has a knack for seeing what each person he encounters wants for Christmas, and he can make it magically appear. The comedy sprinkled throughout the story will make your belly shake like a bowl full of jelly!
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Paul Campbell makes an appearance as himself. It's more than a cameo--he's in several scenes--and his lines are hilarious. Two of my favorites are when he refers to himself as the "third wise man," which alludes to his 2024 role in Three Wiser Men and a Boy, and when he learns that the part of Santa he's researching has been given to Andrew Walker.
Another markedly unusual event is a very passionate kiss between the leads--very different from the innocent pecks yet still "clean." From start to finish, this movie is a delight.
The Christmas Charade Starring Rachel Skarsten & Corey Sevier
While this movie is a tad over-the-top at times, it's packed with action, adventure, mystery, romance, and comedy. The plot is unique and gives the viewer a dose of intrigue, and the leads play off of each other synergistically.
Three Wiser Men and a Boy Starring Paul Campbell, Tyler Hynes, and Andrew Walker
When Kimberley Sustad's character makes a cameo appearance after the Christmas play, she tells the guys that last year's performance (referring to the play) was so good that it's hard to follow up a hit with another hit--almost impossible, but they did it. Of course, this is cute because she's actually referring to the movie sequel. She's right! The second movie is as entertaining as the first! This movie came in at number two in the Hallmark cable ratings, but it lands at number eight on our list.
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Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story Starring Tyler Hynes and Hunter King
What a star-studded movie packed with heart! The cast and cameos are well integrated, and Tyler and Hunter shine.
Alana Higman's family is competing to win a Fan of the Year contest for the Kansas City Chiefs, and their family's history with the team adds great emotional depth to the story. While a lot hinges on wearing a magical hat to ensure the Chiefs make it to the Super Bowl, the family realizes it's not the faith in a hat that matters, but the faith they have in each other. Throw in the perfect amount of Santa magic, and it's the perfect holiday movie!
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This movie ranked number one in the Hallmark ratings, but it comes in at number seven on our list.
Operation Nutcracker Starring Ashley Newbrough & Christopher Russell
This movie is a big hit thanks to a fun story, great character development, fabulous chemistry, talented leads, and the perfect amount of plot tension. Humor is interspersed that often pokes fun of the romcom genre, and a sublot is included that adds more depth to the story. The Nutcracker theme is threaded through the movie from start to finish in a cohesive manner. Highly entertaining!
Debbie Macomber's Joyful Mrs. Miracle Starring Rachel Boston, Pascal Lamothe-Kipnes, Tanner Novlan, Matthew James Dowden, and Max Lloyd-Jones
Rachel Boston shines in what is her best Hallmark movie to date. As Mrs. Miracle, she is bubbly, optimistic, clever, insightful, and knows just how to bring three feuding siblings together. Plus, you never know what she might pull out of her purse!
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This movie is full of wise one-liners, like, "Loneliness is not a lack of company. It's a lack of purpose." The story embodies the Christmas spirit as tensions ease within a family when they learn how to show love and put others first. It's a delight from start to finish.
Santa Tell Me Starring Erin Krakow & Daniel Lissing with Benjamin Ayres, Christopher Russell, & Kurt Szarka
A heroine meeting three men simultaneously and having all of them fall for her would ordinarily be an incredulous plot, but with the right amount of Christmas magic, it makes complete sense!
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This movie is the closest one this season to tap into the vein of Hallmark Movies of Christmas Past to bring us an entertaining romcom that is both heartwarming and fun. It boasts a fabulous script combined with a talented ensemble cast to make it an instant classic. While the cable ratings placed this movie at number three, it ranks fourth on our list.
A Dance in the Snow Starring Erica Cerra, Mark Ghanimé, Vanessa Burghardt, and Dorian Giordano
This movie is all heart! It's about a mother who has struggled and learned through the years how to best care for her autistic daughter. Now, her daughter now wants to spread her wings and fly on her own and is determined to prove to her mom that she can. In so doing, she frees her mom to finally be free to pursue her own dreams.
The story about putting others first is precious, sweet, and heart-warming. Even viewers who don't encounter special-needs children regularly feel great empathy as they watch. It's a first-rate story from beginning to end with very strong leading characters.
Following Yonder Star Starring Brooke D'Orsay and John Brotherton
As a Dayspring movie, this story hits closest to capturing what Christmas is all about: Jesus. From the planetary conjunction that mimics the star of Bethlehem to the kids' pageant that shares the Christmas story, to the leading characters openly sharing their faith, it all points to what everyone is seeking at Christmas--hope.
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As a side note, it shares another moral, which is to give people a chance by getting to know them rather than judging them by the gossip that circulates. D'Orsay and Brotherton are simply magnificent in their respective roles, possibly their best Hallmark performances ever. The movie has heart and depth and is more like the old Hallmark Hall of Fame movies.
All I Need for Christmas Starring Mallory Jansen and Dan Jeannotte
This movie far outpaces every other movie on Hallmark's 2024 slate of holiday movies. Dan Jeannotte is an outstanding actor who brings "feeling" to every role he's in. His heart is always fully engaged in his performance. He can be serious, introspective, hilarious, or fun-loving--whatever the scene demands. The entire cast carries their own weight, however, as all of them are stellar in their roles.
The story itself is also first-rate, which cannot be said of several Hallmark movies this season. It combines real issues--resistance to modern technology, sibling rivalries, career woes.--with the importance of deepening and strengthening family bonds. The movie offers a perfect balance of light-hearted comedy and romance with deep-rooted conflict that naturally winds its way toward resolution.
This movie feels like a modernized version of classic Hallmark, and if the network is smart, they will stick with this type of quality storytelling rather than build scripts around DEI and wokeism.
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Hallmark Needs to Change Direction Before It Self-Destructs
"Go woke, go broke" is a warning slogan that Hallmark should heed.
Less than 6% of the American population identifies as LGBTQ, yet Hallmark execs rammed flamingly gay characters or references into 25% of their 2024 Christmas movies in an attempt to normalize sexual deviancy to the 94% of Americans who don't embrace a lifestyle of perversion. For those who aren't gay but abide by the "love is love" mantra, applaud Hallmark for reflecting modern times, and condemn those who stand on what the bible says about homosexuality, you are in error and sin. God hasn't changed His mind.
Only 10% of Americans are in committed biracial relationships, yet Hallmark feels the need to include one in a large percentage of their movies--if not the leading characters, then at least the supporting couples or the extras strolling in the background. There is nothing wrong with biracial pairings, but to obsessively include them in movies that don't reflect the overarching American demographic is a matter of left-wing political ideology rooted in DEI rather than a desire to craft an engaging story.
Over 70% of the American population is white, yet Hallmark was once criticized for not including enough non-white characters in their movies. Imagine living in India where the population is largely Indian yet whining that not enough white characters are scripted into Indian films. Casting gripes about ethnicity don't happen outside of American borders. It's asinine. It makes sense for movies to reflect demographics since they are more relatable to potential viewers. Hallmark has gone overboard on inclusion for the sake, once again, of DEI. Instead of producing movies featuring an all-black cast, an all-Asian cast, etc., Hallmark fuses everyone together in ways that don't mimic real-life. Every black character has to have a white BFF or vice versa. If the main characters are white, the supporting couple must be biracial. If gay characters are included, they also have to be in biracial romances. Such ridiculous casting choices based on DEI rather than talent, merit, and chemistry has turned Hallmark into a laughingstock--a parody of itself.
Many Hallmark movies include other left-wing talking points. Next time you watch, notice how many times manufactured climate change is referenced and how many include mini feminist rants or jabs.
The worst and most ironic part of Hallmark's holiday movies is that the network largely ignores the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas celebrates the birth of our Savior, Jesus. Period. While many older Hallmark films were built on plot lines surrounding faith, the woke leaders and scriptwriters running the network today have gone full-blown secular. As mentioned above, Christmas with the Singhs is about a Hindu family that celebrates Christmas because they have become Christians, yet the movie includes pagan Hindu rituals that are anti-thetical to Christianity. Dayspring movies, which used to "get it right" are also riddled with theological errors, though Following Yonder Star is an exception. You'll notice that in many Hallmark movies, the characters refer to "The Universe" as bringing them together, guiding them in their choices, or having a hand in their destiny. Hallmark used to credit God for such encounters when the movies were underscored by faith. Just because we gather with friends and family on July 4 for a summer barbeque doesn't change the fact that the holiday marks the birth of America and our independence from Great Britain. Likewise, opening presents, decorating a tree, and participating in other seasonal festivities around Christmas doesn't change the fact that the holiday commemorates the birth of Jesus--it's the ONLY reason to celebrate, and Hallmark fails miserably in remembering the reason for the season (the 2024 slogan for Great American Family, on the other hand, was "Christmas as it's meant to be" because faith, family, and country constituted the basis of their programming).
To embrace the lack of morality in our devolving culture, Hallmark is also sprinkling movies with a little more spice than in prior years, which marks further deterioration of the brand. Prior to Bill Abbott's departure as CEO in 2020 (he now runs Great American Family) movies NEVER included couples vacationing together or lodging under the same roof unless they had chaperones or were clearly in their own rooms. Now, couples don't understand why they can't share a bed (such as in Christmas with the Singhs) or are running off together to shack up unwed (like in A Dance in the Snow). Shirtless men are new to the brand (The Finnish Line and Happy Howlidays), and while most final kisses are a tad disappointing, there's a glimmer that some might be trending hotter (The Santa Class and The Christmas Quest). Neither of these latter points are bad, per se, unless Hallmark escalates things far enough to destroy their "clean" brand, though the LGBTQ inclusion is already decimating their original ideal.
The Hallmark 2024 Christmas slate included a handful of quality movies that delighted and entertained, but as a whole, the season was filled with disappointment thanks to the network incorporating LGBTQ, DEI, and other left-wing ideology into their movies to force-feed and influence viewers who just want heartfelt, feel-good movies that allow them to escape.
Ranking 41 of Hallmark's 2024 Christmas Movies
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