New to Hallmark? Start Here: Essential Movie Recommendations

We’re so deep in the world of Hallmark that we sometimes forget that most people don’t have a Hallmark movie watch list that’s hundreds of movies long. And if the steady stream of new movies from Hallmark feels overwhelming, we totally understand! With a little help from our friends, we put together a movie starter guide for Hallmark Channel newbies!

The Beginner's Guide to Hallmark Movies
A Hallmark Movie Starter Kit!

Your First Hallmark Movie: Must-Watch Titles for Newbies

A huge thanks to the members of our Girls Gone Hallmark Facebook group who shared their must watch movies. We forced them to choose just ONE movie in the non-holiday category and it was a tough choice, we know!

Forget the Stereotypes!

We’ve heard the jokes and they’re not all wrong! But while Hallmark movies can be formulaic, that doesn’t mean they’re not worth watching. (Pro-tip: listen to our podcast, Girls Gone Hallmark, for the insider scoop on what to watch and what to skip.)

That being said, while there are plenty of Hallmark movies that fit this mad-libs style movie generator setting, there are plenty of movies that have made Hallmark into the go-to place for comforting, family-friendly viewing.

Ten Hallmark Classics to Get You Started

In a typical year, Hallmark puts out at least one new movie every weekend and then 40+ movies during the eight weeks leading up to Christmas. That is a lot of movies, friends. We think this not-so-random sample of movies will give you a great overview of the best Hallmark has to offer.

A Country Wedding

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: a country star, who is engaged, returns home and falls in love with his childhood friend. A bit formulaic you say? Maybe, but Autumn Reeser is on her A-game in this movie and Jesse Metcalf (remember the hot landscaper from Desperate Housewives?) helps deliver a solid, if predictable, performance.

Guiding Emily

Sarah Drew plays a woman who is learning to cope with life after vision loss and she brings those Grey’s Anatomy acting chops to the performance. Antonio Cupo is ridiculously hot and has off the charts chemistry with Sarah (Emily. )

This movie is a heartwarming tear-jerker with adorable puppies (one of whom is voiced by Eric McCormack) thrown in for good measure. One of our all-time favorite supporting actors, Matty Finochio plays the kind of friend everyone deserves. Don’t forget the tissues on this one.

Listen: Girls Gone Hallmark reviews “Guiding Emily:

Wedding Every Weekend

Starring the iconic duo Paul Campbell and Kimberly Sustad, this tale of wedding buddies turned romantic is an absolute delight. Fun fact: Keep an eye out for the manequins used as crown filler during one of the weddings, as this movie was shot under strict COVID protocols!

Listen: Girls Gone Hallmark reviews Wedding Every Weekend.

How to Fall in Love

All we need to know about this movie is that it stars Eric Mabius as an accountant and Brooke D’Orsay as a dating coach and we’re ALL IN. This movie is EARLY Hallmark from 2012, and definitely falls into some classic Hallmark tropes, but that’s why we love it. One reviewer called it “romantic comfort food” and another said it’s “Can’t Buy Me Love for 30-somethings.”

It Was Always You

We’re not going to lie to you. Tyler Hynes, the resident Hallmark Hottie, is rocking some serious Eddie Munster hair in this movie. We’re forgiving the fact that Erin Krakow’s character, Elizabeth, leaves her fiance for David because of this classic line:

“You asked me once if I’d ever been in love. The answer is just once. And I never stopped. For me, it’s always been you. I loved you yesterday. I love you today. I’ll love you tomorrow.”

Listen: Girls Gone Hallmark reviews “It Was Always You”

Her Pen Pal

Mallory Jansen from “The Big Leap” and Girls Gone Hallmark fave “On the 12th Date of Christmas,” plays a wedding planner who re-connects with her childhood pen pal when she learns her ex will be in attendance at a wedding.

Joie Botkin wrote the script for this movie and she regularly writes scripts with depth and complicated relationships and this is no exception as our main character grapples with her direction in life. Bonus points for on-location filming in Paris.

The Birthday Wish

I’m not sure why we haven’t watched this yet because it stars Jessy Schram and Luke McFarlane, both of whom make our list of favorite Hallmark actors. Schram’s character, desperate for a proposal, gets to peek into the future.

Reviewers loved their chemistry, the humor and that this is Hallmark doing what it does best – quality low stakes entertainment.

3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost

Oh yes, you read that right. We have an actual ghost story here and it’s a damn delight. From the on-screen pairing of real-life couple Chris McNally and Julie Gonzalo to Madeline Arthur as scene stealing ghost Ruby.

We have Kevin Fair directing a Joie Botkin script. Those in the know would say “Enough said.” Add this to your fall not-so-spooky viewing list!

Listen: Girls Gone Hallmark reviews “3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost.”

Two Tickets to Paradise

We can’t talk about this movie without overusing the word “best.” Best Summer Movie on Hallmark, best Ryan Paevey movie, best Ashley Williams co-star chemistry. Two people who have been left at the altar continue crossing paths, even on their would-have-been-honeymoon trips.

Listen: Girls Gone Hallmark reviews Two Tickets to Paradise.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Pilot

We spent the summer watching and reviewing the entire Signed, Sealed, Delivered Canon. The POstables (that’s what Signed, Sealed, Delivered fans call themselves) are huge advocates for this series and we have to say that we absolutely were charmed by it as well.

We wouldn’t be so bold as to suggest that you dive into ALL of the Signed, Sealed, Delivered movies, we do think the pilot will give you an idea of if this series is something you want to sink your teeth into!

Listen: Girls Gone Hallmark reviews Signed, Sealed, Delivered.

Beginner’s Guide to Hallmark – Honorable Mentions

If you know our Facebook group, you know there were way more than ten suggestions! Here are some of the other leading movie suggestions:

Wondering Where to Watch Hallmark Movies?

Our current favorite way to watch Hallmark Channel movies is via Frndly TV. This app has 40+ channels, both live and on-demand, including all three Hallmark Channels!
Our favorite feature is the 72-Hour Look Back which allows you to scroll BACKWARD in the guide to watch or record anything you might have missed over the last three days.
You can start a 7-day free trial and see which channels are available here!

We’re Your New Best Hallmark Friends

Hi, we’re Megan and Wendy! Join us for Hallmark movie reviews every Tuesday and Thursday! We review the new Hallmark Original movies, Hallmark Mysteries, Countdown to Christmas movies, and fan-favorite Hallmark movies – all year long.

You can expect fun, laughs, lots of questions and – as always – we ask ‘Did You See That?’ Want to see the library of movies we’ve reviewed? Click here.

Want more Megan and Wendy? Find us on Patreon! New episodes, four times a month, where we cover everyday life, pop culture, and more!

Megan and Wendy

Similar Posts