Some nights call for staying in with a big bowl of popcorn and a Hallmark movie playing on the TV screen. Though the storytelling can get lost in clichés, I find their branding delightful. Thanks to the productions that result from that brand, these stories remind us that there is still wholesome storytelling out there.
I’ve collected the 30 romances that are commonly re-watched in my house. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a fun chick flick on a Saturday night in?
Known for their annual string of Christmas programming, the network also produces romantic comedies that are lighthearted fun with messages of faith, family, truth, and best of all, there are always happily-ever-afters. I don’t know about you, but leading into Valentine’s Day, that is exactly what I look for.
30 Favorite Hallmark Channel Romances
#1. Be My Valentine
Sweet story about a single father, whose profession as a firefighter makes him the perfect candidate for the bachelor auction at the annual fireman’s ball. Of course, when Dan and the florist Kate meet, a very different kind of sparks fly.
#2. Bridal Fever
A lonely romance novelist decides to find the perfect guy for her editor. Cute, snappy and mixing in some nice classic literature references, this film is definitely a chick flick.
#3. Chance at Romance
Wishing his father would find love again (following the death of his mother), a boy represents his well-known photographer father and replies to one of his emails. The woman on the other end of the letter – who just so happens to be a fan of Heath’s work, is invited out to their home unaware it isn’t Heath inviting her. Bad weather, baking and cupid work in harmony to bring these two together.
#4. Come Dance at My Wedding
This is probably the only film on this list that places the romance as a secondary afterthought, but it’s too sweet not to include. It’s about a father and daughter who reunite just prior to her wedding. Plus, I love the element dance plays in the story.
#5. Fixing Pete
Re-imagined as a My Fair Lady story, this one puts the guy in the makeover chair and the leading lady as the teacher.
#6. How to Fall in Love
Starring Royal Pains Brooke D’Orsay, this is possibly my favorite romantic comedy ever to air on Hallmark. It’s not hard to love the characters and the story. While not unique, it is lovely. It’s about a geeky guy who hires his high school crush to be his dating “coach.” This is all sorts of cute.
#7. June in January
This one tells the story of a bride (again played by Brooke D’Orsay) whose soon to be mother-in-law is determined to prove she’s not good enough for her son. All sorts of shenanigans ensue, but ultimately, it’s a sweet story that never goes over-the-top ridiculous.
#8. Love by the Book
Though there is no royalty in this film, it’s very much a modern fairytale. Its heroine, Emma is obsessed with fables – which her quaint bookstore can attest to, and all she wants is to find Prince Charming. When her silent investor sends his son to ensure the business stays afloat and Emma meets the man who sweeps her off her feet, things get complicated.
#9. Lucky in Love
Following an April Fool’s wish list, Mira’s plans for the future begin coming true – dream promotion, new house… and the perfect guy.
#10. Nearlyweds
Nearlyweds tells the story of three recently married couples who all find out they weren’t legally married. Naturally, it not only causes complications in the lives of the couples, it also makes them reevaluate and ask themselves if they made the right decision. Interestingly, fans of The Flash will recognize Dr. Caitlin Snow as one of the almost-brides.
#11. The Seven Year Hitch
Two best friends – Jennifer and Kevin, are still rooming together, seven years after Jennifer allowed Kevin to move in following college. Now with Jennifer working in a successful job and about to be married, it’s time for Kevin to leave. But afraid of losing his best friend, Kevin finds a loophole to challenge Jennifer’s plans. Though the hero is sometimes a bit too “childish” for my liking, again, this is another one I enjoy when wanting some lighthearted “fluff.”
#12. Smooch
Concerned for her single mother (played by Kellie Martin), a young girl kisses a frog hoping he’ll turn into a prince. When she finds a man who cannot remember who he is – in a pond, no less! – she takes the frog prince home with her. Love follows and what unfolds is a sweet contemporary fairytale.
#13. So You Said Yes
Part Monster-in-Law, this romance is one of THE most darling films in Hallmark’s originals. It stars favorite Kellie Martin as a vintage bridal shop owner whose main competitor turns out to be her new boyfriend’s mother.
#14. Surprised by Love
High school friends coincidentally run into each other again leading to a perfect solution to Josie’s problem. With her parent’s anniversary party coming and a boyfriend her parent’s don’t like, she brings home her friend as her “plus one,” hoping his free-spirited personality will make her corporate boyfriend all the more appealing. Maybe not my favorite on this list, this film deserves kudos just for incorporating a cake made of Twinkies.
#15. A Wish Come True
A recent original premiere to air on Hallmark, this story has a great message about realizing that our wishes aren’t exactly “real.” The fantasy world its heroine Lindsay lives in (through her wishes) leads her to discover the easy life isn’t what she wanted.
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16: Anything For Love (2016)
This one is super cute, and its leads have a nice easy-going chemistry. It’s about an exec who finds her career intimidates the men she dates. Paul Greene (When Calls the Heart) plays the guy who isn’t intimidated, but is he hiding a secret?
17 Cooking with Love (2018)
Frequent “best friend” actress Ali Liebert pairs with Agents of SHIELD’s Brett Dalton in this romance. It’s all about a producer and know-it-all chef who must find common ground for the sake of a cooking show.
18: Dater’s Handbook
Newly minted royal Meghan Markle stars in this romance about a career professional that’s made bad romantic choices. Just when she decides to follow a self-help dating book, she meets two very different men which forces her to confront what she really wants.
19: Frozen in Love (2018)
If you love the dislike-turns-to-like trope, this one is perfect for you. It’s full of witty banter as a hockey star with a bad rep, and book shop owner work together to earn good publicity. Rachael Leigh Cook and Niall Matter star.
20: Love Blossoms
This film (which was a last-minute schedule addition) is a quiet, underrated Hallmark about the creation of a new perfume. The film has a talented cast and is a swoony romance.
21: Love Once and Always (2018)
This one has a vintage “old-fashioned” quality that’s charming. The story revolves around a “Gilded Age” estate that’s about to be demolished. Naturally, the leading couple is on opposing sides of the debate.
22: My Favorite Wedding
Maggie Lawson and When Calls the Heart’s Paul Greene co-star in this funny comedy. It’s about a wedding that comes with a few hiccups, including a maid of honor (Lawson) and best man (Greene) who don’t always get along.
23: The Perfect Bride
Fan favorites Pascale Hutton and Kavan Smith (from When Calls the Heart) play two people (one an entrepreneur, the other a photographer) who unexpectedly fall in love. The trouble is, one of them is about to be married!
24: Pearl in Paradise (2018)
Jill Wagner and Kristoffer Polaha co-star in this film about a best-selling author who claims to know the location of a long-buried pearl. Jill plays the woman who needs to discover where it is. Fun fact: this on-screen couple re-teams in Hallmark’s new mystery series, Mystery 101.
25: A Portrait of Love
Jason Dohring (aka Logan) from Veronica Mars plays leading man in this sweetheart romance. It’s about a single father who’s ex-girlfriend returns to their small town.
26: Royal Hearts
This one is quite different than most of Hallmark’s sophisticated royal romances, but that’s what makes it unique. It’s about a rancher (James Brolin) who learns he’s inherited property (and a title to go with it!). Cindy Busby plays his adult daughter.
27: Second Chances (2013)
Though it’s an oldie (by comparison) from Hallmark, this romantic drama is one of their best. Alison Sweeney plays a single mother who rents out a room to an injured firefighter.
28: Truly, Madly, Sweetly (2018)
Nikki DeLoach and Dylan O’Neal (Gourmet Detective) co-star as reluctant property co-owners. The sparks between these two grow to romantic chemistry.
29: Winter Castle (2019)
This one earns a spot because of its unique setting. Hallmark hasn’t taken us to an ice castle before, and this real-life setting gives the film a romantic, fairy-tale feel. Heartland’s Kevin McGarry and Chesapeake Shores’ Emilie Ullerup co-star.
30: Winter Love Story (2019)
Though this script does include an “I love you” declaration a second before the end, it’s a bookish, cozy road-trip romance that I quite enjoy. Jen Lilley and Kevin McGarry co-star.
More Hallmark Romances to Discover
If you’ve made it through our top 30 and are still looking for more sweet Hallmark love stories, here are a few extra favorites and popular choices:
- As Luck Would Have It (2021): A swoony romance set in Ireland starring Allen Leech and JoAnna Garcia Swisher.
- Love On the Air (2015): A witty “battle of the sexes” story featuring two clashing radio personalities who find common ground.
- The Magic of Ordinary Days (2005): Keri Russell and Skeet Ulrich star in this romantic period drama.
Are any of these your favorites? If not, which Hallmark Channel Romances are on your favorites list?
Photos: Crown Media Press / Hallmark
Editorial Note: This article is from our contributor archives and has been lightly edited and updated by us. Since 2021, The Silver Petticoat Review has been exclusively written by Amber & Autumn Topping. See About Us.
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This is just what I needed, tank you!
Am making my way through this terrific list – thank you so much. Rom coms and romantic dramas are the ultimate escapism. So far, Chance at Romance is my fav.
Hi Crissie! I’m glad you’re finding some fun “escapism” rom-coms. Those are my favorite. “Chance at Romance” is really sweet. In particular I liked the two main stars together and the hero’s son (with his mischievous match making). Thanks for commenting. 🙂
A few recent movies are my personal favorites…”All of my Heart”…Lacey and Brennan Elliott were fantastic. It’s also very funny too! I loved loved loved “A Country Wedding” with Autumn and Jesse Metcalf. He sings in the movie and I’m hoping hallmark allows him to put these 3 songs on iTunes. He could definitely have a singing career! I agree with 4, 5 and 6 of this list. John Schneider is always great and does a amazing job in “Come Dance at my Wedding”.
Hi, Annie, thanks for commenting. I agree. “All of My Heart” was sweet. Such a quirky, almost “unusual” film for Hallmark. I think the ONLY thing that held me back from 100% loving it was Brennan being cast in the good guy role: right now I’m so used to disliking his character on “Cedar Cove.” Seeing him in a leading man role was a switch. 😀
Agree with you about “A Country Wedding,” too. It was darling. Hope you can find the songs! Thanks for sharing your favorite Hallmark Channel picks. 🙂
I’m on a Hallmark kick right now, and your list was a Godsend! I’m working my way through it, THank you!
Hi, Alex. Thanks for reading through my list! It was sure fun to put together and I hope you continue to enjoy your journey through Hallmark’s original films. 🙂
Love the numbers 8, 6 and specially 5. But my favorite isn’t in the list: I Do, I Do, I Do.
“How to Fall in Love” is one of my all-time Hallmark favorites. It’s such a cute film, plus the cast is perfect. You know, I’m not sure if I’d seen “I Do, I Do, I Do” when putting this together. Either way, it’s also cute. Thanks for commenting, Eduarda. 🙂
“How to fall in love” is my favorite as well, but I also loved “Snow Bride”. It was so cute!
Good list by the way 🙂
We are in 100% agreement on that; ‘How to Fall in Love’ is one of my most favorites. 🙂 I liked ‘Snow Bride’ too. Thanks for reading, Michelle.
I fell in love with “Love by the book”… Very nice 🙂 And Be my Valentine! But I did not like Lucky in Love… I don’t know, I really did not like the main female character 🙂
“Love by the Book” is indeed super cute! I’m glad to know you enjoyed that one, Domi. 🙂 Thanks so much for reading and leaving a comment.
I am actually finishing this list 🙂 But “Love by the Book” is still my favourite one. It is the same with this website! I looked other lists and wrote them down to watch as much movies as possible 🙂 Thank YOU!
Fun! Hopefully someday ‘Love by the Book’ will appear on DVD because I’d like to own it; I’m do like my Hallmark films. 🙂 I hope you enjoy those you’ve yet to see.
Same by me 🙂 I like to have films I like at home on DVDs.
YES! It’s more fun to have that collection; that way whenever the fancy to watch something specific strikes, it’s waiting there on your shelf. 😀
Definitely! You can watch it whenever you want … And it is a small way how to support your favourite films 🙂
My favorite Hallmark movie of all times is “The Lost Valentine” I was sobbing by the end, happy tears!!! Just thought I’d share!
“The Lost Valentine” is beautiful, Mackenzie! I agree (plus I really like the cast). My mother and I re-watched it around Valentine’s Day (it make my Hallmark Hall of Fame list in fact: https://www.silverpetticoatreview.com/fifteen-hallmark-hall-of-fame-films-to-watch-2/) this year, and both of us cried too! So good. Thanks so much for sharing one of your favorites. 🙂
“How to Fall in Love” is definitely my favorite so far! I wish Hallmark makes more movies like this one – excellent acting, realistic dialogue, so cute! Brooke D’Orsay is so effervescent, and Eric Mabius is so real & convincing in this movie!
That’s (without a question) my most favorite romcom (from Hallmark) too, Michelle. I love Brooke as an actress, and really enjoyed Eric’s “geeky” leading man. Plus, the scenes between them? So swoony! 🙂
‘How to Fall in Love’ really surprised me by how good it was. Great dialogue, fluid story line… I was really invested in their stories. I also like a recent called Autumn Dreams and Stop the Wedding with Rachel Boston was really delightful. I almost always watch the movie marathons on saturday. Lately it has been bothering that Halmark movies lack diversity. I would love to see diversity in the lead characters! Muslims, black, Hispanics! Lets represent America better
“How to Fall in Love” is one of my most favorite in the Hallmark Original movies list. I’ve not seen the two you mention, but am excited to eventually see them! I did enjoy the recent “Dater’s Handbook.” 🙂 Thanks for the comment, Sydney; my apologies for not replying before now, but I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
Well said, Sydney! I concur!
Hi, I live overseas and usually have to Wait until someone puts a Hallmark Film on YouTube (and catch it before They take it off) or somewhere else online to Watch it… I’ve been on a Hallmark binge this summer and I love this list. Since everyone is talking about How To Fall In Love (all though I think I watched that one last year) I think I’ll just have to check it out. 😉 Thanks!
Hi, Bonnie! I’m glad you can catch some Hallmark originals. They’re so cute, and make great binge-watch material. 🙂 “How to Fall in Love” is super cute, and is on region 1 DVD. I’m not sure if it’s available on other regions, but that might be an option for you. Hope you enjoy – and thanks for reading!
I will have to start going through this list. I’ve only seen Nearlyweds which was excellent. One missing from your list that I watched recently was “Recipe for Love”, and another I’m watching right now is called “Midnight Masquerade”, which so far is very cute. Thanks for the list !
“Midnight Masquerade” is really cute! I agree. I’ll have to check out “Recipe for Love” too – especially with Danielle Panabaker who I like in CW’s “The Flash.” Hope you find some new Hallmark’s to enjoy, and thanks for the reminders. Perhaps someday I’ll need to make a second/part 2 list that feature the Hallmark’s I missed or the new romcoms they enchanted us with. 🙂
Hallmark movies are great but sometimes i wish they would do a movie about normal people not with no one being ridiculously rich or famous- i mean take me i’m a normal woman but i have a lifelong illness i have to take regular meds for, and every guy i have met run the moment they find out i would love there to be a movie to give someone like me hope not give me the feeling that love for me is impossible because i’m not rich or gorgeous or famous.
I’ve watched about a dozen Hallmark romance movies, including Love By the Book, and Recipe for Love has been my favorite so far. I’m surprised it wasn’t on the list. Now I have 14 more to check out. Thanks. Head of the Class isn’t a romance movie, but it is my favorite Hallmark movie overall–and there is a love story in it, just not the main focus.
“Love by the Book” is super cute, isn’t it, Andrea? Love all the bookish aspects of it.
I’ve not seen “Recipe For Love” but do plan on catching it one of these days. Just means I’ll have to make a “part two” list. 🙂 I vaguely remember “Head of the Class,” and as I recall, I thought it was lovely! Definitely one that should have been on our Hallmark Hall of Fame list (https://www.silverpetticoatreview.com/fifteen-hallmark-hall-of-fame-films-to-watch-2/).
Thanks for stopping by and sharing some of your favorites – and I hope you enjoy the rest of these if you see them. 🙂
How to Fall in Love is most def my favorite as well. Love on the Air is a close second for me – loooove witty banter.
So do I, Chelsea; witty banter makes an already fun story that much better. 🙂
Seems like a nice collection. Thank you! 🙂
A pleasure. 🙂 Hope you discover some new possible Hallmark’s to enjoy, Rawana. Thank you for stopping by and reading.