HOW I RANK THE CHRISTMAS MOVIES OF THE 2026 YEAR
In an annual tradition, it’s time to begin the ranking of the Christmas movies of 2026. This dot com space has been doing this for at least six years (I didn’t look back to see if it extends beyond this), and so as this year winds to its close, naturally I do have to post up a ranking for this season too. I’m not sure how the movies will stack up because I’ve already seen the one I was really excited about and I think there is only one other that I have that same excitement for. This said, across streaming and networks, there is well over the usual 75 movies to discover and that’s not accounting for titles that weren’t filmed for the 2026 season but are only just making their debut this year. All this to say, let’s begin and have some fun.
LIST | HOW I RANK THE BEST ‘SENSE AND SENSIBILITY’ ADAPTATIONS
Before moving on, let’s lay out three rules you’ll find this list adheres to.
- The annual amendment disclaimer is as follows. Because the Internet is anything but kind, I’m going to say it: these lists and posts are all in fun. Just because a title ranks “last” on a list doesn’t mean it wasn’t cute or that there won’t be hundreds of viewers who loved the film. This is great! All this means is, the film didn’t stand out as a new favorite, which is also, totally fine. This is part of why there are so many Christmas movies. This way we are all sure to find that one (or two!) we think really stand out.
- Though this list is an annual publication, 2026’s is different because I don’t think I’m going to publish a part two, which I usually do! Instead, I’ll add new titles to this list every Monday adding to and changing the rankings with any titles I saw over the week/weekend. I’m not sure if this will work or if anyone who checks this list will like this, but I’m giving it a shot.
- This will rank movies across all networks and streaming services that I watch and keep up with. So this will include Hallmark as well as Netflix, and other networks, too.
Now, let’s press on with this feature and have some (this-isn’t-meant-to-be-vicious) fun!
RANKING CHRISTMAS MOVIES of 2026
Ranked from least to most favorite. Note; there may be spoiler reveals below
MR. and MRS. CHRISTMAS
This one was very sweet, but also average for me. Again, that doesn’t mean it’s not an enjoyable watch. It was. But there was nothing that really made this one stand out. However, fans will love the cast (Brendan Penny, Pascale Hutton) and I did think that the emotional complexity and feelings of a parent learning to let go of his daughter was also surprisingly sweet.
Stream, at publication, exclusively with Hallmark+
HOW I RANK THE CHRISTMAS MOVIES OF THE 2026 YEAR Share on X‘TIS the SEASON for SETUPS
This one is a cute with a fun matchmaking scheme that is typical Hallmark movie magic. It’s a title sure to charm and enchant any avid Christmas movie fan.
Stream, at publication, exclusively with Hallmark+
WINTER WONERLANES
This one didn’t get good ratings and though I didn’t see a lot, what I did see on social media panned it badly. I thought it was cute and while the tropes and film styles were “common” for the genre and its peers, I think the setting (which is primarily at a bowling alley) elevates this and much to my surprise, I liked the connection between the leads more than first impression would suggest. I went in expecting so-so and while this does (obviously) fall lower on my ranking, it’s still enjoyable if you just “let go” and watch it as something that does what it should: entertain.
Stream, at publication, exclusively with Hallmark+
THE HOLIDAY SPARK
Cute and watchable, this one didn’t really stand out for me. I liked the concept and enjoyed Jamie Chung in the lead role, but the whole relationship struggles didn’t flow as well as I’d liked. Did I find it cute? Of course – it is a Christmas movie! But as a new favorite, this isn’t one I loved.
Stream, at publication, exclusively with Roku
WHO’S COMING for CHRISTMAS?
This film is sweet. The concept follows a woman who makes big plans to host her first Christmas as a homeowner only for all of her best-laid plans to go array. The film has that big, cozy and “warm” feeling for anyone who loves family centered movies. It also earns points with me for not going into some we-shouldn’t-be-together but instead sticks to its I-really-like-you timeline. That alone earns points.
Stream, at publication, exclusively with Hallmark+
HOLIDAY UNPLUGGED
I wanted to love this one. The concept is fabulous (reconnecting without screens and the mindless scroll of news headlines), but it falls short. I think I know two reasons why, and one of them has to do with the story. I just didn’t really find the “why” of going screen free totally worked. Is it an emotionally compelling one? Absolutely. But something just doesn’t totally fit the box, and while Nikki DeLoach is a Christmas movie pro, something about this one lacks.
Stream, at publication, exclusively with Hallmark+
MERRY MEMORIES
I really liked this one! The chance to see Lindura, a supporting character on Sullivan’s Crossing and often a secondary character in other Hallmark roles, step into the role of leading lady is fun. Plus, I thought that the whole nephew plot was actually really cute in this movie. There are a few flubs here and there, but overall, I think this title was charming and like its weekend premiere mates, it focuses (a lot) on memories, only in this movie it’s more about making them in the present.
Stream, at publication, exclusively with Hallmark+
A DANISH CHRISTMAS
A fun little movie that has familiar faces in the lead. What helps A Danish Christmas standout is taking place in Copenhagen which gives it a bit more personality.
Stream, at publication, exclusively with Hallmark+
ADOPTING ST. NICK
I’m tempted to move this one up a place or two. It’s just so wholesome and sweet. It also leaves a kind of Miracle on 34th Street impression. The film has a strong cast and on its premiere weekend, it easily won as my favorite likely bolstered by the pros in the co-lead roles. The story follows a man who moves from job to job until he begins to see the merits of staying put, which is helped by his connection to a businesswoman and single mom.
The single mom angle doesn’t become the entire personality of the film or the character, and the film is just sweetly charming.
Stream, at publication, exclusively with Hallmark+
SECOND CHANCE HOLIDAY
Of the two Roku originals, this film is the one that stands out. I really enjoyed it despite the common reunion trope and appreciate that everyone seems more mature rather than refusing to acknowledge anything. I also think Ayesha Curry is good in the lead role. The ending too may be cringe to many (that seems to be the “it” thing right now), but come on, we have to admit, the cute is off the charts.
Stream, at publication, exclusively with Roku
12 DATES of CHRISTMAS
I don’t have a nostalgic attachment to this because I didn’t watch the show featuring lead stars Lucy Hale and Ian Harding. Still, I appreciate the “do I know you” quips and like these two together. The movie is a good time and while the way the end sets up was going to be fabulous, the heartbreak misunderstanding dilutes it as silly. Still, this is worth watching if you like cute Christmas movies.
Stream, at publication, exclusively with Disney+ or Hulu
SNOWBODY LIKE YOU
The first that UPtv premiered in 2026, Snowbody Like This surprised me in the best way. It has all of the right ingredients (like an ideally perfect meet-cute) but then shows the romance as more meaningful and deeper, which I appreciate. The way its shot is more intimate too which amps up the aesthetic. There was just something about this one that impresses.
A SEASON of PROMISES
One of the best from Hallmark this slate, this one has bittersweetness, which makes me wonder about its popularity. Looking beyond that, this one is strong. I also was happily surprised by how sweet (and unexpected) the romance is.
In a script like this that is primarily about healing old wounds, sometimes the romance feels silly. However, the strength of the cast helps this one stand out, playing characters we really want to see be happy.
Stream, at publication, exclusively with Hallmark+
MISTLETOE MURDERS, season three premiere
This is a show but still very Christmas, so I’m including it. Sarah Drew returns as Emily Lane, a woman with a past. She now runs a business in the small town of Fletcher’s Grove where she uses her mysterious skills to help the local cop solve murders.
Stream, at publication, season three exclusively with Hallmark+
HOLIDAY TOUCHDOWN: A BEARS LOVE STORY
The third in the Holiday Touchdown set of films, we never know if they’ll be more of these or not, but for now, it’s easy to see why fans enjoy these. Even I think they are sweet and charming. They’re always cheerful and while they definitely showcase the title city, the movies also take time to lend importance to family, and how football factors into these lives. Because of this the romance isn’t as “big,” but I think most Hallmark movies are always more about family, so this one is very on brand and still cute with an adorable little romantic gesture.
Stream, at publication, exclusively with Hallmark+
FORGOTTEN HOLIDAY
The sweetest and most romantic of the movies I’ve seen (so far) of this 2026 year. What makes this one more unique is it give their connection more purpose and a little more depth. Daniel Lissing and Janel Parrish are also delightful together.
The plot follows a couple on their way to happily ever after when he loses his memory. There is one reaction, minor though it is, that annoys me, but as a whole, we forgive. Forgotten Holiday is easily one of the best of this season so far.
Stream, at publication, exclusively with Hallmark+
Love lists? Browse the ‘list’ tag or take a look at the ongoing ‘best and silliest Christmas movie moments’ weekly collection!
Photos: Hallmark Media | UPtv
Did you see any of these? Which ones from this ranking Christmas movies of 2026 would you recommend? Which ones from this year do I still absolutely need to watch? Share your thoughts below!
Thanks for visiting; return again soon.
MORE to browse
- ‘HOLIDAY UNPLUGGED’: LOST MEMORIES TURN INTO HAPPY NEW TRADITIONS
- POP CULTURE NEWS 268: HOW TO SEE MORE CHRISTMAS MOVIES + NEW TV DATES
- THE CHRISTMAS MOVIES OF 2025 THAT I’VE SEEN – RANKED!
PINTEREST PIN – SAVE & SHARE
