Christmas Movie Hidden Gems
CHRISTMAS MOVIE HIDDEN GEMS
This is a list of Christmas Movies you might overlook, or decide not to watch, because their IMDB numerical rating is not high enough. However, in my opinion, and in the opinion of at least several other IMDB User Reviewers who gave good reasons, each of these movies is much better than its overall IMDB rating.
Each movie on the list has an IMDB rating lower than "7", and sometimes a lot lower, but comes across like a movie rated higher than "7", and sometimes a lot higher. This list is in order of my overall preference, beginning with my most favorite movie first.
I call these underrated movies "Hidden Gems". Now that you have found them, I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.
ABOUT MY RATINGS SCALE
Most of the movies on this list are the typical holiday "rom-com" TV movies from Hallmark, Lifetime, etc. These are identified by TV-ROM-COM in the comments for an entry.
The TV-ROM-COM entries are rated relative to *other* TV rom-coms, so my ratings for these will tend to run a point or two higher than I might have rated a theater-release Christmas movie of comparable quality and likeability.
Where I did not have an IMDB review of my own to quote, I selected one I liked from another IMDB User Reviewer who I thought had accurately characterized the movie.
(ROM-COM definition: see Romantic comedy - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romantic_comedy)
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- DirectorJonathan WrightStarsAlicia WittMark WiebeLawrence DaneAlice is set to meet her future in-laws for the first time, but things don't go according to plan.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - A marvelous, memorable movie
I remembered this movie for years after first seeing it, and now after seeing it again I realized that it was even better than I had remembered.
The improbable but believable plot sets up a situation where people discover what is really important to them and reach heartfelt decisions, but it is also good fun along the way. Good acting and interesting characters carry the plot to a very nice conclusion. - DirectorJames HaymanStarsLaura MiyataVijay MehtaAmy SmartA story that follows Kate, a young woman who after a horrible blind date on Christmas Eve, wakes up to find she is re-living that same day and date all over again.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - A fresh twist on a modern classic
Wow. This movie was so much better than I expected! I had figured that any attempt to build a movie along a "Groundhog Day" theme would simply look pale by comparison, but this one took enough of a fresh tack that it effectively carved out its own path. It was really enjoyable, without looking derivative. A lot of humor. Highly recommended.
There is also a 2020 movie with the same title, so be sure to get this 2011 version. Also, be aware that there are a number of others with very similar titles, such as 2020's "On the 12th Date of Christmas" which at one point I had mistaken for this one. - DirectorRon UnderwoodStarsMelissa Joan HartMario LopezTimothy BottomsA struggling artist working as a waitress kidnaps one of her customers to take home to meet her parents at Christmastime.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - This actually worked!
Silly as the premise might be, they actually pulled it off in a way that worked, and made for a truly enjoyable movie. Not only was this a good comedy, it was a good family movie as well. Be sure to stick with it through the awkward early scenes until you get past the country store. Smooth sailing from there. - DirectorPaul A. KaufmanStarsJulie BenzMichael ShanksLauren K. RobekA widow of a war hero takes in an injured soldier who has just returned from Afghanistan. Together they help each other heal and find true love.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - Touching, heartfelt, meaningful, moving, satisfying.
This seemed very real. It was also uplifting. One of the best of the military homecoming themed Christmas films.
I agree with User Reviewer "bradshawl-1" who wrote: "This is a beautiful story of loss and healing."
https://www.imdb.com/review/rw4454588/?ref_=tt_urv&mode=desktop&rtm=1&rtm_sr=1 - DirectorDavid WeaverStarsCandace Cameron BureWarren ChristieJordana LargyAt Christmas, a cheerful publicist teams up with a cynical VP and his eclectic team to help a charity in need.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - User Reviewer "drdianastout" wrote:
The Cyclone Hits!
I'll admit, at first, I thought this story was a bit boring, ... thinking this was going to be another typical Hallmark movie. Ho, ho, ho, far from it.
... the real surprise occurred halfway into the story when I realized that this was a spoof remake, a fantastic nod to The Wizard of Oz. ... From there on out, I laughed at the clues, the well-known phrases, and even the character names.
Brilliant!
(The above excerpts have been re-ordered. The full original review is linked below.)
https://www.imdb.com/review/rw6326461/?ref_=tt_urv - DirectorBrian HerzlingerStarsMarguerite MoreauMike FaiolaBrady SmithA widow's daughter writes to Santa Claus, asking for her mother to find love again. When a struggling writer receives the letter, he finds new inspiration and the beginnings of a romance.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - User Reviewer "Debzreview" wrote:
Good One
From the beginning of this movie I knew it was different than the usual Hallmark movie. The story line lends itself to Hallmark but there is just something about the way it was written and directed that draws you in. ... This is easily one of my favorites. ...
https://www.imdb.com/review/rw3857453/?ref_=tt_urv - DirectorJames HeadStarsBriana EviganPaul CampbellGreg EviganWhen a Princess escapes her entourage to explore New York City over Christmas, she meets a young man who shows the beautiful stranger his side of the city.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - User Reviewer "rw_franco" wrote:
Lead Actors = Actually Good!
I was utterly shocked. ha-ha! The leads are actually good actors (very good...) I've got a sneaking suspicion they were stage actors first and knew how to "read" the subtext of the script. The teleplay is realistic and not a living cartoon. There's a warmth about the story. I was quite impressed that The Princess was so understated and engaging. The Builder opted out of the slapstick motif. Great romantic chemistry between the leads. Very enjoyable! - DirectorHarvey FrostStarsSteve GuttenbergCrystal BernardDominic Scott KaySanta's son and successor is looking for a suitable Mrs. Claus before he can take over the family business.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - A Truly Pleasant Surprise
Charming! Fun to watch.
Far, far better than its current 5.9 IMDB user rating would lead you to believe. - DirectorCatherine CyranStarsRachael Leigh CookGreyston HoltJon CorAfter their flight is diverted, two old school friends work together to try and get back home in time for Christmas.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - A tale of two movies
The other user reviews of this movie seem to fall into one of two categories: (1) the plot is too improbable to relate to, so the reviewer couldn't enjoy the movie; or (2) recognizing the kind of plot it has, the reviewer enjoyed the funny, touching moments that it brings, and appreciated the good dialogue lines scattered throughout the movie. Count me in the second category! This movie was a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed the way the romantic side of the story developed in the context of the lead characters' backstories. - DirectorT.W. PeacockeStarsKellie MartinColin FergusonAva PrestonBefore the holidays, Sara goes to Montana to help a man save his ranch.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - User Reviewer "tocanepauli" wrote:
I loved this!
I know people have low rated this but I loved it! This was a great Hallmark movie. Great characters, good story, lovely scenery, dreams coming true.. it had it all. This is what a Christmas movie is all about. If you have a dream (even a little one) watch this......
https://www.imdb.com/review/rw5328452/?ref_=tt_urv - DirectorMarita GrabiakStarsErin CahillDavid AlpayDakota GuppyA busy single mom tasked with organizing her city's Christmas parade discovers an antique sleigh which seems to have a mind of its own.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - It gets better and better
What might have been a decent but otherwise routine plan-an-event type of ROM-COM is elevated by the lead characters' interplay around their respective, and partially shared, backstories. Tracy and Hepburn its not, but this adds spice to the story. The movie rises further to become memorable by the addition of the most charming Santa look-alike since Edmund Gwenn's portrayal in 1947's "Miracle on 34th Street". The Sleigh, itself, deserves an honorable mention in a supporting role. I recommended hanging in there through a slow start and some awkward dialogue early on. I think you'll be glad you did. - DirectorAllan HarmonStarsAshley WilliamsNiall MatterLisa MacFaddenMaggie is facing Christmas alone until Lucas become an unexpected house guest.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - Cheerful plot
I liked the movie a lot. I liked the way the lead characters were developed in the context of the plot situations, and how their personal histories were revealed. - DirectorEric TillStarsHenry WinklerDavid WayneChris WigginsIn an American town, an old bitter miser is given a ghostly chance at redemption on Christmas Eve.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV SPECIAL - A thoughtful and effective re-interpretation of the classic tale
The basic elements of the classic Dickens tale seem even more real, and even more meaningful, in this re-staged version where the story is set in depression-era New Hampshire. This excellent production helps bring the story to life in a way that makes it very relatable to current day audiences. We see the "Scrooge" character on Christmas Eve, 1933, and we also learn how his life history led up to his situation and behaviors on that day. The conclusion on Christmas Day is nicely presented, humorous, and very rewarding. - DirectorAnthony C. FerranteStarsJennifer FreemanJohnny PacarMichael CoponA woman proposes to her boyfriend who says he has to work things out with an ex before he can answer, leaving her to take a romantic sleigh ride alone with a sympathetic driver.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - Nicely developed
Nice story. I am always intrigued by movies that some people like a lot and others not so much. In this case, I am grateful to User Reviewer 'toddsgraham' for providing me with the motivation to watch this movie, based on his "Fancy a sleigh ride with Snowdrop..." review comments.
Put me down on the side of savoring how the film's key relationship gently develops, supported by good dialogue and good acting. I am already reflecting back on this movie with good feelings.
The 'toddsgraham' write up can be found here:
https://www.imdb.com/review/rw6368076/?ref_=tt_urv - DirectorRichard LangStarsJohn SchneiderTom WopatKim DelaneyWillow Creek, Alaska, is going through a depression because the local cannery has shut down putting many of the residents out of work. Ray and Pete are truck-driving brothers, different as day and night, who are hired by an old friend to bring Christmas presents and one huge surprise from sunny California up to there. Along the way, Ray, Pete, and the latter's son, Michael, argue and get stuck in a blizzard, but they finally reconcile with each other.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - Gets better as it goes along
In this satisfying story of reconciliation and growth the lead characters have a long way to go, and there is a lot of emotional negativity early in the film. You'll need to work through that, and get past it, before the movie settles into its stride. Also, its an older movie and the production values are not great compared to current offerings, but the movie is still worth it -- so stick with it.
Willow Grove, AK, is portrayed as a quirky town, which I enjoyed. Reminded me of the town in the old TV series "Northern Exposure".
It is toward the end of the film that all of the different plot elements start coming together into a nice ending. One late sequence, in particular, was very memorable. You'll know it when you see it.
Days after watching this I was still reflecting on it, which caused me to increase my original rating and add "Willow Creek" to this list. - DirectorSteven R. MonroeStarsAlicia WittAndrew W. WalkerDrake HogestynMeg wants to save her neighborhood from getting demolished. She then discovers that Nate has other plans. Can she turn Nate's heart toward Christmas?<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - Good chemistry and a nicely structured plot
In other IMDB user reviews a number of people commented on the good chemistry between the leads, but a roughly equal number felt there was little or no chemistry. Put me down firmly on the side of *good* chemistry, supported by a charming, cheerful, positive plot that is thoughtfully structured and nicely developed.
Every year there always seems to be at least one Hallmark movie where some treasured institution or tradition is about to be sold/converted/demolished, etc. This is one of the best of that genre I have seen. - DirectorDon McBreartyStarsBrooke D'OrsayDaniel LissingMary-Margaret HumesAn aspiring crafter working in her small town's bakery shows the new big-city CEO that it's people and not machines which make the business a success.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - User Reviewer "ambie719" wrote:
Predictable but enjoyable
There is nothing about this movie that isn't just another Hallmark standard formula but Brooke D'Orsay makes up for it with her charm. She and Daniel Lissing play off of each well which makes what could be a boring movie legitimately enjoyable.
https://www.imdb.com/review/rw4469934/?ref_=tt_urv - DirectorGary HarveyStarsEric MabiusJennifer FinniganSusan HoganA resort developer tasked with finding a location for a new ski resort is assigned to visit the small town of Christmas, Colorado.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - User Reviewer "cindi-34402" wrote:
Enjoyable
Though the Hallmark movies churned out every year now are pretty predictable, the chemistry and banter between the romantic leads were better than the norm.
https://www.imdb.com/review/rw4508784/?ref_=tt_urv - DirectorMichael GrossmanStarsRobert BuckleyAna AyoraTreat WilliamsWorking through some difficult decisions, a mother and father summon their two grown sons home for the holidays.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - Past, Present, and Future
The plot did a nice job of weaving a family's past events into a story about their present concerns, and clanging their plans for the future. Nicely done. Rewarding story. - DirectorJeff FisherStarsMeredith HagnerBobby CampoMegan ParkA hopeless romantic who can't ever seem to give a guy a real chance begins receiving each of the "12 Days of Christmas" as gifts anonymously at her door and begins to believe that the mystery suitor may finally live up to her expectations.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - User Reviewer "MIssM19" wrote:
I really loved it!
I gotta be honest, the minute I saw the main character, I asked myself "what have I gotten myself into?" I thought it was going to be one long hour and a half, but surprise, it wasn't at all. I think that what made this movie so special was the chemistry between the characters, they looked like they were having fun for real, and every time Liam looked at Cynthia I melt. I actually enjoyed both characters. This is definitely going to my favorite hallmark movies list.
https://www.imdb.com/review/rw3618290/?ref_=tt_urv