Upamanyu Biswas
Since time immemorial, romantic stories have captivated people for their ability to appeal to one of the most primal aspects of being human – love. They inspire and engage in equal measure, probing into the beauty and magic of discovering the perfect partner or the ideal relationship while also showcasing the complexities that emerge from such an intimate bond. As such, movies about love convey a sense of hope and have a timeless quality to them, lending an emotional weight to every character moment unfolding on screen. They capture the tingling sensation of butterflies in the stomach while also delving into themes like family, tragedy, hopes, dreams, ambition, and longing. Thus, if you wish to experience the heartfelt joy of a charming love story, here is a list of the best romantic movies on Hallmark Plus, ranked on the basis of their IMDb scores.
15. One Royal Holiday (2020, IMDb: 7)
Helmed by Dustin Rikert, ‘One Royal Holiday’ presents a Christmas romance tale through the eyes of Anna, a Boston girl who helps her father run his inn business. An incoming winter storm disrupts the city as most people gear up for the warm indoors. Meanwhile, a stranded woman and her son are unable to find shelter anywhere until they are welcomed through the doors of Anna’s inn. Soon after, Anna discovers that they are members of the Royal Family of Galwick, namely Queen Gabrielle and her son Prince James. While mother and son have a difficult relationship, Anna helps James embrace his true self and find out what is meaningful to him. Meanwhile, a blossoming attraction looms over the pair. If you want to see Anna navigate her life with royalty, check out the film here.
14. The Color of Rain (2014, IMDb: 7)
‘The Color of Rain’ tells the true story of Gina and Michael Spehn based on their memoir, ‘The Color of Rain: How Two Families Found Faith, Hope, and Love in the Midst of Tragedy.’ The Anne Wheeler directorial follows Gina Kell, a mother of two boys, who tragically loses her husband, Matt Kell, to terminal cancer. Coincidentally, a few weeks later, the wife of Michael Spehn, Cathy, also passes away due to cancer, leaving the distraught husband to care for three children.
In the aftermath of their individual tragedies, the two families’ lives intertwine as Michael and Gina lean on one another to get through the harrowing struggles of their shattered existence. Over time, they are able to heal one another’s pain and eventually open the door for love and attraction once more. The deeply somber narrative showcases the importance of resilience and overcoming adversity through forging meaningful connections. Its tragic but ultimately profound and uplifting tale can be experienced here.
13. A Timeless Christmas (2020, IMDb: 7)
Adapted from Alexis Stanton’s eponymous novel, ‘A Timeless Christmas’ is an exciting romance that breaks the boundaries of time. Directed by Ron Oliver, the film revolves around Charles Whitley, an early 20th-century inventor who has a difficult relationship with his fiancée Eliza Parker because of his obsession with the future and his gadgets. Charles’ life is upended when he accidentally winds up in the year 2020 while working on his partner’s Christmas gift. Subsequently, he meets up with Megan Turner, a history tour guide, who realizes that Charles is a man out of his time. She helps him learn the ins and outs of the modern day while simultaneously falling for him. You can watch the holiday romance here to find out the outcome of their relationship.
12. 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost (2023, IMDb: 7.1)
With Kevin Fair directing, ‘3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost’ centers on Anna Vazquez, a new real estate agent whose hopes of making a quick victory with an old manor listing become complicated after she discovers a paranormal presence on the premises. It turns out that the house is haunted by the ghost of a socialite from a bygone era named Ruby Baker. Ruby informs Anna that she is unable to move on from her ghostly existence due to some unknown reason. However, with time, she begins suspecting that her only way to attain freedom is to help Anna rekindle her failed relationship with her ex-fiancé, Elliot Barnes. Although it complicates matters substantially, the protagonist decides to embrace the task, hoping that Ruby can pass over as a result while she can find love once more. You can watch the movie here to see if she does or not.
11. It Was Always You (2021, IMDb: 7.1)
In ‘It Was Always You,’ an engaged woman named Elizabeth finds herself in a difficult spot after her fiancé’s free-spirited and charming brother, David, enters her life. As their interactions spark a newfound attraction and emotions between the two, the protagonist is left questioning her life decisions. She begins to discover new things about herself while also realizing the real nature of love and how it can be transformative beyond just the surface. Subsequently, Elizabeth is left to brew over whether she is with the right person and what the future might hold with David in her life instead. The Hallmark romance is directed by Michael Robison and is based on a short story by Miriam Hurst. If you are interested in romance movies that capture the turbulent and messy aspects of love, including a potential love triangle, you should watch the film here.
10. Loving Leah (2009, IMDb: 7.1)
Based on the eponymous play by P’nenah Goldstein, ‘Loving Leah’ follows Jake Lever, a successful doctor whose life is turned upside down following the death of his estranged brother, Benjamin. As he navigates the guilt of not having a closer bond with his brother, Jake learns that Ben’s widow, Leah, was left childless and is now under the obligation of a levirate marriage with him. Although reluctant to go through with it, the pair try to balance their religious duties with their personal desires, which proves to be challenging. However, soon, real feelings begin blossoming between the duo, leading to a complex relationship that may redefine their bond and hopefully spark something more beautiful on the horizon. You can check out the Jeff Bleckner directorial here to see the outcome of their decisions and their longing for one another.
9. Taking a Shot at Love (2021, IMDb: 7.1)
Helmed by Kevin Fair, ‘Taking a Shot at Love’ revolves around Jenna, a former professional ballet dancer, and Ryan Cooper, an NHL star. After suffering a difficult injury, Cooper finds solace in Jenna’s presence, who has gone through the same injury during her career. She helps him recover his athletic abilities via therapy while Cooper seeks to repair her broken heart.
Over time, the duo learn to lean on each other as they compensate for the flaws in their personalities and past mistakes. However, with a return to the ice looming over Ryan’s future, the pair must come to terms with the extent of their feelings and whether there is a future to their relationship beyond one of convenience. If you wish to know how it works out for them, the movie is available for viewing here.
8. Holly & Ivy (2020, IMDb: 7.1)
‘Holly & Ivy’ is a holiday romance story about making the best of a situation even if things are not going well. The Erica Dunton directorial is told through the eyes of Melody, a librarian who is out of a job in a local Wisconsin town. Her life becomes a little easier following a new friendship with her neighbor, Nina, a single mom of two suffering from a challenging health problem. Melody’s path crosses with a local contractor named Adam, who is facing pressures of his own. As Melody and Adam start to learn more about one another, a potential romance beckons around the corner as they navigate their personal problems. Meanwhile, Melody also has to juggle her professional responsibilities as a job remains hard to come by in the small community. The Hallmark film can be seen here.
7. Love and Sunshine (2019, IMDb: 7.1)
‘Love and Sunshine’ is a Hallmark romance that is certain to appeal to dog lovers. Directed by Ellie Kanner, the film centers on Ally Craig, a woman who has been taking care of a retired military dog named Sunshine. She fosters the canine while getting over a failed engagement in the past. Ally gets a new lease on life when Sunshine’s owner and military veteran, Jake Terry, enters her life. He arrives to claim the dog but befriends Ally in the process. The duo establishes a meaningful connection that grows through their shared affection for Sunshine. Soon, they have to navigate their personal feelings for one another as their attraction grows. You can watch their relationship and its intricacies unfold here.
6. On the 12th Date of Christmas (2020, IMDb: 7.2)
Directed by Gary Yates, ‘On the 12th Date of Christmas’ follows two game designers, Jennifer Holloway and Aidan Walsh. Neither can stand the other for a variety of reasons, and their office chemistry is quite fragmented because of their competitive edge. However, after getting to know one another slightly better, the pair begin to breed a sense of trust, which eventually helps them collaborate on an important project – a romantic, city-wide scavenger hunt for the 12 Days of Christmas. Not long after, the pair develop an attraction that promises a new type of relationship over the horizon. The Christmas romance tale is glittering with festivities, charm, and joy amidst a warm and cozy atmosphere, which you can dive into here.
5. The Love Letter (1998, IMDb: 7.2)
‘The Love Letter’ tells an unconventional story of love based on Jack Finney’s eponymous 1958 short story. Helmed by Dan Curtis, the film dives into the life of Scott Corrigan, a man in the 1990s who finds a Civil War-era letter inside a recently bought antique desk. Intrigued by the letter’s content and its author, Elizabeth Whitcomb, Scott pens a letter back. However, he is shocked to discover that it reaches the intended destination, opening a line of communication across time and space between the two characters separated by generations. Before long, both find themselves falling in love with each other as they continue sharing their thoughts through their correspondence and the challenges facing them. If you are intrigued by fantasy premises and stories that pit massive hurdles against characters, you should watch the film here.
4. Once Upon a Christmas Miracle (2018, IMDb: 7.3)
Inspired by actual events, ‘Once Upon a Christmas Miracle’ tells the story of Heather Krueger, a woman in dire need of a liver transplant. Heather is informed that she has less than a few months to live if the necessary medical arrangements are not made. With time running out, Heather has no viable options in her bag until a stranger named Chris Dempsey steps in to help her. After finding out about Heather’s situation and that he is a match for her, Chris does what he can to help Heather survive and give her a new lease on life. Subsequently, their newfound friendship transitions into a heartfelt romance, which ties the knot on their already special bond. The Gary Yates directorial chronicles an incredible true story about survival, love, and unexpected help from a stranger. It is available for viewing here.
3. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2008, IMDb: 7.3)
In ‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,’ a business-minded single mother named Jennifer Cullen finds herself catering to her uncle Ralph for Christmas. However, the stay gets complicated when Ralph arrives with a charming stranger named Morgan Derby at her doorstep. Jennifer soon learns that Morgan has a completely different personality to hers and is far more adventurous and impulsive. Meanwhile, the protagonist is more controlling by nature and has a greater responsibility as a single mom to raise her son, Brian. Initially, both Jennifer and Morgan take a dislike to one another for their contrasting attitudes towards things. With time, these differences subside as Jennifer realizes that maybe Morgan is the perfect antidote to her issues. You can check out the Michael M. Scott directorial here.
2. The Wedding Veil (2022, IMDb: 7.3)
With Terry Ingram in the director’s seat, ‘The Wedding Veil’ follows three longtime friends, Avery, Emma, and Tracy, who learn about a wedding veil said to bring romantic success in the life of anyone who owns it. Intrigued by its legend, Avery convinces her friends to invest in the veil and pass it to each other to test whether it works. The following day, she runs into a dashing man named Peter, with whom she shares a few special moments.
Avery and Peter reunite once more in Boston after they start working on a restoration project for a centuries-old painting. Eventually, the duo starts forming a closer bond, rife with cute, fragile moments and small misunderstandings. The film is inspired by the novel There Goes the Bride, penned by Lori Wilde. If you wish to learn the outcome of Avery’s romance with Peter, be sure to watch the movie here.
1. The Lost Valentine (2011, IMDb: 7.4)
‘The Lost Valentine’ is a heartfelt and poignant romance drama directed by Darnell Martin based on the eponymous novel by James Michael Pratt. The film is told through the eyes of Susan Allison, a journalist who is assigned the story of Caroline Thomas, a woman who has spent the last 60 years visiting the Union Station every Valentine’s Day. Caroline expects to reunite with her husband, Neil, who went away to serve in the war but never came back home. Susan befriends Caroline and learns about the woman’s incredible perseverance and loyalty to Neil, which has not diminished through the years.
After learning about Caroline’s relationship, Susan begins reflecting upon her own relationship and what love can truly mean. The movie masterfully weaves in and out of the lives of each character, highlighting their interpersonal bonds and what drives them. The film received critical acclaim for its somber narrative and stellar performances, including a Screen Actor’s Guild Awards nomination for Betty White, who plays Caroline, for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries. If you want a compelling romantic narrative that captures the complexities of love and how it affects people moving forward, you should watch the film here.
Read More: Best Movies on Hallmark Plus You Cannot Miss
