The Top 25 Lifetime Christmas Movies Of All Time (So Far), Ranked By Reviews

On the first day of Christmas, Lifetime gave to me ... a holiday film on my TV. Believe it or not, Lifetime made its first original Christmas movie in 1994: "Solstice." Written and directed by Jerry Vasilatos, the TV film — a Christmas Eve tale starring Mike Kelly — opened a whole new set of doors for the network channel, which was by then known for catering toward women. Now, of course, it's just as likely for viewers to associate Lifetime with reality shows such as "Dance Moms" and "Married at First Sight" as it is for people to associate the channel with cozy holiday movies like the ones in this list.

Since 2018, Lifetime has produced so many TV movies for the wonderful holiday season through its annual "It's a Wonderful Lifetime" event that it's starting to become hard to track them all. Which Christmas movies are worth a watch, and which films are more suitable for background noise as you put up the tree? Read on to discover Lifetime's top 25 Christmas movies so far, ranked from lowest to highest by reviews.

First up on this Lifetime holiday movies list is "Home By Christmas." Directed by Gail Harvey, the film follows the misadventures of Julie Bedford (Linda Hamilton), who finds herself homeless after getting a divorce. Despite complaints about Hamilton's performance and the overall story, there are a good number of positive reviews. "If you start to watch this movie and think about axing it within the first 15 minutes (like I did) ... please give this movie a chance to redeem itself. Trust me, it does," one IMDb user suggested.

"Recipe for a Perfect Christmas" slightly precedes "Home By Christmas" in both age and popularity. The movie stars Carly Pope as food critic J.J. Jenner; Bobby Cannavale as Chef Alex Stermadapolous; and Christine Baranski as J.J.'s overbearing mother, Lee Bellmont. While the movie is supposed to center on Pope and Cannavale, most reviews can't stop talking about Baranski. "Christine Baranski gives a multilayered performance," one IMDb user complimented. "Underneath all the comic moments is a poignant story of intimate strangers."

In "A Twist of Christmas," single parents Abby Hewitt (Vanessa Lachey) and Ryan Cooper (Brendon Zub) find themselves in a pickle as Christmas looms around the corner: In a holiday-shopping frenzy, the characters accidentally swap their children's presents. Naturally, Abby and Ryan have to work together, albeit begrudgingly, to save Christmas for their respective kids. "I found myself actually smiling numerous times during the movie," an IMDb user admitted. "The acting was natural and felt like it really could have happened."

In an alternate universe, Hallmark and HGTV teamed up to make "The Holiday Fix Up." Alas, it's a Lifetime Christmas movie, though it's worth checking out nonetheless. Sam (Jana Kramer), an interior designer, agrees to help renovate an inn in her hometown. Unfortunately, the project's contractor is someone she knows well: Coop (Ryan McPartlin), her ex-boyfriend. "Typical Christmas fare, but done well," an IMDb user summarized. "I thought this was a lot of fun." Another IMDb user wrote, "Fun storyline, good memories ... Just a good all around movie."

For a Lifetime movie, "The Road to Christmas" features a relatively stacked cast: Jennifer Grey (Claire Jamison), Clark Gregg (Tom Pullman), Megan Park (Hilly Pullman), and Barbara Gordon (Rheudel Pullman). In summary, the Pullman family picks up Claire on a road trip from Chicago to Colorado. "The Lifetime Network isn't known for the best [dramas] on television, but every once in a while they will put out something that is palatable to watch," one IMDb user commented. "'The Road to Christmas' was just such a film."

Here's something you never knew about Hallmark star Danica McKellar: She's been in several Lifetime movies. In "Love at the Christmas Table," McKellar stars as Kat, a woman stuck at the kids' table every year with her best friend, Sam (Dustin Milligan). Kat is slated to leave the nest, something that gets Sam reflecting. "This is one of the most unique Christmas romance stories I have seen," an IMDb user praised. "For some people this will be too sappy and idealistic, but that's what these movies are and this one is done so well."

Raise your hand if you've ever written a letter to Santa Claus! In Jason Priestley's "Dear Santa," an upper-class woman named Crystal Carruthers (Amy Acker) gets to know single father Derek Gowen (David Haydn-Jones) after she stumbles upon a letter written by Derek's daughter. An IMDb user summarized the movie as, "Formulaic, cheesy, cliché'd and wonderful. Maybe it is all of the [aforementioned], but it is Christmas!" They added, "A sweet movie not to be taken seriously, and something you can watch with your child or your girlfriend."

For those looking for more grit than pure wholesomeness in their holiday movies, "The Spirit of Christmas" may be worth a watch. Directed by David Jackson, the Lifetime film introduces viewers to Lilly (Kati Salowsky), who meets a century-old ghost named Daniel (Thomas Beaudoin) while trying to sell a property. "I challenge anyone to find a Christmas TV movie like this one," an IMDb user wrote. "I never once lost interest or was able to jump to the ending in my mind."

When it comes to the holiday genre, "A Cowboy Christmas Romance" ended up being one of the best Lifetime movies of 2023 — subjectively speaking, of course. In this film, Lexie Crenshaw (Jana Kramer) returns to her hometown to sell an in-demand ranch ... except the ranch owner, Coby Mason (Adam Senn), isn't happy with the idea. One IMDb user remarked, "Apart from being set at Christmas time, this is not a Christmas movie." They did say, however, "Overall, very watchable and even enjoyable movie."

Directed by John Stimpson, "Christmas a la Mode" stars Katie Leclerc as Emily White, a woman who inherits half of a dairy farm with her sister, Dorothy White (Jennifer Ellis). While Emily wants to keep the dairy farm as it is, Dorothy wants to sell it — consequently, Emily has to come up with the money to buy Dorothy out. While several reviews complain that the film's loud music overshadows everything else, one IMDb user did remark, "This was a good movie. Actually different storyline among the rest and I appreciated that."

You've heard of random acts of kindness — now, we introduce you to "Random Acts of Christmas." In this Lifetime holiday movie, two journalists, Sydney Larkin (Erin Cahill) and Colin Hauer (Kevin McGarry), team up to uncover the identity of their town's mysterious Secret Santa. One IMDb user summarized their impression as, "Despite some common tropes, we liked this movie a lot." They continued, "This is one we'll rewatch from time to time, and it's a major step up from most Lifetime offerings."

Another Lifetime holiday movie, another property in need of some TLC. In "Poinsettias for Christmas," a woman named Ellie (Bethany Joy Lenz) returns home to help cultivate poinsettias at the family farm. The problem? Thousands are supposed to be delivered, yet none of them are turning red! Despite the movie's simple premise, it left a generally good impression on viewers. "I watch almost every Christmas movie every December and this one goes on my favorites list. Fresh subject, good actors. I really enjoyed it," an IMDb user praised. 

"Christmas in Mississippi" stars Jana Kramer as Holly Logan, a photographer who travels home to Gulfport, Mississippi. Holly is interested in joining the town's light show ... until a slight wrench gets thrown in her plan. Turns out that the event organizer is Mike (Wes Brown), her ex-boyfriend. Outside of all the opinions about Mississippi, this Lifetime movie boasts some favorable reviews. One IMDb user wrote, "It had a few really heartwarming moments, two of them, almost brought tears to my eyes ... It really was a wonderful Christmas movie. A must watch."

Directed by Curtis Crawford, "A Storybook Christmas" revolves around Celeste (Ali Liebert), a busy event planner looking for someone to help watch her niece. Taylor (Jake Epstein) is sent to do the job — and while Celeste isn't impressed by him at first, her feelings start to change as they get to know one another. "The editing in this film was mesmerizing for me having seen nearly 50 of these films in a row," one IMDb user highlighted. "I enjoyed the film. [Its] bad parts aren't as bad as its good parts are good."

"Christmas Around the Corner" is one Lifetime movie you should absolutely watch if you're a Capricorn (the astrology sign does pass through the Christmas season, to be fair). Directed by Megan Follows, the movie follows Claire (Alexandra Breckenridge), a New Yorker who takes it upon herself to save a bookstore in Vermont. "There are great emotional touches that really hit hard on the heartstrings," one IMDb user highlighted in their review. "This is much better than most Lifetime movies. It still follows the standard formula but it does it with sincerity."

"A Christmas in Mississippi" walked so "A Christmas in Tennessee" could run. During the holiday season, Matthew (Andrew Walker), a real estate developer, attempts to buy an inherited bakery from a woman named Allison (Rachel Boston). Understandably, Allison isn't into the idea of selling her business. One IMDb user described the movie as "Somewhat cheesy, somewhat sappy, but cute plot." They further revealed, "I was probably more impressed with the acting of the supporting cast than the two leading roles ... The lead actors did well when there was slight banter between them."

"The Christmas Setup" features Lifetime's first same-sex couple, Hugo Spencer (Ben Lewis) and Patrick Ryan (Blake Lee). It also features Fran Drescher! Back to the leads, though: When Hugo is offered a job in London, he must choose between staying home with Patrick or traveling across the pond. "This movie is cute, believable, well acted and silly without being stupid," one person on IMDb expressed. "I gave it 10 stars and would give it more if I could have." Another user wrote, "The two had great chemistry, which makes sense given they are married in real life."

"Reindeer Games Homecoming" may sound like the title of a cool reality show, but it's actually a high-ranking Lifetime Christmas movie. Directed by Brian Herzlinger, the film stars Sarah Drew as Mac Graves, a teacher who unexpectedly crosses paths with her old crush, Chase Weston (Justin Bruening). It's worth nothing that Drew wrote the screenplay. One IMDb user described the movie as "a fresh take and break from the usual Christmas movie storylines." They added, "I also loved the sense of community the movie had with the competition feature."

"The Road Home for Christmas" isn't exactly unique. In this Lifetime movie, musicians Lindsey (Marla Sokoloff) and Wes (Rob Mayes) decide to spend the holiday season carpooling to their respective hometowns, which are close in proximity to each other. Naturally, the pair begin to bond along the way. "The story, even despite its lack of originality, is heart-warming, sincere and has enough of a light heart to avoid things from getting heavy," one IMDb user complimented. "Really liked the chemistry between the two leads, which was very easy-going and charming."

Directed by Stefan Brogren, "Thank God: Christmas at Keller Ranch" follows Wes Campbell (Tyler Hilton), an injured sportsman who strikes up an unexpected relationship with a rancher named Maggie Keller (Arielle Kebbel). "The concept of a hockey [player] and horse rider coming together is so important, it can cultivate any audience. No movie can compare," one IMDb user gushed. "Please watch 'Thank God: Christmas at Keller Ranch,' with everyone in your life. You won't regret it."

There's nothing more demoralizing than getting broken up with right before the holidays. In "Christmas Pen Pals," Hannah Morris (Sarah Drew) pays a visit home after being kicked to the curb by her ex-partner. Hannah participates in an anonymous pen-pal event — and while she doesn't know who is behind the letters, she certainly appreciates them. One IMDb user praised, "This Christmas movie is my favorite this year. Love the chemistry between Sam and Hannah. Story line is adorable and old fashioned. Perfect for the season."

Gospel singer BeBe Winans may not be known for being an actor, but he certainly put on a performance in "BeBe Winans' We Three Kings." Winans stars as Lincoln King, a business owner who attempts to get his three estranged daughters (portrayed by Lisa Berry, Faith Wright, and Bethany Brown) to reconcile with each other. "I felt the pain and anguish of [grief] with the sisters," an IMDb user wrote in their review. "BeBe you truly hit the heart on this one. I hope BeBe does more movies like this."

Whatever happened to the cast of "Reba" after the show's cancellation in 2007? Well, Reba McEntire went on to star in several Lifetime movies, including the holiday program "Christmas in Tune." The movie stars Candice King as Belle, a woman trying to get her parents — portrayed by McEntire and John Schneider — to reunite. "Truly heartwarming. I wish there were more [movies] like this," an IMDb user wrote. "The hope of the season is captured in this movie." Another IMDb user noted, "Great chemistry together. The songs were wonderful ... I'm going to be watching it again!"

"A Gift Wrapped Christmas" is one Lifetime movie everyone should see once in their life — according to aggregated reviews, anyway. The movie introduces audiences to happy-go-lucky personal shopper Gwen (Meredith Hagner), who makes it her mission to turn single dad Charlie's (Travis Milne) frown upside down. One IMDb user gushed, "Gwen's character was such a breath of fresh air!! She was funny, happy, stylish, pretty, honest but kind, smart and so very sweet!!! She was one of the BEST Christmas movie main characters I have ever watched!!"

If you enjoy Lifetime, "Snowed-Inn Christmas" is one Christmas movie you don't want to skip this year. In this Gary Yates rom-com, Jenna Hudson (Bethany Joy Lenz) and Kevin Jenner (Andrew Walker), two at-war journalists, find themselves stuck in the appropriately named town of Santa Claus, Indiana. "I finished this movie with such a smile that I was already thinking when I could see it again," one IMDb user gushed — talk about a high compliment. "The story itself [is] good but the performances and chemistry take it to another level."

It's no secret that Lifetime has some stiff competition in the "original Christmas programming" department — look through the reviews for each of these TV movies, and you'll immediately notice that at least one person confuses Lifetime for Hallmark. To be fair, both networks follow the same basic formula: easy-to-follow plots, reusable actors, colorful sets, and feel-good messages about love and friendship. With so many similar-esque holiday movies, how did we curate this list?

The answer is quite simple, actually: To start, we combed through all the Lifetime Christmas movies we could find enough information on. Then, we read through reviews of each TV program on IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Letterboxd (Reddit and Facebook also came in clutch). What has everyone been praising? What have reviewers been complaining about? Which films are rated at least three stars? The higher the overall compliments, the higher on the list the Lifetime movie in question went. Happy holidays!