Hallmark movies evoke a unique sense of sentimentality and holiday nostalgia from their viewers. With themes focusing on love, happiness, and family, you can’t help but get the warm, fuzzy feels. Audiences still tune in for a dose of these classic feel good films, no matter how over the top a plot might be. However, not all Hallmark films are about being in a small town or finding a lost Christmas spirit. Here are 10 Hallmark movies based on true stories.
Updated Mar. 8, 2024: This collection of Hallmark films has been updated with additional information, useful features, and where to find each film on streaming.
Once Upon a Christmas Miracle (2018)
Once Upon a Christmas Miracle is part of Hallmark’s Movies and Mysteries holiday series. Premiering on December 9th, 2018, this Hallmark original film portrays the incredible story of Heather Krueger and Chris Dempsey. Heather is an organ donor recipient who finds her match — in more ways than one. Played by Aimee Teegarden, Heather finds herself on a recipient waiting list after being diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis. Eventually, Heather’s time begins to run out, and she is encouraged to look for a donor. This heartwarming tale is up there as one of Hallmark’s best original movies.
The Real Story Behind Once Upon a Christmas Miracle
The film is based on a real life couple who miraculously connected after Chris heard a co-worker mention his cousin’s need for a liver transplant. Heather agreed to meet Chris and accepted his offer. Chris’ motorcycle club threw a benefit to cover Heather’s medical expenses when he felt a different kind of spark than the ones coming from the motorcycles. Following two successful surgeries, Chris proposed in December after a day of Christmas shopping, lunch, and an iconic carriage ride through downtown Chicago. In the Hallmark adaptation, the real-life Heather and Chris make a cameo, as they can be seen dancing in the background of the fundraising event. Rent Once Upon a Christmas Miracle on Apple TV
Apple Mortgage Cake (2014)
Apple Mortgage Cake is a Hallmark film that depicts the joyful true story of a tenacious main character, Angela Logan. Angela, played by Kimberly Elise, is a single mother who saves her home of 20 years using a combination of talent, business savvy, sheer determination — and cake.
Long divorced, Angela is the single parent of three sons, making a meager income as a substitute teacher. After her beloved childhood home falls into disrepair, Angela receives notice that her home will be foreclosed upon if she doesn’t procure $4,000 in 10 days. Giving new meaning to the phrase “bake it until you make it,” Angela decides to bake and sell her famous apple cakes for $40 a piece, in hopes she can raise the $4,000 necessary to save her home.
Bake It ‘Till You Make It
After baking 42 cakes, Angela’s story was featured on CBS, CNN, the Today Show, and many other mainstream news outlets. The national exposure helped save her home. Angela currently has a brick-and-mortar bakery, Angela Logan’s Mortgage Apple Cakes Bakery & Café, in Teaneck, New Jersey.
As for the film itself, it’s one that falls into familiar Hallmark tropes while also tackling some unconventional ideas not typically found in Hallmark’s repertoire. You won’t find Christmas trees or a tragic romance here. Instead, you’ll find a straightforward success story made more convincing by the lead performance of Kimberly Elise. Stream Apple Mortgage Cake on Tubi
Finding a Family (2011)
Raised by his mother, who influenced his love for learning, Alex Chivescu vowed to attend an Ivy League school. Finding a Family is an inspiring story of an incredibly driven young man who went to great lengths to follow his academic dreams. After watching his mother pursue her PhD in computer science, Alex vowed to attend the best university he could, setting his sights on Harvard. In a tragic turn of events, Alex’s mother was involved in a car accident, suffering head trauma resulting in life-altering brain damage. After a judge ruled Illeana unfit to care for her child, Alex became a ward of the state.
Alex always used school as a coping mechanism and threw himself into his studies when his home life was chaotic. After Alex realized his social worker wasn’t trying to find his new foster family, he took it upon himself. Alex perused court records and cold called families with letters that read, “Will You Be My Parents?” He struck gold with empty nesters Jim and Suzanne Bante, who not only fostered Alex, but kept him in the same school district in order for him to remain on the path to fulfilling his lifelong dream of attending Harvard.
A Happy Ending for Alex Chivescu
Portrayed by Jared Abrahamson, Alex Chivescu’s story is proof that reality can make for compelling stories just as often as fiction can. This drama leans more overtly into tearjerker territory than some of the other films on this list, as the plight faced by Alex and his determination to overcome it is as powerful as it is crushing. Thankfully, an optimistic ending and a powerful message about family lies in wait for those who want to see it through. As for the real-life Alex Chivescu, he graduated from Harvard College in 2013. He hopes to be a foster parent someday. Stream Finding a Family on The Roku Channel
A Smile as Big as the Moon (2012)
A Smile as Big as the Moon is an inspiring Hallmark film about a special education teacher with big aspirations for his students. The movie follows Mike Kersjes, played by John Corbett, as he advocates for his special education students to attend Space Camp. Mike is inspired to pursue Space Camp for his students after Ben, a student with Down syndrome, shares his dreams of becoming an astronaut.
The film follows the journey of the first special education students to attend Space Camp after the program was previously reserved for students advanced in math and science. The trip is eventually approved, which causes another set of obstacles. In order to make the trip, Mike has to raise funds, prepare the students, and battle bullying from other students. After nine months of preparation, Mike’s class defies all odds — and everyone’s expectations — by attending Space Camp.
A Splendid Space Camp Story
Based on the book of memoirs of the same name by Mike Kersjes and Joe Layden, A Smile as Big as the Moon takes extra care to handle its subject with grace and maturity. Several of the younger actors featured throughout are given a chance to shine alongside John Corbett, making for an exemplary cast you can’t help but cheer on as they attempt to reach the stars. It’s a particularly caring Hallmark film, one that’s sure to be a hit if you’re in the right mood. Stream A Smile as Big as the Moon on Hoopla
The 10 Saddest Hallmark Movies of All Time
Typically known for their feel-good films, here’s a list of the top 10 saddest Hallmark movies of all time.
The Color of Rain (2014)
Hallmark’s The Color of Rain depicts the true story of Matt Kell and his widow Gina, played by Lacy Chabert, as Gina stood behind the camera. Inspired by the real-life couple, the film documents Gina Kell and Michael Spehn’s (Warren Christie) journey as they find love again after unimaginable loss. Gina’s husband passed away on Christmas Day in 2005 after battling a rare form of cancer, leaving her a widow and single mother of two young boys.
Six weeks later, Matt’s childhood friend lost his wife, Cathy, after she succumbed to a brain tumor, leaving behind her husband and three small children. After meeting at their children’s school, Gina and Stephen bonded over their shared sense of loss, striking up a friendship that ultimately turned to love.
Triumph Over Tragedy
The Color of Rain portrays a wonderful and heartwarming message about triumphing through tragedy. The Hallmark film adaptation is based on the couple’s New York Times bestselling memoir of the same name, and you can expect the emotionally gripping contents of that memoir to be laced with some incredible Hallmark performances. Stream The Color of Rain on Peacock Premium
Beyond the Blackboard (2011)
When Stacey Bess accepted her first teaching job after graduating, she had no idea that the experience would teach her too. Beyond the Blackboard is a Hallmark drama about a teacher who unknowingly accepts a job teaching children at a school without a name. Based on a true story, the movie portrays Stacey Bess (played by Emily VanCamp) as an inspirational teacher, rising to the challenge of teaching homeless children with no school supplies as they’re grouped together in grades one through six. In true Hallmark fashion, we watch as Stacey overcomes obstacle after obstacle while simultaneously rallying her students and teaching them important lessons.
The Teacher Succeeds in Beyond the Blackboard
Emily VanCamp is the shining star of Beyond the Blackboard, and given the material she’s working with here, it’s not hard to see why. Combined with performances from Paola Andino, Steve Talley, and Treat Williams, it’s hard to find a Hallmark film that reaches a similar level of emotional investment. An inspirational tale through and through, audiences may be delighted to know that the real-life Stacey Bess saw a similar string of success in her professional career. She currently works as a public speaker and advocate for the rights of impoverished children. Stream Beyond the Blackboard on Hoopla
The Christmas Choir (2008)
Airing on December 9th, 2008, Hallmark’s The Christmas Choir was Michael Sarrazin’s final screen role. The film loosely adapts the true story of Pierre Anthian and the Montreal Accueil Bonneau Choir. After his fiancée leaves him, Peter has a life-changing chance encounter with a musician. The musician invites Peter (played by Jason Gedrick) to his home for a jam session. Peter is mesmerized by the musical talents of the other residents, unaware that the home is actually a shelter for the homeless.
Peter took it upon himself to help the men living in the shelter by forming a choir. Despite obstacles that prohibit the choir’s success, the group perseveres and continuously improves. The choir begins by performing in subways, but eventually outgrows its humble beginnings and begins giving concerts in larger venues.
An Inspiring Choir
The Christmas Choir is loaded with the familiar Hallmark tropes we all love, on top of featuring lovable performances from Jason Gedrick and Rhea Perlman. Jason’s character was based on the real life Pierre Anthian, who changed the lives of residents in the shelter through his work. Per Good News Network, the choir went on to tour internationally, inspiring many with their commendable performances both at home and around the world. The Christmas Choir is not available on streaming
The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler (2009)
The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler is an inspiring and suspenseful World War II drama portraying the story of real-life hero Irena Sendler, portrayed by Anna Paquin. The Hallmark movie depicts her efforts to accomplish an incredibly dangerous yet successful mission to smuggle Jewish children out of the ghetto and into the homes of Catholic families. It’s a stark contrast to what you’d typically expect from a Hallmark film, one that foregoes sappiness in favor of heart-wrenching drama set against one of the most tumultuous periods in world history.
A Brave World War II Story
Anna Paquin’s riveting performance gives audiences a look at the life of a heroic, compassionate, and courageous wartime hero. Though it may not measure up to the likes of Schindler’s List in terms of scope and presentation — as unfair a comparison as it is — it’s hard to deny that the more intimate scope of The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler is just as engaging. The real-life Irena Sendler was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for her humanitarian efforts depicted in the film. She passed away the following year at age 98. Rent The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler on Apple TV
A Godwink Christmas: Meant for Love (2019)
A “Godwink” is defined as an event or personal experience that is seen as a divine intervention, or an answer to a prayer. Throughout this eponymous series of Hallmark films, characters experience different scenarios that seem to be more than mere coincidences. A Godwink Christmas: Meant for Love tells the true story of Alice and Jack, hopeful romantics disappointed by prior relationships. The Hallmark adaptation stars Kathie Lee Gifford, Cindy Busby, and Ben Hollingsworth.
After a chance meeting, Alice (Cindy Busby) and Jack (Ben Hollingsworth) hit it off and discover they are both scheduled to attend the same wedding the next day. After Alice’s ride is cancelled, Jack suggests they travel to the wedding together. The pair has quite the adventure after navigating a flat tire, confiding in each other, and making snow angels. In true Hallmark fashion, Alice is completely enamored — yet hesitant to tell Jack she has multiple sclerosis. After a series of remarkable Godwinks, the real-life couple decided to marry.
The Second of Many Godwink Tales
A Godwink Christmas: Meant for Love is what you’d expect from a typical Hallmark Christmas movie, albeit with a fun basis in reality. Beyond just featuring some engaging performances from its lead cast, particularly between Busby and Hollingsworth, the couple’s real-life story is just as engaging as the one depicted on-screen. The injection of a Christmas theme into the story gives it that extra bit of sappiness that makes Hallmark movies such a nice holiday treat. Stream A Godwink Christmas: Meant for Love on Peacock Premium
The 10 Best Hallmark Movies, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes
While opinions about the network vary, with some viewers finding the stories sappy and cheesy, others see them as uplifting tales.
A Godwink Christmas: Miracle of Love (2021)
Based on the original book by Squire Rushnell, A Godwink Christmas: Miracle of Love centers around Joy and Eric Fellman’s true story. This film is the fourth in the Godwink series. The movie introduces viewers to Eric (Alberto Frezza), who becomes hospitalized after a tragic accident at work several months before his wedding. Eric survives multiple brushes with death after a series of miracles, medical and otherwise. In true Hallmark fashion, love perseveres over tragedy.
The Godwink Stories Continue
Yet another entry in the Godwink series of Hallmark films, A Godwink Christmas: Miracle of Love treads familiar ground but does so with yet another surprising real-life story. Eric’s medical maladies and their subsequent treatment are a sight to behold, and given the on-screen chemistry between Alberto Frezza and Katherine Barrell, you’ll be rooting for the two throughout their entire journey. Stream A Godwink Christmas: Miracle of Love on Hoopla
To see our picks for the best Hallmark movies of all time, be sure to check out our video below:
