Hallmark Christmas movies 2026 ranked: why Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story tops the list

Hallmark’s Christmas season is back with small-town romance, festive traditions and stories about finding love when it is least expected. But with dozens of new films arriving this year, not every holiday romance has made the same impression. A new ranking from TV Insider has placed one football-themed Christmas movie at the top, while two other releases have received a more mixed response. The ranking, published on October 19, comes as Hallmark Channel’s annual Countdown to Christmas returns for its 17th year. The network has announced a record 34 original Christmas movies for 2026, giving viewers plenty of festive stories to choose from.

1. Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story Takes The Top Spot

According to TV Insider, Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story is the strongest of the three films ranked so far. Starring Lyndsy Fonseca and Robert Buckley, the movie brings together football, family and a slow-building romance. The story follows Avery and Matt, whose connection develops around their shared love of the Chicago Bears. The film also features Marsha Mason as Matt’s grandmother, who is preparing to attend her 500th Bears game, and Khary Payton as Avery’s supportive stepfather.

The movie is part of Hallmark’s continuing partnership with the NFL. The collaboration gives the network a way to bring professional football into its familiar holiday setting without making the story only about the sport.

2. ‘Tis The Season For Setups Comes Second

The second film in the ranking is ’Tis the Season for Setups, starring Amanda Schull and Victor Webster. The story centres on Lexie, a party planner, and Ridge, a ski instructor. They join forces to help set up their respective parents, June and Dan, believing they could make a good couple. However, the plan becomes more complicated when they discover that their parents are already together. As Lexie and Ridge spend more time together, their matchmaking effort turns into a romance of their own.

3. Mr. & Mrs. Christmas Ranks Third

Starring Brendan Penny and Pascale Hutton, Mr. & Mrs. Christmas takes third place in the ranking. The film follows Taylor Lewis, a single father and holiday display expert who moves with his children to Pineway shortly before Christmas. He joins forces with Sophie Shaw, a practical accountant, to help revive the town’s Christmas market. Their partnership brings festive events, family challenges and an unexpected romantic connection. Taylor also learns that keeping holiday traditions alive means allowing his children to grow and change.

Hallmark’s 2026 Christmas Season Has More To Offer

The three films are only part of Hallmark’s record-breaking holiday schedule. Other upcoming releases include Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, starring Lacey Chabert and Travis Van Winkle, and A Grand Biltmore Christmas, featuring Holland Roden, Niall Matter and Andie MacDowell. According to Forbes, the 2026 line-up puts a greater focus on high-profile partnerships, including collaborations connected to Disney World and the Chicago Bears. Hallmark’s annual Christmas event began on October 16 and includes new films across Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

The network says the movies will feature stories about romance, family and community. With more films still to come, the current ranking may change as the season continues. For now, Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story leads the list, while the other two films offer viewers more familiar festive romances to add to their holiday watchlist.