Hallmark’s Top 5 Movies of 2025, No.1 Surprise

Hallmark fans thought they had 2025 all mapped out. Cozy sweaters, snowy small towns, and Christmas romances—everyone figured those would rule the ratings again.

But when the official viewership numbers dropped, there was a twist nobody expected. The Hallmark Channel’s most-watched movie of 2025 wasn’t even a Christmas film, and that sent shockwaves through longtime viewers.

From surprising genre standouts to familiar faces proving their staying power, the top five most-watched Hallmark movies of the year tell a pretty interesting story about where the network might be headed next.

The Big Reveal: Hallmark’s Ratings Surprise of 2025

For years, Hallmark’s been almost inseparable from Christmas. The annual Countdown to Christmas event always pulls in huge ratings and plenty of buzz.

That’s why the biggest surprise from the 2025 rankings feels a bit rebellious for Hallmark.

The network’s most-watched movie of the year was The More the Merrier, a romantic comedy set in a hospital and starring Rachel Boston and Brendan Penny. It’s got warmth and romance, sure, but it’s definitely not a Christmas movie.

That alone made its success a headline. Maybe viewers are craving heartfelt stories that go beyond the holidays.

Why This Shift Matters

Hallmark has leaned on a reliable formula for a long time, and it’s worked. But the runaway success of a non-Christmas romantic comedy suggests audiences are open to fresh settings and different emotional beats—as long as the Hallmark heart is still there.

Love stories still rule, but apparently, they don’t always need twinkling lights and carolers to shine.

The More the Merrier: How a Hospital Rom-Com Won the Year

The More the Merrier ended up as the surprise champion of 2025, beating out even the strongest Countdown to Christmas contenders. Most of the movie unfolds in a hospital, tapping into emotional vulnerability, workplace tension, and a slow-burn romance that just clicked with viewers.

Rachel Boston and Brendan Penny brought a grounded, relatable chemistry that felt refreshingly real. Instead of leaning on wild coincidences, the film focused on genuine connection under pressure—a theme that clearly landed with people.

What Made It So Watchable

So, what worked so well?

• Relatable setting that felt emotionally authentic
• Strong lead performances from two Hallmark favorites
• Romance rooted in empathy instead of gimmicks
• Appeal that lasted beyond the holiday season

This was a movie folks didn’t just watch once—they kept coming back to it all year.

Christmas Still Reigns, Just Not Alone

Even though the top spot went to a non-holiday film, Christmas movies still made a huge impact in 2025. The most-watched Christmas movie of the year was right behind The More the Merrier, showing the holiday juggernaut isn’t going anywhere.

Rachel Boston and Brendan Penny’s film was followed closely by classic festive favorites that performed really well during the Countdown to Christmas lineup.

The Power of Seasonal Comfort

Hallmark’s Christmas movies offer something few other networks can: emotional safety. People know exactly what they’re getting, and during the holidays, that predictability is a comfort.

But the 2025 numbers hint that viewers are starting to look for that same comfort outside the holidays, too.

Lacey Chabert: The Undisputed Hallmark Queen

No Hallmark rankings list is complete without Lacey Chabert. The longtime favorite landed not one, but two movies in the top five most-watched list of 2025.

Her steady presence at the top just confirms what fans already know: when Chabert leads a movie, people tune in.

Why Lacey Chabert Still Dominates

After years of starring in Hallmark hits, Chabert is more than just a star—she’s basically a brand. Her performances bring warmth, sincerity, and a kind of emotional familiarity that keeps audiences coming back.

Her continued success comes down to a few things:

• Strong fan loyalty built over years
• Smart project choices that fit what viewers want
• Authentic emotional delivery that feels real

Honestly, it’s no shock she’s already making headlines for her upcoming 2026 Christmas movie, which is filming in Florida.

What the Top Five List Really Says About Hallmark Viewers

Looking past individual titles and stars, the 2025 rankings say a lot about Hallmark’s audience. Viewers are loyal, but they’re not stuck in their ways. They want emotional stories that grow and change but still feel familiar.

The success of a hospital-set rom-com alongside classic holiday films shows that Hallmark’s signature style can work across genres and seasons.

Audience Expectations Are Expanding

Hallmark fans still want romance, happy endings, and a sense of reassurance. But the context is shifting.

Stories grounded in real-life challenges, workplaces, and everyday moments are starting to break through.

Countdown to Christmas Still Drives Massive Numbers

Even with The More the Merrier making headlines, the Countdown to Christmas lineup is still one of Hallmark’s biggest draws. Several holiday films landed in the top five, showing the event’s staying power.

For advertisers and industry folks, that means Christmas might not always take the crown, but it’s still a ratings powerhouse.

The Event That Defines the Network

Countdown to Christmas isn’t just another set of movies—it’s a tradition. Families build rituals around it, and that kind of habitual viewing keeps the ratings up year after year.

What’s different in 2025? Hallmark showed it can spark that same excitement even outside the holiday season.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Hallmark in 2026

With Lacey Chabert already filming her 2026 Christmas movie and audience tastes clearly shifting, Hallmark looks ready for a big year. Expect more non-holiday romances, workplace stories, and emotionally real dramas popping up throughout the calendar.

But don’t expect them to drop their holiday crown jewel. Countdown to Christmas will almost definitely remain must-watch TV.

A New Era Without Losing the Old One

The big takeaway from 2025? Balance. Hallmark doesn’t have to ditch Christmas to grow. It just needs to bring its winning formula to new places and stories.

If The More the Merrier is any clue, audiences are more than ready for whatever comes next.

The Final Takeaway

The Hallmark Channel’s most-watched movies of 2025 sent a pretty clear message: comfort storytelling isn’t just for Christmas anymore.

Breakout hits, familiar faces, and a devoted audience willing to chase romance wherever it pops up—Hallmark’s heading into a new, honestly kind of unpredictable chapter.

If a hospital rom-com can steal the spotlight from a classic sleigh ride in a snowy town, who knows what’s next?