How Cozy Christmas Movies Became So Popular

Published: September 25, 2024

How Cozy Christmas Movies Became So Popular

By Movieguide® Contributor

While people know and love them today, the cheesy, cozy holiday movie hasn’t been around for all that long.

If somebody says they are watching a “Hallmark Christmas movie,” the formula for the story is pretty predictable: two people meet, find a romantic spark despite seeming incompatible, realize they are alike in important ways and then fall in love, normally under an expedited timeline.

Though this storyline has been recreated and iterated on for years, it only really came about in the early- to mid-2000s. After finding success in the handful of Christmas movies it was releasing every year, Hallmark launched Countdown to Christmas in 2009 which was the first proper celebration of these types of movies.

Finding massive success, Countdown to Christmas has remained a holiday staple ever since and inspired other networks to take a similar approach. Great American Family is perhaps the best example, whose Great American Christmas extravaganza runs from October through February. In fact, Great American Christmas has usurped Hallmark as the holiday movie destination as it releases more movies at a higher quality.

Despite 2024 being only the fourth edition of Great American Christmas, the lineup is incredibly strong with movies starring Mario and Courtney Lopez, Candace Cameron Bure, Danica McKellar, Jill Wagner, Jen Lilley, Trevor Donovan and more.

The Great American Christmas movies have found such great success because they focus on more than just cheesy romance, including elements of faith and family as well.

“Christmas is a time to reflect on what matters most,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO of Great American Media. “As a brand, Great American differentiates its Christmas offering by remembering the nostalgia of the Christmas classics and why we love them.”

“The timelessness of stories that affirm our faith, the love and joy of being present with family and all those we love, and the hope that the season transcends us all into our best selves,” he continued. “These values are the heart of Great American Christmas, Christmas as it’s meant to be.”

Because of their strong faith elements and uplifting stories, multiple Great American Christmas movies have been recognized by Movieguide® during our annual award gala, such as A CHRISTMAS…PRESENT.

Thus, while cheesy holiday movies have become a staple for families across the country, their popularity is just as much because of their cozy story as it is because of the faith-filled, uplifting plots that characterize them.

Movieguide® previously reported on Great American Christmas:

Great American Family actor Jesse Hutch is excited to share what the channel has lined up for Christmas junkies.

“Let’s talk Christmas,” Hutch began in a clip on Instagram Sept. 16. ”…No, it’s not here yet. But it’s on its way. Now, a few announcements on behalf of Great American Family…I had the honor and the privilege to not only produce and act in but act alongside my daughter, Charlize, okay. Now that movie is called A LITTLE WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS. Keep an eye out for that, okay?”

The movie premieres on GAF on Nov. 23.

Hutch said, “The exact day after that, [there’s] a premiere of an all-new Christmas film with Jill Wagner and myself — SLEIGH BELLS AND SUGAR PLUMS. So check that out, okay?”