The Best Hallmark Movies About Health And Healing, Ranked By Reviews

When we think of Hallmark movies, the first words that come to mind are heartwarming and cozy. So, it's naturally hard to imagine the network stirring those positive feelings while covering a topic as serious as health. However, Hallmark has been proving that the opposite can be true for decades. Hallmark's arsenal includes numerous highly-rated movies that cover several aspects of health, from mental and physical health to disabilities to dealing with the stress of being a caregiver. Many of these titles have been praised for realistically portraying complex health issues while retaining Hallmark's signature warmth. In fact, some of these features strike this delicate balance while being holiday movies.

Now, the benefits of these movies might go beyond making you feel good. Generally speaking, media about health can serve several important purposes. Movies can help people better understand health issues, spark meaningful discussions, overcome stigmas, and ultimately increase empathy. Sometimes, it can be validating for people with health issues to see their conditions represented on screen and help them find a sense of community. 

While there may be plenty of benefits to watching these films, it can still be difficult to know where to start, given the sheer volume of movies. To help you navigate the network's extensive catalog, we have narrowed down 10 Hallmark movies about health and healing based on IMDb reviews. These movies have been ranked based on the number of positive reviews, overall ratings, and relevance to health and healing. In other words, a film needs more than a good rating to rank higher on the list. 

"The Color of Rain" borrows from the story of Michael Spehn and Gina Kell Spehn, a real-life couple who bonded over the grief of having their respective spouses die of cancer. In the movie, the couple endures pushback from their families and community when their relationship turns romantic.

The movie sits at a score of 7.1 on IMDb. Many reviewers appreciate the movie's bittersweet and heartwarming undertones, which make it seem more like a romance drama than a typical Hallmark romcom. Unsurprisingly, Lacey Chabert's performance has earned a lot of praise. Many fans have written that they happily rewatch the flick every time it's on.

"My Name Is Bill W." is a Hallmark "Hall of Fame" story based on the lives of Bill Wilson and Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith. The movie chronicles how Wilson and Dr. Smith's individual struggles with alcoholism led them to meet and eventually create Alcoholics Anonymous, a program that is often recommended alongside the most effective medications to treat alcoholism to help provide a sense of community. 

The movie has a score of 7.3 on IMDb. Reviewers highlight how the film realistically depicts AA and alcoholism. However, the majority of praise centers around James Woods' performance as Wilson. In 1989, Woods notably took home the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.

"Pictures of Hollis Woods" is the story of an orphan named Hollis Woods, who eventually finds a foster home with a retired teacher named Josie Cahill. The movie takes a more emotional turn when Cahill starts showing warning signs of Alzheimer's disease that you should never ignore, like constant forgetfulness.

The Hallmark "Hall of Fame" feature has a rating of 7.4 on IMDb. Reviewers loved the movie for being simple yet heartwarming. There was a lot of love for Sissy Spacek, Jodelle Ferland, and Alfre Woodard's performances. While one reviewer wrote that they were pleasantly surprised by how engaging the movie was, another advised people to keep a tissue box nearby. 

"A Smile as Big as the Moon" is a Hallmark "Hall of Fame" movie that tells the real-life story of Mike Kersjes, a high school special-education teacher, who went the extra mile to help his students go to space camp.

IMDb reviewers have given the film an average rating of 7.7. Overall, reviewers agree that the movie's inspirational themes make it a great watch for the whole family. Some appreciate the movie for being simple and not overly dramatic. There is also a lot of praise for the cast, which includes actors with real-life disabilities.

"The Boys Next Door" is a Hallmark "Hall of Fame" film following the life of Jack Palmer, a social worker caring for four men with mental disabilities. However, when Palmer realizes his duties are affecting his personal life, he has some tough calls to make.

On IMDb, the movie has a rating of 7.2. Many reviewers wrote that the film features realistic depictions of disabilities. Several people consider the acting performances to be the film's standout aspect, with many shouting out Courtney B. Vance. "The Boys Next Door" received critical acclaim for its casting, too, earning Emmy noms for the casting directors and Mare Winningham.

"Love is Never Silent" is a Hallmark "Hall of Fame" movie centered around Margaret Ryder, a hearing child of two deaf parents. After serving as a communicator for her parents since her younger years, she eventually begins itching for independence. Caregiver burnout and guilt are explored in the movie. 

Although the movie has a rating of 8.1 on IMDb, it is still an underrated gem since it only has a couple hundred ratings. However, the reviewers praise the film for being incredibly moving. The movie hit particularly close to home for people with hearing impairments or those who have loved ones with hearing impairments. As a bonus, the film features the iconic Sid Caesar.

"Once Upon a Christmas Miracle" is a heartfelt story based on the real-life romance of Heather Krueger and Chris Dempsey. In the Hallmark flick, Krueger needs a life-saving liver transplant. Despite being a complete stranger, Dempsey still offers to donate half of his liver to her. As the pair get to know each other, they realize their bond might go beyond friendship.

The heartwarming tear-jerker has a 7.3 rating on IMDb. Many viewers have praised it for featuring a love story that doesn't adhere to Hallmark's tropes. One reviewer particularly appreciated the film's focus on Krueger's health issues. Hallmark fans also felt that Aimee Teegarden gives a standout performance.

"Guiding Emily" is a movie about a woman named Emily who loses her eyesight out of the blue and has to deal with this new reality while experiencing major changes in her personal life. Viewers have appreciated the movie for not painting Emily's struggles using an entirely hopeful lens and actually depicting the harsh realities of her vision loss.

The movie has a rating of 7.8 on IMDb. Reviewers highlight how the story's heavier themes were balanced with the monologue of an adorable and unexpected narrator. The reviews also featured tons of praise for Sarah Drew's performance and her chemistry with Antonio Cupo.

"November Christmas" follows the story of a neighborhood banding together to give a young girl with cancer an early Christmas celebration. While the main plot of the story serves as a reminder of the importance of community, its underlying plots explore grief, healing, hope, and forgiveness.

On IMDb, the Hallmark "Hall of Fame" film scores a 7.6, with many reviewers praising the film for being a heartwarming tear-jerker. For many, Sam Elliott's performance as a curmudgeonly farmer is a highlight. Additionally, some reviewers find it refreshing that Hallmark deviated from its dreamy formula to create a simple and sweet Christmas movie that tugs at the heartstrings. 

"Front of the Class" brings the real-life story of Brad Cohen to the screen. The Hallmark "Hall of Fame" movie depicts the struggles he faced as a young boy with Tourette's syndrome and how he overcame them to become a well-loved teacher in his adulthood. 

On IMDb, the movie scores an 8.1. The majority of reviewers agree it's an inspirational movie that tugs at the heartstrings. For many, the story served as a reminder of the importance of hope and resilience. A lot of people appreciate James Wolk's performance in the lead role. A few reviewers with Tourette's Syndrome also wrote that the movie resonates with them.