Hallmark pumps out an obscene amount of movies each year—each month even—but from what I’ve gathered from friends and family, the general consensus is that all Hallmark movies suck. In my opinion, that is not true. Yes, Hallmark is overwhelmingly predictable and cheesy, but what’s the big deal if you know the guy and girl will get together in the end? The romance is not the main plot line. If you’re willing to give Hallmark a chance (or you already love the cheesiness), there’s still time to catch a few flicks before the holiday—you can even stretch your Christmas spirit to New Year’s. If people can listen to Christmas music in November, what’s another few days of Christmas movies after the 25th? For a little variety and change in your holiday movie line-up, here are a few underrated gems:

9. Mr. Miracle

For once, the main character is not in search of romance. Instead, Harry Mills, a guardian angel, is actually assigned to guide his charge Addie toward her purpose. The movie alternates between focusing on Harry’s adjustment to human life—his lack of social skills could trigger empathetic embarrassment in just about anyone—and Addie’s journey to overcome her self-defeat and to accept the love of her childhood nemesis, Erich. Through characters the audience can laugh with and cheer for, Hallmark shows that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, and people are capable of change.

8. The Three Gifts

This movie does not feature romance—familial love triumphs. "The Three Gifts" stars three orphan boys, also known as the “holy terrors,” who are temporarily fostered by a kind couple. When they overhear the couple talk about adopting, they compete for the couple’s favor. The movie delves into the various struggles of orphans and shows how deeply the lack or loss of a family can affect children. First impressions are also liable to change, as the boys’ nickname loses its meaning.

7. The Magic Stocking

Unlike many Hallmark movies that involve Christmas magic, this movie’s magic is graciously simplistic. Awkward CGI backgrounds and disguised elves were put aside in favor of a generic Christmas stocking. Plus, the characters don’t dwell too much on the stocking’s powers. Sure, they mention its magic, but they don’t sit there shaking the stocking until they get what they want. The story focuses on a mother’s moving on after her husband’s death and on a man intent on fulfilling a promise to his grandfather. The movie also shows a daughter’s struggle with honesty and letting go of what’s not hers. Each character has his or her own problems and, though love plays a role, and they ultimately have to overcome their conflicts through self-awareness.

6. The Christmas Secret

Though this movie uses the common down-on-her-luck mom as the main character, the rest of the movie’s plot is as tangled as the family tree in "Once Upon a Time." The connections between each character may seem ridiculous, but they actually come together in a way that will pull on your heartstrings. "The Christmas Secret" shows its viewers the spirit of the holidays through the power of generosity and family.

5. Best Christmas Party Ever

This movie made the list because, though it is somewhat predictable, it is not predictable in the typical ways. Confusing, right? To clarify, Hallmark uses this movie to flip their typical tropes on their heads. First, Jennie Stanton, a successful businesswoman, is neither a self-centered girl nor has to suddenly see the error of her ways—actually, she’s already a decent person. She just has to learn to step aside for and compromise with her boss’ nephew, who arrives to take the job she expected to be promoted to. Second, Kim, the other girl in the movie’s love triangle, is not some snooty girl intent on keeping her man—she, too, is a decent person. "Best Christmas Party Ever" is predictable only because the audience knows the party is going to be great.

4. Murder, She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery

To add something completely off-base from the typical, cutesy Christmas stories, watch Alison Sweeney’s character, Hannah Swensen, solve a murder during the holiday season—a hobby she apparently does on her days away from her bakery (the amount of bakers and toy store owners Hallmark Christmas movies feature is not very subtle). Admittedly, I have not yet seen the entire movie, but even after starting the film halfway through, completely clueless of the context, the middle and end gave me a good enough idea of what had happened, and I was hooked. I plan to catch what I missed the next time it airs.

3. Dashing Through the Snow

Even though I originally had no idea what this movie was about based on the promo, Meghan Ory (aka Ruby from "Once Upon a Time") and Andrew W. Walker (an insanely attractive male lead who frequents more than one Hallmark movie) were enough to convince me to watch the premiere. I certainly didn’t regret it—Ory’s character is probably the most realistic Hallmark character yet. She knits, knows multiple languages (including sign language), and loves dogs. She’s also wary of getting into a car with a stranger and takes several steps to ensure her safety. But to be serious—who wouldn’t love a movie that features a puppy named Little Blade? Look at dat face.

2. Christmas with Holly

Unlike most Hallmark movies, the romance is not as emphasized in this film. Rather, "Christmas with Holly" focuses on the relationship between Holly, a 6-year-old who becomes a selective mute after her mother’s death, and Mark, the uncle who is left to care for her. Hilarity ensues as Mark goes to live with his two brothers, and the three of them compete for Holly’s favor. Though the poster features Maggie, Mark’s love interest, staring into Mark’s eyes, her main role is less to be Mark’s arm candy and more to help be the female influence that guides Holly to acceptance.

And finally:

1. A Princess for Christmas

Before Sam Heughan donned a kilt and let his Scottish red mane blow in the "Outlander" breeze, he played poised and clean-cut Ashton, Prince of Canterbury, alongside "Merlin’s" Katie McGrath, who believably dropped her Irish accent in favor of an American one. While this movie features the typical nice-girl-makes-friends-with-the-help-and-amazes-the-prince storyline, "A Princess for Christmas" also touches on the story of orphaned children who adjust to a new family dynamic—being raised by an unprepared aunt and getting to know their estranged grandfather. Hallmark provides viewers with the perfect mix of predictable romance and meaningful relationships.

Now pop on Netflix, Hulu, or your movie source of choice, and let the Christmas movie marathon begin! Don’t think this list is the end of your options—I encourage you to do your own snooping and find some more movies to keep your Christmas spirit alive. Happy Holidays!