The Christmas Wish (1998): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1998, The Christmas Wish is a drama, family, romance and tv movie film directed by Ian Barry, running about 78 minutes.

What it’s about. Returning to his home town after the death of the grandfather who raised him, slick and cynical Wall Street trader Will Martin feels decidedly out of place, and not at all in tune with the Christmas preparations being made by the local citizenry. But Will isn't really taking a sentimental journey at all: He's merely in town to modernize and streamline his family's real-estate company. While going through his grandfather's effects, Will and his grandmother come across the old man's diary--which reveals a lengthy relationship with a woman named Lillian.

Who’s in it. The Christmas Wish stars Neil Patrick Harris as Will Martin, Debbie Reynolds as Ruth, Naomi Watts as Renee and Alexandra Wilson as Julia, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.2/10, The Christmas Wish has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Christmas Wish page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Christmas Wish tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.