Thanksgiving dinner is an occasion that everyone eagerly anticipates, embodying traditions that include essential fixings such as a succulent turkey, savory dressing, and creamy macaroni and cheese. To create the perfect atmosphere, it is equally important to gather friends, family, and fun. This festive spirit can manifest in numerous ways, from engaging in card games at the dining table to joyfully decorating for Christmas by stringing lights and hanging ornaments on the tree ahead of the upcoming holiday. While football often steals the show for many on turkey day, we’ve compiled an array of delightful entertainment options for everyone, ensuring enjoyment for children at the kids’ table and adults seeking a break from the exhaustive preparations of Thanksgiving and the hustle of Black Friday shopping.
Though Thanksgiving films might not receive the same level of fanfare as spine-chilling Halloween thrillers or heartwarming Christmas classics, a wealth of cinematic options exists that beautifully capture the essence of family gatherings during this cherished holiday. Our curated list spans a variety of genres, encompassing charming romantic comedies, hilarious road-trip adventures, chilling horror stories, enchanting fantasies, and gripping family dramas. So before you head to the theaters to catch the latest blockbusters like Wicked, Gladiator II, or Moana 2 with your loved ones, take a look at these 36 movies that promise to bring warmth and laughter into your home this Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday weekend.
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‘Addams Family Values’
Although not your typical Thanksgiving movie, the 1993 dark comedy features a memorable scene where Wednesday Addams, portrayed by Christina Ricci, is cast as Pocahontas in the camp’s Thanksgiving play at Camp Chippewa. Her delightfully sinister revenge plots against her fellow campers portraying pilgrims makes for an amusingly twisted viewing experience, making it a unique pick for the holiday.
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‘Black Friday’
In the 2021 horror-comedy, a group of toy store employees, including the likes of Devon Sawa and Bruce Campbell, find themselves facing a night of unspeakable chaos when they clock in for work on Thanksgiving. In a bizarre twist, they must fend off hordes of Black Friday shoppers who become infected by a parasitic organism, blending frights with dark humor in a unique holiday tale.
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‘The Blind Side’
At the heart of the beloved 2009 biographical sports drama lies the touching narrative of Sandra Bullock’s character, Leigh Anne Tuohy, as she takes in 17-year-old foster child “Big Mike” Oher just before Thanksgiving. The film reveals the transformative journey of their relationship on the holiday itself, even though it faced controversy with Oher expressing dissatisfaction with its portrayal of his life, leading to legal disputes with the Tuohy family.
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‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’
Adapted from Charles M. Schulz’s beloved Peanuts comic strip, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving narrates the heartwarming story of Charlie Brown as he attempts to create new traditions with his friends, including Peppermint Patty, Marcie, Franklin, and, of course, the ever-hungry Snoopy. This animated special premiered on November 20, 1973 and remains a cherished classic, reflecting the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
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‘Dutch’
Starring Ed O’Neill, this 1991 comedy follows the misadventures of Dutch Dooley, an ordinary man who gets roped into a chaotic road trip. He must endure a host of mishaps while navigating his way to Chicago with his girlfriend’s overly pretentious son, Doyle, whom he’s been tasked to pick up from his exclusive private school and bring home for Thanksgiving, creating a comedic contrast between their personalities.
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‘Four Brothers’
When a beloved older woman is shot while shopping for her Thanksgiving dinner, her four foster sons—portrayed by actors Mark Wahlberg, Tyrese Gibson, André Benjamin, and Garrett Hedlund—resolve to take justice into their own hands. This tale of revenge and brotherly love unfolds against the backdrop of family unity and resilience amidst tragedy.
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‘Free Birds’
In this light-hearted 2013 animated comedy, two turkeys, cleverly voiced by Woody Harrelson and Owen Wilson, embark on a time-travel adventure to the first Thanksgiving. Their mission? To alter history by preventing humans from domesticating and subsequently eating their species, making for a humorous and engaging storyline perfect for family audiences.
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‘Friendsgiving’
Tapping into the trend of chosen families celebrating Thanksgiving together, Friendsgiving delivers both laughter and lessons as it chronicles two friends whose aspirations for a relaxed holiday dinner spiral into chaos with the arrival of unexpected guests. This delightful 2020 film features a talented cast including Kat Dennings, Aisha Tyler, and Wanda Sykes, reminding viewers of the joyous unpredictability of friendship during the holiday season.
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‘Funny People’
While not centered around the holiday itself, the Thanksgiving scene in Judd Apatow’s 2009 dark comedy, featuring Adam Sandler as a retired comedian, adds a touch of warmth to this film. As he seeks to mend the frayed relationships in his life following a terminal diagnosis, the film delves into weighty themes, enhanced by a star-studded ensemble that includes Seth Rogen and Leslie Mann, conjuring both laughter and tears.
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‘Garfield’s Thanksgiving’
Featuring the iconic food-obsessed orange cat, this 1989 animated special showcases Garfield’s reluctance as he is forced onto a diet just one day prior to Thanksgiving. His antics lead to humorous situations that resonate with viewers, making this short special a delightful addition to any holiday viewing list, living up to its status as a fan favorite.
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‘Hollidaysburg’
Starring Rachel Keller, this 2014 coming-of-age comedy-drama captures the essence of friendship during a nostalgic Thanksgiving reunion. A group of high school friends come back together in their small town of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, reflecting on life after their first semester away at college, stirring up a mix of emotions and cherished memories.
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‘Home for the Holidays’
In this 1995 film, Holly Hunter portrays a single mother who returns to her childhood home to spend Thanksgiving dinner with her eccentric family after her daughter decides to spend the holiday with her boyfriend. The film captures humorous and poignant moments with a cast that includes Robert Downey Jr. and Claire Danes, highlighting the complexities of family dynamics during the holiday season.
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‘The House of Yes’
Parker Posey stars in this 1997 dark comedy centered around a woman obsessively fixated on Jackie Kennedy. Recently discharged from a psychiatric facility, she schemes to sabotage her twin brother’s engagement during the Thanksgiving holiday, blending black humor with familial tension that unfolds dramatically along with its unique storyline.
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‘The Humans’
Within this 2021 American psychological drama, three generations of the Blake family come together for Thanksgiving dinner in a rundown New York City apartment, leading to unsettling revelations and emotional turmoil. With a cast featuring Richard Jenkins and Amy Schumer, the film tactfully addresses complex family issues that arise during the festive season, reshaping the holiday narrative.
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‘The Ice Storm’
Taking place during Thanksgiving 1973, this poignant film unfolds the story of two affluent Connecticut families who indulge in alcohol and sexual escapades to escape the transitional social landscape of the early ’70s. The ensemble cast features notable faces like Tobey Maguire and Sigourney Weaver, intertwining their lives to paint a vivid picture of familial discord and yearning.
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‘Instant Family’
2018’s Instant Family revolves around a couple, played by Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne, as they unexpectedly become parents to three siblings when their plans to adopt just one child take a surprising twist. The heartwarming Thanksgiving dinner scene encapsulates the themes of family and acceptance, embodying the transformative journey of parenthood.
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‘Jim Henson’s Turkey Hollow’
Featuring the Emmerson family during their holiday visit to Aunt Cly’s home in the small, idyllic town of Turkey Hollow, this 2015 Lifetime Original Movie sees them engaging in a quest to uncover a local legend while also navigating the absence of modern internet distractions. Their adventure epitomizes the spirit of family bonding and holiday excitement.
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‘Krisha’
Chronicling the emotional journey of a 60-something recovering addict, the 2015 psychological drama Krisha portrays her attempt to reconcile with her estranged family during Thanksgiving Day. The film unflinchingly addresses the complexities of family relationships and the struggles to heal from past wounds.
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‘Kristy’
In this 2014 horror thriller, a college student is left alone on campus during Thanksgiving break and becomes the target of a terrifying cult. Starring Haley Bennett and Ashley Greene, the film captures the dreadful isolation intensified by the holiday spirit’s absence, transforming the festive time into a chilling experience.
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‘Miracle on 34th Street’
George Seaton’s timeless classic, Miracle on 34th Street, emerges as a perennial Thanksgiving favorite, beginning on the morning of the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It tells the whimsical story of an elderly man, hired as Santa Claus at a New York City department store, who asserts that he is the genuine article, evoking holiday cheer and faith.
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‘Pieces of April’
Starring Katie Holmes, this 2003 comedy-drama follows April Byrnes attempting to create what is anticipated to be her family’s last Thanksgiving dinner together after their mother’s breast cancer diagnosis. The film illustrates the challenges of family connections as they navigate past grievances and the bittersweet circles of life during the holiday.
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‘Planes, Trains, and Automobiles’
Following the misadventures of two mismatched travelers, played by Steve Martin and John Candy, this classic road trip comedy depicts their awkward three-day journey to reach their home for Thanksgiving dinner. Hilarity ensues when their plans go awry, embodying the unpredictable nature of travels during the holiday season.
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‘Prisoners’
This 2013 thriller centers around the chilling abduction of two young girls following a family’s Thanksgiving dinner in a suburb of Conyers, Pennsylvania. Starring heavyweights like Jake Gyllenhaal and Hugh Jackman, the film will have you on the edge of your seat, bringing a taut narrative underscoring the depths of parental despair.
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‘Rocky’
While not a Thanksgiving movie at its core, the classic 1976 sports drama Rocky holds significance on the holiday, with Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone, famously stating, “To you it’s Thanksgiving, to me it’s Thursday.” This memorable line adds a memorable twist as it sets the stage for an underdog story filled with heart and grit.
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‘Scent of a Woman’
In the critically acclaimed 1992 film, Scent of a Woman, Chris O’Donnell takes on the role of a prep school student hired to assist a blind, depressed retired Army lieutenant colonel, portrayed by Al Pacino, during the Thanksgiving holiday. Their evolving dynamic leads to profound life lessons captured with pulsating emotion and depth.
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‘She’s Gotta Have It’
This iconic 1986 film from Spike Lee features a pivotal scene where Nola Darling invites three of her male suitors to Thanksgiving dinner at her Brooklyn apartment. The dynamic interplay between love and autonomy offers a unique lens into relationships, solidifying this film’s cultural significance.
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‘Son in Law’
In this cult classic from 1993, a valedictorian from a small South Dakota farm town takes a risk by bringing her free-spirited college roommate, played by Pauly Shore, to Thanksgiving dinner with her conservative family. The film artfully weaves comedy with culture clash, capturing the essence of self-discovery against the backdrop of holiday traditions.
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‘Soul Food’
Highlighting the significance of large family gatherings, Soul Food (1997) encapsulates how the Joseph family gathers around the dinner table, where joyous meals simultaneously reveal deep-seated family dramas. The rich culture and layers of interpersonal dynamics provide a heartfelt narrative, enhancing the timeless essence of Thanksgiving.
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‘Sweet November’
Keanu Reeves and Charlize Theron star in this 2001 romantic comedy about an unlikely couple who embark on a month-long trial relationship, which unfolds amidst the complexities of love, passion, and personal change. Their story encapsulates the essence of timing and fate over the backdrop of a memorable November Thanksgiving.
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‘Thanksgiving’
Eli Roth’s 2023 slasher film, titled Thanksgiving, showcases a small town in Massachusetts grappling with terror as a masked killer wreaks havoc during the holiday. This modern horror twist brings a chilling perspective to the notion of Thanksgiving, blending festive cheer with spine-tingling suspense.
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‘A Waltons Thanksgiving’
Actor Richard Thomas reprised his role as John-Boy Walton in this film that captures the Walton family’s preparations for Thanksgiving and their beloved annual Harvest Festival Fair. The nostalgia of family traditions and the warmth of togetherness resonate deeply throughout the film, celebrating the essence of gratitude and family values.
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‘The Weather Man’
In The Weather Man, directed by Gore Verbinski, Nicholas Cage plays a meteorologist experiencing a mid-life crisis. Amidst his personal challenges, he attempts to reconnect with his estranged family during the Thanksgiving holiday, offering a thoughtful exploration of familial ties set against the colorful backdrop of life changes.
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‘What’s Cooking?’
This 2000 comedy-drama explores the diverse culinary traditions of four ethnically distinct families—Vietnamese, Latino, Jewish, and African American—who come together to share a Thanksgiving meal. Each family’s unique take on traditional dishes highlights the rich tapestry of cultures and the universal themes of love and acceptance during the holiday.
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‘You’ve Got Mail’
Starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, the nostalgic 1998 romantic comedy includes a heartwarming Thanksgiving scene that stands out, exemplifying the magic of unexpected connections made through messages of the heart. Their evolving relationship weaves through the charming backdrop of holiday sentiments, creating a delightful viewing experience.
How do different Thanksgiving films uniquely portray the importance of tradition?
E film highlights the importance of family, tradition, and community, emphasizing the bonds that are essential during the holiday season. With a backdrop of the 1930s Appalachians, it showcases heartfelt moments of gratitude and togetherness, making it a cherished addition to any Thanksgiving viewing list.
### Summary of Thanksgiving Movies:
This collection of films invokes the spirit of Thanksgiving through various lenses—ranging from horror thrillers to heartwarming classics. Here’s a brief overview of each:
1. **‘The Last Thanksgiving’** – A chilling horror thriller depicting a college student’s isolation during Thanksgiving break and the haunting presence of a cult.
2. **‘Miracle on 34th Street’** – A whimsical tale about a man claiming to be the real Santa Claus, centering around the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
3. **‘Pieces of April’** – A touching exploration of family dynamics as a woman attempts to host a final Thanksgiving dinner amidst difficult circumstances.
4. **‘Planes, Trains, and Automobiles’** – A comedic misadventure of two travelers trying to make it home for Thanksgiving.
5. **‘Prisoners’** - A gripping thriller focused on the abduction of two girls after a Thanksgiving dinner, emphasizing the despair faced by their families.
6. **‘Rocky’** – Not a typical holiday film, yet it captures the essence of perseverance, alluding to Thanksgiving with Rocky’s famous line.
7. **‘Scent of a Woman’** - A profound drama about a developing friendship between a blind colonel and a young assistant over Thanksgiving.
8. **‘She’s Gotta Have It’** – A significant Spike Lee film that includes a thought-provoking Thanksgiving dinner scene.
9. **‘Son in Law’** – A comedy about cultural clashes during Thanksgiving dinner with a free-spirited college student.
10. **‘Soul Food’** – Celebrating family gatherings that reveal deep interpersonal dynamics, showcasing the importance of food and family during Thanksgiving.
11. **‘Sweet November’** – A romantic comedy focusing on a temporary relationship that blossoms during the backdrop of Thanksgiving.
12. **‘Thanksgiving’** – A modern slasher film that puts a horror twist on the holiday, featuring a masked killer.
13. **‘A Waltons Thanksgiving’** – A nostalgic family film that captures the essence of togetherness and tradition during Thanksgiving preparations.
These films together offer a diverse range of themes and emotions that resonate with the complexities of family, love, and the holiday spirit, making them perfect choices for Thanksgiving viewing.
