Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, enjoying delicious food, and reflecting on gratitude. What better way to wrap up the holiday than by watching a cozy movie that captures the spirit of Thanksgiving? Whether you’re in the mood for heartwarming family dramas, hilarious comedies, or feel-good classics, this list of the 10 best Thanksgiving movies will ensure a memorable movie night.
1. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Description: A classic Thanksgiving comedy about the journey home for the holidays.
Overview and Features
Directed by John Hughes, "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" is a beloved comedy that perfectly captures the chaos and frustration of holiday travel. The film follows Neal Page (Steve Martin), an uptight marketing executive, and Del Griffith (John Candy), a well-meaning but annoying shower curtain ring salesman, as they try to make their way home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. Along the way, they encounter endless mishaps, delays, and hilarity, leading to an unlikely friendship.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Planes, Trains and Automobiles" is a quintessential Thanksgiving movie that combines laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt emotion. The dynamic between Steve Martin and John Candy creates comedic gold, but the film also explores themes of kindness, gratitude, and finding connection in unexpected places.
Unique Description: A hilarious road trip comedy about Thanksgiving travel gone wrong.
IMDb Score: 7.6
2. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
Description: A heartwarming Thanksgiving special from the Peanuts gang.
Overview and Features
Directed by Bill Melendez, "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" is a beloved animated TV special that has been a holiday tradition for decades. In this charming short film, Charlie Brown is tasked with hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for his friends, despite having no idea how to prepare a meal. With the help of Linus, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang, Charlie Brown throws an impromptu feast that teaches everyone the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" is a nostalgic classic that reminds us of the importance of togetherness and gratitude. Its simple yet heartfelt message, combined with the iconic Peanuts characters, makes it a perfect watch for the whole family during Thanksgiving.
Unique Description: A classic animated special that celebrates the spirit of Thanksgiving.
IMDb Score: 7.7
3. Home for the Holidays (1995)
Description: A dramedy about a dysfunctional family’s Thanksgiving reunion.
Overview and Features
Directed by Jodie Foster, "Home for the Holidays" follows Claudia Larson (Holly Hunter), who returns home to her family for Thanksgiving after losing her job and facing personal setbacks. Her dysfunctional family includes her overbearing parents, quirky brother (Robert Downey Jr.), and estranged sister, leading to a holiday filled with awkward encounters, old tensions, and unexpected moments of connection.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Home for the Holidays" is a funny, heartfelt film that captures the sometimes chaotic and complicated nature of family gatherings during Thanksgiving. The film’s ensemble cast, led by Holly Hunter and Robert Downey Jr., brings warmth and humor to this relatable family drama.
Unique Description: A dramedy that perfectly captures the chaos of Thanksgiving family gatherings.
IMDb Score: 6.6
4. The Blind Side (2009)
Description: An inspiring true story of family, kindness, and opportunity.
Overview and Features
Directed by John Lee Hancock, "The Blind Side" is based on the true story of Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), a homeless teen who is taken in by the Tuohy family, led by Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock). As Michael becomes part of the family, he discovers his potential as a football player, eventually earning a scholarship and a place in the NFL. The film explores themes of family, generosity, and giving back, making it a great fit for the Thanksgiving season.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
While not explicitly a Thanksgiving movie, "The Blind Side" is filled with themes of family, compassion, and gratitude, aligning perfectly with the holiday spirit. Sandra Bullock’s Oscar-winning performance adds depth to this feel-good story about the power of kindness and opportunity.
Unique Description: An inspiring true story about family and generosity.
IMDb Score: 7.6
5. Pieces of April (2003)
Description: A touching dramedy about a young woman’s attempt to host Thanksgiving for her family.
Overview and Features
Directed by Peter Hedges, "Pieces of April" stars Katie Holmes as April Burns, a rebellious young woman living in a cramped New York City apartment. Determined to host Thanksgiving for her estranged family, April faces one disaster after another as she attempts to cook the meal. Meanwhile, her family embarks on a road trip filled with bickering and skepticism about the success of April’s dinner.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Pieces of April" is a quirky and heartfelt indie film that explores themes of forgiveness, family, and the pressure to create the perfect Thanksgiving. Katie Holmes delivers a standout performance, and the film’s blend of humor and emotional honesty makes it a hidden gem for the holiday season.
Unique Description: A quirky and heartfelt film about Thanksgiving and family reconciliation.
IMDb Score: 7.0
6. Dutch (1991)
Description: A Thanksgiving road trip comedy about a man and his spoiled stepson.
Overview and Features
Directed by Peter Faiman, "Dutch" stars Ed O'Neill as Dutch Dooley, a blue-collar guy who agrees to drive his girlfriend’s spoiled son, Doyle (Ethan Embry), home for Thanksgiving. What begins as a simple road trip quickly turns into a chaotic adventure as Dutch and Doyle clash and encounter a series of mishaps on their way home.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Dutch" is a heartwarming Thanksgiving movie that blends humor with themes of family bonding. The evolving relationship between Dutch and Doyle brings plenty of laughs, but it also delivers a heartfelt message about the importance of family, even when things don’t go as planned.
Unique Description: A Thanksgiving road trip comedy about family bonding.
IMDb Score: 6.5
7. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Description: A timeless classic about belief, miracles, and the spirit of giving.
Overview and Features
Directed by George Seaton, "Miracle on 34th Street" is a holiday classic that kicks off during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The story follows Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn), a kindly old man who claims to be the real Santa Claus. When he’s put on trial for his sanity, a young lawyer and a little girl named Susan (Natalie Wood) defend his identity and help spread the spirit of Christmas.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Miracle on 34th Street" may be known as a Christmas movie, but its opening scenes set during Thanksgiving and its message of faith, kindness, and miracles make it a perfect film for both holidays. This heartwarming story reminds us to believe in the magic of giving, a theme that resonates strongly with the Thanksgiving spirit.
Unique Description: A timeless classic that begins with Thanksgiving and ends in miracles.
IMDb Score: 7.9
8. Scent of a Woman (1992)
Description: A powerful drama about an unlikely friendship that grows over Thanksgiving weekend.
Overview and Features
Directed by Martin Brest, "Scent of a Woman" stars Al Pacino as Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade, a blind and cantankerous retired army officer. Over Thanksgiving weekend, a young student named Charlie (Chris O'Donnell) is hired to look after him. What starts as a job turns into an emotional journey as the two men form an unlikely bond, with Frank teaching Charlie valuable life lessons along the way.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Scent of a Woman" is not a traditional Thanksgiving movie, but the themes of personal growth, mentorship, and finding connection during the holiday make it a fitting watch. Al Pacino’s Academy Award-winning performance as the complex and charismatic Frank Slade elevates the film, making it a must-see.
Unique Description: A powerful drama about friendship and personal growth over Thanksgiving.
IMDb Score: 8.0
9. The Oath (2018)
Description: A dark comedy about political tensions at Thanksgiving dinner.
Overview and Features
Directed by Ike Barinholtz, "The Oath" is a satirical dark comedy that takes place during Thanksgiving. The film follows Chris (Ike Barinholtz) and his wife Kai (Tiffany Haddish) as they prepare to host Thanksgiving dinner amid a politically charged environment. With the government requiring citizens to sign a loyalty oath, tensions rise at the family gathering, leading to chaos and hilarity.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"The Oath" offers a hilarious and sharp commentary on the clash between family dynamics and political differences, something many people can relate to during holiday gatherings. With its biting humor and timely themes, this film provides a fresh and unique take on the traditional Thanksgiving movie.
Unique Description: A dark comedy about family and political chaos at Thanksgiving.
IMDb Score: 5.5
10. Grumpy Old Men (1993)
Description: A lighthearted comedy about two feuding neighbors finding friendship during the holidays.
Overview and Features
Directed by Donald Petrie, "Grumpy Old Men" stars Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau as John and Max, two lifelong neighbors who are constantly at odds. As they bicker and prank each other, their feud intensifies when a new woman, Ariel (Ann-Margret), moves into the neighborhood. Over the course of the holidays, including Thanksgiving, the two men learn to put aside their differences and develop an unexpected friendship.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Grumpy Old Men" is a charming comedy that perfectly captures the humor and heart of friendship, even in later life. The film’s holiday setting and themes of reconciliation and companionship make it a delightful watch for Thanksgiving.
Unique Description: A heartwarming comedy about unlikely friendship during the holidays.
IMDb Score: 7.0
FAQs
1. What are some of the best Thanksgiving movies?
Some of the best Thanksgiving movies include Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Home for the Holidays, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and Pieces of April.
2. What movie is best for a Thanksgiving family movie night?
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is a perfect choice for a family-friendly Thanksgiving movie night, offering wholesome fun for all ages.
3. Which Thanksgiving movie features a road trip?
Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a classic Thanksgiving road trip comedy about two men trying to make it home for the holiday.
4. Are there any Thanksgiving movies with a political twist?
Yes, The Oath (2018) is a dark comedy that explores political tensions during a Thanksgiving family dinner.
5. Which classic movie begins with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Miracle on 34th Street (1947) begins with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and transitions into a heartwarming holiday story.
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to relax and enjoy a movie with loved ones, and these 10 best Thanksgiving movies capture the essence of the holiday in different ways. Whether you’re looking for heartwarming family dramas, laugh-out-loud comedies, or films that explore the complexities of family relationships, these movies are sure to make your Thanksgiving celebration even more special.
