Entertainment
20 Thanksgiving Movies To Watch On Turkey Day
Thanksgiving movies don't get quite the same love and attention that Christmas movies do. I guess it makes sense; they don't have quite the same shine that all the tinsel and ornaments give Christmas movies. But that doesn't mean these festive films aren't worth watching. In fact, Thanksgiving is really the perfect movie holiday. After a big meal and whole lot of conversation with relatives, there's really no better way to relax than with a movie marathon. These Thanksgiving movies are arguably the best ones to watch on Turkey Day.
There are quite a few ways a movie can qualify as a Thanksgiving movie. Of course, if it's set during Thanksgiving, that automatically grants it a spot on a list. But I also consider a movie a Thanksgiving movie if it's filled with Turkey Day staples like family time, festive meals, and bright fall colors. A good Thanksgiving movie is also one that radiates cozy vibes; watching it should feel like putting on a warm sweater and snuggling up. The movies here definitely fit the bill. From classic black-and-white flicks to feel-good rom-coms, there's something for every member of the family on this list. Hot tip: These films are best viewed with an extra serving of pie.
1. 'Planes, Trains, And Automobiles'
The Steve Martin/John Candy classic is a quintessential Thanksgiving movie all about the trials of making it home for the holidays. If you've ever had to travel to see the fam, you'll understand the struggle.
2. 'Home For The Holidays'
A lot of people can relate to this story of returning to your childhood home for Turkey Day, along with all the family drama that comes with it.
3. 'You've Got Mail'
You've Got Mail isn't about Thanksgiving per se, although there is one memorable scene in a grocery store before the big meal. But even more than that, this one earns a place on the list thanks to its plentiful fall foliage and sweater weather vibes.
4. 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving'
Charlie Brown loves to celebrate all the holidays, and his Thanksgiving special is perfect for the whole family.
5. 'Free Birds'
It might be a little weird to watch a movie about turkeys right after you eat them, but this one is so cute, it's honestly worth the potential guilt you might feel.
6. 'Paul Blart: Mall Cop'
Black Friday is almost as big a holiday as Thanksgiving these days, so you can celebrate the biggest shopping day of the year by watching this comedy about a mall.
7. 'The Last Waltz'
This Martin Scorsese-directed documentary chronicles The Band's Thanksgiving Day concert. If you want to avoid the typical family-drama film but still feel like you're commemorating the big day, this one might be for you.
8. 'What's Cooking?'
Every family celebrates Thanksgiving differently, and this movie honors that by bringing the stories of four different families to life.
9. 'Addams Family Values'
The Addams Family usually makes people think about Halloween because of its spooky nature, but its sequel, Addams Family Values, contains one of the most memorable Thanksgiving sequences of all time.
10. 'Pieces Of April'
In this flick, Katie Holmes plays an outcast who needs to figure out a way to get her act together when her family joins her for Thanksgiving. Been there.
11. 'Rocky'
This is another one that isn't explicitly a Thanksgiving movie, although it does include a poignant Thanksgiving dinner scene. Besides that, it's simply a really good movie, and might inspire you to snap out of your food coma to try and accomplish your goals.
12. 'The Oath'
Ike Barinholtz stars alongside Tiffany Haddish in this dark comedy he also wrote. They play a couple who are facing a Thanksgiving deadline to swear their devotion to the president, which is actually a lot funnier than it sounds.
13. 'Tower Heist'
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a time-honored tradition. It's also the perfect time to stage a heist, at least it is in this movie.
14. 'The Blind Side'
The Blind Side is all about family bonds, so it really embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving. Plus, I'll never get over Tim McGraw's odd syllabic emphasis when he says, "But it's Thanks-giving."
15. 'Dutch'
This 1991 comedy features Modern Family's Ed O'Neill as he drives his girlfriend's son home for Thanksgiving. Shenanigans ensue.
16. 'Dan In Real Life'
Dan in Real Life isn't about Thanksgiving, but it is about a big family... and all the awkward dynamics at play among them. Throw in some crisp fall weather and big family dinners, and this movie is basically made to fit in with Turkey Day festivities.
17. 'The Big Chill'
Not all Thanksgiving celebrations are centered around family. Some people love to celebrate Friendsgiving, and The Big Chill is the ultimate movie about friendship. The movie follows a group of friends as they all reminisce about the old days, including a past Thanksgiving dinner.
18. 'Hannah And Her Sisters'
Hannah and Her Sisters takes place over the course of one year, and it's bookended by two very momentous Thanksgiving dinners.
19. 'For Your Consideration'
If you love Schitt's Creek, then you'll love this movie, which features the elder Roses themselves: Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara. They play actors vying for awards-season attention, and there are a ton other familiar face you'll be excited to see.
20. 'Miracle On 34th Street'
Thanksgiving marks the true beginning of the holiday season, which means Christmas is just around the corner. This classic movie begins with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and it ends with a heartwarming moment with Santa Claus.
