Get into the holiday spirit with these top Thanksgiving movies that celebrate family, gratitude, and sometimes a bit of horror!
This comedy classic by John Hughes stars Steve Martin and John Candy as unlikely travel companions on a chaotic journey home for Thanksgiving. With memorable performances and plenty of laughs, it’s a must-watch for the holiday.
For more about why this movie remains a Thanksgiving staple, check out this New York Times article.
For horror fans, Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving delivers a terrifying twist to the holiday season. Originally a parody trailer in the Grindhouse double feature, this full-length slasher is set during a small-town Thanksgiving celebration that turns into a nightmare. It’s a chilling choice for those looking to mix a bit of horror with their holiday.
Explore more about Roth’s take on Thanksgiving horror in this review.
Directed by Jodie Foster, this dramedy captures the humorous and chaotic dynamics of a family gathering. Starring Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr., and Anne Bancroft, it’s relatable and perfect for Thanksgiving.
Discover more about the film’s impact in this Variety review.
For those looking for a satirical take on Thanksgiving, The Oath offers a darkly comedic look at family tensions during a politically charged holiday dinner. Starring Tiffany Haddish and Ike Barinholtz, it’s an unconventional but timely choice.
Read a full review from Roger Ebert.
1. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)
This comedy classic by John Hughes stars Steve Martin and John Candy as unlikely travel companions on a chaotic journey home for Thanksgiving. With memorable performances and plenty of laughs, it’s a must-watch for the holiday.
For more about why this movie remains a Thanksgiving staple, check out this New York Times article.
2. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
No holiday list would be complete without this beloved animated special. Follow Charlie Brown and friends as they learn the true meaning of Thanksgiving in this family-friendly favorite. Read more on its legacy from The Atlantic.3. Thanksgiving (2023)
For horror fans, Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving delivers a terrifying twist to the holiday season. Originally a parody trailer in the Grindhouse double feature, this full-length slasher is set during a small-town Thanksgiving celebration that turns into a nightmare. It’s a chilling choice for those looking to mix a bit of horror with their holiday.
Explore more about Roth’s take on Thanksgiving horror in this review.
4. Home for the Holidays (1995)
Directed by Jodie Foster, this dramedy captures the humorous and chaotic dynamics of a family gathering. Starring Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr., and Anne Bancroft, it’s relatable and perfect for Thanksgiving.
Discover more about the film’s impact in this Variety review.
5. The Oath (2018)
For those looking for a satirical take on Thanksgiving, The Oath offers a darkly comedic look at family tensions during a politically charged holiday dinner. Starring Tiffany Haddish and Ike Barinholtz, it’s an unconventional but timely choice.
Read a full review from Roger Ebert.
6. Pieces of April (2003)
This indie gem stars Katie Holmes as a young woman trying to make Thanksgiving dinner for her estranged family in her tiny apartment. Touching and quirky, it’s a heartwarming portrayal of love and acceptance. Learn more about its place in Thanksgiving cinema on IndieWire.7. Krisha (2015)
This intense drama offers a different take on the holiday, focusing on a family reunion filled with tension and unresolved issues. Directed by Trey Edward Shults, Krisha provides a raw look at family relationships during Thanksgiving. For more insight, see The Guardian.
Elara is a dynamic writer and blogger who specializes in pop culture and movie reviews. With a background in film studies and journalism, she combines her deep knowledge of the entertainment industry with a sharp, insightful writing style that keeps readers coming back for more.
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