As the leaves turn and the air cools, Thanksgiving brings a time for family, friends, and gratitude. And what better way to cozy up on this special holiday than with heartwarming Thanksgiving movies?
Whether you’re looking for a classic comedy, a heartwarming family tale, or a touch of holiday magic, there’s a Thanksgiving movie out there for everyone. In this curated list, we’ve gathered the top 60 Thanksgiving movies that will capture the spirit of the season and leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
Let’s get started without further ado…
Which is the Best Thanksgiving Movies of All Time?
When it comes to popularity amongst Thanksgiving movies, the 2013 crime drama Prisoners takes first place with 768,000 votes. Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal star in the film, which follows a father whose Thanksgiving celebration becomes a nightmare after learning that his daughter and her friend have gone missing. The film grossed $122 million at the box office and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography.
Meanwhile, here are other movies to help you relax this Thanksgiving.
Holidate (2020)
Sloane (Emma Roberts) is a twenty-something single woman who is tired of her family arranging awkward dates for her. So she recruits a handsome stranger to be her “Holidate,” a made-up term for two people who are platonic plus-ones during the holidays.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
This 25-minute animated film touches our hearts like only a true classic can. With the help of the beloved Peanuts gang, Charlie Brown learns the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Bill Melendez and Phil Roman co-direct with Jimmy Ahrens, Todd Barbee, and Christopher DeFaria.
Love in the Villa (2022)
Julie is a kindergarten teacher and hopeless romantic who takes a solo trip to Italy after a difficult breakup. Julie, on the other hand, is taken aback when she discovers that her villa has been accidentally double-booked, forcing her to share her much-needed alone time with a cynical stranger. The amusing storyline will teach you how to deal with difficult family members.
Scent of a Woman (1992)
Enjoy everything New York City has to offer during the holidays in this Oscar-winning drama about a young man tasked with watching over a grumpy Army veteran. Al Pacino, Chris O’Donnell, James Rebhorn, Gabrielle Anwar, and Philip Seymour Hoffman star in the nearly three-hour film.
Friendsgiving (2020)
Molly, Abbey, and their dysfunctional friends throw a memorable Thanksgiving dinner. Wanda Sykes, Kat Dennings, and Chelsea Peretti are among the cast members known for their comedic abilities.
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
One of our favourite movies has not one but two Thanksgiving scenes. This is Nora Ephron at her best, capturing a specific era (the late 1990s). Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Jean Stapleton, Heather Burns, and Dave Chappelle are among the ensemble cast members.
Tower Heist (2011)
Josh (Ben Stiller) works as the manager of a posh apartment complex. When one of his residents steals a portion of his retirement fund, he vows vengeance by planning a heist during the days leading up to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Brett Ratner directed the film, which also stars Eddie Murphy and Matthew Broderick.
Home for the Holidays (1995)
With a star-studded cast including a young Robert Downey Jr. and Dylan McDermott, this film will make you feel better about your dysfunctional family. Believe me when I say that your clan has nothing on this motley crew. The film, directed by Jodie Foster, also stars Holly Hunter, Anne Bancroft, and Charles Durning.
Free Birds (2013)
If you’ve got little kids running laps around your living room after Thanksgiving, this is the one to watch. This animated buddy comedy will lull them to sleep. Adults will enjoy this film as well, thanks to the voices of Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson, Amy Poehler, and George Takei.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Although it has become a Christmas favorite, this story begins at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. When a department store Santa Claus claims to be the real thing, Susan (Natalie Wood), a skeptical six-year-old, discovers that dreams do come true if you just believe.
Pieces of April (2003)
Katie Holmes plays a rebellious woman who hosts her mother for Thanksgiving in her tiny New York City apartment. If you’re hosting for the first time, this film will help you put any mistakes in perspective.
Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
This comedy-drama starring Princess Leia Carrie Fisher follows three sisters from a show business family as they gather for three consecutive Thanksgivings. What have they brought with them? There’s a lot of emotional and personal baggage here.
What’s Cooking? (2000)
The film introduces the audience to four different Thanksgiving families. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they face many of the same challenges, including irreversible kitchen mishaps. The cast includes Joan Chen, Julianna Margulies, Mercedes Ruehl, Victor Rivers, and Douglas Spain.
The Oath (2018)
When Chris (Ike Barinholtz) and Kai (Tiffany Haddish) refuse to sign a loyalty oath to the president, their dysfunctional relationship is tested. During Thanksgiving dinner, their lack of cooperation creates an exciting family dynamic.
Krisha, 2015
Trey Edward Shults’ directorial debut tells the story of his aunt, Krisha Fairchild, who returns to her family for Thanksgiving after years apart. While the film stars his real-life aunt, the plot is somewhat fictitious.
A Family Thanksgiving (2010)
When Claudia (Daphne Zuniga) is pressured by her sister to bake a homemade pie for Thanksgiving, all hell breaks loose. The amusing plot will make you reconsider assigning gender roles during the holidays.
Garfield’s Thanksgiving (1989)
Just because he enjoys lasagna doesn’t mean Garfield (voiced by Lorenzo Music) doesn’t enjoy a juicy turkey. Join the animated cat as he tries to make Thanksgiving dinner with Jon and Odie.
The House of Yes (1997)
Marty (Josh Hamilton) is preparing to introduce his fiancée, Lesly (Tori Spelling), to his out-of-the-ordinary family on Thanksgiving Day in 1983. The sexual innuendos and eerie comments will make your in-laws look like a piece of cake
For Your Consideration (2006)
The mockumentary follows three actors as they film a new film called Home for Purim. When the film received Oscar buzz, the studio renamed it Home for Thanksgiving because the original title seemed “too Jewish.” Catherine O’Hara, Harry Shearer, Parker Posey, and Schitt’s Creek star Eugene Levy star.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
This John Hughes-era classic centres on a road trip to Chicago gone wrong. The star-studded film, which includes Steve Martin, John Candy, Laila Robins and Kevin Bacon, will definitely put any hellish holiday travel experiences into perspective. Trust us.
Sweet November (2001)
When Sara Deever (Charlize Theron) randomly meets Nelson Moss (Keanu Reeves) at the DMV, they immediately hit it off. And so when she later invites him to spend the month of November with her, he agrees. But he has no idea that she will take him on a journey of a lifetime.
National Lampoon’s Holiday Reunion (2003)
Wait until you meet the Griswolds if you think your family is dysfunctional. The conservative family travels to Idaho for the holidays to spend time with their free-spirited relatives, and chaos ensues.
The Last Waltz (1978)
Do you want to watch a documentary after your meal? This critically acclaimed concert film follows the American-Canadian rock group The Band’s Thanksgiving farewell show. (Their hits include “Up on Cripple Creek,” “The Shape I’m In,” “Rag Mama Rag,” “Life Is a Carnival,” “Time to Kill,” and “Ophelia.”)
The Ice Storm
When an ice storm strikes during the Thanksgiving holiday, a small town is forced to confront its neighbourly issues, such as affairs and broken relationships. The film stars Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Tobey Maguire, and Elijah Wood.
Funny People (2009)
A movie star named George Simmons (Adam Sandler) returns to his stand-up comedy roots after being diagnosed with leukaemia. Nothing will inspire you to appreciate the holidays more than George’s Thanksgiving toast.
Son-in-Law (1993)
When a country girl meets a party boy while away at college, her family is forced to put on a brave face for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Addams Family Values (1993)
The sequel picks up right where the first film left off, with Gomez and Morticia sending their children to summer camp as recommended by the family’s new nanny, Debbie. But this new addition to the family may be the most sinister yet.
The New World (2005)
The film is based on the legend of Captain John Smith (Colin Farrell) and Pocahontas (Q’orianka Kilcher). It’s the perfect Thanksgiving movie for the whole family, focusing on the founding of Virginia’s Jamestown settlement.
The Blind Side (2009)
This sports drama film based on a true story stars Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw. A wealthy family takes in a homeless teen and teaches him that love and hard work can make your dreams come true. It’s not only a feel-good story, but it’ll help fill the void left by Friday night football.
Grumpy Old Men (1993)
Wait until you see this classic Thanksgiving film about two neighbours competing for the attention of a lucky lady if you think you’ve had your fair share of frenemy experiences. Your rivalries, as demonstrated by Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, are, at best, mild.
Turkey Hollow (2015)
When the Emmersons visit Turkey Hollow, they try to find the town’s enigmatic legend, the Howling Hoodoo. The Lifetime film stars Mary Steenburgen, Jay Harrington, and Graham Verchere.
Autumn in New York (2000)
Will’s world is turned upside down when he meets Charlotte one autumn day in New York City. Is the free-spirited 21-year-old the answer to his commitment problems? You’ll have to watch the movie to find out.
Dan In Real Life (2007)
It’s probably not the first film that comes to mind when you think of turkey-themed Thanksgiving movies, but it has a festive feel. In the film, Dan Burns (Steve Carell), a widower and single parent, falls in love with a lovely woman named Marie. The only issue? She is also the new girlfriend of his brother.
American Experience: The Pilgrims (2015)
Do you need to brush up on your history? Look no further than American Experience: The Pilgrims, an eye-opening documentary that tells the story of the “First Thanksgiving” and the establishment of New England’s first English colony.
Alice’s Restaurant (1969)
The classic cult film is an adaptation of Arlo Guthrie’s folk song, “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree,” in which Guthrie plays himself and decides to visit a close friend named Alice for Thanksgiving dinner. But after he litters, he gets into some legal trouble.
Soul Food (1997)
The title suggests it’s a good choice for post-Thanksgiving entertainment—though you might want to watch it after the kids go to bed. A family struggles to continue their 40-year tradition of Sunday family dinners when the matriarch falls into a coma in the film, which stars Vanessa Williams and Vivica Fox.
Crooklyn (New York, 1994)
This classic 1970s film tells the coming-of-age story of nine-year-old Troy Carmichael, who lives in Brooklyn with her close-knit family. Fun fact: The story is loosely based on Spike Lee’s experiences as a director and producer.
Hollidaysburg
A group of old friends returns home for Thanksgiving break after finishing their first semester of college, where they reflect on how much they’ve changed since high school.
Annie (1982)
It’s not under the category of the conventional Thanksgiving movies, but the whole family singing “Tomorrow” faster than you can say “pumpkin pie.” Join the cheerful young character as she embarks on new adventures with her dog, Sandy.
Curly Sue (1991)
Curly Sue (Alisan Porter) is much more than her abundance of dark curls. Follow the homeless six-year-old and her friend, Bill Dancer (Jim Belushi), as they pull off the ultimate con to make ends meet.
Turkey Bowl (2019)
Patrick Hodges (Ryan Hansen), a businessman and former high school quarterback, is duped into returning to his hometown for Thanksgiving weekend. When he arrives expecting a funeral, he discovers that his old friends need his assistance in completing a football game from 15 years ago known as “The Turkey Bowl.”
An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving (2008)
When Tilly (Tatiana Maslany) notices that her mother is struggling to put food on the table for Thanksgiving, she writes an exaggerated letter to her wealthy grandmother, Isabella (Jacqueline Bisset), pleading for assistance. Tilly’s mother, on the other hand, isn’t overjoyed when Isabella arrives.
Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade (2013)
Emily Rogers (Autumn Reeser) takes pride in organizing Chicago’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade. Still, she is concerned that when the city hires a wealthy consultant to handle the finances, he will ruin the tradition. Can they collaborate to put on a successful show?
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018)
This charming romantic comedy has no turkeys or Thanksgiving decorations, but it has all the makings of a cozy fall film. The film is set in 1946 and follows a writer who becomes friends with a resident of the island of Guernsey after exchanging letters.
The Wiz (1978)
Take a stroll down the yellow brick road with Dorothy (Diana Ross) and her best friends as they make their way to the magical land of Oz. Richard Pryor, Ted Ross, Nipsey Russell, and Michael Jackson are among the cast members.
The Preacher’s Wife (1996)
Whitney Houston, in two words. The legendary singer co-stars with Denzel Washington and Courtney B. Vance in this memorable classic about a young pastor going through a mid-life crisis. When an angel is sent to help him, he is distracted by the preacher’s attractive young wife.
The Big Chill (1983)
If you’re feeling philosophical about the passage of time with all your besties at an orphan Friendsgiving, this is the movie to watch. In the Lawrence Kasdan film, Goldblum co-stars with Tom Berenger, Glenn Close, and William Hurt.
She’s Gotta Have It (1986)
Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It seems odd, given that it follows a sexually liberated Black woman who tries to balance three men. There is one memorable Thanksgiving scene, however, in which Nola (Tracy Camilla Johns) invites all three of her partners over for dinner. This alone qualifies this classic for inclusion on the list.
Cold Turkey (2013)
Things go downhill when a retired professor’s estranged daughter, Nina, shows up after 15 years to celebrate Thanksgiving with his eccentric family. Meanwhile, his son is hiding a huge secret.
Dutch (1991)
Ed O’Neill starred in a funny Thanksgiving movie before joining Modern Family about a guy trying to appease his girlfriend by driving her son from Atlanta to Chicago in time for the holidays. The film stars Ethan Embry, JoBeth Williams, Christopher McDonald, Ari Meyers, and Elizabeth Daily. Enjoy the charm of the early 1990s.
Almost Christmas (2016)
Want to start the holiday season a little early? Consider Almost Christmas, a hilarious comedy about a patriarch and widower reuniting with his dysfunctional family for the first time since his wife’s death. The cast members include Danny Glover, Nicole Ari Parker, Gabrielle Union, and Omar Epps.
Prisoners (2013)
If you want some terror with your turkey, this intense thriller will satisfy you. It follows a father on a mission to find his daughter after she goes missing on Thanksgiving. When the main suspect is apprehended and quickly released, the father seeks vengeance.
Humans (2021)
Based on Stephen Karam’s Tony Award-winning play, The Humans follows Erik and his family as they celebrate at his daughter’s run-down New York apartment. But, before long, the family reunion turns sour as old grudges and hidden secrets resurface.
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Daniel devises an elaborate plan to stay close to his children following his divorce from his ex-wife. With the assistance of a friend, he creates a new female persona and dupes his wife into hiring him as the new nanny. His efforts to live a double life begin to cost him. While the plot is not centered on the holidays, it does emphasize family support and unconditional love.
The Myth of Fingerprints (1997)
In Bart Freundlich’s directorial debut, a dysfunctional family gathers in New England for Thanksgiving. Unresolved issues and old rivalries resurface over the weekend, resulting in an awkward and tense reunion.
Home for Thanksgiving (2022)
Martha is determined to plan the perfect Thanksgiving dinner after the death of a family member. When the rest of the Winthrop family arrives to celebrate, however, troubling secrets are revealed as they try to navigate their loss.
Thanksgiving
Eli Roth released a fake trailer for the Grindhouse double feature featuring Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof and Robert Rodriguez’s Planet Terror in 2007. Since then, the fear-flick maestro has been attempting to complete the film. It’s finally finished this year. Gore fans are in for a real treat with a zany script co-written by Jeff Rendell (the guy who plays the pilgrim in the retro trailer) and plenty of carving to fit the holiday title.
The Vanished
This completely insane abduction thriller stars Anne Heche and Thomas Jane as a married couple who lose track of their 10-year-old son over Thanksgiving weekend. Jason Patric plays the case’s sheriff, and we’re curious why his first question isn’t, “Why are you here?” “Happy Thanksgiving!” Fortunately for us, the dubious decision-making does not stop there, sending the leading couple down a twisty-turny rabbit hole of wild and fatal consequences.
Knives Out
This gleefully dark whodunit revolves around one of the most despicable families to ever grace the screen and is the perfect fall film that celebrates Turkey Day’s favorite pastime—a.k.a. carving stuff up. Not to mention that the toxic Thrombey-Drysdale clan is played by A-list talent, including Christopher Plummer, Chris Evans, Michael Shannon, and Jamie Lee Curtis. And, while Rian Johnson’s autumnal setting is the only connection to the holiday, there’s simply no better film to combat the inevitable tryptophan lethargy.
Lez Bomb
Jenna Laurenzo, who went from waiting tables to directing queer cinema, writes, directs, and stars in Lez Bomb, a suburban comedy about a Brooklyn woman who comes out to her family in New Jersey over Thanksgiving weekend. Of course, spilling her big news does not go as planned. However, it makes for a raucous good time. Along with Steve Guttenberg, Caitlin Mehner, and Brandon Michael Hall, comic actors Cloris Leachman and Bruce Dern star.
Soul Food
To be sure, Soul Food is a film that has nothing to do with Thanksgiving. However, when it comes to the fruits of the November holiday, the George Tillman Jr. classic is a cornucopia. The film revolves around matriarch Mama Joe, who hosts Sunday dinners for her Chicago family. It is filled with family, food, and tradition from beginning to end. When she is hospitalized, cracks in the family are revealed. This one is a crowd-pleaser, starring Vanessa Williams, Vivica A. Fox, Nia Long, and other familiar faces.
Black Friday
Outside of your online shopping cart, believe it or not, there is still a world. And, yes, the day after Thanksgiving is still overrun with doorbuster deals and rabid crowds—though perhaps not as frenzied as the infected brood on Black Friday. When a swarm of flesh-eating customers invades a toy store, it’s up to the retail staff to save the day. Anyone who has worked in retail during the holidays knows how terrifying it is—this is that, plus Bruce Campbell from The Evil Dead, Devon Sawa from Final Destination, Ivana Baquero from Pan’s Labyrinth, and a lot of gory action.
Definition Please
Sujata Day’s directorial debut does not take place on Thanksgiving and makes no mention of the holiday. The annual family gathering, however, played a significant role in Day’s award-winning screenplay, which celebrates the South Asian diaspora. According to Bloomberg, she used holiday memories to add authenticity to her film, which depicted the Rust Belt city as she grew up. “I really focused on that part of my Greensburg [Pennsylvania] experience, where every Thanksgiving my parents would be the ones to host the immigrant Indian families into their home to eat turkey and celebrate a traditional Thanksgiving,” she told me. It’s funny, it’s emotional, and it’s perfect for watching with your second helping.
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Though the Thanksgiving holiday is never explicitly mentioned, Wes Anderson’s tribute to Roald Dahl is a feast of Turkey Day delights. Beyond the warm oranges, reds, and yellows of the rustic setting, there is family dysfunction infused with Anderson’s clever wit and the furry cast’s insatiable appetite for barnyard fowl. Not to mention a dinner scene in a flint mine hosted by a badger, during which Mr. Fox gives a toast to all the things he’s thankful for. To us, it sounds like stop-motion chicken soup for the soul. And precisely what we want to see this Thanksgiving.
Four Brothers
Trailblazing director John Singleton assembles a cast of four heavyweights to tell a tale of brotherhood and vengeance. Mark Wahlberg, André 3000, Tyrese Gibson, and Garrett Hedlund attend the funeral of their adoptive mother, who was killed in a botched liquor store robbery. After enduring a Thanksgiving with their matriarch conspicuously absent, the foursome vows to piece together their mother’s murder—and seek vengeance on those responsible.
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Best Thanksgiving Movies: References
