Top 10 Thanksgiving Movies
In honor of November’s signature holiday, I’m releasing this list highlighting 10 movies you can enjoy for Thanksgiving. Sandwiched between two holidays that are giants of the movie industry (Halloween & Christmas), Thanksgiving can oft get overlooked, but not today! Before we get into the list, I want to mention a couple movies that I wanted to include, but really didn’t make since on this list. First is ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ which is an all-time Christmas film, but the film begins with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, so it could be appropriate here too. Second is ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas,’ due to the debate of it being a Halloween or Christmas movies. I’d say just meet the two halfway and watch it on Thanksgiving.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving- Well this is technically a short TV special, not a feature length film. But I had to include it since it really is the staple of Thanksgiving cinema. The film can be streamed on Apple TV+ and features the ‘Peanuts’ gang organizing a Thanksgiving dinner. Classic.
Brothers- This 2024 film stars Josh Brolin & Peter Dinklage as twin criminal brothers trying to pull off one last heist. You can read my official review under the ‘Reviews’ tab. The film starts with a Thanksgiving from their childhood and then takes place on the same holiday thirty years later. It can be streamed on Prime.
Thanksgiving- This 2023 slasher film comes from director Eli Roth and stars Patrick Dempsey, Milo Manheim, & Addison Rae as community members in a small town in Massachusetts with a serial killer in their midst. It can be streamed on Netflix.
Free Birds- Perhaps one of the most Thanksgiving of movies, this animated film stars Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson, & Amy Poehler as turkeys who go back in time to stop the members of the first Thanksgiving from indulging in their ancestors. Brilliant plot. Stream it free on Prime.
Scent of a Woman- This multi-Oscar nominated film stars Al Pacino as a blind veteran who hires a short term assistant played by Chris O’Donnell. The plot takes place around Thanksgiving and won Pacino the Oscar for Best Actor. You can rent it on Google Play, Apple TV, Prime, or Fandango at Home.
Spider-Man- An official quote from Peter Parker: ‘I had to beat an old lady with a stick for these cranberries.’ Great power, great responsibility. Stream it on Disney+ or free on Pluto TV.
Rocky- This movie features some of it’s most pivotal scenes on Thanksgiving, and I feel that that is a great reason to rewatch it for the holiday. Stream it with a premium subscription on Sling TV or you can rent it digitally on many platforms.
The Wiz- The traditional story of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ with an urban fantasy & African-American spin, this film starts and ends on Thanksgiving in Harlem. Featuring the talents of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Ted Ross, & Richard Pryor, it can be rented digitally.
Prisoners- Starting on Thanksgiving, this Denis Villeneuve film stars Jake Gyllenaal, Hugh Jackman, & Viola Davis in a story about two girls getting abducted and one of their fathers (Jackman) taking matters into his own hands. A more intense watch for your family gathering, it can be streamed on Max.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles- A road trip comedy from the 80s starring Steve Martin as a man trying to make it home for Thanksgiving, the film also stars John Candy as a man constantly serving as the thorn in Martin’s side. Stream it on Paramount+.
