Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and stuffing—it’s about surviving the family chaos, reliving old traditions, and sneaking off to the couch for a solid movie marathon. Whether you’re stuffed with pie or avoiding awkward conversations, the right Thanksgiving flick can hit the spot.
From heartfelt dramas to awkward comedies, Thanksgiving movies capture all the chaos, love, and occasional cringe of the season. So grab your blanket and leftover plate; these films are here to turn your turkey day into a cinematic feast.
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
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While You’ve Got Mail isn’t Thanksgiving-centric, its cozy fall vibes and one pivotal Thanksgiving scene make it a seasonal favorite. Watching Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan bicker and bond over the internet feels like wrapping yourself in a warm nostalgia blanket. Rent it, rewatch it, and enjoy the rom-com glow.
The Blind Side (2009)
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Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and this film embodies it. The Blind Side tells the story of Michael Oher, a homeless teenager who finds family and purpose with the Tuohys. The Thanksgiving dinner scene, where Michael experiences warmth and belonging, is the emotional heart of this inspiring tale.
Julie & Julia (2009)
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Nora Ephron’s Julie & Julia serves up buttery comfort and culinary ambition. Meryl Streep’s Julia Child is a joy to watch as she explores French cooking, while Amy Adams’ Julie Powell channels that energy into her blog. It’s a delicious reminder to savor both food and life's small victories.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
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Will and Jaden Smith star in this moving story about resilience and family. While not explicitly about Thanksgiving, the themes of gratitude and perseverance resonate deeply. Watching Chris Gardner’s struggle and triumph reminds us of what really matters during the holidays.
Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
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Thanksgiving marks the start of Christmas magic in Miracle on 34th Street. The Macy’s parade sets the stage for a heartwarming tale about belief, hope, and the real Santa Claus. Richard Attenborough’s Kris Kringle is unforgettable, making this a perfect transition into the festive season.
What’s Cooking? (2000)
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Four Los Angeles families prepare for Thanksgiving in this multicultural ensemble film. From blending traditions to navigating family dramas, What’s Cooking? serves up a realistic yet heartwarming portrait of the holiday. It’s a reminder that no matter how messy things get, food has a way of bringing us together.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
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Steve Martin and John Candy are at their comedic best in this chaotic travel saga. Trying to get home for Thanksgiving turns into a whirlwind of mishaps and unlikely friendship. It’s equal parts heart and hilarity, making it a must-watch turkey day tradition.
Home for the Holidays (1995)
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Jodie Foster directs this sharp, funny take on family dysfunction. A single mom returns to her chaotic family home for Thanksgiving, navigating sibling rivalries and parental quirks. It’s messy, relatable, and perfectly captures the bittersweet joy of the season.
Thanksgiving (2023)
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Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving swaps warm family vibes for slasher thrills. Set in Plymouth, the home of Thanksgiving, it follows a Pilgrim-masked killer on a revenge spree. For those not ready to let go of Halloween, this horror flick delivers bloody drama with a side of holiday irony.
Friendsgiving (2020)
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Nothing screams millennial holiday chaos like Friendsgiving. This comedy gathers a cast of dysfunctional pals, played by Kat Dennings, Malin Akerman, and Wanda Sykes, who bring all the drama to their potluck-style feast. Vegan dishes and personal baggage collide, making this a hilarious, modern Thanksgiving tale.
The Humans (2021)
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This one’s for those who prefer their holiday movies with a side of existential dread. The Humans is a slow-burn drama about a family gathering in a crumbling Manhattan apartment. With its mix of tension, humor, and humanity, it’s a hauntingly relatable take on Thanksgiving dynamics.
Turkey Drop (2019)
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High school sweethearts and Thanksgiving reunions collide in Turkey Drop. Olivia Holt plays Lucy, who fears her boyfriend might dump her over the holidays. Instead of spiraling, she takes charge of her life, making it a light, empowering watch for anyone in need of feel-good vibes.
Little Women (2019)
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While not a Thanksgiving movie per se, Greta Gerwig’s Little Women embodies gratitude and togetherness. The March sisters’ lives, filled with love and loss, are a testament to family bonds. Its cozy charm makes it a perfect fit for a quiet, reflective holiday evening.
Holidate (2020)
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Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey strike a deal to be each other’s holiday dates in Holidate. Their casual arrangement, spanning multiple holidays, includes a Thanksgiving dinner filled with awkward encounters and budding chemistry. It’s a playful, low-stakes option for your holiday movie marathon.
Leave the World Behind (2023)
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This apocalyptic drama trades Thanksgiving warmth for tense survival. Starring Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke, it follows a family whose vacation turns into a fight for trust and safety amid a mysterious blackout. Its gripping story offers a stark counterpoint to traditional holiday fare.
