5 Must-watch Thanksgiving Movies this Holiday

In the realm of cinema, akin to cultural customs in the United States, Thanksgiving often receives minimal attention. Once the jack-o-lanterns are discarded, and November begins, the focus shifts not towards turkey and buckle hats, but rather candy canes and twinkling lights. Consequently, Thanksgiving-themed movies are somewhat scarce. Typically, if Thanksgiving is depicted in a film, it’s often a brief scene set around a dinner table, reminiscent of The Godfather Part II. However, films centered explicitly around the holiday are not abundant.

Nonetheless, such films do exist. Beyond the well-known classics, there are numerous hidden gems that explore the essence of sharing a meal with loved ones, whether willingly or reluctantly. Some provoke laughter to the point of tears, others evoke emotional responses, and a few may trigger recollections of one’s own distinct family gatherings. Even for those outside the U.S. who do not observe the holiday, these films offer a glimpse into what it’s like to navigate challenging discussions, perhaps with unconventional relatives, amid the post-feast stupor. Join in the celebration with a selection of the finest Thanksgiving movies ever.

1. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

In reality, Thanksgiving in America is a day marked by feasting, football, and gatherings with friends and/or family. However, in cinematic portrayals, the holiday is often depicted as a challenging obligation, where longstanding tensions frequently erupt at the dinner table. This perspective is why “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” remains a popular choice as the go-to Thanksgiving movie for many families. While John Hughes’ road-comedy of errors might be akin to a feature-length panic attack for those with a fear of travel, it effectively conveys the idea that Thanksgiving is worth the effort to return home for. Ultimately, the film underscores the importance of being grateful for having a place to call home.

2. Free Birds (2013)

3. The Humans (2021)

In a single evening, the Blake family assembles to observe Thanksgiving in a recently rented, less-than-ideal apartment belonging to the daughter and her new partner. As night descends, it becomes evident that each family member has their share of challenges, casting a shadow over what should be a grateful occasion.

4. Son in Law

Rural resident Rebecca (Carla Gugino) has spent the majority of her life on a farm in South Dakota. Upon venturing to college in Los Angeles, she finds herself immediately out of her element in the bustling urban environment. Rebecca forms a friendship with the lively party enthusiast Crawl (Pauly Shore), who persuades her to remain in the city. As Thanksgiving break approaches, Rebecca, now no longer an innocent farm girl, extends an invitation to Crawl to visit South Dakota. In a twist, he pretends to be her fiancé during the visit.

5. You’ve Got Mail

In the film, Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan), a struggling boutique bookseller, harbors strong resentment towards Joe Fox (Tom Hanks), the owner of a corporate Foxbooks chain store that recently opened across the street. Interestingly, when they encounter each other online, they initiate a passionate and anonymous Internet romance, unaware of each other’s actual identity. The plot takes a turn when Joe discovers that the captivating woman he’s engaged with online is, in fact, his business rival. This revelation forces him to grapple with reconciling his genuine dislike for her in real life with the cyber love he has developed.