Thanksgiving is here, and you know what that means: family gatherings, stretchy pants, way too much pie, and—of course—movie marathons! After you’ve stuffed yourself with turkey and tackled the chaos of holiday prep, there’s nothing better than cozying up on the couch with a good film.
But let’s be real: not just any movie will do. You need something that screams fall vibes, gratitude, and maybe even a little turkey-induced hilarity. That’s why we’ve rounded up 25 of the best Thanksgiving movies that are perfect for watching with your family, friends, or even just your favorite pumpkin pie. From heartwarming classics to laugh-out-loud comedies and even a few unexpected gems, this list has everything you need to keep the Thanksgiving feels going strong.
So, grab a blanket, your leftover stuffing, and let’s dive into the ultimate Thanksgiving movie binge! 🍂🎥
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Family-Friendly Thanksgiving Movies
Thanksgiving is all about bringing people together, and what better way to entertain the whole family than with movies that everyone can enjoy? These family-friendly Thanksgiving films offer humor, heart, and holiday cheer, making them perfect for audiences of all ages.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
This timeless classic is a must-watch every Thanksgiving. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the Peanuts gang as they scramble to put together a quirky Thanksgiving dinner featuring toast, popcorn, and jelly beans. With its sweet message about friendship and gratitude, this animated special is the perfect way to kick off the holiday festivities.
Free Birds (2013)
This laugh-out-loud animated adventure follows two turkeys—Reggie and Jake—on a mission to travel back in time and remove turkey from the Thanksgiving menu forever. With its clever humor and engaging storyline, Free Birds offers a fun twist on Thanksgiving traditions that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
Addams Family Values (1993)
This darkly hilarious sequel has a memorable Thanksgiving-themed subplot that steals the show. Wednesday Addams delivers a biting, unforgettable performance in a school play that reimagines the first Thanksgiving. With its quirky humor and offbeat charm, this movie is a great pick for families who love a little spookiness with their holiday fun.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Though geared more toward older kids and adults, this comedy is a classic Thanksgiving favorite. Steve Martin and John Candy star as two mismatched travelers who endure a series of hilarious and chaotic misadventures while trying to make it home for Thanksgiving. It’s a laugh-out-loud film with heartfelt moments that make it perfect for family viewing.
Garfield’s Thanksgiving (1989)
Everyone’s favorite lasagna-loving cat takes center stage in this animated Thanksgiving special. Watch as Garfield, Jon, and Odie navigate holiday mishaps, including a last-minute dinner and Garfield’s hilarious attempts to avoid a diet. With its lighthearted humor and warm holiday vibe, this short film is a nostalgic treat for the whole family.
Heartwarming Classics
Thanksgiving is all about family, gratitude, and togetherness, and these heartwarming movies beautifully capture those themes. Whether they focus on the chaos of holiday gatherings, unexpected connections, or the simple joy of being with loved ones, these classics are perfect for setting the Thanksgiving mood.
Home for the Holidays (1995)
This relatable and often hilarious film explores the ups and downs of a dysfunctional family Thanksgiving. Starring Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr., and Anne Bancroft, the movie follows Claudia Larson, who reluctantly returns home for the holiday after losing her job and dealing with her daughter’s decision to spend Thanksgiving with her boyfriend. Amidst the chaos, laughter, and family drama, the movie delivers an enduring message about the importance of love and acceptance.
The Blind Side (2009)
A true story that warms the heart, this inspiring drama focuses on Michael Oher, a homeless teenager taken in by the Tuohy family. Starring Sandra Bullock in an Oscar-winning performance, the movie showcases themes of kindness, generosity, and family bonds. The Thanksgiving dinner scene, where Michael joins the Tuohys for a heartfelt meal, beautifully emphasizes the holiday spirit of gratitude and inclusion.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Although it’s primarily a Christmas classic, this timeless film begins with the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. The story follows Kris Kringle, a man who claims to be the real Santa Claus, as he spreads joy and belief in the magic of the season. With themes of faith, kindness, and community, this movie sets the tone for the holiday season and is a perfect watch for Thanksgiving.
The Big Chill (1983)
This poignant drama brings a group of old college friends together for a weekend after the funeral of one of their own. Set against the backdrop of shared meals and deep conversations, the movie delves into themes of friendship, love, and life’s complexities. While not specifically about Thanksgiving, the shared meals and reflective tone resonate with the holiday’s emphasis on togetherness and gratitude.
Pieces of April (2003)
Quirky, heartfelt, and full of charm, this indie gem stars Katie Holmes as April, a young woman attempting to host Thanksgiving dinner for her estranged family in her small New York City apartment. With a malfunctioning oven and a ragtag group of neighbors helping her out, April’s journey to reconcile with her family is both touching and relatable. The movie captures the essence of Thanksgiving: forgiveness, community, and the power of shared meals.
Comedy Thanksgiving Movies
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be all serious and sentimental—it’s also a time to laugh at the chaos that inevitably comes with gathering family and friends in one place. These Thanksgiving-themed comedies bring humor, hijinks, and a touch of heart to the holiday, making them perfect for anyone who could use a good laugh after all the cooking and cleaning.
Dutch (1991)
This underrated road trip comedy stars Ed O’Neill as Dutch Dooley, a blue-collar guy who volunteers to bring his girlfriend’s spoiled son home for Thanksgiving. What should be a simple trip quickly turns into a series of hilarious and disastrous misadventures as Dutch and the bratty Doyle clash at every turn. Packed with slapstick humor and a surprisingly touching ending, this movie is a must-watch for fans of chaotic holiday comedies.
National Lampoon’s Holiday Reunion (2003)
In true National Lampoon style, this movie takes the idea of a family Thanksgiving gathering and cranks up the absurdity. When uptight Mitch Snider and his family head to rural Idaho to meet long-lost relatives for Thanksgiving, they find themselves in the middle of a hilariously outlandish family reunion. Featuring quirky characters, awkward situations, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this comedy is perfect for those who like their holiday humor with a side of chaos.
Krisha (2015)
This darkly comedic indie film takes a more unconventional approach to Thanksgiving comedy. The story follows Krisha, a woman attempting to reconnect with her estranged family during a Thanksgiving gathering. As tensions rise, past grievances bubble to the surface, leading to awkward and sometimes painfully funny interactions. With its raw humor and sharp observations about family dynamics, Krisha is a uniquely compelling Thanksgiving movie.
Friendsgiving (2020)
Modern, relatable, and full of laughs, Friendsgiving is a comedy about the chaotic reality of hosting a holiday meal with your closest friends. Starring Malin Åkerman and Kat Dennings, the movie follows two best friends navigating a messy Friendsgiving filled with unexpected guests, personal drama, and plenty of wine. With its quirky humor and heartfelt moments, this movie is perfect for anyone who opts for a Friendsgiving celebration instead of a traditional family gathering.
Tower Heist (2011)
Thanksgiving gets a high-stakes twist in this action-comedy starring Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy. Set during the Thanksgiving season, the movie follows a group of employees at a luxury apartment building who plan a heist to recover their pensions from a corrupt billionaire. With its fast-paced humor, clever plot, and hilarious performances, Tower Heist offers a refreshing take on Thanksgiving entertainment.
Thanksgiving Romance Movies
Thanksgiving is a season of warmth, gratitude, and togetherness, making it the perfect backdrop for romantic films. Whether it’s a story of serendipitous love, rekindled connections, or bittersweet relationships, these Thanksgiving romance movies bring all the feels while celebrating the beauty of love and the holiday season.
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
This beloved romantic comedy starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan perfectly captures the cozy fall vibes, with Thanksgiving playing a subtle yet important role in the storyline. As two rivals in the bookstore business unknowingly fall in love through email, the film weaves in charming scenes of New York City during the holiday season. With its timeless romance and cozy atmosphere, it’s an ideal choice for Thanksgiving viewing.
Sweet November (2001)
This heartwarming romance follows the unconventional relationship between Sara (Charlize Theron) and Nelson (Keanu Reeves), two people who meet under unusual circumstances and decide to spend one month together. While not centered on Thanksgiving, the themes of love, gratitude, and living in the moment make it a touching choice for the holiday season.
Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
This Woody Allen classic revolves around the interconnected lives of three sisters and their families over the course of two years. Thanksgiving serves as the film’s anchor, with pivotal moments taking place during the holiday gatherings. With its blend of romance, humor, and introspection, this film beautifully captures the complexities of love and family dynamics during Thanksgiving.
The Vow (2012)
Starring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams, this romantic drama tells the emotional story of a husband who works to win back his wife’s love after she loses her memory in an accident. While Thanksgiving isn’t a central theme, the film’s exploration of love, commitment, and gratitude fits perfectly with the holiday spirit.
Autumn in New York (2000)
Set against the backdrop of New York City’s breathtaking fall season, this bittersweet romance stars Richard Gere and Winona Ryder as a couple brought together by fate. As their relationship blossoms amidst the changing leaves and crisp air, the film reflects on themes of love, loss, and the fleeting beauty of life—perfectly aligning with the reflective nature of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Documentaries and Specials
Thanksgiving isn’t just about feasts—it’s also a time to reflect on traditions, history, and the joy of gathering with loved ones. These Thanksgiving documentaries and specials offer a mix of education, inspiration, and entertainment, making them perfect for setting the holiday mood.
The Mayflower Voyagers (1988)
Part of the beloved Peanuts series, this animated special provides an educational yet entertaining look at the Pilgrims’ journey to America and the origins of Thanksgiving. Through the eyes of Charlie Brown and the gang, kids and adults alike can enjoy this heartwarming retelling of the first Thanksgiving while learning about the holiday’s roots.
The Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV (Various Years)
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has become a beloved Thanksgiving tradition for millions of families. With its larger-than-life floats, marching bands, and live performances, the parade offers an enchanting way to kick off Thanksgiving morning. From iconic balloons like Snoopy to dazzling Broadway performances, it’s a festive celebration that brings the holiday spirit to life.
Chef (2014)
This feel-good movie, starring Jon Favreau, isn’t explicitly about Thanksgiving, but its focus on family, food, and connection makes it perfect for the season. Follow the story of a professional chef who embarks on a journey to rediscover his passion for cooking while reconnecting with his son. The film’s mouthwatering culinary scenes are sure to inspire your holiday cooking and leave you hungry for more.
Julie & Julia (2009)
This delightful film intertwines the stories of Julia Child (Meryl Streep) and Julie Powell (Amy Adams). While not a Thanksgiving movie, it’s packed with culinary inspiration and captures the joy of creating meals that bring people together. Watching Julia Child master French cuisine while Julie blogs her way through Mastering the Art of French Cooking will leave you itching to experiment in the kitchen this Thanksgiving.
The Turkey Bowl (2019)
This comedy focuses on a small-town tradition of playing a Thanksgiving football game. When a former high school quarterback returns home for the holiday, he’s roped into leading his old team in a rematch against their rivals. With its mix of humor, nostalgia, and feel-good moments, this movie perfectly captures the camaraderie and fun of Thanksgiving gatherings.
