Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, food and of course – films! After the turkey has been carved and the pumpkin pie devoured, there’s nothing better than gathering together to enjoy a great movie.
While Thanksgiving may not have quite as many iconic holiday films as Christmas, there are still plenty of heartwarming, hilarious and even thrilling movies that capture the spirit of the season. From classic comedies to family-friendly animated adventures to more recent indie gems, we’ve rounded up 24 of the best Thanksgiving movies to add to your holiday viewing list.
1. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Description: A Chicago advertising man must struggle to travel home from New York for Thanksgiving, with a lovable oaf of a shower ring salesman as his only companion.
This John Hughes classic is perhaps the quintessential Thanksgiving comedy. Starring Steve Martin as uptight marketing executive Neal Page and John Candy as affable curtain ring salesman Del Griffith, the odd couple find themselves stuck together as they attempt to make it home to Chicago in time for Turkey Day.
Their planes, trains and automobiles journey is a masterclass in comedic misadventure. But beneath the laughs, the film has a ton of heart as this unlikely pair bond over their shared goal. Candy and Martin’s chemistry is dynamite and makes this a must-watch every November.
2. Addams Family Values (1993)
Description: The Addams get tangled up in more wacky adventures, including a hilarious take on the first Thanksgiving.
This sequel to the 1991 hit based on Charles Addams’ delightfully macabre cartoon family may be even better than the original. And it just so happens to have an iconic Thanksgiving scene.
Forced to participate in a summer camp Thanksgiving pageant, Wednesday Addams (Christina Ricci) goes gloriously off-script, offering a scathing and hilarious revisionist take on the holiday’s history. Few scenes capture the eye-rolling angst of adolescence and Thanksgiving family dysfunction quite like this one.
3. Pieces of April (2003)
Description: A wayward daughter invites her dying mother and the rest of her estranged family to her apartment for Thanksgiving dinner.
Katie Holmes shows off her acting chops as the titular April Burns, the black sheep of her suburban family trying to prove she has her life together by hosting Thanksgiving. Disaster ensues as her oven breaks, her family bickers endlessly on the road, and the day seems destined for ruin.
While the plot may sound like a downer, writer/director Peter Hedges imbues the film with plenty of wry humor and relatable family dynamics. The result is a bittersweet, touching look at the power of the holidays to bring people together, warts and all.
4. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Description: When a nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus is institutionalized as insane, a young lawyer decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is the real thing.
While mostly considered a Christmas movie, this classic from the Golden Age of Hollywood actually begins on Thanksgiving Day, with the annual Macy’s parade. When the actor playing Santa shows up drunk, a kindly old man named Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) is recruited to take his place – and he claims to be the real deal.
Miracle on 34th Street is ultimately a story about faith, love and the magic of the holiday season. And Thanksgiving serves as the perfect kickoff for this uplifting tale. As a bonus, the film also features a young Natalie Wood in one of her earliest roles.
5. You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Description: Two business rivals who despise each other in real life unwittingly fall in love over the Internet.
While more associated with Christmas (the film spans from the fall into the new year), Nora Ephron’s beloved rom-com does feature a memorable Thanksgiving scene. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan star as Joe Fox and Kathleen Kelly, rival bookstore owners who don’t realize they’re also secret email pen pals.
Their chemistry is electric, even as they butt heads in real life. And the scene where Joe and his brother Nicky (Greg Kinnear) goof around at the kids table during Thanksgiving dinner is both funny and charming, highlighting the joys of family.
6. The Humans (2021)
Description: Set inside a pre-war duplex in downtown Manhattan, The Humans follows the course of an evening in which the Blake family gathers to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Based on Stephen Karam’s Tony-winning one-act play, this intimate family drama is set entirely on Thanksgiving Day. As three generations of the Blake family gather in a rundown New York City apartment, long-simmering tensions and secrets gradually come to a boil.
Featuring an all-star ensemble cast including Richard Jenkins, Jayne Houdyshell, Amy Schumer, Beanie Feldstein, Steven Yeun and June Squibb, the film is a masterclass in acting. It’s also a poignant, painfully relatable portrait of family dysfunction, regrets and ultimately resilience.
7. Krisha (2015)
Description: Krisha returns for Thanksgiving dinner after ten years away from her family, but past demons threaten to ruin the festivities.
Writer/director Trey Edward Shults made his feature debut with this captivating indie drama, featuring his real-life aunt Krisha Fairchild in the lead role. Shults shot the film in his parents’ home over nine days, adding to the realistic, almost documentary-like feel.
As Krisha arrives to make amends with her estranged family on Thanksgiving, the tension is palpable from the start. Her inner struggles with addiction and mental health issues slowly chip away at the facade of normalcy. It’s a raw, intense character study that also serves as a gripping snapshot of a family in crisis.
8. Funny People (2009)
Description: When seasoned comedian George Simmons learns of his terminal, inoperable health condition, his desire to form a genuine friendship causes him to take a relatively green performer under his wing as his opening act.
Judd Apatow’s dramedy about the messy lives of stand-up comics may not scream “Thanksgiving movie” at first glance. But a key emotional beat takes place over a Thanksgiving dinner, as Adam Sandler’s George Simmons lashes out at his estranged family and Seth Rogen’s Ira Wright struggles to cheer him up.
The scene is equal parts cringeworthy and heartbreaking, highlighting the often complicated dynamics of family get-togethers. And it’s just one example of how Apatow uses humor to explore deeper themes of mortality, legacy and finding meaning in our relationships.
9. The Big Chill (1983)
Description: A group of seven former college friends gather for a weekend reunion at a South Carolina vacation home after the funeral of one of their friends.
While this classic ensemble dramedy takes place over a weekend in September, it has all the trappings of a great Thanksgiving movie – a gathering of old friends, the sharing of memories, a big group dinner, and of course, plenty of simmering tensions and revelations.
With a cast that includes Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Kevin Kline, and JoBeth Williams, the film is a masterful portrait of baby boomers grappling with the realities of adulthood. It’s funny, poignant, and features a killer Motown soundtrack to boot.
10. Friendsgiving (2020)
Description: Molly and Abbey, along with their crew of close friends and acquaintances, host a dysfunctional, comical and chaotic Thanksgiving dinner.
If you prefer your Thanksgiving movies with a heavy dose of slapstick and irreverence, this ensemble comedy is for you. Malin Akerman and Kat Dennings star as two friends whose attempt at a chill “Friendsgiving” spirals out of control as the guest list balloons to include a motley crew of characters.
From Wanda Sykes as the eccentric shaman Fairy Gay Mother to Chelsea Peretti as a glamorous actress rival, the cast is stacked with scene-stealers. And while the humor is often crude and silly, there’s also a sweet message about finding your chosen family.
11. Scent of a Woman (1992)
Description: A prep school student needing money agrees to “babysit” a blind man, but the job is not at all what he anticipated.
This Oscar-winning drama features one of Al Pacino’s most iconic performances as Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade, a blind, retired Army Ranger with a larger-than-life personality. When young prep student Charlie Simms (Chris O’Donnell) takes a job looking after Frank over Thanksgiving weekend, he gets more than he bargained for.
Frank’s plans include fine dining, luxurious hotel stays, fast cars, and even a tango with a beautiful stranger. But beneath his devil-may-care exterior lies a deep well of pain and regret. Pacino and O’Donnell’s unlikely bond is the heart of the movie, as Frank ultimately teaches Charlie valuable lessons about integrity, standing up for yourself, and living life to the fullest.
12. The House of Yes (1997)
Description: A mentally unbalanced young woman – who is convinced she is Jackie Kennedy – flies into a murderous rage when her brother returns home to reveal he is engaged.
Thanksgiving takes a darkly comedic turn in this indie cult classic, based on the play by Wendy MacLeod. Parker Posey stars as “Jackie-O” Pascal, a young woman from a wealthy Washington D.C. family whose obsession with Jackie Kennedy is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to her mental instability.
When her beloved twin brother Marty (Josh Hamilton) brings his fiancée Lesly (Tori Spelling) home for Thanksgiving, things quickly unravel. Shocking family secrets are revealed, culminating in a disturbingly funny climax. It’s a wild ride of a movie that subverts the idea of the picture-perfect family Thanksgiving.
13. What’s Cooking? (2000)
Description: In LA’s Fairfax district, where ethnic groups abound, four households celebrate Thanksgiving amidst family tensions.
This slice-of-life dramedy from director Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham) follows four diverse families – Vietnamese, Latino, African American, and Jewish – as they prepare their respective Thanksgiving dinners.
As the day unfolds, each family deals with their own unique challenges and conflicts, from cultural clashes to coming out of the closet. But they are all connected by the common themes of love, gratitude, and the importance of family. With a sprawling ensemble cast that includes Mercedes Ruehl, Kyra Sedgwick, Alfre Woodard, and Joan Chen, the film is a heartwarming celebration of diversity and shared humanity.
14. Home for the Holidays (1995)
Description: After losing her job, making out with her soon-to-be former boss, and finding out that her daughter plans to spend Thanksgiving with her boyfriend, Claudia Larson faces spending the holiday with her family.
Directed by Jodie Foster, this underrated gem is perhaps the ultimate dysfunctional family Thanksgiving movie. Holly Hunter stars as Claudia, a single mom dreading going home for the holidays to face her overbearing parents, kooky aunt, and resentful sister.
As the family’s many quirks and long-standing grievances come to a head, Claudia finds unexpected support from her gay brother Tommy (Robert Downey Jr. in a scene-stealing performance) and a budding romance with a handsome stranger. While the film is often brutally honest about the challenges of family, it’s also infused with warmth, humor, and a touching message about acceptance.
15. The Oath (2018)
Description: In a politically divided America, a man struggles to survive Thanksgiving without destroying his family.
For a more timely take on the holiday, look no further than this biting political satire written and directed by Ike Barinholtz. Set in the near future, the film imagines a world where citizens are asked to sign a loyalty oath to the President by Black Friday, or face dire consequences.
Liberal couple Chris and Kai invite their conservative relatives over for Thanksgiving, hoping to mend fences. But as the deadline to sign the oath nears, their civil debate quickly devolves into a full-blown familial meltdown. Barinholtz and Tiffany Haddish lead an excellent cast in this provocative, uncomfortably funny film that feels all too plausible in our current climate.
16. The Daytrippers (1996)
Description: When a young woman discovers a love letter written to her husband by an unknown paramour, she enlists her dysfunctional family to help uncover the truth.
Before Big Night and The Station Agent, director Greg Mottola made his feature debut with this charming indie comedy set on Thanksgiving Day. Hope Davis stars as Eliza, a Long Island housewife who drags her well-meaning but overbearing family into Manhattan to confront her potentially cheating husband.
As the family navigates the city in a wood-paneled station wagon, they bicker, bond, and uncover some surprising truths about themselves and each other. Parker Posey, Anne Meara, and Liev Schreiber round out the quirky ensemble cast. While the central mystery is engaging, it’s the authentic, finely drawn family dynamics that make The Daytrippers such a gem.
17. The New World (2005)
Description: The story of the English exploration of Virginia, and of the changing world and loves of Pocahontas.
Terrence Malick’s poetic retelling of the Pocahontas story is admittedly not your typical Thanksgiving movie. But it does offer a fascinating, visually stunning glimpse into the origins of the holiday and the complex relationship between the English settlers and the Native Americans.
Colin Farrell stars as Captain John Smith, whose love affair with Pocahontas (Q’orianka Kilcher) bridges the gap between their two worlds. But as the settlers’ ambition and greed grows, tensions rise and paradise is lost. Through Malick’s dreamlike, non-linear style, the film becomes a meditation on love, loss, and the untameable beauty of nature.
18. Tadpole (2002)
Description: A 15-year-old boy becomes smitten with his stepmother, leading to awkward encounters over Thanksgiving break.
This quirky indie comedy takes the coming-of-age genre in a taboo direction as precocious teen Oscar (Aaron Stanford) develops a crush on his father’s new wife Eve (Sigourney Weaver). When Oscar comes home from boarding school for Thanksgiving, his flirtations and misguided attempts at seduction lead to plenty of uncomfortable laughs.
Bebe Neuwirth also stars as Oscar’s chiropractor, who he ends up sleeping with in a drunken tryst, further complicating matters. While the subject matter is risqué, the film handles it with a light touch, making this an off-beat pick for more adventurous Thanksgiving viewing.
19. Grumpy Old Men (1993)
Description: Two feuding neighbors compete for the affections of a new woman in their small Minnesota town.
This beloved comedy classic stars Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau as John and Max, lifelong frenemies whose rivalry is reignited when a vivacious new neighbor (Ann-Margret) moves in across the street. While not strictly a Thanksgiving movie, a pivotal scene takes place over the holiday as John and Max’s families attempt to broker peace between the grumpy duo.
Watching these legendary actors trade barbs is a delight, and the film’s frosty Midwestern setting makes it a perfect choice for chilly November viewing. With a supporting cast that includes Burgess Meredith, Daryl Hannah, and Kevin Pollak, Grumpy Old Men is a heartwarming ode to love and friendship in the twilight years.
20. The War at Home (1996)
Description: A Vietnam vet returns home for Thanksgiving and struggles to connect with his estranged family.
This powerful drama stars Emilio Estevez as Jeremy Collier, a young soldier who comes back from Vietnam with undiagnosed PTSD. As he attempts to readjust to civilian life and reconnect with his parents and sister over Thanksgiving, Jeremy’s trauma manifests in volatile and self-destructive ways.
Kathy Bates and Martin Sheen give wrenching performances as Jeremy’s parents, who are ill-equipped to handle their son’s mental anguish. The War at Home is a sobering look at the challenges faced by veterans and their loved ones, anchored by Estevez’s intense, committed performance. It’s a tough but important watch.
21. Avalon (1990)
Description: A Polish-Jewish family pursues the American Dream in 20th century Baltimore.
Director Barry Levinson drew on his own family history for this poignant drama spanning multiple generations. The film opens with an extended sequence set around the Thanksgiving table in 1948, as the Krichinsky clan shares memories of their immigrant roots and argues over the future of their discount furniture business.
From there, Avalon jumps back and forth in time, tracing the family’s journey from hardscrabble beginnings to suburban prosperity. Along the way, they face challenges of assimilation, economic upheaval, and fraying family ties. With a cast led by Armin Mueller-Stahl, Aidan Quinn, and Elizabeth Perkins, the film is a moving, clear-eyed portrait of the Jewish-American experience.
22. She’s Gotta Have It (1986)
Description: A free-spirited artist juggles three different men in Spike Lee’s breakout film.
Spike Lee burst onto the indie film scene with this stylish romantic comedy, which features a memorable Thanksgiving sequence. Brooklyn artist Nola Darling (Tracy Camilla Johns) invites her three male suitors to holiday dinner, where they quickly start bickering and jockeying for her affections.
Lee himself plays one of the men, Mars Blackmon, who would go on to become an iconic character in his own right. With its frank depiction of female sexuality and exploration of race and gentrification in 1980s New York, She’s Gotta Have It still feels fresh and relevant today. It’s a landmark film that happens to include one very awkward Thanksgiving.
23. The Myth of Fingerprints (1997)
Description: A dysfunctional New England family gathers for Thanksgiving weekend after a long estrangement.
This ’90s indie drama assembles a dream cast including Julianne Moore, Roy Scheider, Noah Wyle, and Blythe Danner as the Franks, an upper-crust clan reuniting at their chilly Maine estate for the first time in years. Old wounds are reopened and new tensions emerge as the family struggles to connect over three days of forced togetherness.
Writer/director Bart Freundlich (Moore’s real-life partner) has a sharp ear for prickly dialogue and an eye for the small details that define a family’s shared history. While not always easy to watch, The Myth of Fingerprints offers a piercing, ultimately compassionate look at the messy work of sustaining relationships.
24. Stuck in Love (2012)
Description: An acclaimed writer, his ex-wife, and their teenage children come to terms with the complexities of love over the course of one tumultuous year.
This romantic dramedy from writer/director Josh Boone (The Fault in Our Stars) features a fraught but moving Thanksgiving sequence. Greg Kinnear stars as novelist Bill Borgens, who’s still obsessed with ex-wife Erica (Jennifer Connelly) three years after their split. Their collegiate daughter Sam (Lily Collins) has inherited Bill’s cynicism about relationships, while teenage son Rusty (Nat Wolff) is a hopeless romantic.
On Thanksgiving, the family’s baggage comes to a head as Erica shows up with a new beau and Bill makes a drunken declaration of love. Boone’s script occasionally lapses into cliché, but the cast sells the messy, complicated bonds between the Borgens. With its themes of forgiveness and fresh starts, Stuck in Love fits right in with the more hopeful side of the holiday.
Closing Thoughts
As we’ve seen, Thanksgiving movies come in all flavors – from silly to somber, heartwarming to horrifying. No matter what kind of holiday you’re anticipating, there’s a film on this list to match your mood.
At their best, Thanksgiving movies offer more than just seasonal window dressing. They capture something essential about the holiday’s complicated legacy and the way it brings out the best and worst in us. They remind us of the importance of gratitude, empathy, and connection, even in the face of familial strife and historical trauma.
So this year, after you’ve put away the leftovers and said goodbye to your guests, consider capping off the festivities with a great Thanksgiving film. It just might become a new tradition – one that feeds your soul as much as your stomach. Happy watching and happy holidays!
