The 10 Best Movies About Thanksgiving

Alright, gather 'round, food coma fam! Thanksgiving is practically here, and that means stuffing our faces, watching way too much football, and maybe, just maybe, a little bit of movie magic. You know, the kind that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, or at least makes you appreciate that your family isn't quite as dramatic.

We're talking about Thanksgiving movies! The unsung heroes of the holiday season. They might not have the glitter and tinsel of Christmas flicks, but they’ve got heart, humor, and often, a healthy dose of chaos. Let’s dive into some of the absolute best, shall we?

1. The Ice Storm (1997)

Okay, okay, hear me out. This one is dark. Like, really dark. But it's also a masterpiece of suburban melancholy. Think 1970s Connecticut, icy roads, and families unraveling faster than a cheap sweater. It’s not exactly a feel-good romp, but it’s a powerful look at flawed people trying to connect (or failing spectacularly) during a holiday. Seriously, the tension is palpable. It’s the kind of movie that makes you thankful for your own relatively normal family gatherings. A quirky fact? The director, Ang Lee, is a master of diverse genres. This is him dipping his toes into American dysfunction, and wow, did he nail it. It’s a Thanksgiving movie for when you need a reality check, a really well-shot reality check.

2. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

This is the absolute king of Thanksgiving travel nightmares. John Candy as Del Griffith is pure gold. Steve Martin as the uptight Neal Page? Perfection. Their journey home for Thanksgiving is a hilariously frustrating odyssey. Stranded, delayed, and stuck together, these two unlikely companions learn a thing or two about tolerance… and about how much you can annoy someone. The scene with the rental car? Iconic. The shower scene? Unforgettable. It’s a testament to how comedy can emerge from sheer desperation. Plus, who doesn't love John Candy? He was a national treasure, and his performance here is just chef’s kiss.

3. Addams Family Values (1993)

While not explicitly a Thanksgiving movie, the iconic Thanksgiving play scene makes it a must-watch. Wednesday Addams as Pocahontas, Pugsley as a pilgrim… and then Wednesday’s chilling rendition of the First Thanksgiving. It’s a darkly comedic masterpiece that deconstructs the holiday in the most delightfully macabre way. Morticia and Gomez are still goals, and Fester’s attempts at romance are just… something else. The entire film is a wonderfully twisted take on family and acceptance. You’ll never look at a pilgrim costume the same way again.

4. The Oath (2018)

Okay, this one is a bit newer and tackles a more modern Thanksgiving dilemma. Tina Fey and Ike Barinholtz play a couple dealing with the… shall we say… spirited political discussions that can erupt at the dinner table. It’s a comedy, but it’s also incredibly relevant. The pressure to maintain familial harmony versus holding onto your beliefs? We’ve all been there, right? It’s funny, it’s a little uncomfortable, and it’s a reminder that sometimes the best thing you can do is just try to survive the meal. The sheer awkwardness is relatable on a spiritual level.

5. Son in Law (1993)

Pauly Shore. Need I say more? Okay, I will. This movie is a pure, unadulterated dose of 90s cheese. Carla Gugino plays a college student who brings her eccentric, rave-loving boyfriend (Pauly Shore, duh) home for Thanksgiving. Her family is… less than impressed. It’s all about fish-out-of-water comedy and cultural clashes, but in the most lighthearted way possible. It’s the kind of movie you watch with a group of friends, laughing at the ridiculousness. It's definitely a comfort movie for many, a reminder of simpler, sillier times. Plus, who can forget “Weasel”?

6. Krisha (2015)

Here’s one for the indie film lovers. This movie is intense. It follows Krisha, who returns to her estranged family for Thanksgiving after years away. Tensions are high, and the night unfolds with a sense of impending dread and catharsis. It’s raw, honest, and brilliantly acted. It might not be your typical laugh-out-loud holiday fare, but it’s a profound exploration of family dynamics, addiction, and forgiveness. The performances are truly captivating, and it’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll. It’s a Thanksgiving movie that doesn’t pull punches.

7. Home for the Holidays (1995)

Jodie Foster directs this gem starring Holly Hunter as a woman who loses her job and finds herself going home for Thanksgiving to her quirky, dysfunctional family. It’s a heartwarming, yet realistic, portrayal of familial love, secrets, and the awkwardness of reconnecting. Robert Downey Jr. is also in it, playing a rather charming character who adds some much-needed levity. It's a movie about navigating the complexities of family, and the surprising comfort found in shared history, even when things get a little messy. The performances are superb, and it really captures the essence of what it means to go home.

8. The Blind Side (2009)

Okay, this one is a bit of a curveball. While the central theme is football, the heartwarming scenes of Michael Oher finding a family and a sense of belonging during Thanksgiving are truly touching. Sandra Bullock is fantastic as Leigh Anne Tuohy. It's a story about second chances and the power of acceptance, and the Thanksgiving dinner scenes are a beautiful illustration of how family can be found in unexpected places. It’s inspiring and uplifting, and it’ll definitely make you feel good about humanity. Plus, who doesn't love a good underdog story?

9. Jiminy Glick in: Last Call (2006)

This is for the comedy nerds out there. Martin Short’s alter ego, the bumbling and insufferable entertainment reporter Jiminy Glick, interviews celebrities. The Thanksgiving episode features a dinner party gone hilariously wrong with a star-studded cast playing themselves. It’s a mockumentary with some truly awkward and laugh-out-loud moments. If you enjoy satirical humor and the sheer brilliance of Martin Short’s comedic timing, this is a treat. It’s a Thanksgiving movie that’s more about the laughs than the gravy.

10. Addams Family Reunion (1998)

Look, we already celebrated Addams Family Values, but this one deserves a nod for its… unique take on the holiday. It’s not as critically acclaimed, but it’s got that same gothic charm and family quirks. It’s more lighthearted than Values, and it’s a fun, campy option if you’re looking for something a little less intense. It's a great choice for a family movie night where you want something spooky-ish but still festive. Think wacky relatives and spooky mansions. It’s a different kind of Thanksgiving celebration, and that’s what makes it fun!

So there you have it! A little something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for dark humor, slapstick comedy, or touching family drama, there’s a Thanksgiving movie out there for you. Now, go forth, grab some popcorn (or a drumstick), and enjoy the holiday!