Halloween and Christmas movies always seem to take the spotlight every year, and poor Thanksgiving generally gets overlooked. Before you binge-watch all of the best Netflix Christmas movies and binge-watch Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas don't forget there are plenty of films that are perfect for the long Thanksgiving weekend. While Christmas has a special kind of magic that only comes once a year, Thanksgiving is one of a kind because it's all about family, gathering together around the table, and focusing on what you're thankful for. Plus, all of the delicious food just can't be beat.
As you get ready to stuff yourselves full of turkey and pecan pie with your loved ones this season, consider starting your own Thanksgiving tradition that includes an evening of curling up on the couch with leftovers, dessert and maybe even a Thanksgiving cocktail and watching some classic Thanksgiving movies.
While there haven't been many films specifically themed Thanksgiving released over the years, there are a few standout gems that stand the test of time and really shine a light on the joys of Turkey Day. Some movies on this list simply offer scenes during Thanksgiving dinner, while the rest of the theme centers around family or humor in lieu of the holiday as a whole. Either way, these 40 films are perfect additions to your fall and November watch lists this season outside of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. You'll get to enjoy some quality time with family and friends and can really let Thanksgiving shine before it's fully time to dive into everything Christmas.
'Pieces of April' (2003)
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc
Pieces of April really showcases what the meaning of the Thanksgiving season is all about. Quirky and rebellious April Burns (Katie Holmes) lives miles away from her family in New York City with her boyfriend. When she hears that her mother has a fatal form of breast cancer, she invites her estranged family to her apartment for Thanksgiving dinner. She's an inexperienced cook and has to get help from a kind neighbor, but she really tries to make it work and form a connection with her mother before it's too late. It's a touching and sweet film that really focuses on the powerful connection between a mother and a daughter while highlighting how important it is to appreciate your family...especially at Thanksgiving, Patricia Clarkson earned Golden Globe and Oscar nods for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of April's mother, Joy.
Where to watch: Tubi, Max
'The Blind Side' (2009)
Alcon Entertainment
The movie that finally gave beloved actress Sandra Bullock her Oscar is so much more than just a sports movie. Based on the true story of a family taking in a homeless teen who went on to become an NFL star, Bullock and country star Tim McGraw shine as Michael Oher's adoptive parents, Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, in the story of how he came to join their family and eventually build a football career. While Thanksgiving is definitely not the focus of the film, it's a particularly touching scene when Michael sits down with the Tuohy family for Thanksgiving dinner for the first time after living on the streets with nowhere to go. The story itself is powerful and inspiring, and let's be honest...football is a big part of Thanksgiving in general, right?
While this film has come into question recently following Oher's lawsuit against the Tuohy family, this is still a feel-good film as long as we recognize that it's just a movie and the real story might be a bit different than depicted.
Where to watch: Rent on Amazon Prime Video
'Sweet November' (2001)
Warner Brothers and Bel Air Pictures
Charlize Theron and Keanu Reeves star in this 2001 adaptation of the 1968 film "Sweet November," but their version has a slightly different ending. This dramatic romance follows the story of Nelson Moss, who meets an interesting woman named Sara. They quickly form a romantic connection, and she invites him to spend a month with her, saying it will change his life. You'll have to watch to find out exactly what Sara is referring to, but this movie is full of romantic moments that will inspire you, just like Nelson in the film, to want to be a better person. Nothing like the holidays to make you want to get yourself together for the new year!
Where to watch: Rent on Amazon Prime Video
'You've Got Mail' (1998)
Getty Images
Potentially the ultimate fall movie ever made, "You've Got Mail" is a classic that is perfect to revisit around Thanksgiving. The quirky and charming Meg Ryan stars as a children's book store owner trying to make it through the holidays as a big book chain store opens up in her neighborhood, threatening her store's future. All the while, she's chatting online with a mysterious stranger who isn't who she expects him to be. While certainly not a movie about Thanksgiving itself, there's nothing like New York City in the fall, as well as into the changing Christmas season when the city really comes to life with all of the decorations. It's the perfect transition film before fulling diving into your favorite family Christmas movies.
Where to watch: Max
'Soul Food' (1997)
Fox 2000 Pictures / Edmonds Entertainment
Thanksgiving itself is all about getting together with your family, which is the central theme of this sweet '90s film. "Soul Food" is all about a Chicago family coming together for Sunday dinners, led by their beloved matriarch "Mama Jo." Sure, it's technically not a holiday film, but if this doesn't capture what the holiday is all about, I'm not sure what does. You'll easily fall in love with the Joseph family as the story is told from the perspective of 11-year-old Ahmad. The story of a family holding tight to beloved old traditions really resonated with viewers to the point that Showtime even released a series based on the film in 2000.
Where to watch: Rent on Amazon Prime Video
'Home for the Holidays' (1995)
Ronald Siemoneit/Sygma/Sygma via Getty Images
Jodie Foster directed this '90s gem that is all about a single mom forced to spend Thanksgiving with her family in Baltimore. It's the ultimate story of how even if your family is dysfunctional, you can still appreciate your roots and where you came from. Not to mention this has all of the slapstick humor you'd expect from a 90s holiday film, complete with an amazing cast that features Robert Downey Jr, Holly Hunter, Anne Bancroft, Steve Guttenberg, and a young Claire Danes.
Where to watch: Rent on Amazon Prime Video
'Grumpy Old Men' (1993)
Warner Brothers/Getty Images
Ah, Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. The ultimate duo who just got better with age. The two Hollywood legends play 'grumpy' neighbors in Minnesota. Both retirees, they spend their free time playing practical jokes on each other, ice fishing and squabbling. When an attractive English professor (Ann-Margret) moves in across the street, these longtime friends find themselves fighting for her affection. Talk about a surprise when they see her enjoying Thanksgiving dinner with someone else.
Where to watch: Rent on Amazon Prime Video
'Son in Law' (1993)
Hollywood Pictures
It's a Pauly Shore classic, and another film set entirely around the Thanksgiving season. When Becca leaves her South Dakota farm to attend college in Los Angeles, she gets help acclimating to her new environment with the help of her dorm advisor, Crawl (Shore). The two strike up a friendship, and she invites him to spend Thanksgiving with her family where things get a bit out of hand when an old flame proposes, and Crawl, trying to help, says he beat him to it. Sometimes opposites attract, and sometimes you find family where you least expect it. Full of cheesy moments and laughs, this is a quality Thanksgiving film worth revisiting every year.
Where to watch: Rent on Amazon Prime Video
'Planes, Trains, and Automobiles' (1987)
Paramount/Getty Images
Potentially the Thanksgiving film of all Thanksgiving films is this '80s classic starring Steve Martin and John Candy. Written and directed by John Hughes, this quirky little holiday adventure follows an ad man on a business trip in New York City just trying to get home to his family in Chicago on Thanksgiving. He ends up getting partnered with an unlikely travel companion who makes his life a living hell despite his pure intentions. Martin's character ends up discovering that Thanksgiving is so much more than just his own immediate family as these two really come together on the worst trip of all time. Because of the iconic cast, the movie really doesn't get old and stands the test of time, just like all of John Hughes' other classics.
Where to watch: PlutoTV, AMC+
'The Big Chill' (1983)
Columbia Pictures
When a group of old friends loses one of their own, they get together for an emotional and joy-filled reunion. Starring all of the big names of the '80s — Tom Berenger, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Kevin Kline, Mary Kay Place, Meg Tilly and JoBeth Williams, "The Big Chill" landed three Oscar nods and even boasts one of the best soundtracks of all time. Watching a group of friends reminisce and make meals together really feels like the holiday season, and a re-watch will remind you why this film is considered such a beloved classic. It's worth noting that the group's dead friend was played by none other than Kevin Costner in what was supposed to be his big break-out role, but all of his non-coffin scenes were cut.
Where to watch: PlutoTV
'Hannah and Her Sisters' (1986)
Orion/Getty Images
This Woody Allen comedy tells the story of a family over the course of two years, beginning and ending with Thanksgiving dinner. Michael Caine and Dianne Weist won Best Supporting Oscars for the family dramedy that brought home a Best Original Screenplay win for Allen. It's a really strong family drama, and you'll find yourself rooting for everyone as the story takes you through the seasons to the final Thanksgiving scene.
Where to watch: Rent on Amazon, Cinemax
'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving' (1973)
Lee Mendelson Film Productions
There's just something about Charlie Brown during the holidays. From Halloween through Christmas, all of the sweet holiday specials with everyone's favorite cartoon and his ragtag group of friends are classic viewing even decades after its initial release. All of your favorite Peanuts characters, from Lucy to Snoopy, make an appearance in this quirky little special that's full of friendship, turkey, and football fun. This is a particularly good option for families with smaller children who don't really have the attention span for a feature film. Like the Peanuts gang always does, they manage to perfectly capture the meaning of Thanksgiving in under 30 minutes.
Where to watch: Apple TV
'Miracle on 34th Street' (1947)
Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
The best part about this old classic is that it is equal parts Christmas and Thanksgiving movie. A young girl and her single mother form a friendship with the department store Santa Claus hired for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. A young Natalie Wood perfectly captures the essence of a skeptical child, unsure of what exactly she should believe in when it comes to Christmas magic. Maureen O'Hara stars as her mother, who in addition to learning about the meaning of the season, manages to find love when she wasn't even looking for it. You're welcome to check out the remake from the 90s, but nothing compares to the original.
Where to watch: Disney+
'For Your Consideration' (2006)
Shangri-La Entertainment and Castle Rock Entertainment
Christopher Guest's comedies are definitely an acquired taste as the "mockumentary style" of his filmmaking makes for some seriously awkward (yet truly hilarious) scenarios. "For Your Consideration" brings together some of his regular stars like Catherine O'Hara, Eugene Levy and Parker Posey in the ridiculous story of a group of actors making a film called "Home for Purim," which is supposedly going to get some serious Oscar buzz. How does this tie into Thanksgiving? Some Hollywood studio executives change the film's title to "Home for Thanksgiving." Just watch to find out why...it's absurd and hilarious and an unexpected crowd-pleaser.
Where to watch: Tubi, The Roku Channel
'One True Thing' (1998)
Universal/Getty Images
Meryl Streep and Renée Zellweger star in this touching family drama about a daughter who puts her life on hold to care for her dying mother. Watch this duo spend their final holidays together as they rediscover the importance of family and the strength of a mother-daughter bond. While not primarily meant to be a Thanksgiving film, you do see the holiday season unwind in Streep's character's final months. Like many other Streep films, you'll definitely cry, but you'll also leave this film wanting to call your mom and tell her how much you appreciate her.
Where to watch: Rent on Amazon Prime Video
'Addams Family Values' (1993)
Paramount/Getty Images
While the first "Addams Family" film is unmistakably a Halloween classic, it's safe to say its hilarious sequel is definitely a Thanksgiving film. All of the kooky and spooky Addams characters are back for more in a new story that sends Wednesday and Pugsly to summer camp. For whatever reason, the summer camp (which is their living nightmare of cheery team-building fun) throws a play of the Thanksgiving story. While it's set in the summer months, that Thanksgiving play is so ridiculous, it's enough to make this an annual staple in November.
Where to watch: Paramount+
'What's Cooking?' (2000)
Because Entertainment
Every family is different, which is the central theme of this charming Thanksgiving tale. Hopping between four different families on Turkey Day, you'll see different traditions, ways of cooking, and family dynamics on one of the biggest holidays of the year. Led by a strong cast of Mercedes Ruehl, Kyra Sedgwick, Joan Chen, Lainie Kazan, Maury Chaykin, Julianna Margulies, Alfre Woodard and Dennis Haysbert, this feel-good film is full of laughs as well as sweet moments that we can all relate to on a day like Thanksgiving.
Where to watch: PlutoTV
'The Ice Storm' (1997)
Fox Searchlight Pictures/Getty Images
A prep school student, played by a young Tobey Maguire, comes back home to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with his family, including his father (Kevin Kline), mother (Joan Allen), and sister (Christina Ricci). He's got a crush on a girl from school, his sister is experimenting with boys, and dad is having an affair with the next-door neighbor. And you thought your family had problems. Centered around all of the chaos surrounding this family as they come together for the Thanksgiving holiday, it's really a family drama that shouldn't be missed. There are a few memorable moments throughout the film, especially Sigourney Weaver's appearance as the neighbor.
Where to watch: Max
'Friendsgiving' (2020)
Red Hour Films
While we all can relate to the typical tale of family dysfunction around the Thanksgiving table, what about a Friendsgiving? Inspired by the term used when friends gather together for the holiday, this comedy follows best friends Molly and Abby as they plan on having a quiet Thanksgiving dinner together. Molly has a baby and is going through a divorce, and Abby is going through her first breakup after officially coming out to friends and family late in life. They have a lot going on, but it gets crazier when their low-key meal turns into a massive crazy dinner party neither of them planned for.
Where to watch: Rent on Amazon Prime Video
'Little Women' (2019)
Wilson Webb - 2019 CTMG, Inc.
There's something so cozy about watching the various adaptations of Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" over the holidays. While the Susan Sarandon and Winona Ryder version from the '90s is always great, the 2019 film from Greta Gerwig was an instant masterpiece. Gerwig perfectly captured the essence of the March sisters, with Laura Dern expertly bringing their mother, Marmee, to life. While this is another example of a movie that isn't traditionally centered around Thanksgiving itself, it does take place around the holiday season and leading up to Christmas, which makes it a perfect watch for the whole family.
Where to watch: Starz
'Knives Out' (2019)
Claire Folger/Claire Folger - 2018 MRC II Distribution Company L.P.
Beloved actor Christopher Plummer's last film before his death is the ultimate movie to watch with your family over Thanksgiving weekend. Does it have anything to do with the holiday? Not really...but the story of the wealthy Thrombey family quarreling with each other over their late patriarch's fortune he left to someone else is a seriously entertaining mystery. The 'who done it' nature of the story immediately draws you in until the final piece of the puzzle is revealed. It's all about crazy family dynamics and the moody colors and costumes really make you feel the fall season.
Where to watch: Rent on Amazon, Hulu
'Garfield's Thanksgiving' (1989)
Film Roman Productions
Similar to Charlie Brown, everyone's favorite orange cat is always a classic cartoon regardless of the time of year. If you grew up watching the Garfield cartoons, you know how much this crazy feline enjoys his food...especially lasagna. In this entertaining TV special centered around Turkey Day, Jon invites Garfield's vet to their Thanksgiving dinner...the only problem? She's put the hungry cat on a diet. A great option for smaller children since it's a quick and entertaining watch clocking in at just 24 minutes.
Where to watch: Peacock
'The New World' (2005)
Zade Rosenthal - 2005 New Line Cinema
It's the Thanksgiving story we grew up hearing, but with some added Terrance Malick drama and a lot of romance. We all know the story of John Smith coming to help with the settlement of Jamestown, where he ends up forming a connection with a local Chief's daughter, Pocahontas. The real story isn't remotely like what we've seen in this or even the Disney cartoon, but hey — it's entertaining. Colin Farrell and "Yellowstone" cast member Q'orianka Kilcher star as the central characters in the film, which shows their initial meeting through the end of Pocahontas's life.
Where to watch: YouTube
Hallmark Channel
This Hallmark original starring '80s star Daphne Zuniga is a classic tale of a work-focused parent waking up in an alternate reality during the holidays. She's a high-powered attorney who's overwhelmed with her work-life balance, but what would it be like if that wasn't her life at all? These stories never get old on Hallmark since the fastest way to teach someone the meaning of the season and remind them of their love for their family is to quite literally take it all away. Even 12 years later, this is a gem, not to mention Faye Dunaway is an absolute delight.
Where to watch: The Roku Channel
Hallmark Channel
In her first Hallmark Channel role, lovable star Autumn Reeser plays a quirky, vintage-loving Thanksgiving parade coordinator. While dealing with her distant boyfriend, she has to deal with a rich finance executive who shows up to analyze her beloved annual event. Opposites attract, one heck of a Thanksgiving parade is thrown (complete with a handsome Santa Claus), and love wins it all. It's a classic Hallmark holiday film we all love but set around Thanksgiving, which is a nice change of pace. Since there aren't many of these, this is one of the best Thanksgiving movies Hallmark has made, even a decade later.
Where to watch: Hallmark Movies Now
'Sweet Home Alabama' (2002)
IMDB
Charlize Theron and Reese Witherspoon star in this romantic comedy that feels like coming home around the holidays. Reese's character, Melanie, a New York fashion designer, returns to her Alabama hometown to finalize her divorce. Back home, she rekindles old flames and confronts her past, leading to humorous and heartwarming moments. It's a story about going back to your roots, much like what you might experience around Thanksgiving or the holidays in general.
Where to watch: Disney+
Family Stone (2005)
IMDB
Sarah Jessica Parker joins an ensemble cast in this holiday drama. Her character, an uptight businesswoman, navigates a chaotic holiday with her boyfriend's unconventional family. If you've ever met your significant other's parents or found yourself feeling like a fish out of water during a Thanksgiving celebration, so much of this story will ring true. And it'll hopefully be a little less awkward than actually going out and hanging out with them on the holiday itself.
Where to watch: Hulu
'Dan in Real Life' (2007)
IMDB
Steve Carell plays a widowed advice columnist who unexpectedly falls in love with his brother's girlfriend during a family retreat. He struggles to raise his three daughters on his own, and dealing with his newfound, unattainable love makes for a whole new experience makes it all the more different. It's a tale all about how sometimes, you just can't plan for things, and love can happen where you least expect it. And it's a great movie to watch when you know you're going to be reconnecting with and hanging out with family, natch.
Where to watch: Prime Video
'Parenthood' (1989)
IMDB
Directed by Ron Howard and starring Steve Martin, this comedy-drama offers a realistic look into the joys and challenges of parenting across several generations. It's a little bit emotional at times, just like your family's get-togethers, but that's part of what makes it such a good watch around Thanksgiving. Plus, everyone can empathize a bit with what each character is going through in a way.
Where to watch: Rent on Prime Video
'The Family Man' (2000)
IMDB
Nicolas Cage stars as a high-flying executive who wakes up to a completely different life as a family man. It's a complete change of dynamics for him, going from a busy business type to Dad in less than the span of the day, but taking the road he didn't travel ends up being a life-changing experience for him. It's the perfect holiday movie to reflect on some of your life choices and how important family is, even if you don't always live those "what if" scenarios in your brain when you think of them.
Where to watch: Tubi
'Avalon' (1990)
IMDB
Directed by Barry Levinson, this film follows an immigrant family in Baltimore over several generations through their trials and tribulations. It's such a treat seeing the entire family come together to support each other and enjoy life as a cohesive unit despite all of their unique struggles. And most importantly for the purposes of our list, it's the perfect kind of storytelling that you want to watch on Thanksgiving, or during the holidays in general, at that.
Where to watch: Rent on Prime Video
'About Schmidt' (2002)
IMDB
Okay, so Jack Nicholson normally isn't the deliver that adds the most heartfelt sentiment to every movie. But hear us out. In About Schmidt, he delivers a memorable performance about a retired man who heads off on a journey to his estranged daughter's wedding. It's one of the most touching movies Nicholson has appeared in, and if you've made or are making the trip to see family this year, you'll definitely appreciate what he's doing here.
Where to watch: Rent on Prime Video
'The Big Wedding' (2013)
IMDB
This romantic comedy features a star-studded cast, including Robert De Niro and Diane Keaton, dealing with family antics around a wedding. If you've ever had a wedding around the holidays, you can identify immediately with all the humorous and complicated nature of family interactions. It's all a bit like Thanksgiving dinner that way, which makes it a comfortable family watch you'll want to pull out again and again.
Where to watch: Max
'August: Osage County' (2013)
IMDB
Starring Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts, this movie is a realistic and rowdy portrayal of what happens when a highly dysfunctional family gets together for a family reunion. It's honestly not a lot different or too far removed from when politics get brought up at the dinner table and your uncle starts flinging around the mashed potatoes. But it's probably a little classier than that in the end. Maybe it can show everyone beefing during the holiday what it means to be a family.
Where to watch: Max
'The Intern' (2015)
IMDB
Robert De Niro stars as a 70-year-old widower who becomes an intern at an online fashion site, run by Anne Hathaway's character. It might not seem like it fits the Thanksgiving spirit, but it does touch on being grateful for second chances and thankfulness overall for being part of something you may never have thought you could be. Plus, you always have a great chance to meet someone new, or part of your family you didn't even realize you had during Thanksgiving.
Where to watch: Prime Video
'Sideways' (2004)
20th Century Fox
Alexander Payne's 2004 flick "Sideways" is a road movie that follows struggling writer and wine enthusiast Miles (Paul Giamatti), who goes on a trip through wine country with his engaged friend, Jack (Thomas Haden Church). The laidback vibes of wine country makes this film a perfect Thanksgiving watch.
Where to Watch: Available for rent on Amazon
'Chef' (2014)
Open Road Films
Jon Favreau's "Chef" is a heartwarming movie about a high-level L.A. chef who falls back in love with making food when he teams up with his ex-wife (Sofia Vergara), best friend (John Leguizamo) and son (Emjay Anthony) to open a food truck. Centered around how we show our love by making food for our loved ones, it's sure to resonate during the Thanksgiving season.
Where to Watch: Hulu, Starz
'The Pursuit of Happyness' (2006)
Sony Pictures Releasing
Based on the true story of businessman and motivational speaker Chris Gardner, Will Smith portrays a single father who's evicted from the apartment he shares with his young son (Jaden Smith). Gardner lands an internship at a prestigious brokerage, but because the position is unpaid, he and his son live in shelters as Gardner works to ensure a better life for his family.
Where to Watch: Hulu
'Julie & Julia' (2009)
IMDB
What better way to spend a day about the joy of feasting than to watch a film about one of the greatest chefs of all time, author and TV icon Julia Child? This Nora Ephron classic follows New Yorker Julie Powell (Amy Adams) who sets out on a mission to prepare all 524 recipes in Julia Childs' cookbook "Mastering the Art of French Cooking." Julie's story is intertwined with the fascinating real life story of Child, portrayed by Meryl Streep.
Where to Watch: YouTube
'Little Miss Sunshine' (2006)
IMDB
Laughter, tears, a dysfunctional yet undeniably loving (and lovable) family...we can't think of a better Thanksgiving watch than "Little Miss Sunshine." The heartwarming film follows the Hoover family, made up of father Richard (Greg Kinnear), mom Sheryl (Toni Collette), Uncle Frank (Steve Carell), grandpa Edwin (Alan Arkin) and big brother Dwayne (Paul Dano), who travel to California to the youngest family member, Olive (Abigail Breslin) as she competes in the Little Miss Sunshine Contest.
Where to Watch: Hulu
