11 Thanksgiving Movies to Watch With the Whole Family
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s time to think about family traditions, and what better way to kick them off than with a movie night? Whether you’ve got little ones, teens, or adults in the mix, there’s a perfect movie to bring everyone together. From hilarious moments to touching stories, these films are made to be shared. So, why not gather around the TV and make some lasting memories? Let’s explore a few movies that are perfect for this special time of year.
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Planes, Trains and Automobiles
This classic comedy premiered in November 1987, directed by John Hughes and starring Steve Martin and John Candy. The film follows the misadventures of Neal Page (Martin), a man trying to get home for Thanksgiving, only to be stuck with an overly friendly and clumsy travel companion, played by Candy. The film is known for its heartwarming moments mixed with hilarious scenes, making it a must-watch for family gatherings. It’s a great reminder of the value of kindness, especially during the holiday season. Its humor and touching message have made it a Thanksgiving favorite for decades.
What makes Planes, Trains and Automobiles stand out is the unique blend of slapstick comedy and genuine emotional depth. The chemistry between Martin and Candy is what really holds the film together, as they navigate one crazy situation after another. As a holiday movie, it highlights the trials of travel and the unexpected friendships formed along the way. Even though it was released years ago, it still resonates with families, making it a timeless classic for Thanksgiving. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s worth watching this holiday season.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Premiering in 1973, this animated special has been a staple of Thanksgiving television ever since. It follows Charlie Brown as he attempts to create a proper Thanksgiving feast for his friends, despite his limited resources and expertise in the kitchen. The voice cast includes Peter Robbins as Charlie Brown and Christopher DeFaria as Snoopy, bringing the Peanuts characters to life. What makes this film special is its simple, wholesome message about friendship, gratitude, and the true spirit of Thanksgiving. It’s short, sweet, and perfect for younger viewers.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving has been adored by multiple generations, and its straightforward yet heartfelt storyline is one that families can enjoy together. The animation style is charmingly retro, making it a nostalgic pick for parents and grandparents. While the plot is light-hearted, it touches on important themes, including sharing and the joy of giving. It’s a fun way to introduce kids to the holiday spirit and to help them understand the importance of togetherness. This is a movie that never gets old and remains a Thanksgiving tradition.
Home for the Holidays
This family comedy-drama hit theaters in 1995 and stars Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr., and Anne Bancroft. Directed by Jodie Foster, the film follows Claudia Larson (Hunter) as she navigates the chaos of returning to her family home for Thanksgiving. While the plot centers around the awkward family dynamics that often arise during holiday gatherings, the film is both humorous and heartfelt. It’s a reminder of how the holidays can stir up old feelings and relationships, but also offer moments of connection and growth.
The strong performances from the cast, especially Hunter and Downey Jr., elevate the film’s relatability and emotional depth. The movie perfectly captures the chaos and warmth of spending the holidays with family members who may not always see eye to eye. What makes Home for the Holidays stand out is its honest portrayal of family life and its ability to make you both laugh and reflect. For those who appreciate witty dialogue and complex characters, this is a great pick for Thanksgiving. It’s perfect for older kids and adults who want a mix of humor and drama during their holiday movie marathon.
Son-in-Law
Released in 1993, Son-in-Law is a light-hearted comedy starring Pauly Shore and Carla Gugino. The story centers around a college student named Rebecca, who invites her quirky, free-spirited roommate, Crawl (Shore), to Thanksgiving dinner with her conservative family. The movie explores the clash between the traditional family values and the unconventional personality of Crawl, creating plenty of comedic moments. While it may be more humorous than reflective, the film offers an enjoyable experience for those looking for laughs during the holiday.
Son-in-Law became a cult classic due to Pauly Shore’s eccentric character, who helps Rebecca’s family loosen up and embrace change. The contrast between Crawl’s laid-back attitude and the uptight family members creates a lot of amusing conflict. Despite the film’s comedic nature, it’s ultimately about acceptance and the unexpected connections that make family holidays memorable. For a fun and light-hearted addition to your Thanksgiving movie list, this one is sure to entertain. If you’re looking for something that’s easygoing yet funny, this is the film to watch.
Addams Family Values
In Addams Family Values (1993), the quirky, darkly humorous Addams family returns to the big screen. The movie stars Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, and Christina Ricci and centers on the family’s antics during the Thanksgiving season. The film offers a satirical look at family dynamics, with the Addams family’s eccentric behavior hilariously contrasting against the more traditional holidays they experience. While the movie isn’t entirely focused on Thanksgiving, it features a memorable camp scene where Wednesday Addams performs a darkly comedic Thanksgiving play.
What makes this movie a standout is its ability to blend Halloween-like macabre humor with the festive cheer of the holiday season. The characters, especially Wednesday Addams, have become iconic, making it a fun and unconventional pick for Thanksgiving. With its blend of humor, wit, and oddball family dynamics, it’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. The film also has moments of unexpected warmth, proving that the Addams family is more about love than they often let on. It’s a perfect movie for families that enjoy a mix of spooky and festive fun.
Miracle on 34th Street
Originally released in 1947, Miracle on 34th Street is a classic holiday film that has earned a place in the hearts of families for decades. The story revolves around Kris Kringle, a man who claims to be the real Santa Claus, and his efforts to spread holiday cheer. Starring Maureen O’Hara, Edmund Gwenn, and John Payne, this black-and-white film captures the magic of Christmas and the spirit of goodwill. While it’s technically a Christmas movie, its themes of kindness, belief, and the importance of family make it perfect for a Thanksgiving viewing.
What makes Miracle on 34th Street so enduring is its message about the importance of believing in something greater than ourselves. It’s a film that encourages audiences to embrace hope and kindness during the holiday season, reminding us all of the magic that can happen when we open our hearts. Its timeless message and wholesome themes make it suitable for all ages. With its heartwarming plot and endearing characters, it’s a great movie to share with family as you prepare for the festivities of the season. It’s a movie that never fails to bring a smile and a little holiday magic.
The Family Stone
The Family Stone (2005) is a comedy-drama featuring a star-studded cast, including Diane Keaton, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Rachel McAdams. The story revolves around the Stone family as they gather for Thanksgiving, where unexpected tension arises when Meredith (Parker) brings her boyfriend’s family to meet them. The film explores themes of family dynamics, acceptance, and the complexities of holiday gatherings. With its blend of humor, drama, and heart, The Family Stone offers a realistic take on what many families experience during the holidays.
The cast delivers strong performances, particularly Keaton, whose portrayal of a mother trying to hold everything together is both relatable and touching. The film’s mixture of heartfelt moments and family comedy makes it a great pick for Thanksgiving. It’s a film that shows how family bonds are tested but also strengthened during the holidays. The Family Stone is a great choice for those who want a balance of humor and emotional depth. Watching it together with family will likely spark both laughter and meaningful conversations.
Friendsgiving
Released in 2020, Friendsgiving is a comedy that centers on two women, played by Malin Akerman and Kat Dennings, who host a Thanksgiving dinner with their friends. While the film features a mix of outrageous humor and heartfelt moments, it’s ultimately about the importance of friendship and accepting those you love for who they are. The ensemble cast also includes Jane Seymour and Gwen Taylor. For families with older children or adults, it offers a fresh, more modern twist on Thanksgiving gatherings.
The movie’s charm lies in its relatability and the realistic portrayal of holiday stress. As the dinner table drama unfolds, the film delivers both comedic chaos and emotional revelations. While Friendsgiving is geared more toward adults, it still brings a warm message about love, friendship, and finding joy in the unexpected. For families seeking a more contemporary take on Thanksgiving, it’s a great option. It’s a movie that will leave you laughing, especially if you enjoy offbeat humor.
The Thanksgiving House
The Thanksgiving House premiered in 2013 and is a Hallmark Channel original movie starring Emily Rose and Marc Blucas. The film tells the story of a woman who inherits an old house that holds a secret tied to her family’s history and the Thanksgiving holiday. As she unravels the mystery, she begins to rediscover what Thanksgiving truly means. The charming, nostalgic tone of the film makes it a delightful choice for families looking for something both light-hearted and meaningful.
While The Thanksgiving House is a romantic comedy at its core, it also highlights the importance of family traditions and the power of history. The lead characters have great chemistry, and their journey brings plenty of warm, feel-good moments. This movie is perfect for those who enjoy a little mystery mixed with romance during the holidays. The themes of family, tradition, and rediscovery make it an excellent Thanksgiving watch. It’s an uplifting film that reminds us of the deeper meaning behind the holiday.
The Turkey Bowl
The Turkey Bowl premiered in 2019 and is a comedy about a man returning to his hometown for Thanksgiving after years away. Starring Tyler Labine and Emma Paetz, the film follows a group of childhood friends as they play in the annual turkey bowl football game. The quirky, small-town charm and the ridiculousness of the football match make this a fun movie for the whole family. The story also touches on themes of friendship and the importance of staying connected to your roots. It’s a perfect pick for a lighthearted family movie on Thanksgiving.
What sets The Turkey Bowl apart is its nostalgic feel and hilarious moments. The film combines the humor of old friendships with the spirit of Thanksgiving, making it an ideal movie for holiday gatherings. The mix of comedic football action and sentimental moments offers something for everyone. For families looking for a modern yet funny take on Thanksgiving, this movie is an enjoyable choice. Whether you’re into sports or just need a good laugh, The Turkey Bowl provides plenty of both.
Free Birds
Free Birds is an animated adventure-comedy released in 2013 and stars Owen Wilson and Woody Harrelson. The story follows two turkeys who travel back in time to prevent the first Thanksgiving from ever happening, aiming to save their kind from becoming the holiday’s centerpiece. The colorful animation and fun storyline make it an excellent choice for kids and families looking for a lighthearted film. It offers a fun and imaginative take on Thanksgiving, packed with humor, action, and a few life lessons about friendship and self-discovery.
What makes Free Birds stand out is its whimsical approach to the Thanksgiving story. The characters are entertaining, and the time-traveling adventure adds an extra layer of excitement to the plot. While it takes creative liberties with history, it still captures the spirit of the holiday in a fun way. The movie’s playful humor and quick-paced action will keep kids entertained while offering messages about courage, teamwork, and understanding. It’s a perfect movie for family movie night, especially if you’re looking for something funny and imaginative for younger viewers.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu