Sitting on the couch in a mashed potato stupor? Trying to distract the kids while you finish the rolls? Need a good laugh after all the political conversations you've dodged during dinner? Or contrarily, want to stoke some political fires? Here's a list for everyone who shows up around your table this Thanksgiving holiday season!
Thanksgiving Holiday Movies: a handy guide
Aside from Charlie Brown and The Wizard of Oz, which were both a big part of my childhood, here are some movies you may have not heard of as well as some old favorites.
1. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)
Can we even make this list without this film? It's sad, funny, touching, familiar, seasonal...and hits all the right notes for your post-meal cozy couch flop. Steve Martin and John Candy have excellent chemistry and timing in this family favorite. I try not to watch it until we hit this part of the year, to savor the stellar acting, heart-felt themes, and seasonal coziness. Streaming on multiple platforms: Paramount, Amazon, Showtime...easy to find if you have any popular streaming services. Or on Pluto with ads.
2. Pieces of April (2003)
Personally, I don't think I've seen a better Katie Holmes film than Pieces of April. This 2003 comedy drama is some of her best work as an actress. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll rage. April is sort of a black sheep but wants to host Thanksgiving to reconnect with her family and show them how much she has changed. You be the judge. Streaming: Tubi, Amazon, Hulu, among others.
3. Home for the Holidays (1995)
Peak Holly Hunter and an oh so young Robert Downey Jr. would be enough to keep this film in your holiday rotation. But then you also get an honest and earnest plot, solid supporting actors, and some feel-good but serious moments that you might not have expected. I mean, look at that cast! Bonus: Jodie Foster directed, did you know? Perfect film for anyone who's moved away from a small town but comes home for the holidays. Warning: it's a bit heavy in parts and this is Downey's last film before he took an extended break from acting. Remember that? Streaming on the usuals: Paramount, Amazon, Hulu.
4. Black Friday (2021)
Switching gears a bit, Black Friday is another to add to your holiday rotation. Anyone who's ever worked in retail will empathize with the crew working that infamous Black Friday shift. To add a layer of anxiety, this horror comedy gives us... zombie shoppers! Yes, folks, the retail crew must not only survive the hordes of rabid shoppers trying to snatch those post-Thanksgiving deals and/or brains, they also struggle to deal with middle management on one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Sound familiar? (And yes, that's Bruce Campbell!) Streaming: Apple, Amazon.
5. Holidate (2020)
Of all the hetero movies in the rom/com category with the added plot element of a single person bribing or paying someone to be their date over the holiday season, this one's the cutest. I promise. Cute main actress, cute main guy with cute accent, cute family members, cute outfits, cute dialogue. Share this movie with old or young family members. It's got something for all ages! Streaming: Netflix
6. The Ice Storm (1997)
Hear me out, here. It's moody, dark, navel-gazy, but man, you'll love the soundtrack, the actors, the surprises (dark ones, warning!), and the on-point 70s fashion and decor. If you have a friend or family member who likes to go all inside their head after the main meal, flop on the couch and put this movie on. It does take place during Thanksgiving. There's food. There's family drama. That makes this count as a Thanksgiving movie then, right? Plus, you get a kickass cast, including Wood and Ricci long before there was Walter and Misty!
7. The Humans (2021)
Another one that might seem out of place is The Humans, It's billed as a psychological horror film but I think it's "just" an intense family introspective. Solid cast, feels like a play cuz it was one first, tense family drama, Thanksgiving setting, food...it's a unique film so if you check it out, let me know what you think. Is this horror? Not streaming for free, as far as I can tell, but you can rent it. Check out the trailer first for a vibe check.
8. Friendsgiving (2020)
Looking for something a bit sexy, a bit trope-y, and perhaps not for everyone? Try Friendsgiving. It's packed with familiar comedians so maybe it could serve as a comfort movie when your pants are a bit too tight and you just want to laugh as you shovel more pumpkin pie into your face. Let it all hang out and change into your pajama pants for this one. Streaming on Hulu and Tubi.
9. The Oath (2018)
Be sure you find the comedy drama with Tiffany Haddish. There are a few movies or series with this title. If you want to get your Thanksgiving crew talking, put this on and prepare for a lively discussion! The main plot point: the government wants each citizen to sign a loyalty pledge and Thanksgiving is the deadline. Not streaming anywhere for free but you can always rent it!
10. What's Cooking? (2000)
Multicultural, feel-good, and packed with an all-star cast. Hits all the right points for a crowd. What's Cooking? considers itself a modern holiday film and indeed, it is! Check out the trailer to see if it's something you'll add to your Thanksgiving movie lineup. Streaming on Pluto and Tubi, with ads, or on Starz and Amazon Prime streaming services.
11. TV: Thanksgiving episode of WKRP in Cincinnati. S1e7 Turkeys Away
Okay, so not a movie but this is just as classic as listening to Alice's Restaurant or watching Charlie Brown! I won't quote from it because it will certainly give away one of the funniest bits on one of the funniest television episodes ever. Here it is, in all it's dated glory. Thanks, Dailymotion!
So, what are your plans for Thanksgiving? Got any favorites? Let's hear it!