10 Heartwarming Movies About Thanksgiving to Watch This Year

The familiar scene unfolds – everyone has savored the last bite of pumpkin pie, cleaned up the kitchen and the family gravitates toward the TV for a cozy movie night.  The big question remains: which Thanksgiving movies should make the cut?

Christmas movies might dominate our screens each year, but Thanksgiving films deserve their spotlight too.  These movies bring everything we cherish about the holiday to life – from touching family reunions to chaotic dinner disasters.  Your search for the perfect Thanksgiving movie ends here, whether you prefer streaming on Netflix or revisiting beloved classics.  My curated list features 10 memorable films that embody the true essence of this cherished holiday, complete with its warmth, chaos and family traditions.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

Planes, Trains and Automobiles ranks among the greatest thanksgiving movies ever made.  This masterpiece has become a holiday tradition since 1987.  The comedy still delivers both laughs and tears after countless viewings.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles Plot Overview

Neal Page (Steve Martin) plays an advertising executive who desperately wants to get home to Chicago for Thanksgiving.  His life intertwines with Del Griffith (John Candy), a talkative shower curtain ring salesman.  Their chance meeting leads to an unforgettable three-day journey.  The film turned into a soaring win, earning $49.50 million against a $15 million budget.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles Memorable Scenes

The sort of thing I love about this film are its iconic moments that become quotable year after year:

• Neal’s legendary meltdown at the car rental counter
• Del’s hilarious “wrong-way” driving sequence on the freeway
• The heartfelt train station revelation
• The infamous “those aren’t pillows!” moment

Planes, Trains and Automobiles Holiday Message

The film’s deeper themes leave a lasting impact. John Candy brings Del to life beyond just comedy – he portrays a sorrowful soul with optimistic determination.  The story blends humor with heart and shows that Thanksgiving means more than reaching a destination.  It celebrates the connections we make along the way.  Del’s character appeals to many as someone who “hasn’t been home in years,” which reminds us to cherish our family gatherings.

Home for the Holidays (1995)

Jodie Foster’s “Home for the Holidays” stands out as one of the most authentic portrayals of family dynamics during Thanksgiving.  This 1995 dramedy captures the beautiful mess that erupts when family members come together for the holiday.

Home for the Holidays Story Synopsis

The story centers on Claudia Larson (Holly Hunter), who faces a tough situation.  She loses her job, shares an awkward goodbye kiss with her boss, and learns her daughter plans to spend Thanksgiving with her boyfriend.  The narrative takes off as Claudia heads back to her Baltimore family home, where her eccentric family’s chaos quickly surrounds her.

Home for the Holidays Family Dynamics

The film’s raw portrayal of family relationships makes it special.  Claudia’s interactions with her parents (Anne Bancroft and Charles Durning), her gay brother Tommy (Robert Downey Jr.) and her uptight sister Joanne create a mixture of complex emotions.  These emotions mirror countless real-life family gatherings.  The characters love each other deeply while they drive each other crazy.

Home for the Holidays Critical Reception

The film garnered mixed but mostly positive reviews, with a 64% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.  Critics praised Foster’s direction and the stellar performances of Hunter and Downey Jr.  The film resembles actual family gatherings – it has its bumpy moments but ended up delivering memorable experiences.  The movie earned $22.10 million against a $20 million budget, yet this modest performance hasn’t affected its place as one of the most relatable thanksgiving themed movies around.

Pieces of April (2003)

“Pieces of April” stands out as a remarkable gem among indie thanksgiving movies that proves great storytelling doesn’t need a big budget.  This 2003 film was made on a shoestring budget of just $300,000 and completed in three weeks.  It went on to earn $3.20 million worldwide.

Pieces of April Plot Summary

The story pulls you right in as we meet April Burns (Katie Holmes), a rebellious young woman who lives in a rundown New York apartment with her boyfriend Bobby.  She decides to cook her first Thanksgiving dinner for her estranged family, including her mother Joy (Patricia Clarkson) who has cancer.  Everything goes wrong.  Her oven breaks down just hours before her family arrives, and she scrambles to find help from her quirky neighbors.

Pieces of April Key Themes

The story beautifully weaves these powerful themes:

• A race against time – both for dinner preparation and Joy’s terminal illness
• Family healing and second chances
• Thanksgiving’s true meaning through neighborhood support

Pieces of April Impact on Audiences

The sort of thing I love about this film is its raw authenticity.  Patricia Clarkson shines as Joy, earning her Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations.  The intimate digital video style and honest portrayal of family struggles struck a chord with viewers, making it a standout in thanksgiving cinema.

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What’s Cooking? (2000)

My exploration of thanksgiving movies led me to What’s Cooking?, a unique celebration of America’s cultural mosaic.  This 2000 film weaves together four parallel stories of families celebrating Thanksgiving in Los Angeles.

What’s Cooking? Storyline Overview

Director Gurinder Chadha brings together a talented ensemble cast with Mercedes Ruehl, Kyra Sedgwick, Joan Chen, and Alfre Woodard, who lead their family’s narratives.  The film beautifully connects the stories of Vietnamese, Latino, Jewish and African American families that face their own challenges while preparing their holiday feast.

What’s Cooking? Cultural Representation

The film’s authentic portrayal of diverse American experiences makes it special.  Each family adds their cultural twist to Thanksgiving:

• The Vietnamese family serves spring rolls among other turkey dishes
• The Latino household incorporates tamales into their feast
• The Jewish family blends traditional kishkas with holiday staples
• The African American family adds soul food classics to their spread

What’s Cooking? Holiday Traditions

The sort of thing I love about this film is how it explores modern family dynamics through food preparation.  Each family’s approach to the traditional turkey becomes a metaphor for their adaptation to American culture.  A Vietnamese American character’s humorous complaint about adding chili paste to the turkey says it all: “Why do you want to make the turkey taste like everything else we eat?”.  The film shows how Thanksgiving can be “universally celebrated but in wildly different ways,” making it one of the most authentic portrayals of modern American holiday celebrations.

The Oath (2018)

“The Oath” offers a fresh perspective on thanksgiving movies as a dark comedy that hits uncomfortably close to home.  This 2018 film, directed by Ike Barinholtz, earned a 62% positive rating from critics and continues to appeal to modern audiences.

The Oath Plot Elements

A near-future America sets the stage where citizens face pressure to sign a loyalty oath to the President by Black Friday. The narrative follows Chris (Barinholtz) and his wife Kai (Tiffany Haddish) during their increasingly tense Thanksgiving dinner.  Things take a dramatic turn when two government agents arrive to question Chris about his refusal to sign the oath.

The Oath Family Conflict Themes

The film expertly captures modern family tensions through:

• Political divisions between liberal and conservative family members
• Disagreements over personal values versus government compliance
• The struggle to maintain family bonds despite ideological differences

The Oath Modern Relevance

The sort of thing I love about this film is its sharp commentary on our current political climate.  The movie suggests that extreme partisanship and dismissal of different viewpoints threaten to tear America apart.  Dark humor and heightened reality reflect genuine concerns about family gatherings becoming political battlegrounds since the 2016 election.

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Friendsgiving (2020)

Netflix added some new thanksgiving movies and I found Friendsgiving, a 2020 comedy that shows how people celebrate the holiday with their chosen family these days.  Released on October 23, 2020, this film gives us a fresh point of view on holiday get-togethers.

Friendsgiving Story Details

The story follows Molly (Malin Åkerman), an actress and new mom who just got divorced and her best friend Abby (Kat Dennings).  They plan to have a quiet Thanksgiving together.  Their simple celebration turns chaotic when unexpected guests show up – Molly’s new boyfriend Jeff, her Swedish mom Helen, and someone who calls herself a “shawoman”.

Friendsgiving Character Dynamics

The film does a great job showing different relationships through its cast:

• Molly and Abby’s friendship as they navigate life changes
• Molly and Helen’s complicated mother-daughter bond
• New romantic connections that pop up throughout the night

Friendsgiving Contemporary Appeal

The film feels relevant because it reflects how people celebrate holidays now. “Friendsgiving” became popular nationwide in 2011 and millennials love it, especially when they celebrate holidays away from their biological families.  The movie got mixed reviews with a 19% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.  The sort of thing I love about it is how it captures the messy yet fun reality of creating new holiday traditions with the family we choose.

Alice’s Restaurant (1969)

The sort of thing I love about classic thanksgiving movies is Alice’s Restaurant, a one-of-a-kind film that started as a folk song and grew into a cultural phenomenon.  Based on Arlo Guthrie’s 1967 folk song “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree,” this 1969 film brings a true Thanksgiving story to life with both humor and social commentary.

Alice’s Restaurant Historical Context

Arthur Penn directed the film and turned Guthrie’s famous 18-minute song into a full-length feature.  The story behind the film is fascinating – Penn lived in Stockbridge, Massachusetts and wrote the screenplay after hearing the story from Alice Brock’s father.  The whole ordeal with Thanksgiving littering actually happened, though most other events were added to build out the story.

Alice’s Restaurant Key Moments

The film’s most memorable elements include:

• Guthrie’s arrest for illegally dumping trash after a Thanksgiving dinner
• The infamous draft board scenes
• Pete Seeger’s touching performance of “Pastures of Plenty”
• The symbolic final scene with Alice on the church steps

Alice’s Restaurant Cultural Impact

The movie really appealed to audiences and became the 23rd highest-grossing film of 1969.  Penn’s vision for the final scene was amazing – he wanted to freeze time to capture a brief moment of counterculture paradise.  Guthrie later called the film “garbage,” but its effect on thanksgiving themed movies remains one of the most important.  The movie offers a unique mix of holiday tradition and social commentary.

The House of Yes (1997)

“The House of Yes” stands out as one of the most unconventional thanksgiving movies I’ve seen, taking a deliciously dark turn from traditional holiday fare.  This 1997 black comedy marked Mark Waters’ directorial debut and presents a thanksgiving dinner that you won’t easily forget.

The House of Yes Plot Synopsis

The story takes place during Thanksgiving 1983 in a McLean, Virginia mansion where Marty Pascal brings his new fiancée Lesly home to meet his family.  His twin sister Jackie-O (Parker Posey) catches my attention especially when you have her recent release from a psychiatric hospital and her ongoing obsession with Jackie Kennedy.  Lesly’s arrival, a humble donut shop worker, shatters the family’s carefully built façade.

The House of Yes Dark Comedy Elements

The sort of thing I love about this film in my collection of thanksgiving themed movies is its wickedly sharp humor.  The film manages to keep a perfect balance of:

• Upper-class pretension clashing with working-class sensibilities
• Dark family secrets revealed over holiday dinner
• A hurricane that forces everyone to remain in the house

The House of Yes Critical Analysis

The film earned mixed reviews with a 62% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.  Parker Posey’s portrayal of Jackie-O earned her a Special Recognition at Sundance, while Tori Spelling got a Razzie nomination.  The film’s theatrical roots show through its confined setting, but this adds to its claustrophobic charm rather than taking away from it.

Dutch (1991)

Let’s take a closer look at thanksgiving road trip movies where Dutch stands out with its perfect blend of comedy and heart.  This 1991 film struggled at the box office but has earned a strong cult following through home video releases.

Dutch Story Overview

The plot centers on Dutch Dooley (Ed O’Neill), a working-class man dating Natalie Standish (JoBeth Williams).  Doyle, Natalie’s privileged 13-year-old son, needs a ride home after his father cancels their Thanksgiving plans.  Dutch steps up and offers to pick him up from his Atlanta prep school.

Dutch Road Trip Elements

Their trip home turns into quite an adventure with these memorable mishaps:

• A fireworks accident destroys Dutch’s coat
• A truck totals their car
• Two clever prostitutes make off with their luggage
• Doyle’s BB gun helps them escape from security guards

Dutch Holiday Lessons

The sort of thing I love about this film is how it tackles class differences without making them into jokes.  The writer handles this theme with care.  Doyle’s understanding that “money isn’t everything” feels like a genuine moment of growth.  Both characters discover important truths about family, respect, and Thanksgiving’s real meaning through their misadventures.  The film works well for adults and younger viewers who can put aside their cynicism during the holiday season because it balances humor and heart perfectly.

The Humans (2021)

My exploration of thanksgiving movies led me to The Humans, a haunting psychological drama that turns a simple family dinner into something deeply unsettling.  Released in theaters and on Showtime, this adaptation of Stephen Karam’s Tony-winning play brings a fresh and atmospheric perspective to holiday gatherings.

The Humans Plot Summary

The story takes place in a pre-war Manhattan apartment where Brigid Blake (Beanie Feldstein) and her boyfriend Richard (Steven Yeun) host Thanksgiving dinner.  The barely-furnished downtown setting becomes a character itself. Scuffed hardwood floors and cracking walls create an increasingly oppressive atmosphere.

The Humans Family Relationships

Complex family dynamics shine through masterful portrayals:

• Erik (Richard Jenkins) and Deirdre (Jayne Houdyshell) struggle with financial troubles and religious differences
• Aimee (Amy Schumer) faces health issues and a recent breakup
• Momo (June Squibb) battles dementia while maintaining a powerful presence

The Humans Modern Relevance

The film’s innovative approach to family drama stands out.  Director Karam elevates ordinary family tensions into psychological horror without supernatural elements.  The film received widespread acclaim at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, connecting with audiences through its raw portrayal of modern family dynamics.  The sort of thing I love about this movie is its use of architectural elements.  The camera moves through doorways and lingers on decay to create an atmosphere that feels both haunted and hauntingly familiar.

Comparison Table

Enjoy Our Movies about Thanksgiving

These ten amazing films show why Thanksgiving needs more spotlight in cinema.  Watching these movies showed me how they capture everything about this special holiday – from messy family get-togethers to touching moments of thanks. “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” and other classic comedies sit right next to newer thoughtful films like “The Humans.” Each one shows a different point of view on Thanksgiving traditions.

The movies put family relationships front and center. “What’s Cooking?” celebrates cultural diversity while “Home for the Holidays” shows raw family truth.  Road trips, unusual gatherings and even dark comedies reveal how Thanksgiving brings out both the beautiful and complex sides of how we connect with each other.

The way these movies reflect real Thanksgiving experiences catches my attention.  They show us that picture-perfect holiday gatherings don’t exist – and that’s what makes them worth remembering.  Some celebrations have burnt turkeys or family fights.  Others create surprising connections with strangers or the family we choose.

These stories prove Thanksgiving deserves its own place in our holiday watching, away from the flood of Christmas movies.  Each film teaches us something about being grateful, staying connected, and the lasting impact of getting together with family, friends or unexpected guests.

FAQs

What movie is often regarded as the ultimate Thanksgiving film?
The top Thanksgiving movies include a variety of classics and modern films.  Notable mentions are “The Gold Rush” (1925), “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947), “Krisha” (2015), “Fantastic Mr. Fox” (2009), “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (1987), “Rocky” (1976), “The Humans” (2021) and “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986).

Is there a Thanksgiving-themed movie available on Netflix?
Yes, Netflix features a Thanksgiving-themed movie where a ruthless killer seeks revenge in Plymouth, Massachusetts following a tragedy on Black Friday.

Which Thanksgiving movie has achieved the highest box office success?
The information regarding the highest-grossing Thanksgiving movie release is not specified.

Can you suggest a family-friendly film to watch during Thanksgiving?
“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” is highly recommended for families.  It’s a beloved animated film where Charlie Brown and friends try to organize a Thanksgiving dinner after Peppermint Patty invites herself and others to Charlie’s house.

I’m searching for movies that capture the essence of fall and Thanksgiving. Any suggestions?
For movies that embody the Thanksgiving or autumn spirit, consider watching “The Ice Storm,” which, despite its colder tone, fits the season well.  Another film that captures a similar seasonal vibe is “Wonder Boys.”