The 50 Best Thanksgiving Movies the Whole Family Will Love

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When it comes to holiday movies, Christmas gets the lion’s share of love. And yet, what is Thanksgiving if not a gold mine for comedy, family conflict, kitchen fails and big-screen-worthy blunders?

In honor of this year’s celebration, we compiled a list of the best Thanksgiving movies to watch after consuming a metric ton of savory stuffing and mac n’ cheese. Because the only activity we feel like doing after eating our second (OK, third) piece of Thanksgiving pie is parking ourselves in front of the TV to enjoy some quality entertainment. From A Family Thanksgiving to You’ve Got Mail, keep reading for the top picks.

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1. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)

CBS

  • Run time: 25 minutes

  • Rating: G

This 25-minute animated film tugs on our heartstrings the way only a true classic can. Watch Charlie Brown learn the meaning of Thanksgiving alongside the motley crew that is the beloved Peanuts gang. Jimmy Ahrens, Todd Barbee and Christopher DeFaria star with Bill Melendez and Phil Roman as co-directors.

Watch on Apple TV+

2. Holidate (2020)

  • Run time: 104 minutes

  • Rating: TV-MA

Sloane (Emma Roberts) is a twenty-something single woman who’s fed up with her family always setting her up on awkward dates. So, she enlists a handsome stranger to be her “Holidate,” which is a made-up phrase that’s used to describe two people who are platonic plus-ones during the holidays.

Watch on Netflix

3. Dutch (1991)

  • Run time: 107 minutes

  • Rating: PG-13

Before his Modern Family days, Ed O’Neill starred in a funny Thanksgiving movie about a guy trying to appease his girlfriend by driving her son from Atlanta to Chicago in time for the holidays. Ethan Embry, JoBeth Williams, Christopher McDonald, Ari Meyers and Elizabeth Daily star in the film. Revel in the early ’90s charm.

Watch on XFinity

4. Friendsgiving (2020)

  • Run time: 95 minutes

  • Rating: R

Join Molly, Abbey and their dysfunctional friends as they host a memorable Thanksgiving dinner. The movie stars several actors known for their comedic chops, like Wanda Sykes, Kat Dennings and Chelsea Peretti.

Watch on netflix

5. Scent of a Woman (1992)

  • Run time: 157 minutes

  • Rating: R

Relish all that is New York City during the holidays in this Oscar-winning drama about a young man who’s tasked with watching over a curmudgeonly Army veteran. The nearly three-hour-long movie stars Al Pacino, Chris O'Donnell, James Rebhorn, Gabrielle Anwar and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Little-known fact: All moms love this movie.

Watch on prime video

6. Tower Heist (2011)

  • Run time: 104 minutes

  • Rating: PG-13

Josh (Ben Stiller) is the manager of a high-class apartment complex. When one of his residents steals part of his retirement fund, he’s determined to seek revenge by plotting a heist in the days leading up to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Eddie Murphy and Matthew Broderick also star in the film, which was directed by Brett Ratner.

Watch on prime video

7. You've Got Mail (1998)

  • Run time: 119 minutes

  • Rating: PG-13

There’s not one, but two Thanksgiving scenes in one of our all-time favorite rom-coms. This is Nora Ephron at her best and the perfect picture of a moment in time (the late ’90s). The ensemble cast includes Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Jean Stapleton, Heather Burns and Dave Chappelle. Remember the “You’ve got mail” notifications? Were we ever so young?

Watch on prime video

8. Home for the Holidays (1995)

  • Run time: 103 minutes

  • Rating: PG-13

With a stacked cast of celebrities, including young Robert Downey Jr. and Dylan McDermott, this movie will make you feel better about your own family’s dysfunction. Believe us, your clan has nothing on this group of misfits. Holly Hunter, Anne Bancroft and Charles Durning also appear in the Jodie Foster-directed film.

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9. Free Birds (2013)

Relativity Media

  • Run time: 91 minutes

  • Rating: PG

This is the one to watch if you’ve got little kids running laps around your living room post-turkey. Lull them into a calmer state with this animated buddy comedy. With voice performances by Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson, Amy Poehler and George Takei, there’s plenty for adults to appreciate here as well.

Watch on prime video

10. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images

  • Run time: 96 minutes

  • Rating: G

Although it has come to be known as a Christmas favorite, this story actually opens at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. When a department store Santa Claus claims to be the real thing, a doubtful six-year-old, Susan (Natalie Wood), discovers that dreams do come true, if you just believe.

Watch on prime video

11. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

Orion/Getty Images

  • Run time: 106 minutes

  • Rating: PG-13

This comedy-drama, which stars Princess Leia Carrie Fisher, tells the story of three sisters from a show business family who come together for three consecutive Thanksgivings. What do they bring with them? A whole lot of emotional and personal baggage.

Watch on prime video

12. Pieces of April (2003)

Tom Kingston/Getty Images

  • Run time: 79 minutes

  • Rating: PG-13

We are totally here for young Katie Holmes, who plays a rebellious woman hosting her mother for Thanksgiving in her tiny New York City apartment. If you’re playing host for the first time, this movie will help put any missteps into perspective.

Watch on prime video

14. Krisha (2015)

  • Run time: 81 minutes

  • Rating: R

Trey Edward Shults’s directorial debut tells the story of his aunt Krisha Fairchild, who celebrates Thanksgiving with her family after years of estrangement. While the movie stars his real-life aunt, the actual plot is somewhat fictionalized.

Watch on prime video

14. What's Cooking? (2000)

  • Run time: 109 minutes

  • Rating: PG-13

The movie introduces viewers to four different families who are celebrating Thanksgiving. Although they stem from diverse backgrounds, they share many of the same trials and tribulations, including irreversible kitchen mishaps. Joan Chen, Julianna Margulies, Mercedes Ruehl, Victor Rivers and Douglas Spain star.

Watch on prime video

15. The Oath (2018)

  • Run time: 93 minutes

  • Rating: R

Chris (Ike Barinholtz) and Kai’s (Tiffany Haddish) dysfunctional relationship is put to the test when they refuse to sign a loyalty oath to the president. Their lack of cooperation results in an, er, interesting family dynamic during Thanksgiving dinner.

Watch on Prime video

16. A Family Thanksgiving (2010)

  • Run time: 88 minutes

  • Rating: PG

All hell breaks loose when Claudia (Daphne Zuniga) is pressured by her sister into baking a homemade pie for Thanksgiving. The comical plot will make you think twice about assigning gender roles during the holidays.

Watch on ITunes

17. The House Of Yes (1997)

  • Run time: 85 minutes

  • Rating: R

It’s Thanksgiving Day in 1983, and Marty (Josh Hamilton) is preparing to introduce his fiancée, Lesly (Tori Spelling), to his less-than-average family. The sexual innuendos and eerie comments will make your in-laws appear like a walk in the park.

Watch on prime video

18. Garfield's Thanksgiving (1989)

  • Run time: 71 minutes

  • Rating: G

Just because he’s a lasagna lover doesn’t mean Garfield (voiced by Lorenzo Music) is opposed to indulging in a juicy turkey. Join the animated cat as he attempts to cook Thanksgiving dinner alongside Jon and Odie.

Buy on Amazon

19. For Your Consideration (2006)

  • Run time: 86 minutes

  • Rating: PG-13

The mockumentary follows three actors, who are starring in a brand-new film called Home for Purim. When the film generates Oscar buzz, the studio decides to rename the movie Home for Thanksgiving, since the first title seemed “too Jewish.” The cast includes Catherine O’Hara, Harry Shearer, Parker Posey and Schitt's Creek star Eugene Levy.

Watch on prime video

20. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

Paramount/Getty Images

  • Run time: 92 minutes

  • Rating: R

This John Hughes-era classic centers on a road trip to Chicago gone terribly wrong. The star-studded film, which includes Steve Martin, John Candy, Laila Robins and Kevin Bacon, will definitely put any hellish holiday travel experiences into perspective. Trust us.

Watch on prime video

21. Sweet November (2001)

  • Run time: 120 minutes

  • Rating: PG-13

When Sara Deever (Charlize Theron) randomly meets Nelson Moss (Keanu Reeves) at the DMV, they immediately hit it off. And so when she later invites him to spend the month of November with her, he agrees. But little does he know that she will take him on the journey of a lifetime.

Watch on prime video

22. National Lampoon's Holiday Reunion (2003)

Warner Bros. Pictures

  • Run time: 90 minutes

  • Rating: PG-13

If you think your family is dysfunctional, just wait until you meet the Griswolds. The conservative family travels to Idaho to spend the holidays with their free-spirited relatives, and hilarity ensues.

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23. The Last Waltz (1978)

  • Run time: 117 minutes

  • Rating: PG

In the mood for a documentary post-feast? Check out this critically-acclaimed concert film that follows the Thanksgiving farewell show of the American-Canadian rock group, The Band. (They’re known for hits like “Up on Cripple Creek,” “The Shape I’m In,” “Rag Mama Rag,” “Life Is a Carnival,” “Time to Kill” and “Ophelia.”)

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24. The Ice Storm (1997)

  • Run time: 113 minutes

  • Rating: R

When an ice storm hits during Thanksgiving break, a small town is forced to confront its neighborly issues, including affairs and broken relationships. Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Tobey Maguire and Elijah Wood star in the movie.

Watch on PRIME VIDEO

25. Funny People (2009)

  • Run time: 152 minutes

  • Rating: R

After being diagnosed with leukemia, a movie star named George Simmons (Adam Sandler) returns to his stand-up comedy roots. If George’s Thanksgiving toast doesn't inspire you to appreciate the holidays, then nothing will.

Watch on prime video

26. Son-in-Law (1993)

  • Run time: 95 minutes

  • Rating: PG-13

Introducing every parent’s worst nightmare: When a country girl meets a party boy while away at college, her family is forced to put on a brave face for the Thanksgiving break.

Watch on prime video

27. Addams Family Values (1993)

  • Run time: 94 minutes

  • Rating: PG-13

The widely popular sequel picks up right where the original movie left off, with Gomez and Morticia sending their kids to summer camp as recommended by the family’s new nanny, Debbie. But this new member of the family may be the most sinister one yet.

Watch on Paramount+

28. The New World (2005)

  • Run time: 135 minutes

  • Rating: PG-13

The movie follows the mythical love story of Captain John Smith (Colin Farrell) and Pocahontas (Q'orianka Kilcher). Focusing on the founding of Virginia’s Jamestown settlement, it’s the ideal Thanksgiving flick for the entire family.

Watch on prime video

29. The Blind Side (2009)

  • Run time: 128 minutes

  • Rating: PG-13

Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw star in this sports drama film, which is based on a true story. A homeless teen is taken in by a wealthy family and learns that love and hard work can make your dreams come true. Not only is it a feel-good story, but it will also help fill the void of Friday night football.

Watch on prime video

30. Grumpy Old Men (1993)

Warner Brothers/Getty Images

  • Run time: 103 minutes

  • Rating: PG-13

If you think you’ve dealt with your fair share of frenemy experiences, wait until you watch this classic Thanksgiving movie about two neighbors competing for the attention of a lucky lady. Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau irrefutably prove your rivalries are mild at best.

Watch on Prime video

31. Turkey Hollow (2015)

  • Run time: 87 minutes

  • Rating: PG

When the Emmerson family visits Turkey Hollow, they attempt to track down the town’s elusive legend: the Howling Hoodoo. Mary Steenburgen, Jay Harrington and Graham Verchere star in the Lifetime film.

Watch on prime video

32. Autumn in New York (2000)

  • Run time: 104 minutes

  • Rating: PG-13

Playboy Will’s world is turned upside down when—one autumn day in New York City—he meets Charlotte. Is the 21-year-old free spirit the answer to his commitment issues? Guess you’ll have to watch the flick to find out.

Watch on prime video

33. Dan In Real Life (2007)

  • Run time: 98 minutes

  • Rating: PG-13

It's probably not the first movie that comes to mind when you think of turkey-themed films, but it definitely has that festive feel. In the movie, a widower and single parent named Dan Burns (Steve Carell) falls in love a charming woman named Marie. The only problem? She also happens to be his brother's new girlfriend.

Watch on prime video

34. American Experience: The Pilgrims (2015)

  • Run time: 127 minutes

  • Rating: PG

Want to brush up on your history? Look no further than American Experience: The Pilgrims, an eye-opening documentary that reveals the story of the "First Thanksgiving" and explains the founding of the first English colony in New England.

Watch on prime video

35. Alice's Restaurant (1969)

  • Run time: 111 minutes

  • Rating: R

The classic cult movie is actually an adaptation of Arlo Guthrie's folk song, "Alice's Restaurant Massacree." Guthrie stars as himself in the film, where he decides to visit a close friend named Alice for Thanksgiving dinner. But after he litters, he gets into some trouble with the law.

Watch on Youtube

36. Soul Food (1997)

  • Run time: 114 minutes

  • Rating: R

The title itself already suggests that it's a great choice for post-Thanksgiving entertainment—although you might want to watch this one after the kids are asleep. In the movie, which stars Vanessa Williams and Vivica Fox, a family struggles to continue their 40-year tradition of Sunday family dinners when the matriarch falls into a coma.

Watch on prime video

37. Crooklyn (1994)

  • Run time: 114 minutes

  • Rating: PG-13

This classic '70s film tells the coming-of-age story of nine-year-old Troy Carmichael, who lives with her tight-knit family Brooklyn. Fun fact: The story is loosely based on the experiences of Spike Lee, the film's director and producer.

Watch on prime video

38. Hollidaysburg (2014)

  • Run time: 127 minutes

  • Rating: NR

After completing their first semester at college, a group of old friends return home for Thanksgiving break, where they reflect on all the ways that they've changed since high school.

Watch on Youtube

39. Annie (1982)

  • Run time: 127 minutes

  • Rating: PG

It may not be a movie about Thanksgiving, but it'll probably have the entire family singing "Tomorrow" faster than you can say "pumpkin pie." Join the happy young character as she embarks on new adventures with her dog, Sandy.

Watch on prime video

40. Curly Sue (1991)

  • Run time: 101 minutes

  • Rating: PG

There's a lot more to Curly Sue (Alisan Porter) than her abundance of dark curls. Follow the homeless six-year-old and her pal, Bill Dancer (Jim Belushi), as they pull off the ultimate cons to help make ends meet.

Watch on prime video

41. The Turkey Bowl (2019)

  • Run time: 120 minutes

  • Rating: R

Businessman and former high school quarterback Patrick Hodges (Ryan Hansen) gets tricked into returning to his hometown for Thanksgiving weekend. When he arrives expecting a funeral, he learns that his old buddies need his help finishing a football game from 15 years ago, known as “The Turkey Bowl.”

Watch on prime video

42. An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving (2008)

  • Run time: 87 minutes

  • Rating: G

When Tilly (Tatiana Maslany) sees that her mom can barely afford to put food on the table for Thanksgiving, she pens an exaggerated letter to her wealthy grandmother, Isabella (Jacqueline Bisset), and asks for help. But when Isabella arrives, Tilly’s mom isn’t too thrilled.

Watch on vudu

43. Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade (2013)

  • Run time: 86 minutes

  • Rating: G

Emily Rogers (Autumn Reeser) takes pride in coordinating Chicago’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade, but when the city hires a wealthy consultant to handle the finances, she worries that he will ruin the tradition. Can they work together to pull off a successful production?

Watch on prime video

44. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018)

  • Run time: 123 minutes

  • Rating: TV-PG

You won't spot any turkeys or Thanksgiving decor, but this charming romantic comedy has all the makings of a cozy fall film. Set in 1946, the movie follows a writer who bonds with a resident on the island of Guernsey after exchanging letters.

Watch on Netflix

45. The Wiz (1978)

Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer

  • Run time: 134 minutes

  • Rating: PG-13

Ease on down the yellow brick road with schoolteacher Dorothy (Diana Ross) and her best pals as they all head for the magical land of Oz. The star-studded cast includes Richard Pryor, Ted Ross, Nipsey Russell and Michael Jackson

Watch on prime video

46. The Preacher's Wife (1996)

Getty Images

  • Run time: 123 minutes

  • Rating: PG-13

Two words: Whitney Houston. The legendary singer stars alongside Denzel Washington and Courtney B. Vance in this memorable classic, which follows a young pastor who's struggling through a mid-life crisis. When an angel is sent to help him through it, however, he gets distracted by the preacher's attractive young wife.

watch on prime video

47. The Big Chill (1983)

  • Run time: 105 minutes

  • Rating: R

Yes, we will take any opportunity to watch young Jeff Goldblum. This is the movie to stream if you’re feeling philosophical about the passage of time with all your besties at an orphan Friendsgiving. Goldblum stars alongside Tom Berenger, Glenn Close and William Hurt in the Lawrence Kasdan film

Watch on prime video

48. She's Gotta Have It (1986)

  • Run time: 84 minutes

  • Rating: R

We know, we know. Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It feels like a rather odd choice, given that it follows a sexually liberated Black woman who tries to juggle three different men. However, there’s one iconic Thanksgiving scene, where Nola (Tracy Camilla Johns) invites all three of her partners over for dinner. That alone earns this classic a spot on the list.

Watch on Netflix

49. Cold Turkey (2013)

  • Run time: 84 minutes

  • Rating: NR

When a retired professor attempts to have a fun Thanksgiving celebration with his eccentric family, things go downhill when his estranged daughter, Nina, shows up after 15 years. Meanwhile, his son is harboring a massive secret.

watch on tubi tv

50. Almost Christmas (2016)

Quantrell D. Colbert/Universal Pictures

  • Run time: 111 minutes

  • Rating: PG-13

Want to ring in the holiday season a bit early? Consider Almost Christmas, a laugh-out-loud comedy that revolves around a patriarch and widower who gathers with his dysfunctional family for the first time since his wife's death. The star-studded cast includes Danny Glover, Nicole Ari Parker, Gabrielle Union and Omar Epps.

watch on prime video

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