The internet is stuffed with Christmas movie lists, but Thanksgiving, already so often overlooked, has very few definitive films. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is at the top of any list, and the John Hughes classic Planes, Trains and Automobiles soon comes to mind, but after that, it’s slim pickings, something you never want at Thanksgiving. My criteria are simple: the word Thanksgiving has to be uttered or written on a sign. However, the more Thanksgivingy the movie feels, the better – whether that be due to a pivotal dinner scene, the presence of multiple pilgrims, or the celebration of family and thankfulness. Here’s my list:
- Planes, Trains & Automobiles
- A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
- Fantastic Mr. Fox
- Scent of a Woman
- The Big Chill
- Home for the Holidays
- Addams Family Values
- Rocky
- The Ice storm
- Spider-Man (2002)
Honorable mentions: The Blind Side, You’ve Got Mail, Miracle on 34th Street, Hannah and Her Sisters
Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987) – This Steve Martin/John Candy buddy movie classic is set against the backdrop of Martin struggling to get back to Chicago in time for Thanksgiving dinner with his family. As prolific a writer John Hughes was (53 writing credits), he only directed 8 of his movies. This is one of them. Trust me: it’s worth a rewatch. You know more of the lines than you think. Streaming on Paramount+ (Fall 2024).
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973) – This Peanuts tale is not as popular as the 1965 Christmas one, but it still packs an emotional punch. When Charlie Brown is roped into hosting a Thanksgiving dinner he, Linus & Snoopy prepare a meal of toast, popcorn, pretzels, jellybeans, and ice cream sundaes. Peppermint Patty is not impressed. There’s also lots of Snoopy and Woodstock in pilgrim hats. Streaming on Apple+ (Fall 2024).
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) – Wes Anderson’s beautiful stop-motion film is loaded with big-name voices and based on a story by Roald Dahl. Even viewers that aren’t big Anderson fans can appreciate the craftsmanship, humor and heart of this adventure-comedy. Fantastic Mr. Fox was supposedly the first book Wes Anderson ever owned, bought by his mother whose name was, no kidding, Texas Ann. Streaming on Disney+ (Fall 2024).
Scent of a Woman (1992) – Chris O’Donnell takes a job over Thanksgiving break watching Al Pacino’s blind, cantankerous Lt. Col. Slade and the rest is history. Pacino won an Academy Award for Best Actor and the film gave director Martin Brest carte-blanc in Hollywood. Unfortunately Brest followed it up with Meet Joe Black (1998) and Gigli (2003) and was rarely heard from again. Scent of a Woman, however, packs in a lot of great, memorable scenes, including a very uncomfortable Thanksgiving dinner. Streaming nowhere (!) but available on all streaming rental services. (Fall 2024.)
The Big Chill (1983) – Another classic, this one from Lawrence Kasden of Empire Strikes Back and Indiana Jones fame. This story of angsty boomers hits a little different these days, but it’s got star power and a banger of a soundtrack including tracks by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Marvin Gaye, and the Stones. The movie doesn’t take place on Thanksgiving weekend, per se, but you’d be forgiven for thinking so and there is a memorable Thanksgiving flashback along with many touching and uncomfortable “family” moments. Streaming on Max (Fall 2024).
Home for the Holidays (1995) – The best example of a dysfunctional family visit during Thanksgiving, this Jodie Foster-directed film stars the lovable Holly Hunter as she wrestles with life as a mom and daughter. Streaming on Paramount+ (Fall 2024).
Addam’s Family Values (1993) – This live-action sequel contains the best “traditional Thanksgiving” scene in movie history as Wednesday tells the story of the Indians and Pilgrims as no one else can. Streaming on Paramount+ (Fall 2024).
Rocky (1976) – It’s Rocky. The original. It was an instant cultural phenomenon and is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports films of all time. It also has a great (and pivotal) scene on Thanksgiving. Streaming nowhere (!) but available on all streaming rental services. (Fall 2024.)
The Ice Storm (1997) – Why include this film over some others? Because it’s a great movie with incredible acting and scenes that stay with you. Oddly it stars two actors, Kevin Kline and Christina Ricci, that are in two other films on this list. Streaming nowhere (!) but available on all streaming rental services. (Fall 2024.)
Spider-Man (2002) – What a fun action and origin movie this was when it came out 20 years ago. The cast is spot on and while it’s very much a comic book movie, it still holds up. Toby Mcguire fights the Green Goblin during what is basically the Macy’s parade and then is late to another uncomfortable Thanksgiving dinner. Director Sam Raimi skillfully navigates a heart-wrenching romantic triangle and delivers a powerful closing scene. Streaming on Disney+ (Fall 2024).
What do you think? Did I miss any obvious flicks? Rankings are subjective, but I think we can all agree while there’s not much of a Thanksgiving “season” anymore, it’s still an important, beloved holiday worth celebrating.
