The 10 Best Thanksgiving Movies, According to Reddit
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Everyone knows about the traditional Christmas and Halloween movies that are enjoyed every year around the world, but Thanksgiving is a holiday that is woefully underrepresented when it comes to holiday movies. Regardless, there are still several classic movies where Thanksgiving plays a role in the story.
To celebrate the upcoming holiday, Reddit users have recently shared some of their favorite Thanksgiving movies, or at least those that feature the holiday to some degree. These are the movies that get audiences into the Thanksgiving spirit more than any other.
The Big Chill (1983)
Stream on HBO Max
The great cold is a classic ’80s comedy starring some of the biggest actors of their generation, including legends like Jeff Goldblum, Glenn Close and William Hurt. The ensemble brings this festive story of family and friendship to life with plenty of funny jokes and heartwarming relationships.
Redditor starsinthineyes agrees that there are “so many great actors.” The great coldelevating it far beyond its simple script and turning it into a hilarious viewing experience that many audiences revisit every year when they need a holiday treat.
black friday (2021)
Rent on Apple TV+
Even though Black Friday technically comes after Thanksgiving, there’s still plenty of holiday spirit in Casey Tebo’s chilling horror feature from last year. The story follows a group of toy store employees who are forced to protect each other from a horde of infected shoppers.
Redditor ohadi_nacnud_3 names “black friday” as the perfect movie for Thanksgiving, though it’s certainly not a traditional movie. black friday is a great holiday-themed horror for fans of the genre, keeping spirits light despite its dark themes.
Alice’s Restaurant (1969)
No playback information available
Possibly the oldest Thanksgiving movie that still appeals to audiences, it’s amazing how easy it is Restaurant Alicia he has aged Arthur Penn’s classic adventure is full of laughs and charming performances that hold up flawlessly today, with many families citing this film as their annual Thanksgiving watch.
Reddit user typical_humanoid admits Restaurant Alicia is “one of the few […] movies dedicated to the holiday.” While Thanksgiving movies may not be as popular as those surrounding Christmas or Halloween, this has allowed Restaurant Alicia to maintain its popularity and status for a long time.
dutch (1991)
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It’s more the atmosphere than the story it makes dutch a Thanksgiving movie for many audiences, with the chilly weather and tender family moments making Reddit user ohanonymousone see the film as perfect Thanksgiving viewing.
“I always try to look dutch at Thanksgiving,” they write. The film follows Ed O’Neill’s character as he is forced to spend time with his girlfriend’s son, and their growing relationship elevates the film to the status of ” comfort movie” for many.
James and the Giant Peach (1996)
Stream on Disney+
Henry Selick’s James and the giant peach tells the story of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s tale, bringing it to life with a unique animation style and a surprisingly heartfelt script. The fall atmosphere and family values make this a perfect family movie for Thanksgiving night.
Reddit user dense-pea-1714 agrees James and the giant peach is “a perfect Thanksgiving movie.” It may not directly reference the holiday, but this Disney movie features plenty of meals that audiences would love at Thanksgiving.
Son-in-law (1993)
Stream on Hulu
Son in law tells the story of a country girl named Rebecca, who invites her outgoing friend Crawl to the family Thanksgiving dinner in an attempt to impersonate her fiancé. It’s a hilarious comedy of errors, but the charming characters and family atmosphere make it exciting every year.
Redditor herecomedatmoonboi names Son in law as “one of my favorite Thanksgiving movies,” and it’s also one of the few movies that takes place directly during the holiday. Pauly Shore and Carla Gugino shine in the lead roles, forging a dynamic that is entertaining from start to finish.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Stream on Prime Video
For many audiences, Fantastic Mr. Fox Not only is it Wes Anderson’s most rewatchable film to date, but it’s also the perfect film to capture that late November Thanksgiving spirit. The fall vibe and orange color palette lends itself well to the holidays, and Anderson’s style is perfect for family viewing.
Reddit user thekoreanbanana argues that while Thanksgiving is often “overshadowed” by other holidays towards the end of the year, Fantastic Mr. Fox is one of the few films that “does[s] you feel grateful” in the spirit of the holidays.
Funny People (2009)
Broadcast on Starz
The holiday spirit may not be so obvious Funny People, but Reddit user carefreeliving13 still recommends the film because it takes place during the Thanksgiving period. In fact, what is probably the funniest and most iconic scene in the movie takes place during Thanksgiving dinner.
Funny People is one of Judd Apatow’s classic comedies of the 2000s, featuring a cast of talented actors and actresses including Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann and Adam Sandler. Like many of Apatow’s stories, it’s clear that everyone in the cast is having a blast on set, which makes the viewing experience all the more entertaining.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Stream on Paramount+
Planes, trains and cars is one of the most famous Thanksgiving movies out there, and for good reason. Not only does it feature an outstanding cast with hilarious performances, but it has also stood the test of time as an important family story that resonated with many audiences.
Reddit user m_e_n_n_o calls it a “great movie,” and there’s no doubt that many other movie fans agree. The film remains one of John Hughes’ most underrated projects of all, cementing the director as one of the most influential of his time.
Gratitude (2008)
Streaming on the Roku channel
Anyone looking for something a little more unconventional to watch on Thanksgiving should look no further thank youa holiday-inspired slasher about a homicidal turkey that stalks college students during the winter.
It’s a pretty absurd premise for a movie, but director Jordan Downey does a great job mixing comedy into the story to make sure it never takes itself too seriously. Redditor 1894win names “thank you“as one of the best holiday movies, probably because of how unexpected and unconventional it is.
