Get into the Thanksgiving spirit with these holiday-themed movies to enjoy while you feast. While Christmas and New Year’s Eve get all the attention, don’t overlook Thanksgiving.
There are few Thanksgiving-themed songs or shows, but many TV shows have Thanksgiving-centric episodes. In contrast, there are several Thanksgiving-themed films available for streaming. Before you feast, take a look at our list of Thanksgiving movies that are perfect for turkey day viewing.
10. Paul Blart: Mall Cop
This movie follows Paul Blart, a mall cop, as he tries to stop a group of thieves who have infiltrated the mall where he works, despite being repeatedly told that he's not a real police officer and can't do much to help.
It's the ideal film to watch on Thanksgiving, as it centers around Black Friday, the oft-overlooked holiday of Thanksgiving week. With its humor and family-friendly appeal, it will leave you feeling thankful that you're not stuck in a mall.
Where to watch it: Netflix
9. Holidate
Holidate follows the journey of Sloane and Jackson, two young single individuals in their twenties who make a pact to be each other's holiday companions to steer clear of their miserable romantic lives, only to find themselves developing genuine emotions for one another.
Check out Roberts' newest addition to the Netflix rom-com collection, which explores the ups and downs of a relationship during various holidays, including Thanksgiving. Whether you're in a fake relationship, on the verge of something genuine, or enjoying the holiday with your long-term partner, this film is perfect for you.
Streaming on: Netflix
8. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Peppermint Patty's town-wide invitation causes a series of mishaps that disrupt Charlie Brown's plans for a perfect Thanksgiving meal with his family. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, a beloved holiday classic, showcases the chaos of the holiday and the lengths one will go to for the ones they care about.
Where to watch it: Apple TV+
7. Thanksgiving
Following a catastrophic Black Friday riot, a vengeful axe-wielding killer unleashes terror on the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts, targeting those they blame for the tragic event.
Experience Eli Roth’s latest film, which according to our four-star review, stays true to the slasher genre and has even well-seasoned horror fans gasping at the gruesome methods of killing (one word: intestines). The film takes a unique approach to the Thanksgiving holiday, focusing on the horror aspect of being in town. Catch it in theaters now.
6. You’ve Got Mail
You’ve Got Mail, a classic enemies-to-lovers film, follows Kathleen Kelly, a bookstore owner facing off against her online pen pal who happens to be the owner of a corporate bookstore chain aiming to take over her business. Despite starting as rivals, Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks' characters embrace their romance with joyful songs, dances, and plenty of love.
Where to watch it: Tubi
5. It’s Complicated
The film "It’s Complicated" depicts the challenges faced by Jane and Jake as they navigate life after their divorce and balance the demands of their children in college. The plot thickens when Jane and Jake reignite their relationship just as Jane finds herself developing feelings for her new contractor, Adam.
You won't find this film in the "turkey pond," but it does showcase the challenges of uniting a blended family for special events and how boundaries can become blurred in a large, mixed family.
Available on: Amazon Prime Video
4. The Goonies
The Goonies follows a group of middle school friends who find themselves in possession of a treasure they are determined to locate. However, they quickly realize that the path to wealth is fraught with danger, including bandits, thieves, and boobytraps at every corner.
A beloved movie from the 1980s, The Goonies upholds the tradition of films on this list that have no connection to Thanksgiving, yet still allows audiences to embrace a cozy fall atmosphere while rooting for this group of outcasts. Cheers to that!
Where to watch it: Sling TV
3. Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Planes, Trains and Automobiles follows the journey of Neal and Del as they attempt to make their way from Kansas to Chicago in time for Thanksgiving, encountering a series of comically chaotic mishaps along the way.
You can catch this film on Showtime and Hulu. It's not just a holiday-themed movie, but also showcases the comedic talents of Steve Martin and John Candy, making it the perfect gift for audiences.
2. Knives Out
Knives Out depicts the Thrombey family as they are questioned by the renowned detective Benoit Blanc, following the mysterious death of their patriarch, Harlan, following a disastrous birthday celebration that gives each family member a strong motive for murder. This film offers an atypical twist on a traditional Thanksgiving movie, showcasing the intense family drama and revealing the tangled web of lies, betrayal, and conflict that surfaces when a family gathers for a special occasion.
Where to watch it: Pluto TV
1. Addams Family Values
Addams Family Values is the follow-up to the beloved 90s film, exploring the Addams family's antics as they embrace the arrival of a mustachioed baby and contend with a conniving black widow intent on swindling a portion of their wealth.
Addams Family Values is the best Thanksgiving movie, perfectly combining family chaos with an unforgettable Thanksgiving pageant. Every Thanksgiving feast should include a photo of young Christina Ricci holding a match, making her the true queen of the holiday.
Where to watch: Paramount+
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Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I appreciate the diversity of Thanksgiving-themed movies available for streaming. From hilarious comedies like Paul Blart: Mall Cop to heartwarming classics like A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, there's something for everyone. I particularly enjoyed Holidate, a Netflix rom-com that explores the ups and downs of a fake relationship during the holidays. The film is full of humor and heart, and I found myself rooting for Sloane and Jackson to find love.
I also appreciate that there are Thanksgiving-themed movies that appeal to different genres. If you're looking for a horror movie, there's Thankskilling. If you're looking for a romantic comedy, there's You've Got Mail. And if you're looking for a family-friendly film, there's A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.
Overall, I think the selection of Thanksgiving-themed movies available for streaming is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you're spending Thanksgiving with family or friends, there's a movie that's perfect for you.