Thanksgiving is that perfect blend of chaos, comfort, and carbs—a time when families reunite, friends gather, and someone inevitably forgets the cranberry sauce in the fridge. While the turkey’s in the oven and the pumpkin pie is cooling, it’s the perfect time to relax with a movie that captures the spirit (and occasional madness) of the holiday.

Unlike Christmas, Thanksgiving doesn’t have a mountain of films dedicated to it, but the ones that do exist are packed with heart, humor, and plenty of relatable family drama. Whether you want to laugh at the absurdity of big family dinners or get a little sentimental about gratitude, here are the top Thanksgiving movies that never go out of style.

1. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

When people think of Thanksgiving movies, Planes, Trains & Automobiles is almost always at the top of the list—and for good reason. John Hughes’ comedy classic stars Steve Martin as an uptight businessman trying to get home for Thanksgiving, only to be stuck traveling with John Candy’s overly friendly shower curtain ring salesman.

The journey becomes a hilarious series of travel disasters, mistaken identities, and heartfelt moments. Beneath the slapstick humor lies a moving story about empathy, human connection, and finding family in unexpected places. It’s not just the definitive Thanksgiving movie—it’s one of the best comedies ever made.

Perfect for: Anyone who’s ever had a travel nightmare before the holidays.

2. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)

It’s not Thanksgiving without Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang. In A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, poor Charlie finds himself hosting a last-minute dinner with an unconventional menu—toast, popcorn, pretzels, and jelly beans.

While the animation and pacing feel simple by today’s standards, its sincerity and message about friendship and gratitude are timeless. The special is short, sweet, and a guaranteed nostalgia hit for multiple generations.

Perfect for: Families with kids (or anyone who still hums Vince Guaraldi tunes every fall).

3. Home for the Holidays (1995)

Directed by Jodie Foster, Home for the Holidays captures Thanksgiving family drama at its messy, emotional best. Holly Hunter stars as Claudia, who returns home to spend Thanksgiving with her eccentric family, including Robert Downey Jr. as her free-spirited brother and Anne Bancroft as her anxious mother.

This film nails the awkward silences, forced smiles, and genuine warmth that often coexist during family gatherings. It’s funny, raw, and ultimately about loving your family even when they drive you crazy.

Perfect for: Adults who know that “family dinner” means emotional whiplash with a side of pie.

4. Pieces of April (2003)

Before Katie Holmes was tabloid royalty, she starred in this charming indie gem about a young woman hosting Thanksgiving dinner in her tiny New York apartment. Her estranged family—led by Patricia Clarkson in an Oscar-nominated role—drives in from the suburbs, unaware that their daughter’s oven is broken and chaos is imminent.

Pieces of April is heartfelt without being cheesy, and it’s a reminder that Thanksgiving isn’t about perfection; it’s about effort, forgiveness, and the people who show up anyway.

Perfect for: Anyone cooking their first Thanksgiving dinner and praying it’s edible.

5. You’ve Got Mail (1998)

While not technically a Thanksgiving movie, You’ve Got Mail earns its place on this list thanks to its iconic supermarket scene. Tom Hanks’ Joe Fox helps Meg Ryan’s Kathleen Kelly navigate a Thanksgiving grocery store nightmare when she’s stuck in the cash-only line without cash.

Beyond that scene, the film radiates cozy autumn vibes—fall leaves, sweaters, coffee shops, and the promise of love and new beginnings. It’s a perfect feel-good watch for the season.

Perfect for: Hopeless romantics who also appreciate a witty AOL chatroom reference.

6. The Blind Side (2009)

Based on a true story, The Blind Side follows the Tuohy family as they take in homeless teenager Michael Oher, who goes on to become an NFL player. Thanksgiving plays a symbolic role in the film, marking the moment when Michael truly becomes part of the family.

It’s more than a sports drama—it’s a movie about generosity, gratitude, and what it means to open your home (and heart) to someone in need.

Perfect for: Families looking for an inspirational Thanksgiving story with substance.

7. The Oath (2018)

For those who like their holiday chaos with a political twist, The Oath is a sharp dark comedy that takes “family tension at Thanksgiving” to the next level. Set in a near-future America where citizens are pressured to sign a government loyalty oath, the film follows a politically divided family trying—and failing—to survive dinner together.

With razor-sharp satire and laugh-out-loud moments, it captures modern Thanksgiving like few others: equal parts hilarious and horrifying.

Perfect for: Anyone who’s ever said, “Let’s not talk politics at dinner,” and then immediately regretted it.

8. Miracle on 34th Street (1947 & 1994)

This one might technically be a Christmas movie, but it begins with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, making it a perfect transition film between the two holidays. Whether you prefer the classic black-and-white version or the 1994 remake, Miracle on 34th Street is about faith, kindness, and believing in magic—three things the world could always use more of.

Perfect for: Families ready to ease into Christmas without giving up the Thanksgiving leftovers yet.

9. Addams Family Values (1993)

Yes, Addams Family Values counts as a Thanksgiving movie—thanks to Wednesday Addams’ unforgettable performance in a summer camp Thanksgiving play gone horribly (and hilariously) wrong. Christina Ricci’s darkly funny monologue about colonialism remains one of the most iconic Thanksgiving scenes in movie history.

The film itself is a perfect blend of spooky humor, family loyalty, and biting satire. It’s the ideal bridge between Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Perfect for: Goths, misfits, and anyone who enjoys a side of chaos with their turkey.

10. Dutch (1991)

Often overlooked, Dutch stars Ed O’Neill as a working-class man who volunteers to drive his girlfriend’s snobby son home from prep school for Thanksgiving. Naturally, the road trip becomes an emotional—and comedic—journey filled with disasters, lessons, and unexpected bonding.

Produced by John Hughes (who also wrote Planes, Trains & Automobiles), Dutch shares that same heartfelt humor and chaotic holiday energy.

Perfect for: Fans of 90s road-trip comedies and reluctant-bonding stories.

Honorable Mentions

If you’ve already seen the classics, here are a few more films that pair well with mashed potatoes and a second helping of dessert:

  • Free Birds (2013) – Animated turkeys travel back in time to stop Thanksgiving from ever happening.
  • The Big Chill (1983) – A reunion of old college friends over a weekend of food, nostalgia, and self-reflection.
  • Scent of a Woman (1992) – Al Pacino’s Oscar-winning performance anchors this heartfelt film that takes place over Thanksgiving break.
  • Friendsgiving (2020) – A modern ensemble comedy about friends celebrating the holiday together (and how messy that can get).

Why Thanksgiving Movies Matter

Thanksgiving films often fly under the radar, overshadowed by Christmas classics—but their themes are universal. They remind us to be grateful, to laugh at our family’s quirks, and to find joy in imperfection. Whether it’s Charlie Brown’s jelly beans or Steve Martin’s endless travel woes, these movies celebrate what the holiday is truly about: connection.

So this year, while you’re digesting that third slice of pie, queue up one of these Thanksgiving movies. Whether you want laughter, tears, or a little nostalgia, there’s something here for everyone at the table.