As someone who has spent countless Thanksgivings huddled around the TV instead of the dinner table, I can honestly say that these action-packed movies are a welcome change from the usual holiday fare. Each one offers a unique take on the classic American tradition, with a healthy dose of violence and revenge thrown in for good measure.
When considering the festive American holiday, Thanksgiving, several images pop up: family gatherings, turkey dinners, stuffing, football games, expressing gratitude, and naturally, films. Unlike Christmas or Halloween movies that enjoy immense popularity, there are indeed Thanksgiving films. Surprisingly, some of these movies even fall under the category of adventurous films.
There are numerous fantastic films to watch during Thanksgiving, ranging from comedies such as “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” to horror movies like “Thanksgiving”. However, you might not be aware that there are also action-packed Thanksgiving movies! These films often unfold around the holiday, featuring characters who exhibit impressive fighting skills, settling scores before enjoying a traditional turkey meal with their loved ones.
7 North by Northwest (1959)
In contrast to modern action movies filled with high-budget special effects, “North by Northwest” from 1959 might not seem as action-packed. However, it was considered one of the best action films at that time and remains highly respected today. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this spy thriller follows the story of advertising executive Roger Thornhill (played by Cary Grant), who is unwittingly dragged into the world of espionage due to a case of mistaken identity. A scene where a crop-dusting plane chases Cary Grant through cornfields is one of the most enduring images in cinematic history.
A Stealth Thanksgiving Movie
In reality, “North by Northwest” isn’t connected to the Thanksgiving holiday and doesn’t take place during that time. However, it was filmed in such a way that appears otherwise due to a production mistake. A scene shows a newspaper with details about the movie’s events, but this newspaper is dated over the Thanksgiving holiday. As a result of this small error, “North by Northwest” has become known as a Thanksgiving film—yet another instance of misconception.
6 Paul Blart: Mall Cop
The movie titled “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” is primarily a humorous action flick, with a stronger emphasis on comedy. However, it also includes plenty of action sequences. In this film, the clumsy mall security officer Paul Blart (played by Kevin James) unexpectedly becomes the main figure in a Black Friday heist. Remarkably, it’s only him who can rescue the hostages and apprehend the criminals within the mall.
Big Action, Bigger Laughs
The film titled “Paul Blart” is a goofy production that might prompt you to roll your eyes initially, but it’s guaranteed to have you chuckling later on. While it doesn’t explicitly take place on Thanksgiving, for all intents and purposes, Black Friday serves as an acceptable substitute.
5 Spider-Man (2002)
Back in the year 2002, the blockbuster film “Spider-Man” ruled supreme in Hollywood. This revolutionary production delves into the beginnings of Marvel Comics’ most iconic hero, tracing his acquisition of web-slinging abilities, crafting the Spiderman costume, and more. Boasting stunning visual effects, an illustrious ensemble cast, and a gripping narrative, “Spider-Man” continues to stand out as a remarkable motion picture. Every superhero film that has emerged since 2002 bears some debt to this Sam Raimi masterpiece.
A Small But Memorable Scene
Over several months, I follow Peter Parker’s (Tobey Maguire) journey through high school and beyond. In the warm season, we celebrate his graduation. Months roll by, and as Peter assumes the role of Spider-Man, we move right up to Thanksgiving. This film offers a heartfelt and tense Thanksgiving dinner scene where both Spider-Man (unmasked) and Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe) are unexpected guests at the table. Perhaps next time, Aunt May could ask someone else to handle carving the turkey!
4 Below Utopia (1997)
Under the Radar” is a little-known, self-reliant action film you likely haven’t come across yet. Remarkably, even with a lower budget, it boasts an impressive ensemble of actors like Justin Theroux, Alyssa Milano, and Ice-T.
This Stacked Cast Is Something To Be Thankful For
In the opulent mansion they call home, the Simpson family assembles for Thanksgiving festivities. However, their usual squabbles are momentarily forgotten when a group of ruthless assassins arrives, unveiling a nefarious plot. Arguing with relatives during holidays is nothing out of the ordinary, but Below Utopia takes this familiar theme to unprecedented heights with its gruesome narrative.
3 Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale
Disney’s “Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale” weaves together various storytelling styles, including adventure, history, and action. It loosely follows the real-life Native American character Squanto, detailing the series of events that unfolded prior to the arrival of the Mayflower and the Pilgrims in 1620.
A ’90s Flop Worth Revisiting
Despite being both critically panned and commercially unsuccessful, Squanto makes an excellent choice for those seeking a Thanksgiving-themed action film this holiday season. This is particularly true given that the movie’s concluding sequences depict the historic first Thanksgiving gathering.
2 Tower Heist
One might expect a film featuring comedy giants like Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy to be widely recognized, but surprisingly, the comedy-action movie “Tower Heist” often goes unmentioned. Directed by Brett Ratner, who is known for helming “Rush Hour,” it also boasts other notable actors such as Casey Affleck, Alan Alda, and Matthew Broderick.
An All But Forgotten Thanksgiving Classic
Tower Heist centers around a band of individuals swindled by a Ponzi scheme, led by Stiller’s character, who devise a plan to retaliate against their tormentor. This act of vengeance is set during the time when families across the nation come together to celebrate Thanksgiving. Notably, scenes from an authentic Thanksgiving Day Parade are incorporated into the movie, serving as the backdrop for the heist.
1 Four Brothers
Drawing inspiration from the John Wayne film The Sons of Katie Elder, the movie Four Brothers opens as a woman is fatally shot in a convenience store during her Thanksgiving shopping spree. Her four troubled foster sons, portrayed by Mark Wahlberg, Tyrese Gibson, André 3000, and Garrett Hedlund, gather for their mother’s funeral and endure their first Thanksgiving without her. As the quartet uncovers that the deadly robbery was in fact a hit orchestrated by a ruthless crime boss, they decide to seek vengeance on those involved.
Thanksgiving Is About Family
The response to the movie “Four Brothers” was divided among critics, but the public has shown great enthusiasm for this action film. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Sofia Vergara, who later gained fame as a popular character on “Modern Family,” made an early appearance in this movie.
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2024-11-10 22:02