As a film enthusiast with a soft spot for heartwarming holiday movies, I must say that the diversity and depth of stories found in these underrated Thanksgiving films are truly a delight to discover. From the laid-back anti-war drama “The War at Home” to the culturally rich indie film “What’s Cooking?”, each movie offers a unique perspective on family, food, and the true essence of Thanksgiving.
It’s no wonder that a multitude of movies centered around holidays have been produced, as they seem to satisfy some deeply ingrained desires in us. Given the ongoing global changes, it’s expected that these alterations are impacting not only our perspectives but also our planning and handling of both festive films and traditional celebrations like Thanksgiving.
This Thanksgiving, it seems that conversations might get tricky due to topics like Gaza, elections, artificial intelligence, and civil rights. Instead of getting entangled in these complex issues, sharing a common experience such as watching a favorite holiday movie together can help bring people closer. For instance, instead of discussing the football game on Thanksgiving Day, we could opt for a heartwarming holiday film instead.
An intriguing aspect of Thanksgiving movies lies in the fact that while many aren’t explicitly about Thanksgiving, they still manage to evoke the holiday spirit through powerful scenes scattered throughout the film. With the current global situation being unlike anything most people have experienced and Thanksgiving bringing more unexpected twists than a baseball game this year, remember that we have 30 films at your disposal, each capable of lifting your spirits, regardless of where, how, or with whom you choose to watch them.
The qualifications for how a title is included in this list of Thanksgiving films are as follows:
- The overall quality of the film.
- The explicit relation the film has with the Thanksgiving holiday.
- The rewatchable quality that allows the film to become a holiday tradition.
30 Funny People (2009)
Hides Pathos Behind the Comedy
The movie “Funny People” includes a Thanksgiving scene that flips the comedy on its head. During this scene, George, played by Adam Sandler, delivers a toast emphasizing the value of cherishing every moment we have with those dear to us. This shift in mood significantly alters the film’s direction, considering its primary storylines suggested a significant change was imminent. Despite not being overtly related to Thanksgiving, “Funny People” ultimately emerges as the wittiest, offering an unusual perspective on holiday behaviors.
29 Rocky (1976)
Sure thing!
Iconic Underdog Story
In the movie Rocky, Thanksgiving is employed to delve into the unique cultural and emotional traits of the characters. Essentially, Rocky revolves around a man discovering what he truly appreciates, which aligns perfectly with the spirit of Thanksgiving. By the movie’s conclusion, it becomes clear that winning the fight is no longer Rocky’s primary focus, but rather acknowledging the people in his life who care for and love him. Stream on Max or Prime Video, or rent from any digital platform.
28 Son in Law (1993)
The movie titled “Son in Law” may not match up to the greatness of “Rocky“, but it stands out due to its strong association with Thanksgiving. This film, despite having a unique concept that could have taken various directions, unfortunately, is marked by Pauly Shore as the leading actor. In this ’90s comedy, we find a college student, portrayed by a young and talented Carla Gugino, inviting her RA (Shore) to her family’s South Dakota farm for Thanksgiving. Events unfold, leading to Shore playing the role of Gugino’s fake fiancé.
Predictable Fish-Out-Of-Water Premise
The Son in Law excels at portraying the awkwardness and bewilderment typical of a grand Thanksgiving dinner when a college student returns home, having undergone changes that their family may not recognize. The series humorously and realistically depicts the clash of personalities and perspectives, while the food looks enticing. Stream or download on Prime Video or other digital platforms.
27 One True Thing (1998)
The film titled “One True Thing” offers a heartfelt family saga, focusing on the daughter’s exploration of her mother’s intricate life story. It revolves around Ellen Gulden, a promising 20-something New York journalist, who must temporarily abandon her thriving career and new life to care for her terminally ill mother, Kate, back in their small town. The movie explores the transforming bond between Ellen and her mother, as well as Ellen’s father, George, grappling with his wife’s illness.
A Thanksgiving Reflection on Family Bonds
A heartwarming tale of enduring love and selfless devotion, “One True Thing” is skillfully directed by Carl Franklin. The movie’s powerful storyline and remarkable acting from Meryl Streep as the determined Kate and Renée Zellweger as the hesitant Ellen are both poignant and multifaceted. As they spend their final holidays together, the film delicately weaves aspirations, disappointments, and ultimately, the indestructible bond of motherhood and daughterhood that unites them.
26 Nobody’s Fool (1994)
Nobody’s Fool revolves around Donald “Sully” Sullivan, a charismatic yet hot-tempered elderly man residing in the quaint town of North Bath, New York. As a free-spirited construction worker, Sully frequently clashes with those in his vicinity. However, his self-reliant lifestyle takes an unexpected turn when his long-lost son, Peter, reappears in town. The film beautifully portrays the mix of laughter and emotional turmoil as Sully strives to mend his relationship with Peter and strengthen his bond with his grandson.
About Heartbreak, Redemption, and Second Chances
For Thanksgiving, a charming family choice is the movie “Nobody’s Fool,” seamlessly blending comedy, drama, and a hint of sadness. Directed by Robert Benton, this film stands out due to Paul Newman’s award-worthy portrayal. Set during the holiday season, it masterfully captures small-town life while creating intricate characters that resonate deeply. The star-studded cast includes Jessica Tandy and Melanie Griffith, whose roles add depth to the story and underscore that even in old age, there’s still a place for playful antics in our lives.
25 Dan in Real Life (2007)
A touching comedy titled “Dan in Real Life” showcases the life of Dan Burns, a widowed columnist and devoted father to three girls. He struggles to juggle his professional and personal responsibilities, especially during Thanksgiving at his parents’ house. Dan encounters Marie at a bookstore and is immediately smitten, but their relationship becomes complicated when he learns that Marie is dating his brother, Mitch. This revelation leaves Dan feeling dejected.
Family Comedy With a Sentimental Premise
Under the direction of Peter Hedges, Dan in Real Life is notable for its skillful blending of humorous and heartfelt scenes. Despite not being a typical Thanksgiving comedy, it kickstarts with an engaging storyline centered around Dan’s bustling extended family. Carell and the entire cast deliver authentic and relatable performances, making each joke and romantic blunder delightful to observe. The ambiance, tone, and ending effectively convey the spirit of the holidays, solidifying the film as a hidden gem featuring one of Carell’s most nuanced performances.
24 The Humans (2021)
Amidst the gritty, dilapidated setting of a small New York City apartment, “The Humans” stands as a contemporary masterpiece. Directed by Stephen Karam for his first time, this production is an adaptation from his 2015 Tony Award-winning play with the same title. The narrative revolves around the Blake family during Thanksgiving celebrations, where tensions, hidden secrets, apprehensions, vulnerabilities, and unresolved issues among family members emerge throughout the dinner conversation.
The Humans Explores the Cracks in a Dysfunctional Family
The Human Tangle – A Relatable Emotional Labyrinth We Navigate During Holidays
23 Mistress America (2015)
Mistress America
A Story of Two Mismatched Souls
Under the joint direction of Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig, the film “Mistress America” stands out as one of their exceptional collaborative works. The movie vividly portrays the lively and turbulent spirit of New York City from the perspective of Gerwig’s character, whose charismatic and unpretentious demeanor significantly enhances Lola Kirke’s portrayal of Tracy. Critics lauded “Mistress America” for its innovative and witty approach to the coming-of-age genre, the delightful and enlightening interactions between the main characters, and the subtle display of their hidden vulnerabilities, which are particularly evident during Thanksgiving, a backdrop that encourages self-exploration and friendship formation.
22 The Big Chill (1963)
Gathering with long-standing friends to reminisce about past experiences generally turns out to be enjoyable… in reality. However, in films, these gatherings initially seem wonderful but eventually unravel as hidden issues surface, and what was once pleasant becomes turbulent. For instance, in the movie The Big Chill, a group of friends (one of the most remarkable ensembles) reunite for a weekend away which follows a college friend’s funeral.
Emotionally Sensitive and Well-Written
In many aspects, the movie titled “The Big Chill” is considered one of the first films that truly embodies the spirit of Friendsgiving. Although the traditional Thanksgiving holiday is only briefly shown in a flashback and sets a somber tone for the storyline, the concept of friends gathering around shared memories and meals is consistently present throughout the film. In essence, “The Big Chill” can be seen as both a holiday movie and not, but it certainly stirs up emotions that remind us to cherish our friendships before they’re no more. You can watch or purchase this movie on Prime Video or other digital platforms.
21 Thankskilling (2008)
If you’re up for some humorously crude and gory entertainment after your Thanksgiving feast, the cult classic Thankskilling is just the ticket! It’s a film that doesn’t shy away from silliness or violence during the holiday season. Unlike Eli Roth’s more refined and impressive Thanksgiving (released 15 years later), this movie embraces its absurdity wholeheartedly, offering an amusing horror experience.
Thanksgiving Turkey as an Antagonist
Kicking off with a Pilgrim from Plymouth, sans shirt, getting axed by a chatty turkey, “Thankskilling” sets the stage immediately, and revels in the festive themes of Thanksgiving. The narrative is absurdly exaggerated yet hilariously nonsensical, but it’s all about the Thanksgiving spirit. The antagonist (Turkie) serves as the horror genre’s emblematic turkey for the holiday, much like an evil Santa Claus symbolizes Christmas horror. Catch it for free on Tubi and Pluto TV.
20 Avalon (1990)
As a devoted cinephile, I’d say that “Avalon” is a timeless American narrative about fresh starts, beautifully crafted by the masterful Barry Levinson. This film follows the journey of the Kaye family, immigrants from Poland who are Jewish, as they arrive in the United States at the turn of the 20th century. Over time, different generations reside under one roof, and we witness their transformation into American culture across the years.
Nostalgic, Slice-of-Life Fun
Although not directly tied to the holiday, the film Avalon beautifully reflects the concept of immigrants arriving in America seeking a better life, making it one of the best films to watch during Thanksgiving. Gathered in one room, bickering about when dinner will be served, children complaining about the food, and simmering family tensions – this scene is enchanting! “Did you really carve the turkey??” This movie is perfect for families to enjoy during this season of gratitude. Stream or purchase on Apple TV and other digital platforms.
19 Addams Family Values (1993)
In the follow-up to the 1991 smash hit, titled “Addams Family Values,” Uncle Fester harbors a deep affection for a woman named Debbie. However, his family is well aware that she’s not exactly ideal. This sequel unfolds during the festive occasion of Thanksgiving and includes a play centered around the holiday. Director Barry Sonnenfeld, along with an exceptional ensemble cast featuring Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, Christina Ricci, Carel Struycken, Jimmy Workman, Christopher Hart, and Joan Cusack, reprise their roles for this entertaining movie filled with unexpected twists. The film showcases one of Christopher Lloyd’s finest performances.
Greatest Thanksgiving Movie Ever
What makes “Addams Family Values” stand out as one of the finest Thanksgiving movies is a powerful speech delivered by Wednesday Addams (played by Christina Ricci), which critiques the way Native Americans have historically been treated. This scene, set in a beloved family film, offers a unique perspective on the moral implications of celebrating Thanksgiving. While “Addams Family Values” may not be among the greatest films overall, its thought-provoking content and humor make it an exceptional choice for viewing during the Thanksgiving season. Stream it on Paramount+ and Fubo TV.
18 Grumpy Old Men (1993)
Once more, the movie titled “Grumpy Old Men” isn’t exclusively centered around Thanksgiving, but it carries a distinct Thanksgiving vibe in a humorously grumpy fashion. In this film, Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau portray two cantankerous old gentlemen who find themselves both pursuing the same woman, embodied by Ann-Margret. Their pre-existing friendship is already strained, and their rivalry only intensifies, which will likely bring a nostalgic grin to fans of the classic series “The Odd Couple“.
Light-Hearted and Adorable
This film incorporates scenes reminiscent of Thanksgiving, but they don’t overshadow the narrative. A Thanksgiving feast serves as a spark that ignites the romantic rivalry in the movie, and it showcases a brilliant performance by Ossie Davis. Grumpy Old Men offers instances of humorous banter, practical jokes, stunning winter landscapes, and side-splitting one-liners from Burgess Meredith as Jack Lemmon’s grandfather. You can watch it for free on Pluto TV or stream it on Paramount+.
17 Alice’s Restaurant (1969)
A song rarely triggers an entire film, but “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree,” Arlo Guthrie’s long, humorous ballad, is an exception. This tune led to the movie Alice’s Restaurant, with Guthrie playing the lead role. The extended song narrates a chronological and semi-autobiographical account of Guthrie journeying across the country, getting arrested, and dodging the Vietnam draft.
Time Capsule of the 1960s
As a true cinephile, I must say that this film is as effortlessly charming as the 60s themselves, often categorized as one of the best ‘hang-out’ movies from that era. Unlike any other tune, Alice’s Restaurant revolves around camaraderie, meals, and Thanksgiving in a way that feels utterly authentic. This easy-going anti-war film is a must-watch, featuring an impressive cast including Pat Quinn, James Broderick, Pete Seeger, Lee Hays, William Obanhein, Shelley Plimpton, and M. Emmet Walsh. You can catch it streaming for free on YouTube.
16 What’s Cooking? (2000)
What’s On the Menu is an intriguing independent film that captures the essence of Thanksgiving with a vibrant ensemble cast boasting unique characters from various walks of life. The movie celebrates cultural diversity, seamlessly weaving together four families representing Jewish, Black, Latino, and Vietnamese cultures – portrayed by Joan Chen, Julianna Margulies, Mercedes Ruehl, Kyra Sedgwick, Alfre Woodard, Maury Chaykin, Estelle Harris, Dennis Haysbert, Lainie Kazan, Victor Rivers, Douglas Spain, Kieu Chinh, Kristy Wu, François Chau, Ralph Manza, and others.
Realistic Thanksgiving Dramedy
As a devoted cinephile, I must share my thoughts on “What’s Cooking,” a film that delves into the unique ways four families celebrate Thanksgiving, each with their own set of problems and idiosyncrasies. The aroma of the food is almost palpable in this movie, and it’s not just about the feast – there’s an abundance of gentle humor, tender romantic moments, and poignant, genuine portrayals of family bonds. If you haven’t seen it yet, give it a watch on Tubi, Pluto TV, Prime Video, or any other digital platform that suits your preference!
15 Dutch (1991)
In the movie named “Dutch“, I find myself in the role of Dutch, a hardworking guy dating Natalie. She has a 13-year-old son named Doyle who attends a private school in Atlanta. Over Thanksgiving, I propose to chauffeur Doyle to his mother’s place in Chicago, but he’s uninterested. You see, Doyle holds a grudge against Natalie for the divorce and has no desire to associate with her new beau, given my humble, working-class background.
An Underrated Holiday Movie
Despite not being the director of the movie Dutch, John Hughes penned its script and seems to have replicated or merged elements from Planes, Trains and Automobiles that didn’t fit into that film. Both stories share a common theme: two mismatched travelers trying to reach home for Thanksgiving dinner. This pattern reflects Hughes’ affection for the holiday. The trip these characters embark upon is marked by arguments, mishaps, and eventually, camaraderie. Initially criticized with Roger Ebert expressing concerns about repetition in Hughes’ work, Dutch has since become a beloved comedy during holidays on streaming service Max.
14 The War at Home (1996)
This seldom-discussed film from 1996, helmed by Emilio Estevez, offers a profound exploration of war’s impact, not just on combatants but on everyone. The Thanksgiving meal serves as a platform, revealing all the ghosts of past traumas. In this movie titled “The War at Home“, Estevez stars alongside his father, Martin Sheen, and Kathy Bates. He portrays a soldier back home after Vietnam, and we witness that his greatest battle begins upon his return, as he grapples with challenges that are no less daunting than those faced on the battlefield.
Surprsing and Unforgettable
The movie’s first half is heavily influenced by the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, setting the stage for an intense emotional climax. True to form, the portrayed Thanksgiving dinner delivers on its promise of releasing the tensions that haunt several characters. For many viewers, Thanksgiving is a complex and contentious occasion, not only due to America’s past genocide of Native Americans but also because family gatherings can be fraught with difficulties. By addressing these themes, The War at Home transforms into a thought-provoking and unconventional Thanksgiving film.
13 The Oath (2018)
Ike Barinholtz, known for his humor, skillfully handles the roles of directing, writing, producing, and acting in the underappreciated dark comedy “The Oath”. This film cleverly explores the familiar political debates that often arise during family gatherings, especially at Thanksgiving, by depicting a fictional future where citizens are asked to pledge loyalty to the United States prior to Black Friday. This puts a unique twist on holiday celebrations for families with diverse ideologies.
Exceeds Your Expectations
In the straightforward plot of “The Oath“, there’s ample room for engaging dialogue and intriguing scenarios to unfold. Without giving away any surprises from this distinctive movie, let me just say it’s a Thanksgiving must-watch (and Tiffany Haddish delivers an outstanding performance). Stream or download on Amazon Prime Video or other digital services.
12 You’ve Got Mail (1998)
In the movie “You’ve Got Mail,” Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan unexpectedly cross paths (in a contemporary adaptation of the 1940 film, “The Shop Around the Corner”), where they initially correspond online without knowing each other’s identities. As they develop feelings for one another through these digital interactions, they find themselves disliking each other in real life due to their shared profession as bookstore owners. This professional connection only serves to complicate their relationship further.
Iconic Romance Starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan
Despite all that is happening, the spirit of Thanksgiving remains radiant, and this romantic comedy, though not quite like “Sleepless in Seattle,” continues to be a fantastic movie to watch during the holiday season. The film, titled “You’ve Got Mail,” is set around Thanksgiving, offering everything we desire in a holiday movie – from the vibrant colors and gentle lighting, to the wintry atmosphere and heartwarming romance. Enjoy it for free on Tubi or rent or purchase on other digital platforms.
11 Tadpole (2002)
As a movie aficionado, I can confidently say that Tadpole, though sometimes overlooked today, was a breathtaking indie phenomenon when it first graced the silver screen. With a modest budget of $150 thousand, it managed to gross over 12 times that amount – a feat not easily forgotten.
Charming, Lighthearted Comedy
Beyond skillfully portraying a complex family dynamic, Tadpole beautifully expresses a range of emotions – the longing of youth, the charm of New York during winter, the nostalgia of Thanksgiving breaks and returning home from college, and the intensity of puberty. Food and drinks also contribute significantly to the movie, starring Aaron Stanford, Bebe Neuwirth, and charming Kate Mara. It’s a delightful independent film gem. Stream or purchase on Prime Video or other digital platforms.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-11-22 02:35