Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather with loved ones, enjoy delicious food, and, of course, watch a movie to round off the day. Whether you’re winding down after a big meal, looking to keep the kids entertained, or just need a laugh to defuse the holiday chaos, the right movie can set the perfect tone. From heartwarming family classics to the greatest music documentary of all time, here are 10 Thanksgiving movies to pick from, no matter what mood you’re in.
1. Addams Family Values (1993)
Available on: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu
For a comedic look at Thanksgiving, Addams Family Values is a must-watch. This sequel is as quirky as ever, with Wednesday Addams offering a sharp, biting perspective on the holiday. Through its subversive humor, it opens a conversation about the sanitized narrative of Thanksgiving, making it a great choice for discussing the holiday’s complex history, all while providing plenty of laughs.
2. Beethoven (1992)
Available on: The Roku Channel, Tubi
If you’ve ever had a rambunctious dog, you’ll find Beethoven hilariously relatable during a Thanksgiving dinner. The film’s chaos mirrors the unpredictable nature of the holiday, reminding us that the perfect dinner may never happen—especially when a mischievous dog is involved.
3. For Your Consideration (2006)
Available on: The Roku Channel, Kanopy (with library card)
Christopher Guest’s For Your Consideration offers a satirical look at the pressures of the Thanksgiving season, wrapped up in Hollywood’s quest for Oscar glory. The film focuses on the absurdity of commercialism and cultural expectations during the holidays, with Catherine O’Hara delivering a standout performance.
4. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Available on: Paramount+
No Thanksgiving movie list would be complete without Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Steve Martin and John Candy’s hilarious journey to make it home for Thanksgiving is both stressful and funny, making this the quintessential Thanksgiving film that balances comedy with heartwarming moments.
5. The Prince and Me (2004)
Available on: Streaming services (check availability)
A sweet romantic comedy set against the backdrop of Thanksgiving, The Prince and Me follows a pre-med student, Paige (Julia Stiles), as she invites her new classmate, who turns out to be a Danish prince, to her family’s Thanksgiving dinner. It’s a heartwarming story about family, humility, and the true meaning of home.
6. Instant Family (2018)
Available on: Paramount+, FuboTV, DIRECTV
Instant Family is a comedy-drama about a couple who adopts three foster children just before Thanksgiving, leading to chaos and growth. As they navigate their new family dynamics, they learn the true meaning of gratitude and connection.
7. You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Available on: Max
Set in New York during the fall, You’ve Got Mail is the perfect cozy holiday film. While not directly centered around Thanksgiving, the romantic story and charming autumn backdrop, along with the theme of legacy and tradition, make it an ideal watch for the holiday season.
8. Home for the Holidays (1995)
Available on: Paramount+, MGM+, FuboTV, Philo
This film is a brutally honest look at the chaos of family reunions during Thanksgiving. Starring Holly Hunter, Home for the Holidays portrays the complicated family dynamics that many of us experience during the holidays, combining humor with heartfelt moments.
9. The Ice Storm (1997)
Available on: Streaming services (check availability)
For a darker Thanksgiving film, The Ice Storm by Ang Lee is a stark contrast to the typical holiday feel-good story. Set in 1973 during the Thanksgiving weekend, this film follows two families as they unravel under the weight of their picture-perfect facades, all while an ice storm threatens their lives.
10. The Last Waltz (1978)
Available on: Pluto TV, Tubi (free with ads)
If you’re in the mood for music and introspective themes, The Last Waltz is a perfect pick. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this documentary about The Band’s final concert on Thanksgiving Day in 1976 showcases family, legacy, and the personal tensions of musicians, set to a powerful soundtrack.
These Thanksgiving movies offer a range of moods, from comedy and romance to drama and music. Whether you’re looking for laughs, heartwarming moments, or something a little deeper, these films are perfect for winding down after your Thanksgiving feast.
