10 Must-Have Movie Releases For Thanksgiving: From Jim Carrey To Kubrick

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Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season, and November offers a chance to connect with loved ones. These gatherings can sometimes be challenging, but ideally, they’re enjoyable. For many, watching a movie is a key part of the experience – whether it’s a distraction from difficult conversations or a way to relax after a big turkey dinner!

We’ve put together a list of new releases to check out before or during the upcoming shopping event, though some aren’t appropriate for all viewers. Beyond what’s listed here, there are plenty of other great options available. Highlights include Universal’s new 4K editions of The Blues Brothers and Out of Africa, a physical copy of the Best Picture-winning film , and a release of the original Naked Gun movie alongside the recent one. Take a look at our recommendations to find something to watch, or maybe add to your Black Friday shopping list!

Hard Boiled / A Better Tomorrow Trilogy (Shout)

This month, Shout Factory is releasing some classic John Woo films, including his action masterpiece Hard Boiled and the complete A Better Tomorrow trilogy. These films are incredibly influential, inspiring filmmakers around the globe with their fast-paced action, exciting stories, and over-the-top style. The new releases feature stunning 4K picture and sound, plus a wealth of bonus content like new interviews and behind-the-scenes featurettes, including conversations with John Woo himself.

The Mask (Arrow)

Like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask helped launch Jim Carrey to fame, and it’s time for a fresh look at the film. This new 4K special edition from Arrow Video provides that, offering a wealth of bonus content. It includes featurettes from previous releases, plus new interviews with the director, the comic book creators, and the visual effects team, among others.

The Naked Gun (Paramount)

Akiva Schaffer’s new take on the Naked Gun movies did reasonably well in theaters when it came out in summer 2025, and now it’s available on home video to enjoy again. The release includes nearly 20 minutes of extra footage – deleted scenes, alternate takes, and extended scenes – plus two blooper reels and several behind-the-scenes featurettes that look at the history of the series and its cast.

One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (Warner Home Video)

Milos Forman’s acclaimed, Oscar-winning film has been beautifully restored in 4K for this new release. Beyond the improved picture and sound, it includes exciting bonus features, like a recent reunion conversation with the producer and cast. You’ll also find deleted scenes and a fascinating look at how the film was made, from its initial idea to its lasting impact.

The Luc Besson Collection (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)

Luc Besson’s films, ranging from Subway to The Fifth Element, are known for their unique blend of visual flair and compelling stories. While some films are stronger than others, they consistently offer something original and thought-provoking. This deluxe box set from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment brings together nine of his movies, including classics like Leon: The Professional and The Fifth Element, as well as earlier and more recent successes. It’s a complete collection, featuring multiple versions of The Big Blue, Leon: The Professional, and Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc, plus in-depth documentaries and featurettes for nearly every film.

Hell’s Angels (Criterion)

While often remembered through its portrayal in Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator as an extravagant project by the famously unusual Howard Hughes, this new 4K release of Hughes’ 1930 war film is essential viewing for fans of Scorsese’s movie. The disc includes a stunning restoration of the original, large-format version of the film, plus insightful interviews with the visual effects supervisor from The Aviator and a look at the life of leading lady Jean Harlow, along with deleted scenes.

At Close Range (Cinématographe)

James Foley’s film feels like a snapshot of the 1980s, notably launching Sean Penn into more serious acting roles after he became known for his part in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The soundtrack features one of Madonna’s early hits, “Live to Tell,” and the movie tells a gripping, intense story about a son dealing with his complicated relationship with his criminal father, played with unsettling skill by Christopher Walken. This new edition from Cinématographe includes plenty of bonus content, such as two commentary tracks (one newly recorded and another with the late James Foley), fresh interviews with Penn and Walken, and additional features that explore the true story behind the film.

Eyes Wide Shut (Criterion)

Perfect timing for the holidays! Stanley Kubrick’s last completed film remains a stunning achievement, and now it’s been beautifully restored in 4K by Criterion. This new edition features artwork created by Kubrick’s wife, Christiane, and daughter, Katharina. Along with previously released bonus content, you’ll find fresh interviews with key crew members like cinematographer Larry Smith, set decorator Lisa Leone, and archivist Georgina Orgill. The included documentary, “Never Just A Dream,” offers insights from Kubrick’s family and the talented team who brought the film to life.

Death Wish (Kino Lorber)

Charles Bronson’s Death Wish movies were highly influential for a couple of generations, originally reflecting anxieties about changing cities and rising crime. They offered a different take than the Dirty Harry films and helped pave the way for the action movies that became hugely popular in the 1980s and beyond. This new five-film collection from Kino Lorber lets you watch the entire series, with insightful commentary for each movie and bonus features included.

Sisters (Severin)

The 2006 film Sisters is best remembered as part of the early 2000s trend of remaking classic horror movies. Though it went straight to video and didn’t gain much of an audience, it’s worth watching for its talented cast – including Stephen Rea, Chloe Sevigny, and Lou Doillon – and its genuinely suspenseful, violent story. It’s considered a lesser work by director Brian De Palma, but still an intriguing thriller. A new three-disc set from Severin includes audio commentaries, deleted scenes, and the film’s soundtrack.

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2025-11-24 22:03