The Best Movies to Watch on Thanksgiving (That Aren’t Actually About Thanksgiving)

The Best Movies to Watch on Thanksgiving (That Aren’t Actually About Thanksgiving)

As someone who has spent countless Thanksgivings surrounded by family, I wholeheartedly agree that this holiday deserves more recognition in cinema! While there may not be many movies explicitly about carving turkeys, there are plenty of films that perfectly capture the essence of Thanksgiving.


As a film aficionado, I often find myself wondering if Thanksgiving doesn’t receive the cinematic recognition it deserves compared to other holidays. Take a look at the paltry number of Thanksgiving movies that have been produced over the years, in stark contrast to the plethora of Christmas and Halloween films that exist. Planes, Trains and Automobiles has been the solitary classic for decades, with only a few exceptions like Eli Roth’s slasher film Thanksgiving.

While there might not be a huge number of movies specifically set during Thanksgiving, there’s no shortage of films that make excellent viewing on this November holiday. These could be films with warm and inviting settings, family drama, or scenes featuring mouthwatering feasts – all elements that resonate perfectly with the spirit of Thanksgiving. The key is knowing where to find them.

Keeping that thought in your head, let me share some fantastic films perfect for watching during Thanksgiving, despite their lack of focus on turkey-carving scenes.

Knives Out (2019)

The Best Movies to Watch on Thanksgiving (That Aren’t Actually About Thanksgiving)

Knives Out swiftly became a part of the informal Thanksgiving movie tradition upon its release in 2019, as it not only premiered near the holiday season but also exudes an undeniable Thanksgiving atmosphere in every aspect.

The movie “Knives Out” unfolds in a quaint, autumn-themed mansion situated in the northeast. It revolves around a large family with numerous conflicts who assemble after a long time apart, and the underlying tension is noticeable from their very arrival. To put it bluntly, there’s always that annoying relative, played by Don Johnson as Richard, reminiscent of relatives we all know during family gatherings, such as Thanksgiving – though this movie doesn’t include a traditional turkey dinner in its plot.

Spider-Man (2002)

The Best Movies to Watch on Thanksgiving (That Aren’t Actually About Thanksgiving)

Rocky is so tightly linked to Thanksgiving that it doesn’t fit this list, as most of the movie unfolds during the week of the holiday. Conversely, Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man falls short of the “turkey” threshold, making it not a traditional Thanksgiving Movie.

Spider-Man momentarily partakes in the festivities of Thanksgiving, with the shared meal between Peter and Norman’s families serving as arguably the most crucial scene throughout the movie. Furthermore, the “Unity Day Festival” – reminiscent of the renowned Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – is where Green Goblin makes his appearance.

The Family Stone (2005)

The Best Movies to Watch on Thanksgiving (That Aren’t Actually About Thanksgiving)

Indeed, while The Family Stone is categorized as a Christmas film, it carries a vibe that seems remarkably similar to a Thanksgiving movie.

Similar to “Knives Out,” “The Family Stone” portrays a highly dysfunctional family gathering and unintentionally bringing their numerous conflicts to light. Despite its humor in certain instances, it maintains an unyieldingly tense atmosphere from beginning to end, effectively embodying the stressful feel of Thanksgiving for many people.

Uncle Buck (1989)

The Best Movies to Watch on Thanksgiving (That Aren’t Actually About Thanksgiving)

I don’t have to experience every family reunion movie as if it were my own personal horror story.

In the movie “Uncle Buck,” the children might face some challenging situations upon John Candy’s arrival, but for us viewers, it’s an entertaining rollercoaster ride. Uncle Buck embodies the kind of relative everyone secretly hopes for – the one who eventually understands how their imperfections impact others and strives to improve themselves.

Star Wars (1977)

The Best Movies to Watch on Thanksgiving (That Aren’t Actually About Thanksgiving)

As a devoted cinephile, I must confess that one timeless masterpiece that holds no connection to the festivities of Thanksgiving is none other than the legendary “Star Wars.” It’s those annual cable television marathons that truly bring this galactic saga to life in our hearts.

On Thanksgiving Day before streaming services, cable channels such as TNT often broadcast marathons of the original Star Wars trilogy. Watching Luke Skywalker admire the twin suns of Tatooine always reminds me of sitting on my grandmother’s couch, cranking up the volume a bit to overcome my uncles snoring in the recliners.

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

The Best Movies to Watch on Thanksgiving (That Aren’t Actually About Thanksgiving)

scarcely any films evoke the melodies of autumn quite as beautifully as “When Harry Met Sally.” Just envision the warmth and comfort you get from merely gazing at its poster.

Apart from its warm ambiance and continually evolving social interactions, the classic film “When Harry Met Sally” is also renowned for one of the most unforgettable dining sequences ever depicted on screen.

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2024-11-27 23:39