As someone who has spent countless Thanksgivings navigating through the labyrinth of family dynamics and awkward conversations, I must say that this list is a breath of fresh air. It’s refreshing to see such a diverse range of movies that not only capture the essence of the holiday but also the complexities of modern-day relationships.
“Can someone vacuum before they arrive?”
It’s likely that during your visit home for Thanksgiving, you may have heard that request from one of your parents, especially when surrounded by traditional dishes like turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, along with pumpkin pie. Additionally, there might be a fair amount of awkward conversations with relatives you don’t often see, similar to going to the dentist less frequently.
“Indeed, it feels like ages since we last met.
Because sometimes, what you really need is not just a delicious meal like Aunt Maureen’s green bean casserole, but a comforting escape provided by a favorite television show or movie, which soothes your soul instead.
If you’re yearning for a warm diversion during this moment, allow me to share some of my beloved Thanksgiving-themed episodes from shows such as Gossip Girl, How I Met Your Mother, and Friends (could these NBC series be any more spot-on when it comes to capturing the essence of football and feast-focused celebrations). Additionally, I’ve got a couple of movies that delve into the heart of Turkey Day. Enjoy!
Yes, there are actually plenty of films made about the Jan Brady of holidays, even if Halloween and Christmas tend to gobble up the majority of the attention at the end of each year. Some are more showy about it (see: Planes, Trains & Automobiles) while others just make a passing reference, but thanks to that scene in Zabar’s (featuring a pre-Grey’s Anatomy Sara Ramirez) we want You’ve Got Mail to be a Thanksgiving movie, we want it so badly.
Store some leftovers on a dish, retreat to the basement for a cozy hideaway, and prepare to spend your long weekend streaming entertainment from home.
As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but rave about the legendary NBC sitcom that consistently knocks it out of the park during their annual Thanksgiving episodes. Over the course of its ten-year run, they managed to serve up nearly perfect holiday installments, and trust me, choosing just one is a challenge. So, here are my top three favorites:
In season five, the memorable episode titled “The One Featuring Multiple Thanksgivings” stands out due to its charming flashbacks and the heartwarming moment when Chandler confesses his love for Monica, who, appropriately enough, is adorned with a turkey on her head.
Instead of moving on directly, consider revisiting episodes six from season six titled “The One Where Ross Got High” as it showcases the group’s chemistry at its finest. On the other hand, episode eight from season eight, “The One With the Rumor,” is notable for Brad Pitt’s memorable guest role as the founder of their high school’s “I Hate Rachel Club.” (FYI: You can catch these gems on HBO Max.)
A popular sitcom featuring a tight-knit circle of friends who excel at crafting memorable Thanksgiving episodes is none other than HIMYM. While the entire series offers delightful entertainment, the standout episode is undeniably “Slapsgiving 3: Slap Bet,” airing in season three. This installment marked the third (and many would argue, best) slap in the ongoing wager between Marshall and Barney. So, join us around the piano for a sing-along: “You’ve just been slapped”! (Stream it on: Hulu, Disney+)
Instead of fighting off your food coma after a big meal, why not enjoy it by following Lorelai and Rory as they go on a four-feast Thanksgiving tour in “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving” from season three? Who needs leftovers when you can watch this fun adventure? (Streaming platform: Netflix)
In a heartwarming twist, NBC’s series takes us on an emotional journey, particularly during Thanksgiving, by delving into the backstory of the Pearson family’s iconic Pilgrim Rick hat. An unexpected roadside motel holiday is where this tale unfolds in the first season, seamlessly connecting with the present as the Big Three grapple with Jack’s loss.
Of course, it can’t always be warm and fuzzies, as Randall (“Thanksgiving dad is a hot dad!”) learns a shocking secret Rebecca had been keeping from him his entire life. C’mon, what’s Thanksgiving without a family scandal being unearthed? (Where to watch: Hulu)
A popular show that always looked forward to Turkey Day was Gossip Girl, starting off with “Blair Waldorf Must Pie!”. This season one highlight offered glimpses of the past Serena, the instance where she and Dan discovered their possible sibling relationship, and crucially, insights into Blair’s personal battle with an eating disorder.
In the third season, an entertaining episode titled “The Treasure of Serena Madre” unfolds. This installment is enjoyable due to a chaotic family dinner reminiscent of hell, where Serena finds herself in an awkward predicament when she needs to pass the butter to Maureen, who happens to be the wife of the man she’s involved with (Aaron Tveit portrays the unsettling character, Congressman Trip). It seems that every Thanksgiving is ruined by Serena. (Stream it on: HBO Max)
Come on now, wouldn’t it be unthinkable not to add “The Bangsiving” episode to our list? This is the iconic scenario where Schmidt made the loft group each invite a date they believed would suit someone else, specifically for their holiday dinner. (Streaming Platform: Netflix)
In the second season’s episode titled “Thanks For the Memories,” you’ll find yourself reminiscing about the past as it revolves around the original interns from the popular ABC show. George (may he rest in peace) is compelled to go turkey hunting, Izzie (who seems to be far, far away) attempts to organize the perfect holiday dinner, and Meredith, Cristina (I miss you so much!), and Alex (How audacious of you!) decide to stay at the hospital. To add more nostalgia, there’s some heart-wrenching Mer-Der tension and a catchy Fall Out Boy tune for added flavor. Oh, those 2005 feelings all over again. (Where to Watch: Netflix)
“It’s a sham, but it’s a sham with yams. A yam sham.”
If you’re planning to produce just one major Thanksgiving special, it would be wise to make it exceptional, similar to Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s season four holiday-themed adventure, “Pangs.” Eager to provide the Scooby gang with an ideal Thanksgiving, Buffy transforms into a modern-day Pilgrim monster, disregarding her Slayer responsibilities and cooking incompetence. However, things quickly spiral out of control when Xander unleashes a vengeful Native American spirit, leading to Spike being turned into a vampire dartboard. To top it off, the climax features a shocking twist that leaves viewers speechless. (Streaming platform: Hulu)
Despite Chrismukkah stealing the limelight in teen dramas, the gang from Orange County were just as skilled at celebrating a traditional Thanksgiving too.
During the first season’s vacation episode titled “The Homecoming,” Ryan finds himself traveling back to Chino due to his incarcerated elder brother needing assistance. Alongside him is Marissa. However, for numerous viewers, this journey marked the arrival of Theresa, a character who would ultimately end their relationship.
In a twist of romance, Seth found himself entangled in a love triangle during the evening meal and sweet treats, as he invited both Summer and Anna to his home with the intention of concealing their relationships with each other. A poorly thought-out scheme indeed, Cohen. (Streaming Platform: HBO Max)
Instead of looking elsewhere for a deeply moving interpretation of the holiday special, you won’t want to miss this Emmy-winning installment that centered around Denise, Dev’s close friend. The episode utilized flashbacks from past Thanksgivings to portray Lena Waithe’s character as she gradually accepted her sexuality and reconciled with her family. (Streaming platform: Netflix)
The cozy and crisp autumnal vibes of Nora Ephron‘s swoonworthy version of the Upper East Side should be enough to earn the rom-com a spot on this list. But fun fact: The scene in which Tom Hanks smugly helps Meg Ryan out at the Zabar’s checkout line actually takes place on Thanksgiving Day! Remember Sara Ramirez‘s iconic delivery of “Happy Thanksgiving back”? (Where to Watch: Buy or rent on Apple TV+)
Why not give it a try? It’s undoubtedly the ultimate film in the narrow category of Thanksgiving movies, and it’s side-splittingly funny! The outstanding performances by Steve Martin and John Candy continue to elicit laughter even after three decades. (Streaming platform: Paramount+)
This overlooked masterpiece of a film might leave you scratching your head as to why you hadn’t heard about it before the closing credits unfold. Featuring performances by actors like Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr., Dylan McDermott, and a young Claire Danes, this 1995 production marked Jodie Foster’s second directorial venture. It beautifully encapsulates that peculiar predicament you can only comprehend once you’ve left your family and come back for holidays, instantly slipping back into your familiar familial dynamics and habits. (Where to stream: Paramount+)
Let me stop you right there, before you jump in with your argument that the 1993 dark comedy isn’t a Halloween movie. Hear us out, as we have a different perspective. We’re including this film because Wednesday and Pugsley Addams are compelled to participate in a play at Camp Chippewa, which revolves around the first Thanksgiving. Admittedly, it’s peculiar for a summer camp to stage a play about Thanksgiving, but who are we to judge Gary and Becky Granger?
On hump day, Wednesday opts to revamp the Pocahontas storyline into a darkly humorous and bloodthirsty version. Moreover, there’s an absurdly amusing twist on the traditional “Thanksgiving” song, featuring Pugsley in a turkey costume belting out, “Gobble us up because we’re already deceased!” (Streaming platform: Paramount+)
Farewell, Joey Potter! Katie Holmes garnered critical acclaim for her role in the 2003 independent film “Pieces of April,” where a young woman invites her family from small-town America to her apartment in New York City’s Lower East Side. As one might expect, things become quite chaotic. Patricia Clarkson delivers an outstanding performance as April’s mother, earning her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. And let’s not forget “The Thong Song”? Indeed, Sisqo is also part of this film. So, you never know what to expect! (Where to watch: Tubi)
Thank you Freeform for granting our wishes and providing an endearing yet slightly unconventional romantic comedy. Plus, kudos for the engaging college setting, where a delightful actress named Olivia Holt portrays a freshman returning home for the first time. This setup offers ample opportunities for tension, particularly when we discovered that a “turkey drop” refers to being dumped by your high school sweetheart during Thanksgiving vacation. The story takes an intriguing turn with her brother’s attractive best friend entering the picture. (Where to Watch: Hulu)
In essence, this romantic comedy featuring Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey showcases nearly every holiday known to us, as they decide to act as each other’s platonic plus-ones for an entire year. However, there are two key details. Firstly, it includes the Thanksgiving holiday, and secondly, it’s incredibly hilarious. (Streaming Platform: Netflix)
When you unite four families, each with their unique customs and histories – Vietnamese, Latino, Jewish, and African American – under a single roof, you get a fourfold dose of drama. This is the premise for the 2000 film starring Kyra Sedgwick and Julianna Margulies. (Stream or buy on iTunes or Amazon)
We dare you to name something more millennial than a Netflix movie made in 2020 about a group of messed up friends throwing a dysfunctional Friendsgiving event starring Kat Dennings. You just can’t. (Where to Watch: Hulu or STARZ)
Read More
- ZK PREDICTION. ZK cryptocurrency
- POPCAT PREDICTION. POPCAT cryptocurrency
- UXLINK PREDICTION. UXLINK cryptocurrency
- DYM PREDICTION. DYM cryptocurrency
- TWT PREDICTION. TWT cryptocurrency
- Top gainers and losers
- EUR RUB PREDICTION
- BCH PREDICTION. BCH cryptocurrency
- ONT PREDICTION. ONT cryptocurrency
- T PREDICTION. T cryptocurrency
2024-11-28 14:18