10 Thanksgiving Films To Get You In The Holiday Mood

Jessica Wilson
Nov 22, 2023
Nov 23, 2023

Get ready to dive into the Thanksgiving spirit with our curated list of 10 films that will lift your holiday mood. From heartwarming comedies to compelling dramas, we've compiled a fantastic selection to cater to every cinematic taste.

Thanksgiving isn't just about turkey and stuffing; it's also the perfect time to unwind with some great movies. So, let's make your holiday weekend unforgettable with this handpicked collection that promises to keep your screen lit and your festive spirit high.

#1. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Source: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving / CBS

Join Charlie Brown and the Peanuts crew in this 25-minute animated classic that beautifully captures the Thanksgiving traditions and festivities. While it may seem like it's designed for kids, many adults are obsessed with it.

#2. You've Got Mail

Source: You've Got Mail / Warner Bros.

In this heartwarming rom-com, booksellers Kathleen Kelly (played by Meg Ryan) and Joe Fox (played Tom Hanks) unknowingly connect in an anonymous chat room, sparking an e-romance. Little do they realize that they are business rivals in real life. As the story unfolds, join them in their Thanksgiving celebrations, complete with a touch of song and dance. It's a classic tale of love, rivalry, and the magic of the holiday season.

#3. Friendsgiving

Source: Friendsgiving / Saban Films

Nicol Paone's comedy features a diverse cast, including Malin Akerman, Kat Dennings, Aisha Tyler, and more. The ensemble comedy takes you through a Thanksgiving celebration where the company you have might not be the one you'd prefer.

#4. The Vanished

Source: The Vanished / Saban Films

Anne Heche and Thomas Jane lead this intense thriller about a married couple searching for their missing 10-year-old during Thanksgiving weekend. With Jason Patric as the sheriff on the case, the story takes unexpected turns, leading to dramatic and deadly consequences.

#5. Knives Out

Source: Knives Out / Lionsgate

This dark comedy revolves around a dysfunctional family played by top-notch actors like Christopher Plummer, Chris Evans, Michael Shannon, and Jamie Lee Curtis. While the Thanksgiving setting is minimal, it's the perfect film to combat post-feast lethargy.

#6. Lez Bomb

Source: Lez Bomb / Gravitas Ventures

Jenna Laurenzo, transitioning from waiting tables to directing, writes, directs, and stars in Lez Bomb. It's a comedy set in suburbia about a Brooklyn woman coming out to her family during Thanksgiving weekend in Jersey. Sharing her news doesn't go as expected, but it leads to a lively and fun time. The cast includes Cloris Leachman, Bruce Dern, Steve Guttenberg, Caitlin Mehner, and Brandon Michael Hall.

#7. The Myth of Fingerprints

Source: The Myth of Fingerprints / Sony Pictures

A 1997 Sundance indie, “The Myth of Fingerprints,” brings together Blythe Danner, Julianne Moore, Hope Davis, and Noah Wyle over Thanksgiving weekend at their family’s home. The film tells a familiar tale of love, pain, and good old-fashioned drama.

Source: The Blind Side / Warner Bros.

“The Blind Side” is a movie based on a true story about Michael Oher, an NFL player, and Leigh Anne Tuohy, a woman who takes him in. The Tuohy family helps Michael succeed in football and life. Sandra Bullock won an Oscar for her role in the film.

#9. Addams Family Values

Source: Addams Family Values / Paramount Pictures

The 1993 comedy film, directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, is a sequel to the 1991 film "The Addams Family" and features the eccentric and macabre Addams family. The story revolves around the family dynamics, especially with the arrival of a new baby, and the kids attending a summer camp. The film stars Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, and Christina Ricci, among others.

#10. Avalon (1990)

Source: Avalon / Sony Pictures

Barry Levinson, known for directing films like Rain Man and Diner, brings us another winner with Avalon. The movie follows a Polish-Jewish family trying to achieve the American dream in 20th century Baltimore. What earns it a spot on our list is its Thanksgiving scene, filled with sibling rivalry, family quirks, and a kids' table—something everyone can relate to.

If you find this post interesting, share it on social platforms. Don’t forget to follow us for new articles.