5 Classic Thanksgiving Movies To Watch On Turkey Day

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and a lot of downtime, inevitably leading to spending more hours in front of a screen. That can be a good thing when you’re tuning in to classic holiday movies. Not only are they (mostly) devoid of the Leftist propaganda that’s taken over Hollywood lately, but they’re also a surefire way to put you in the holiday spirit during the most wonderful time of the year.

Just like with Christmas songs, there aren’t nearly as many Thanksgiving-themed movies. But there are some truly great options that capture the feeling of gratitude. From heartwarming classics to laugh-out-loud comedies, these are the best Thanksgiving movies to watch this holiday season.

Any best-of Thanksgiving movie list absolutely must include “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” an animated classic that has warmed the hearts of both young and old since 1973. This beloved Peanuts special follows Charlie Brown’s well-intentioned but hilariously disastrous attempt to host Thanksgiving dinner for his friends after Peppermint Patty invites everyone to his house. Using a toaster and a ping-pong table, Charlie and Snoopy create a meal that becomes a memorable lesson in friendship and gratitude. 

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973). IIMDB.

This heartwarming movie is only 25 minutes long, making it the perfect option to view between your turkey dinner and pumpkin pie. It’s also great for kids and adults to watch together. 

“Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” (1987) is the quintessential Thanksgiving comedy, traditionally viewed on Thanksgiving Eve or Thanksgiving day. Steve Martin and John Candy star as two strangers, advertising executive Neal Page (Martin) and shower curtain ring salesman Del Griffith (Candy), who get stranded during holiday travel, often with over-the-top disastrous results. This John Hughes production was released to critical acclaim and still holds a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The story is a comedy, but it also has a meaningful message at its heart. 

“Home for the Holidays” (1995), directed by Jodie Foster, also explores family dynamics during Thanksgiving. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Holly Hunter and other celebrities, including Robert Downey Jr., Anne Bancroft, Charles Durning, Dylan McDermott, and others. This holiday option includes awkward moments and the often dysfunctional yet loving family dynamic present at many holiday gatherings. It’s a relatable film that captures real life so well.

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“Grumpy Old Men” (1993) is about next-door neighbors John Gustafson (Jack Lemmon) and Max Goldman (Walter Matthau), who have a long-running rivalry. Everything comes to a head when a new neighbor named Ariel Truax (Ann-Margaret) moves in, leading to funny antics and romantic hijinks as they compete for her affection. Things really take a turn when they realize a mutual friend already had Thanksgiving dinner with the object of their affection.

Ann-Margret, Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau. “Grumpy Old Men.” IMDB.

Finally, “Scent of a Woman” (1992), starring Al Pacino and Chris O’Donnell, is a drama about a prep school student who takes a short-term job around Thanksgiving to work as a companion and assistant to a blind retired Army lieutenant colonel who is depressed and abusing alcohol. For his performance, Pacino won the Academy Award for Best Actor, and the movie was nominated for Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published.

It’s Thanksgiving Day – settle back with a movie, digest your turkey, and enjoy.