Thanksgiving is all about togetherness, and there’s no better way to extend that feeling than with a great movie. Whether your group wants something funny, heartfelt, or a little nostalgic, these films fit the bill. Some are timeless classics, while others are hidden gems. So, cozy up, grab some leftovers, and enjoy the perfect ending to your Thanksgiving.
Shutterstock: Dejan DundjerskiYou’ve Got Mail (1998)
Nora Ephron’s “You’ve Got Mail” is a quintessential fall rom-com, making it a perfectly cozy choice for Thanksgiving. This charming update of “The Shop Around the Corner” follows two bookstore rivals who unknowingly fall for each other as anonymous online pen pals. Much of the movie unfolds over the fall and holiday season — there’s even a memorable Thanksgiving sequence.
Home for the Holidays (1995)
“Home for the Holidays” captures the chaos of family holiday gatherings with humor and honesty. Following a woman as she navigates her eccentric family’s Thanksgiving, the film balances the hilarity and dysfunction that can define family holidays. It’s a poignant reminder that while going home for the holidays can be exhausting, it can also be touching and rewarding.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
“Miracle on 34th Street” is the perfect bridge between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It does open at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, after all. When the Santa the department store hired is indisposed right before the parade, a single mom and Macy’s employee hires Kris Kringle — a man who happens to look just like Santa Claus. This heartwarming classic embodies the magic of the holidays.
Pieces of April (2003)
With its mix of humor and heart, “Pieces of April” is a Thanksgiving movie that offers something for just about everyone. Looking for the hilarious chaos of a first-time Thanksgiving cook? It’s got that. More interested in touching moments of a fractured family trying to reconnect. It’s got that, too. As April struggles to host her estranged family in her tiny apartment, the film captures the heart of the holiday.
Little Women (2019)
While you wouldn’t be wrong to think of Greta Gerwig’s “Little Women” as more of a Christmas movie, it also charms at Thanksgiving — its timeless tale of family togetherness makes it just right for the occasion. Louisa May Alcott’s story of the March sisters — their dreams, struggles, and resilient bonds — radiates warmth. And so does this adaptation. Sharing this film with loved ones is a lovely way to wrap up the holiday.
The Very Thought of You (1944)
“The Very Thought of You” uses Thanksgiving weekend to portray the fleeting time soldiers have for personal lives and relationships. When a soldier on leave falls in love over the holiday, the limited time he and his sweetheart share captures the intensity of wartime romance and the challenges faced by those on the home front. It’s a bittersweet WWII melodrama that shows how precious time with loved ones is.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)
Perhaps no movie captures the horrors of holiday travel as hilariously as “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.” Following two strangers trying to make it home for Thanksgiving, this classic John Hughes comedy is a series of travel mishaps, building to a heartfelt conclusion that reminds us of the importance of compassion and companionship. Its final scene will warm your heart.
Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
With its three successive Thanksgivings, “Hannah and Her Sisters” captures how holiday celebrations can mark the passage of time for families. Centered on a showbiz family with three grown daughters, it captures the drama, humor, and love between siblings. The messy romantic entanglements probably don’t mirror your family, but the ups and downs of family relationships might hit home.
By the Light of the Silvery Moon (1953)
While you shouldn’t go in expecting a Thanksgiving equivalent to “White Christmas” or “Meet Me in St. Louis,” this movie musical is, nevertheless, charming. Set at Thanksgiving, “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” is about the joys and mishaps that can go hand in hand with a family holiday. It offers lighthearted humor and vintage tunes, making it a sweet choice for a Thanksgiving family movie.
Knives Out (2019)
With its autumnal setting and big family gathering, “Knives Out” makes for a thrilling Thanksgiving watch. After the patriarch of a wealthy family dies under mysterious circumstances, everyone becomes a suspect. As secrets unravel, the investigation exposes each family member’s hidden motives. This witty whodunit might even make you feel better about any tension your own clan has during the holidays.
End Thanksgiving on a High Note
As Thanksgiving winds down, these films offer a wonderful way to keep the holiday spirit going. From touching moments to laugh-out-loud hijinks, each movie brings something special to the table. Settle in with loved ones and get cozy. Here’s to a Thanksgiving full of good food, good company, and good movies!
