Thanksgiving–a holiday that is all about food, family, and movies. Whether it’s for watching with loved ones or something to enjoy all by yourself, here are five Thanksgiving movies that will make you feel thankful.
“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” (1973)
Directed by: Bill Melendez
Starring: Peter Robbins, Chris Doran
Where to Watch: Apple TV (Free)
Charlie Brown attempts to make a Thanksgiving feast for his friends, but things don’t go as planned. Snoopy’s “cooking”,followed by everyone’s reactions, are bound to make you laugh. The message about friendship and being grateful makes this movie so special. It’s short, sweet, and nostalgic.
Junior Molly Workman shared her opinion on the movie “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” describing the nostalgic feeling she experiences when watching the film.
“It reminds me of like elementary school and the nostalgia of watching it together,” Workman said.
“Home for the Holidays” (1995)
Directed by: Jodie Foster
Starring: Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr., Anne Bancroft
Where to Watch: Pluto TV (Free)
This movie is a funny and realistic interpretation about what happens when you go home for Thanksgiving. Claudia, played by Holly Hunter, is forced to spend the holiday with her “crazy” family after losing her job. With awkward conversations and family drama, it is a funny and touching movie about the complications of family life. Robert Downey Jr. who plays her brother is also a hilarious part of this movie.
“Dutch” (1991)
Directed by: Peter Faiman
Starring: Ed O’Neill, Ethan Embry
This movie is a family comedy where Dutch, played by Ed O’Neill, tries to drive his girlfriend’s son Doyle, played by Ethan Embry, to Thanksgiving dinner. Doyle is a troublesome teenager, and their road trip is full of funny moments and mishaps. The two finally bond during their road trip and it is a reminder that sometimes family can come from the most unexpected places. It is funny, heartwarming, light, and easy to watch.
“The Oath” (2018)
Director: Ike Barinholtz
Starring: Ike Barinholtz, Tiffany Haddish, John Cho
This movie takes place during the holiday weekend and centers on a family’s Thanksgiving dinner that gets out of hand. A new political oath, that must be signed by all, splits the family down the middle. As one is forced to wrestle with lots of arguments, very awkward moments, and hilarious chaos. It’s a dark comedy with a lot of laughs that reflects on how politics can mess up family gatherings. This movie is rated R, so do not watch unless you have approval from an adult.
“Free Birds” (2013)
Director: Jimmy Hayward
Starring: Jimmy Hayward, Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson, Amy Poehler
Where to Watch: Philo, Tubi, Sling TV, Amazon Prime (Free)
This film is about two turkeys. Reggie, voiced by Owen Wilson, is a pampered bird rescued from the Thanksgiving table; Jake, voiced by Woody Harrelson, is a wild turkey with a big mission. They travel back in time to the first Thanksgiving to prevent turkeys from becoming part of the holiday feast. They have different ideas about altering history and run into some old problems, as well as other turkeys. This animated movie has a lot of action, but it is also hilarious.
Whether you like comedies, dramas, or heartwarming family stories, there is something on this list for everyone. These classics of Thanksgiving help us remember all of those things which are truly important: family, gratitude, and laughter.
