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Where are all the Thanksgiving movies?

Natalie Daniels

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We’ve finally hit the Thanksgiving holiday and soon we’ll jump to December holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and more. Why can’t we take a pause though and enjoy this turkey filled holiday with some good food and good entertainment? The problem, trying to find any sort of Thanksgiving movies to watch when the family finally sits down to rest.

Sure, there’s the endless Christmas movies on streaming, but what about Thanksgiving? Why aren’t there any big movies out there put aside just for Thanksgiving

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We have plenty of Thanksgiving television episodes

From classic tv shows like Gilmore Girls, Friends, and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving or newer ones like Abbott Elementary and Bob’s Burgers. Of course we remember Monica Geller wearing the funny turkey head or Lorelei and Rory jumping from Thanksgiving meal to Thanksgiving meal. A lot of sitcoms and cable tv shows like to include these kinds of episodes since they offer a kind of comfort for audiences.

Then again, you also get drama incorporating Thanksgiving into their plots like the iconic Gossip Girl dinner table scene or The Sopranos.

If Hollywood can make so many Thanksgiving themed episodes, why not follow the same route with movies? There’s so many plot possibilities for funny comedies that could be used as Thanksgiving entertainment.

Thanksgiving movies to consider this holiday

Since there’s no specific genre for Thanksgiving movies, here are some movies we recommend to watch this year.

The Fabelmans – In Theaters Now

 

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This family movie follows a semi-autobiographical account of Steven Spielberg’s life and dreams of becoming a filmmaker. When young Sammy (Gabrielle LaBelle) falls in love with the movies, he begins making some of his own. This feel good movie with get you right in your feels and thank fate that Steven Spielberg fell in love with the magic of film.

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Strange World – In Theaters Now

Another family like movie, this animated adventure is another perfect choice for Thanksgiving. The crazy family, The Clades, full of differences must go on a exploration that could lead to dangerous territory. It’s all about the power and importance of family, which is in line with Thanksgiving. With a voice cast that includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, Gabrielle Union, Lucy Liu, and Jaboukie Young-White, it’s sure to be a fun ride for all ages.

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The Menu – In Theaters Now

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This selection seems a little odd. A young couple (Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult) vacation on a remote island to try the menu created by a lavish cook (Ralph Fiennes). However, the couple notices that the chef’s methods are out of the ordinary, and something sinister lurks under the surface. With a focus on food, this movie fits for the idea of Thanksgiving. Just make sure to watch it HOURS AFTER you eat.

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Forrest Gump – Streaming on Pluto TV, Paramount Plus, or Rent on Amazon Prime

The 1994 film is a classic. The lovable Tom Hanks plays Forrest, a young man with intellectual disabilities who goes through major historic and life moments as he grows up. We see him rise as a college football star, fight in Vietnam, captain a shrimp boat, and fall in love with his childhood best friend Jenny (Robin Wright). While the film is over 2 hours, it’s full of heart, comedy, and great music, including Aretha Franklin’s “Respect.”

The Oath – Rent on Amazon Prime 

The Oath proves to be the most accurate Thanksgiving movie of the mix. In a dystopian future, Americans are asked to sign a document to pledge allegiance to America. News junkie Chris (Ike Barinholtz), who lives with his wife Kai (Tiffany Haddish), and daughter, feels disturbed by the oath. As the couple host Thanksgiving, extended family argues over politics and the weight of the oath. If you can relate to fights over dinner about politics on the holiday, this dark comedy is for you.

Home for the Holidays – Rent on Amazon Prime

This comedy is another themed movie around the special holiday. Holly Hunter plays single mother Claudia who’s daughter has skipped out on attending Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, Claudia must travel alone to her parents house to see her annoying siblings and unique aunt. However, things take a turn when Claudia’s brother’s handsome friend Leo (Dylan McDermott) comes for dinner. Plus, we get an appearance from a young Robert Downey Jr.

Use Thanksgiving to watch Planes, Trains, and Automobiles on its 35th anniversary

On Friday, November 25th, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles celebrates its 35th anniversary. The dream team Steve Martin and John Candy star in this 1987 comedy film. Martin plays control freak Neal Page who tries to get home to Chicago to spend Thanksgiving with his wife. However, his flight is rerouted to Kansas, and he can’t find someone to take him to Chicago. He must end up bunking with the talkative and a bit annoying Del Griffith (John Candy). The 2 learn the importance of togetherness during the holiday.

As Hollywood celebrates the anniversary of this film, theaters have rereleased the film. You can run to the movie theaters to catch the beloved Thanksgiving film.

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People share their Thanksgiving movies of choice

What movie will you watch this Thanksgiving?

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Natalie Daniels
Natalie Daniels

Movies in theaters

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