Whether preparing for the gratifying holiday spirit, having a laugh with friends and family or simply winding down after indulging in Thanksgiving dishes, there are plenty of movies out there to fit everyone’s mood.
From comedies to heartwarming classics, the time has come to kick your feet back, cozy up and let a cinematic journey begin.
“The Blind Side” (2009)
The feel-good movie “The Blind Side,” directed by John Lee Hancock and starring Sandra Bullock, follows the success of Michael Oher, played by Quinton Aaron, a struggling homeless teen who triumphs adversity and eventually goes on to play in the NFL. The film centers on the theme of unconditional love and family values, making it a perfect addition for Thanksgiving day.
The story unfolds as Leigh Ann Tuohy, played by Bullock, takes in Oher and nurtures him as one of her own kids. The Tuohy family provides Michael with an accepting home and an opportunity for a better life. “The Blind Side” is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video.
“Paul Blart: Mall Cop” (2009)
“Paul Blart: Mall Cop” is a comedy movie with a mix of romance that is sure to fill the Thanksgiving evening with laughter and joy.
The mall security guard, Paul Blart, played by Kevin James, is famously known for riding a segway all day long around the mall. Blart takes his job very seriously and voices his concerns about the large crowds to be expected on Black Friday. As the big day arrives, a group of burglars shut down the mall and take hostages. Without any proper training or weapons, Blart converts into full cop mode to save the day.
You can watch “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” on Netflix.
“Home for the Holidays” (1995)
Directed by Jodie Foster, this film takes a comedic perspective on a disastrous Thanksgiving family reunion. These events are not always picture-perfect, and this is the case for single mother Claudia Larson, who recently lost her job. To make matters worse, her daughter is spending Thanksgiving with her boyfriend, forcing Larson to spend the holiday with her dysfunctional family back home.
Through witty humor, this movie provides a relatable look into the realities of explosive and chaotic family reunions. “Home for the Holidays” is streaming on Paramount Plus.
“Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (1987)
This comedy film directed by John Hughes dives into all the possible mishaps that can occur while traveling home for the holidays.
The movie follows an advertising businessman who is ready to take a break from his busy work life and go home for the holidays. However, his traveling journey is anything but smooth. With canceled trains and missed flights, the businessman is also accompanied by a salesman he finds downright annoying.
Amid this chaos, this film tells a moving, heart-filled story that all families can enjoy. You can stream “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” on Hulu.
“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” (1973)
The only animated film on this list, the Thanksgiving special created by Charles M. Schulz is a classic, must-watch film that continues to captivate audiences of all ages.
The special follows Charlie Brown’s efforts to host a Thanksgiving gathering for his friends — with the issue being he does not know how to cook. However, with the help of his friends Snoopy, Woodstock and Linus, the Peanuts gang put together a memorable, one-of-a-kind Thanksgiving feast consisting of toast, pretzels, popcorn and jelly beans.
Despite the untraditional foods served by Charlie Brown and his friends, the short film reminds the viewers that Thanksgiving is not about the food but rather being thankful to be surrounded by loved ones.
“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” is streaming on Apple TV+.
“Thanksgiving” (2023)
For those who prefer suspenseful films that keep you on the edge of your seat, the upcoming American slasher film “Thanksgiving,” directed by Eli Roth, will be the one for you.
The film takes place in the Thanksgiving hometown of Plymouth, Massachusetts. After a Black Friday riot ends in catastrophe, there is a mysterious Thanksgiving-inspired killer on the loose terrorizing the town, killing victims one by one.
This won’t be your typical Thanksgiving movie, so prepare for a thrilling movie watching experience. It is a film that horror enthusiasts won’t want to miss. You can watch “Thanksgiving” in theaters now.