Movies That Complete Your Thanksgiving Tradition

Thanksgiving brings people together to share good food, warm company, and simple joys. It’s a day filled with familiar flavors, from turkey and stuffing to sweet desserts that everyone waits for all year.

But beyond the meal itself, the holiday is also a chance to slow down and enjoy traditions that make the day feel complete.

For many families, that includes settling into the living room, grabbing a cozy blanket, and turning on a movie that sets the right mood. Some films have become part of the holiday just as much as the dishes on the table.

They’re the ones people reach for every November, the ones that feel comforting no matter how many times they've been watched. Whether you’ve eaten more than you planned or you're passing the time until the feast is served, a good movie has a way of bringing the whole household together, pets happily snoozing nearby included.

The beauty of Thanksgiving movie time is that there’s something for every taste. Heartfelt stories can make the day feel even more meaningful, while light comedies keep the atmosphere cheerful and fun.

Dramatic picks add a bit of excitement, and even superhero adventures can become unexpected favorites. No matter the genre, these films turn a relaxing evening into a shared experience that rounds out the holiday perfectly.

Planes, Trains And Automobiles (1987)

Two mismatched travelers race home for the holidays, turning a simple trip into a chaotic, laugh-filled Thanksgiving adventure.

IMDb

Addams Family Values (1993)

Addams Family Values brings dark humor, family chaos, and an unforgettable Thanksgiving revolt that makes it a perfect pick for a holiday movie night.

IMDb

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving still charms every generation with its humble feast of toast, popcorn, and holiday heart.

Plex

Home For The Holidays (1995)

A perfectly chaotic Thanksgiving feels real in Home for the Holidays, the film that proves imperfect families make the best stories.

Plex

Fantastic Mr Fox (2009)

A cozy stop-motion adventure that blends family, food, and autumn vibes, making Fantastic Mr. Fox a perfect November pick for Thanksgiving season.

Microsoft

Garfield’s Thanksgiving (1989)

Garfield battles a holiday-timed diet in this nostalgic Thanksgiving classic filled with laughs and snacks.

IMDb

Dutch (1991)

A mismatched pair’s chaotic Thanksgiving road trip turns into a funny, heartfelt journey toward family, understanding, and unexpected connection.

IMDb

Pieces Of April (2003)

A young woman tries to save Thanksgiving by bringing her estranged family together in the heartfelt indie film Pieces of April.

TV Media

Scent Of A Woman (1992)

A blind colonel and a young student form an unexpected bond over Thanksgiving in this Al Pacino classic about gratitude and redemption.

Rotten Tomatoes

Rocky (1976)

Rocky brings more than boxing to Thanksgiving, blending resilience, gratitude, and the power of family into one uplifting holiday classic.

IMDb

The Holdovers (2023)

A grumpy 1970s history teacher stuck on campus for Christmas break unexpectedly connects with a gifted but troubled student.

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A Thanksgiving movie night is a great way to pass the time - it’s a chance to unwind, share a quiet moment, and enjoy something that brings everyone together after a long day of cooking and celebrating.

Whether you choose a heartfelt drama, an upbeat comedy, or a newer release that fits the holiday mood, the right film adds an extra layer of comfort to the evening. It turns the end of the day into a warm, shared experience that feels just as meaningful as the meal itself.