Last Updated on 2 December 2024 by Mysumptuousness Star
The holiday season brings with it a unique blend of warmth, togetherness, and reflection. One of the best ways to embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving is through movies that celebrate family, gratitude, and the joy of togetherness. In this Thanksgiving movie review, we’ll explore some of the most popular and beloved films that have become Thanksgiving classics, offering you insights into their themes, characters, and overall impact. Whether you’re looking to add a few films to your holiday watch list or just curious about which ones are worth your time, this guide has something for everyone.
What Makes a Great Thanksgiving Movie?
Thanksgiving movies are special because they tap into the heart of what the holiday represents—family, food, and giving thanks. A good Thanksgiving movie usually revolves around themes of gratitude, overcoming obstacles, and celebrating the importance of relationships. These films often take place around a Thanksgiving dinner, where characters reconnect, reflect, and resolve conflicts. In the spirit of the holiday, they also tend to include a warm, optimistic tone that leaves viewers feeling inspired and grateful.
In this Thanksgiving movie review, we’ll examine the key elements that make these films so memorable:
- Heartfelt Storytelling: Great Thanksgiving movies often highlight personal growth or reconciliation, with characters learning important lessons about love and family.
- Relatable Characters: The characters in these films feel real, with their flaws and virtues on full display. Whether it’s a family squabble or a heartwarming reunion, viewers can see parts of themselves in these characters.
- Positive Message: Many Thanksgiving films leave us with a sense of hope and gratitude. They emphasize the importance of family and the value of being present in the moment.
Now that we’ve explored what makes a Thanksgiving movie worth watching, let’s dive into the best of the best!
Classic Thanksgiving Movies That Never Get Old
Thanksgiving isn’t just about food—it’s about the experiences we share with those around us. Some movies have captured the essence of Thanksgiving so well that they’ve become timeless traditions. These films offer more than just entertainment; they serve as a reminder of the importance of gratitude, love, and family bonds.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Starring Steve Martin and John Candy, Planes, Trains and Automobiles is arguably one of the most iconic Thanksgiving films of all time. The movie follows the misadventures of Neal Page (Steve Martin), a businessman trying to get home for Thanksgiving, and the quirky, lovable Del Griffith (John Candy), a shower curtain ring salesman. The two are forced to travel together through a series of comedic mishaps in an attempt to reach their destination.
The film shines because it balances humor with heart. While it’s filled with laugh-out-loud moments, it also teaches the importance of kindness, patience, and forming unlikely friendships. By the end, Planes, Trains and Automobiles has a surprisingly touching conclusion that encapsulates the true spirit of Thanksgiving: being thankful for the people you meet along the way.
- Why It’s a Classic: The film’s comedic brilliance, along with its underlying message of friendship and gratitude, makes it a must-watch every year.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
Who doesn’t love the Peanuts gang? A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is another beloved classic that is perfect for both kids and adults. In this special, Charlie Brown finds himself tasked with preparing a Thanksgiving feast for his friends, though things don’t go as smoothly as he hopes. With his usual bad luck, Charlie Brown ends up serving popcorn, pretzels, and jelly beans, which leads to a heartwarming moment of reflection about what Thanksgiving truly means.
The show offers a great balance of humor and deeper messages about family and friendship, and it has remained a holiday favorite for generations.
- Why It’s a Classic: The simplicity and charm of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving make it a timeless film that speaks to the essence of what the holiday is all about.
Home for the Holidays (1995)
Directed by Jodie Foster, Home for the Holidays stars Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr., and Anne Bancroft in a hilarious yet poignant look at a dysfunctional family reuniting for Thanksgiving. Claudia Larson (played by Holly Hunter) has just lost her job and is navigating a difficult Thanksgiving with her quirky family members. The film’s mixture of humor and drama makes it a standout.
The family dynamics are messy, relatable, and real, and the film captures the chaos and love that often come with large family gatherings. While it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, Home for the Holidays ultimately leaves you with a sense of belonging and appreciation for your own family—no matter how complicated they may be.
- Why It’s a Classic: The film’s honest portrayal of family life resonates with anyone who has ever had a chaotic holiday gathering.
Newer Thanksgiving Movies Worth Watching
While older films often steal the spotlight, there are several newer Thanksgiving movies that are quickly becoming favorites. These films continue the tradition of exploring themes of family, gratitude, and overcoming obstacles, but with a more modern twist.
The Oath (2018)
The Oath is a dark comedy that centers around a Thanksgiving dinner where political tensions come to a boiling point. The film stars Ike Barinholtz (who also wrote and directed) as Chris, a man who has grown increasingly frustrated with the political climate. When his brother-in-law (played by John Cho) and other family members come over for Thanksgiving dinner, things quickly spiral out of control.
While the movie is a satire of modern politics, it also explores the larger theme of family unity and the challenges of maintaining relationships in an increasingly divided world. It’s not for everyone, but it certainly brings a new perspective to the Thanksgiving movie genre.
- Why It’s Worth Watching: The Oath offers a more contemporary take on Thanksgiving, balancing humor and political commentary with the tensions that often arise around the holiday table.
The Humans (2021)
The Humans is a critically acclaimed film that focuses on a family gathering for Thanksgiving dinner in a cramped New York City apartment. The movie, based on the Tony Award-winning play, delves into the complex relationships between family members as they navigate their personal struggles. While it’s less about the holiday itself and more about the people and their stories, The Humans still captures the essence of Thanksgiving—being together and finding meaning in life’s challenges.
The film has received praise for its performances and ability to depict the complexities of family dynamics. If you’re looking for a more thought-provoking Thanksgiving movie, this one will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.
- Why It’s Worth Watching: The Humans is a beautifully crafted film that offers a nuanced exploration of family, identity, and the challenges of adulthood.
Thanksgiving Movie Review: How to Choose the Right One for Your Family
With so many Thanksgiving movies out there, it can be tough to decide which one to watch. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the perfect movie for your holiday gathering:
1. Age Appropriateness
- For Kids: Movies like A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and Free Birds (2013) are family-friendly and will entertain children without being too complex.
- For Teens and Adults: Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Home for the Holidays are perfect for older audiences, with more mature themes and humor.
2. Tone of the Movie
- Lighthearted & Funny: If you want a movie that’s purely for laughs, go for comedies like Planes, Trains and Automobiles or The Oath.
- Heartwarming & Reflective: If your family enjoys more emotional films, try Home for the Holidays or The Humans.
3. Length of the Movie
- Short & Sweet: If you have a lot of cooking and family activities planned, a 30-minute special like A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving might be just what you need.
- Feature-Length Films: If you have a bit more time and want to settle in for a longer film, Planes, Trains and Automobiles or The Humans would be great picks.
4. Movie Message
Consider what message you want to convey through your movie choice. If you’re looking to highlight the importance of family and gratitude, Home for the Holidays is a great option. If you want something a bit more lighthearted and comedic, Planes, Trains and Automobiles will keep everyone laughing.
Conclusion: The Magic of Thanksgiving Movies
In this Thanksgiving movie review, we’ve explored a variety of films that capture the spirit of the holiday. Whether you prefer classic comedies or modern dramas, there’s a Thanksgiving movie for everyone. The beauty of these films lies in their ability to bring people together and spark reflection on the things that truly matter: family, gratitude, and the joy of being together. As you gather with loved ones this holiday season, consider watching one of these heartwarming films to enhance the festive spirit.
Remember, Thanksgiving is not just about the turkey or the pie—it’s about the moments we share and the gratitude we express. So, as you sit down to enjoy a good Thanksgiving movie, let it remind you of the importance of giving thanks and cherishing the people who make life so special. Happy Thanksgiving, and happy watching