15 Thanksgiving Films That Don't Get the Love They Deserve main image
Scroll Down To Continue

15 Thanksgiving Films That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

When Christmas decorations fill the stores even before Halloween, it's hard to give Thanksgiving the attention it needs. It's time we let Thanksgiving stand on its own and create a Thanksgiving movie tradition. Here are 15 Thanksgiving movies that don't get the love they deserve!

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

This 1987 flick is without a doubt the greatest and funniest Thanksgiving movie ever.

Steve Martin plays a man who becomes involved with an annoying fellow traveler (played by John Candy) as he tries to get home to his family for Thanksgiving. 

 

(Image via Hughes Entertainment/Paramount Pictures)

Addams Family Values

Addams Family Values

This movie from 1993 is worth watching just to see Wednesday Addams's version of the first Thanksgiving.

The young daughter of the monstrous family hijacks a Thanksgiving play being performed at her summer camp.

 

(Image via Scott Rudin Productions/Paramount Pictures)

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

If you’ve forgotten how charming the Peanuts can be, take a look at A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving on your long weekend. This TV special first aired in 1973.

You can also watch "The Mayflower Voyagers," an episode of This is America, Charlie Brown to get more of Snoopy and the gang.

 

(Image via Lee Mendelson Productions/Bill Melendez Productions)

Home for the Holidays

Home for the Holidays

Oscar-winner Holly Hunter leads a star-studded cast in this 1995 movie that will make you feel better about your own family.

Hunter portrays a single mom who returns to her parents' home for a dysfunctional Thanksgiving with her family.

 

(Image via Egg Pictures/Paramount Pictures)

Plymouth Adventure

Plymouth Adventure

If you're a classic movie fan check out Plymouth Adventure, a 1952 technicolor winner of the Oscar for Best Effects.

Starring classic movie stars like Spencer Tracy and Gene Tierney, this version adds romantic intrigue to the tale of the Mayflower's crossing.

 

(Image via Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Loew's, Inc)

Alice's Restaurant

Alice's Restaurant

A barrage of problems plagues hippie Arlo Guthrie and his friend after they try to dispose of trash after Thanksgiving dinner.

This 1969 comedy is based on Guthrie's song "Alice's Restaurant Massacree."

 

(Image via United Artists)

Hannah and Her Sisters

Hannah and Her Sisters

This highly acclaimed film begins and ends at a family Thanksgiving dinner.

Woody Allen tells the story of three sisters and their significant others over a two-year timespan.

 

(Image via A Jack Rollins and Charles H. Joffe Production/Orion Pictures)

The Blind Side

The Blind Side

This 2009 film is quickly becoming a Thanksgiving classic. It’s the tearjerker story of the affluent, white Tuohy family and Michael Oher, a homeless Black teen they take in.

Among other things, he inspires the family to change the way they celebrate Thanksgiving. 

 

(Image via Alcon Entertainment/Warner Bros. Pictures)

Pieces of April

Pieces of April

Katie Holmes portrays April, a young woman who invites her family to her apartment for Thanksgiving, even though she is less than prepared.

Her family members face many adventures just trying to make it there. 

 

(Image via IFC Productions/United Artists)

Brokeback Mountain

Brokeback Mountain

This love story of two cowboys has pivotal scenes set around their two respective Thanksgivings.

If you've never seen this Academy Award-winning film from 2005, put it on your list!

 

(Image via River Road Entertainment/Focus Features)

The Ice Storm

The Ice Storm

If you want a Thanksgiving movie that is edgier with more adult themes, check out The Ice Storm from 1997.

Critics love this story that follows two families over Thanksgiving weekend and how an ice storm affects them. 

 

(Image via Fox Searchlight Pictures/20th Century Fox)

Miracle on 34th Street

Miracle on 34th Street

Though considered a Christmas staple, Miracle on 34th Street really belongs with Thanksgiving.

The 1947 film spans from Thanksgiving (the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade) to Christmas and stars an 8-year-old Natalie Wood. 

 

(Image via 20th Century Fox)

Scent of a Woman

Scent of a Woman

This 1992 film chronicles the adventures of a prep school student who takes a job assisting a blind man over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Al Pacino won the Academy Award for Best Actor for this must-see movie! 

 

(Image via City Light Films/Universal Pictures)

Saints & Strangers

Saints & Strangers

Recently regarded as the real story of the first Thanksgiving, Saints & Strangers aired on TV in 2015.

It is highly praised for its historical accuracy and authentic portrayals of Native Americans.

 

(Image via Sony Pictures Television/Little Engine Productions)

Mayflower: The Pilgrims' Adventure

Mayflower: The Pilgrims' Adventure

If you're looking for a historical perspective, this 1979 TV movie has good reviews.

It also features a young Anthony Hopkins!