At Local Elves, we’re all about the holiday cheer—Christmas ornaments are kind of our thing, after all! But before we deck the halls, we believe Thanksgiving deserves its moment to shine. It’s a day for turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and awkward family moments we’ll laugh about later. And what better way to enjoy the holiday than by kicking back with some Thanksgiving-themed movies?
Whether it’s hilarious road trips, chaotic family dinners, or heartwarming stories of gratitude, these films capture everything we love (and sometimes dread) about Thanksgiving.
So, while we prep for Christmas, let’s press pause, grab a plate of leftovers, and dive into the ultimate list of Thanksgiving movies—ranked, rated, and perfect for your holiday season!
Top Thanksgiving Movies, Ranked
1. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987) –
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
A Thanksgiving classic that’s equal parts hilarious and heartwarming. Steve Martin and John Candy’s journey home will leave you laughing and maybe even tearing up.
2. Home for the Holidays (1995) –
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
This comedy-drama captures the chaos and charm of Thanksgiving family gatherings. Holly Hunter and Robert Downey Jr. shine in this relatable gem.
3. Why Him? (2016) –
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
While not explicitly set during Thanksgiving, Why Him? perfectly captures the chaotic family dynamics that often define the holiday season. Bryan Cranston’s uptight father and James Franco’s eccentric tech billionaire create hilarious, awkward, and heartwarming moments that make this a must-watch for the holidays.
4. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973) –
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
This timeless animated special is perfect for the whole family. Watch Charlie Brown and friends celebrate Thanksgiving in their own quirky way.
5. The Blind Side (2009) –
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
While not strictly a Thanksgiving movie, this inspiring true story about family and belonging features a memorable Thanksgiving dinner scene that underscores the film’s heartfelt themes of gratitude and connection.
6. Pieces of April (2003) –
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
A touching indie film about a young woman (Katie Holmes) hosting her dysfunctional family for Thanksgiving dinner in her tiny apartment.
7. Addams Family Values (1993) – IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
While not entirely about Thanksgiving, Wednesday Addams’ Thanksgiving pageant is iconic.
8.The Oath (2018) – IMDb Rating: 5.3/10
A dark comedy about family political arguments at Thanksgiving dinner. It’s sharp, satirical, and all too real.
9. Friendsgiving (2020) –
IMDb Rating: 4.6/10
A modern, hilarious take on Thanksgiving with friends, featuring Malin Åkerman and Kat Dennings.
Honorable Mention
The Nutty Professor (1996) –
IMDb Rating: 5.6/10
While not a Thanksgiving movie, the Klump family dinner scene captures the chaotic humor of family gatherings, making it a great addition to your holiday watchlist.
Did we miss any...mess up the rankings? Let us know.
Hope you have a great Thanksgiving! Once it is done it is the perfect time to buy an ornament!
