Thanksgiving is a holiday rich in traditions: family gatherings, overeating, and, of course, awkwardly sitting together to watch a movie no one can agree on. While Christmas and Halloween have entire genres of films dedicated to them, Thanksgiving movies are a more eclectic—and frankly, bizarre—bunch. From heartfelt dramas to chaotic comedies, this list ranks Thanksgiving-themed movies from comforting classics to total cinematic turkeys. Grab some pie, loosen your belt, and let’s dig in.

Thanksgiving Classics

1. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

This John Hughes classic is the undisputed king of Thanksgiving movies. Steve Martin and John Candy star as two mismatched travelers trying to get home in time for the holiday. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and relatable for anyone who’s ever experienced travel chaos during the holidays. This film balances slapstick humor with genuine emotional moments, making it the pumpkin pie of Thanksgiving movies: universally loved and impossible to skip.

2. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)

No holiday is complete without Charlie Brown’s existential crises, and Thanksgiving is no exception. This animated classic is a comforting tradition for families, thanks to its simple story and iconic moments (who can forget Snoopy serving toast and popcorn for dinner?). It’s like the stuffing on your Thanksgiving plate: nostalgic, satisfying, and maybe a little overrated if we’re being honest, but you’d never dare skip it.

3. Home for the Holidays (1995)

Directed by Jodie Foster, this chaotic family comedy stars Holly Hunter as a woman who returns home for Thanksgiving, only to be confronted by her wildly dysfunctional relatives. It’s funny, messy, and painfully relatable for anyone who’s ever had a family holiday implode. Think of it as the cranberry sauce of Thanksgiving movies: it’s tart, it’s a little weird, and it might make you cringe, but it’s undeniably part of the tradition.

4. The Blind Side (2009)

Technically a Thanksgiving movie (it has a key scene featuring the holiday), this feel-good drama tells the story of Michael Oher, a homeless teen taken in by a wealthy family who helps him achieve football stardom. While heartwarming, it’s also a little too polished and self-congratulatory, making it the mashed potatoes of Thanksgiving movies: undeniably good, but sometimes feels like it’s trying too hard to impress.

5. Scent of a Woman (1992)

A strange yet compelling entry on the list, this film revolves around a prep school student (Chris O’Donnell) who spends Thanksgiving weekend looking after a blind, cantankerous ex-army officer (Al Pacino). It’s heavy on drama and light on holiday cheer, but Pacino’s iconic “hoo-ah!” performance earns it a spot at the table. Think of it as the green bean casserole: polarizing, but undeniably part of the spread.

Thanksgiving Turkeys

1. Dutch (1991)

This road trip comedy, starring Ed O’Neill as a gruff man escorting his girlfriend’s spoiled son home for Thanksgiving, had potential to be a classic. Unfortunately, it’s more like burnt turkey—well-intentioned but undercooked. While it has a few laughs, the movie’s uneven tone and dated humor make it a tough sell for modern audiences. Watch it for nostalgia’s sake, but don’t expect to be full afterward.

2. Addams Family Values (1993)

This delightfully macabre sequel earns its spot thanks to a standout Thanksgiving-themed subplot. Wednesday Addams (Christina Ricci) and her campmates stage a hilariously dark and wildly inappropriate play about the first Thanksgiving, skewering colonialism and camp culture in one fell swoop. It’s like a side of spicy mac and cheese at the Thanksgiving table: unconventional, memorable, and undeniably bold.

3. Pieces of April (2003)

This indie drama stars Katie Holmes as a black sheep daughter attempting to host Thanksgiving for her estranged family in her tiny New York apartment. It’s heartfelt and quirky, much like the sweet potato casserole of Thanksgiving movies. Some people will love its offbeat charm, while others might find it a little too cloying for their taste.

4. Tower Heist (2011)

This action-comedy isn’t strictly a Thanksgiving movie, but its climactic heist takes place during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, so it squeaks onto the list. Starring Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy, the film is entertaining but forgettable, like the dinner rolls on your Thanksgiving plate. Sure, they’re fine, but no one’s talking about them the next day.

5. ThanksKilling (2009)

No Thanksgiving movie list would be complete without this campy, low-budget horror film about a murderous turkey. Yes, you read that right—a killer turkey. It’s absurd, gory, and aggressively terrible, but it knows exactly what it is. ThanksKilling is the mystery Jell-O salad of Thanksgiving movies: utterly ridiculous, weirdly fascinating, and guaranteed to make someone at the table gag.

Honorable Mentions

• Rocky (1976): Features a memorable Thanksgiving dinner scene that ends with a frozen turkey being thrown out of a window. It’s iconic, but not quite enough to qualify as a full Thanksgiving movie.

• Knives Out (2019): A cozy, family-centric murder mystery that feels like it should be set at Thanksgiving but isn’t. Still, the family dynamics are pure holiday chaos.

• Hannah and Her Sisters (1986): Woody Allen’s drama-comedy includes two Thanksgiving dinners as pivotal moments, but its tone is more about existential angst than holiday cheer.

The Verdict

Thanksgiving movies may not have the sheer volume of Christmas or Halloween offerings, but the ones that exist are as diverse as your family’s potluck lineup. From heartfelt classics like Planes, Trains and Automobiles to bizarre cult hits like ThanksKilling, there’s a little something for everyone—whether you’re looking for laughs, tears, or just an excuse to avoid doing the dishes.

So, this Thanksgiving, after you’ve stuffed yourself with turkey and pie, consider popping on one of these films. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food or a cinematic trainwreck, Thanksgiving movies are here to add a little extra flavor to your holiday celebration. Just remember to grab the remote before Uncle Larry insists on rewatching The Blind Side for the millionth time.