Thanksgiving Day in America is a national holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Its origins trace back to early 17th-century harvest celebrations, including the 1621 feast shared between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. Over time, it became a day for Americans to express gratitude and reflect on the blessings of the year.
Today, Thanksgiving is strongly associated with family and togetherness. Many people travel long distances to be with loved ones, making it one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Homes are filled with conversation, laughter, and shared meals, emphasizing the importance of connection and reunion.
Traditions play a significant role in the holiday. Parades, football games, and community events are common, while volunteer work and charitable giving highlight the spirit of generosity. Seasonal decorations, music, and gatherings create a festive and welcoming atmosphere nationwide.
At its heart, Thanksgiving encourages reflection and appreciation. Beyond the food and festivities, it is a time to acknowledge relationships, health, and opportunities. The holiday serves as a reminder of the value of kindness, family bonds, and gratitude in everyday life.
Best Movies To Watch During Thanksgiving
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
A classic comedy about two mismatched travelers trying to get home for Thanksgiving. It’s heartwarming, hilarious, and perfectly captures the chaos of holiday travel.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
An animated family favorite where Charlie Brown prepares a Thanksgiving feast for his friends. Sweet, simple, and nostalgic for all ages.
Home for the Holidays (1995)
A dramedy about a woman navigating a quirky, dysfunctional family Thanksgiving. Both funny and relatable, it shows the ups and downs of holiday gatherings.
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
While not strictly Thanksgiving-focused, this romantic comedy features memorable scenes around the holiday season and conveys warmth, connection, and charm.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947 or 1994 remake)
A classic story set around the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, touching on belief, kindness, and the magic of the holidays.
Dutch (1991)
A comedy about a man driving his girlfriend’s son home for Thanksgiving. Full of misadventures, it’s funny yet heartwarming.
The Blind Side (2009)
Based on a true story, it’s an inspiring drama about family, compassion, and generosity—perfect for reflecting on gratitude during Thanksgiving.
Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
This drama-comedy explores family dynamics and relationships around Thanksgiving gatherings, with humor and emotional depth.
Pieces of April (2003)
A heartfelt indie film about a young woman hosting her estranged family for Thanksgiving. Honest, tender, and relatable.
Scent of a Woman (1992)
Set partially during Thanksgiving weekend, this drama features strong performances and themes of loyalty, friendship, and integrity.
Garfield’s Thanksgiving (1989)
An animated special perfect for kids, featuring Garfield’s humor and classic holiday antics.
Friendsgiving (2020)
A modern comedy about friends gathering for a Thanksgiving meal, showing the chaos, laughter, and love of nontraditional holiday celebrations.
The Ice Storm (1997)
A darker, introspective film about family tensions during the holidays, offering a thoughtful take on Thanksgiving and relationships.
Rudy (1993)
While not exclusively about Thanksgiving, it’s an inspiring story about perseverance, family support, and chasing dreams—perfect for the holiday spirit.
Tower Heist (2011)
A comedy that includes Thanksgiving scenes and revolves around teamwork, misadventures, and camaraderie. Light-hearted and entertaining.
The Oath (2018)
A dark comedy set during Thanksgiving, exploring family, politics, and tensions in a satirical yet relatable way.
Hannah Montana Thanksgiving Episode (2006)
A fun, family-friendly option for younger viewers, featuring Thanksgiving-themed adventures with humor and heart.
Friends (Thanksgiving Episodes – various seasons)
While not a movie, the iconic Thanksgiving episodes of Friends are a must-watch. Filled with humor, food, and chaos, they capture the holiday spirit perfectly.
The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)
While primarily about Christmas, this heartwarming story about creativity and family spirit is perfect for the fall holiday season and captures gratitude and storytelling.
Free Birds (2013)
An animated comedy about two turkeys traveling back in time to change the course of Thanksgiving history. Fun and family-friendly with a holiday twist.
A Madea Thanksgiving (2013)
Tyler Perry’s comedy focuses on family chaos during Thanksgiving, delivering laughs, heart, and life lessons about togetherness.
Pieces of April (2003)
Centers on a young woman hosting her estranged family for Thanksgiving. It’s touching, humorous, and portrays the challenges of family reconciliation.
Addams Family Values (1993)
Features a hilarious Thanksgiving play scene and dark humor, perfect for those who enjoy unconventional holiday comedy.
Son in Law (1993)
A fun comedy about a college student bringing a new family member home for Thanksgiving, leading to hilarious misunderstandings and bonding moments.
The Turkey Bowl (2019)
A comedy about a group of friends reuniting in their hometown for a Thanksgiving football game, blending nostalgia, sports, and humor.
Thanksgivings of the Heart (2012)
A Hallmark-style movie focused on love, family, and reconciling relationships during the holiday season—ideal for sentimental viewers.
Hannah Montana Thanksgiving Special (2006)
An animated and live-action crossover for kids featuring fun adventures around Thanksgiving dinner, perfect for younger audiences.
Garfield Gets Real (2007)
An animated film featuring Garfield’s adventures, including Thanksgiving-themed sequences with humor for children and families.
The War at Home (1996)
A comedy-drama about family dynamics during Thanksgiving, showing humor and tension in relatable holiday scenarios.
Home Sweet Home Alone (2021)
A modern reboot with Thanksgiving and family chaos themes, bringing slapstick humor and holiday mischief.
A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas (2011)
Though technically Christmas-focused, the film begins with Thanksgiving elements, making it a fun, adult-comedy choice for the transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas season.
The Ice Storm (1997)
A dramatic take on family dysfunction during the holidays. Thanksgiving scenes highlight relational tension and the complexities of family gatherings.
Friendsgiving (2016)
A comedy about friends gathering for Thanksgiving, showing laughter, awkward situations, and the joy of chosen-family celebrations.
The Oath (2018)
A dark comedy set around Thanksgiving weekend that humorously examines family tensions, politics, and societal divides.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
While primarily Christmas-themed, the film begins around Thanksgiving and captures family chaos, making it a humorous early holiday watch.
Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade (2012)
A Hallmark movie centered on romance and family during a Thanksgiving parade, offering heartwarming holiday charm and festive cheer.
The House of Yes (1997)
A dark comedy about a dysfunctional family gathering during Thanksgiving, exploring eccentric personalities and family tensions with humor and satire.
Pieces of April (2003)
A heartfelt indie film where a young woman attempts to host Thanksgiving for her estranged family. Emotional, funny, and relatable.
What’s Cooking? (2000)
A drama-comedy exploring four diverse families in Los Angeles preparing Thanksgiving meals, highlighting cultural traditions, family dynamics, and relationships.
Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
Focuses on Thanksgiving gatherings over several years, exploring love, family tension, and personal growth with warmth and humor.
A Thanksgiving Miracle (2018)
A Hallmark-style story where a family discovers the power of love, gratitude, and second chances during the holiday season.
The Great Turkey Race (2017)
A light-hearted, family-friendly film about Thanksgiving-themed fun, competition, and community spirit.
Home for the Holidays (1995)
Centers on a woman navigating a chaotic, quirky family gathering for Thanksgiving. Funny, relatable, and emotionally resonant.
Garfield’s Thanksgiving (1989)
An animated special featuring Garfield, Odie, and Jon in classic Thanksgiving misadventures—perfect for children and families.
An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving (2008)
A gentle, heartwarming story about family, community, and the meaning of gratitude during the holiday season.
Son in Law (1993)
Comedy about a young woman introducing her eccentric college friend to her family during Thanksgiving, resulting in hilarious situations.
Tower Heist (2011)
Although primarily a heist comedy, it features Thanksgiving scenes and highlights themes of teamwork, misadventures, and camaraderie.
Thanksgivings of the Heart (2012)
A Hallmark-style movie focusing on love, reconciliation, and family bonding during Thanksgiving festivities, offering wholesome entertainment.