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Fluff up those couch cushions, and bring out your carving knife – it’s Thanksgiving. The holiday is all about coming together, indulging in food, and taking a moment to be grateful. And once the the pie’s polished off, and the football games are a wrap, what better way to end the day than with a movie marathon?
Thanksgiving movies are in a class of their own. Unlike Christmas films that crank up the sentimentality, Thanksgiving flicks tend to focus on family dynamics—both heartwarming and sometimes hilariously unhinged. So, whether you’re here for some family bonding, dinner-table bickering, or a soft tale to match the spirit of the season, we’ve got the perfect lineup for you.
10. Holidate(2020)
If you’ve ever been single during the holidays, you’ll relate toHolidate—a lighthearted rom-com about dodging awkward family questions and surviving the season solo. Sloane and Jackson team up as each other’s“holidates,”agreeing to be each other’s platonic plus-ones for every major holiday.
Of course, things don’t stay strictly platonic for long. WhileHolidateisn’t trying to reinvent the romantic comedy wheel, it thrives on its unapologetic commitment to its absurdity. With a premise built around universal holidays and a cast clearly enjoying the ride, the movie offers lighthearted entertainment best enjoyed with low expectations and a holiday cocktail in hand.
9. Thanksgiving(2023)
For those looking to shake up the wholesome holiday energy with something a little… unconventional,Eli Roth’sThanksgivingwould be a nice pick. Set a year after a Black Friday tragedy in Plymouth, Massachusetts, an ax-wielding killer emerges in the guise of the first Plymouth governor. The victims pile up, but the film fails to stitch its intriguing premise into a coherent or engaging plot.
The concept of a Thanksgiving-themed slasher set in Plymouth could have worked with tighter execution. The colonial-inspired killer angle had potential if paired with a stronger motive. What could have been a clever holiday horror instead feels like a shallow gore fest with little to offer beyond blood and clichés.Footnote:For hardcore slasher fans only.
While it’s definitely not your traditional family-friendly fare, it’s great for adding some spice to Thanksgiving. With Patrick Dempsey as the town sheriff and enough strangeness to leave you laughing (or cringing), this movie brings a hilarious take on Turkey Day traditions.
8. Love at First Sight(2023)
Thanksgiving and travel go hand in hand, andLove, at First Sight,captures the serendipity that can happen during those long airport layovers. The film initially feels like another run-of-the-mill rom-com, with its generic title and predictable premise.
Adapted from Jennifer E. Smith’sThe Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, it follows Hadley and Oliver, two college students who meet by chance at JFK Airport and form a connection during a flight to London. She’s attending her father’s wedding, and he’s headed to a“living memorial”for his terminally ill mother.
Richardson’s charming performance elevates the film, while Hardy matches her sincerity. Their chemistry makes even the cringier dialogue bearable. The plot is unsurprisingly predictable, but heartfelt moments—like the touching depiction of Oliver’s family dynamics—shine through. While the soundtrack and forced quirks may frustrate, the genuine performances and emotional core make this a surprisingly touching, if imperfect, romantic tale.
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Whether you’re stuck at the airport this Thanksgiving or just dreaming of romantic“meet-cutes,”this feel-good rom-com is the choice. It’ll make you appreciate the stranger sitting next to you at the dinner table.
7. Always Be My Maybe(2019)
Few things are more Thanksgiving-appropriate than a story about food, family, and second chances.Always Be My MaybestarsAli Wongas Sasha, a celebrity chef who reconnects with her childhood friend, Marcus, when she returns to her hometown to open a new restaurant.
The film is packed with humor, heart, and plenty of culinary inspiration. And look, there’sKeanu Reeves, who has a hilariously over-the-top cameo. Whether you’re watching with family or friends, this rom-com will have you laughing, crying, and reaching for another helping of leftovers.
6Instant Family (2018)
Pete (Mark Wahlberg) and Ellie are a childless couple leading a comfortable, predictable life until a spur-of-the-moment decision leads them to foster three siblings, including a sharp, troubled teenager, Lizzy. Adopting Lizzy and her younger siblings, sensitive Juan and fiery Lita pushes them into the emotional reality of parenting children from the foster system.
Director Sean Anders is drawing from his own experience of adopting three foster children. The film candidly portrays the struggles and resilience of children in foster care but occasionally stumbles as it shifts between sincere drama and broad comedy.
While the leads feel somewhat underdeveloped,Instant Familyoffers an earnest, albeit uneven, take on unconventional parenthood and it’s fitting for Thanksgiving – the joy and challenges of creating your own tribe.
5. Like Father(2018)
Thanksgiving is all about reconnecting with loved ones, andLike Fatherfits neatly into the streaming platform’s comfort-food formula: a safe, sentimental comedy that’s charming in moments.Kristen Bell stars as Rachel, a workaholic dumped by her fiancé at the altar when her obsessive relationship with work proves too much. Spiraling into self-pity, she crosses paths with her estranged father Harry, and in a drunken haze, the two decide to take her pre-booked honeymoon cruise together.
The film leans heavily on its central duo. Grammer taps into his sitcom experience to bring a lighthearted touch to Harry’s deadbeat dad arc, while Bell sharpens her comedic chops, reminiscent of her standout role inThe Good Place. Their chemistry carries the film, even as the script often sticks to predictable territory, with shallow character exploration and tired stereotypes about angry New Yorkers and quirky Canadians.
Directed by Lauren Miller Rogen,Like Fathertries to evoke the charm of late ‘80s comedies, with polished visuals, and a breezy vibe. While it’s pleasant enough for a casual watch, this movie is a reminder that family ties can be repaired—even when the journey gets rocky. (Seth Rogen makes a cameo here as a fellow passenger)
4. His Three Daughters(2023)
Family gatherings during Thanksgiving can bring out all the feels—both good and bad—andHis Three Daughtersleans into these complex dynamics that arise when siblings reunite. Grief dismantles identity. It strips away the labels—daughter, sister, mother—that define us and lays bare the complexities beneath. This moving dramedy follows Christina, Rachel, and Katie as they come together to care for their dying father.
Each woman is shaped by her unique personality. Katie channels her emotions into action, Christina radiates warmth, and Rachel deflects pain with distractions. Jacobs’ script reveals these layers through natural dialogue and understated moments, avoiding melodrama while adding a tinge of humor and tenderness.
As the sisters confront old wounds, unresolved tensions, and shared grief, the film delivers plenty of poignant moments that will resonate with anyone who’s navigated family drama during the holidays. With its raw honesty and graceful storytelling,His Three Daughtersis a reminder that saying goodbye reshapes not just how we see others but how we see ourselves.
3. Hustle(2022)
No Thanksgiving is complete without a little sports action.Adam Sandler, meanwhile, is Hollywood’s most basketball-savvy movie star. In Netflix’sHustle, Sandler steps back onto the court as Stanley Sugarman, a weary talent scout for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Stanley’s globe-trotting search for future stars is grueling. When team owner Rex Merrick promotes him to assistant coach, it feels like a career high—until Rex’s son Vince takes over and sends Stanley back on the road to prove himself. In Spain, Stanley discovers Bo Cruz (real-life NBA player Juancho Hernangómez), a raw but gifted talent with a troubled past.
What follows is an underdog story reminiscent ofRockybut told through the coach’s eyes. With heartfelt performances and cameos from NBA legends like Julius Erving, the film dives head-first into basketball culture. While loaded with sports clichés,Hustledelivers an authentic and emotional tribute to the game, ideal for die-hard basketball fans.
2. Fatherhood(2021)
Thanksgiving is all about family, andFatherhoodis a tender, heartfelt celebration of parenthood and resilience. Based on Matthew Logelin’s memoirTwo Kisses for Maddy, the film tells the heartfelt story of a man figuring out life as a single dad after the sudden loss of his wife.Kevin Hartstars as Matt, bringing warmth and authenticity to a role that balances grief, humor, and the challenges of raising his daughter, Maddy, alone.
Directed by Paul Weitz, the movie touches on universal themes of parenting, resilience, and loss. Alfre Woodard delivers gravitas as Matt’s mother-in-law, and DeWanda Wise adds spark as a love interest. ThoughFatherhoodtreads familiar ground, it resonates most when focusing on Matt and Maddy’s journey. It sensitively acknowledges the trials and triumphs of single parenting.
1. Pinnochio(2022)
Guillermo del Toro’sPinocchiois a rather lovely reimagining of the classic tale, combining his signature dark whimsy with stop-motion animation. Set against the backdrop of Mussolini’s Italy, the story follows Geppetto, a grieving woodcarver who, in a drunken fit of sorrow, creates Pinocchio from a pine tree near his late son Carlo’s grave. Brought to life by a mystical Wood Sprite, Pinocchio is an innocent yet defiant soul in a world that fears his uniqueness.
Del Toro’s commitment to practical art shines in every detail, from the weathered textures of Geppetto’s hands to the organic imperfections of Pinocchio’s wooden body. Unlike modern face-replacement techniques, the animators manipulate mechanical visages, lending the film a handmade feel.
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It is thematically rich too, with the movie critiquing conformity—through fascism, strict parenting, and organized religion—while celebrating individuality and the messy beauty of life. Deeply heartfelt and visually breathtaking, del Toro’sPinocchiois the perfect watch for Thanksgiving.
Grab some leftovers, pour a mug of cider, and stream these onNetflix
Jayant Chhabra
Articles Published :123
Jayant Chhabra is a long-form writer and Creative Producer, who has worked with several renowned publications and production houses. Yet, there’s more to Jayant than meets the word count. You’ll find him cheering for the Red Devils, trying to produce music, or yet again being enamoured by the countless films, essays, and books that he holds close to his heart.
