15 Best Thanksgiving Movies - 2024

As Thanksgiving 2024 approaches, it’s the perfect time to gather with loved ones and enjoy films that embody the spirit of the holiday. Here are 15 movies across five genres—Drama, Comedy, Family, Romance, and Horror—that either center around Thanksgiving or reflect its core values of gratitude, togetherness, and reflection.

Drama

1. “The Humans” (2021)
   • Synopsis: A family gathers for Thanksgiving in a Manhattan apartment, where underlying tensions and secrets surface.
   • Why It’s Good: This film offers a raw and intimate portrayal of family dynamics, highlighting the complexities of relationships during the holidays.
2. “Pieces of April” (2003)
   • Synopsis: A young woman invites her estranged family to her tiny New York apartment for Thanksgiving, leading to unexpected challenges.
   • Why It’s Good: The movie captures the essence of reconciliation and the effort to bridge familial gaps, resonating with the holiday’s themes.
3. “Krisha” (2015)
   • Synopsis: An estranged woman returns to her family for Thanksgiving, bringing past tensions to the forefront.
   • Why It’s Good: The film delves into themes of forgiveness and the complexities of family bonds, offering a poignant narrative suitable for the season.

Comedy

1. “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (1987)
   • Synopsis: Two mismatched travelers embark on a chaotic journey to get home for Thanksgiving.
   • Why It’s Good: This classic comedy underscores the lengths one will go to be with family, emphasizing perseverance and the importance of home.
2. “Home for the Holidays” (1995)
   • Synopsis: After losing her job, a woman returns home for Thanksgiving, facing her eccentric family.
   • Why It’s Good: The film humorously portrays the chaos and love inherent in family gatherings, making it a relatable holiday watch.
3. “Son in Law” (1993)
   • Synopsis: A college student brings her flamboyant friend home for Thanksgiving, causing family upheaval.
   • Why It’s Good: The movie highlights themes of acceptance and understanding, wrapped in comedic situations.

Family

1. “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” (1973)
   • Synopsis: Charlie Brown attempts to host a Thanksgiving dinner for his friends.
   • Why It’s Good: This animated classic teaches lessons about gratitude and the true meaning of the holiday, making it perfect for all ages.
2. “Free Birds” (2013)
   • Synopsis: Two turkeys travel back in time to prevent Thanksgiving from becoming a tradition.
   • Why It’s Good: This animated adventure offers a fun twist on Thanksgiving history, emphasizing teamwork and friendship.
3. “The Blind Side” (2009)
   • Synopsis: The true story of a homeless teenager taken in by a family, leading to his success in football.
   • Why It’s Good: While not centered on Thanksgiving, the film embodies themes of kindness, family, and gratitude.

Romance

1. “Sweethearts” (2024)
   • Synopsis: Two college freshmen plan to break up with their high school partners over Thanksgiving break, leading to unexpected feelings.
   • Why It’s Good: Set during Thanksgiving, this romantic comedy explores themes of growth and self-discovery. Glamour
2. “You’ve Got Mail” (1998)
   • Synopsis: Two business rivals unknowingly fall in love over the internet.
   • Why It’s Good: Featuring memorable Thanksgiving scenes, the film highlights the serendipity of love and the importance of connection.
3. “The Proposal” (2009)
   • Synopsis: A Canadian executive forces her assistant into a fake engagement to avoid deportation, leading to unexpected romance.
   • Why It’s Good: While not a Thanksgiving film, it emphasizes themes of family and acceptance, aligning with the holiday spirit.

Horror

1. “Thanksgiving” (2023)
   • Synopsis: A mysterious killer terrorizes Plymouth, Massachusetts, during the Thanksgiving holiday.
   • Why It’s Good: This horror film offers a thrilling twist on the holiday, blending suspense with Thanksgiving traditions. IMDb
2. “Blood Rage” (1987)
   • Synopsis: A man escapes from a mental institution on Thanksgiving, leading to a series of murders.
   • Why It’s Good: This cult classic combines holiday cheer with slasher horror, providing a unique viewing experience.
3. “The Oath” (2018)
   • Synopsis: A couple’s Thanksgiving takes a dark turn when a controversial political oath is introduced.
   • Why It’s Good: Blending dark comedy with horror elements, the film satirically explores societal divisions during the holidays.

These films offer a diverse range of stories that capture the essence of Thanksgiving, from heartfelt dramas to thrilling horrors, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.

Tips To Feature These Films At Your Senior Center

Hosting movie screenings at senior centers can provide entertainment and foster community among residents. To ensure a successful and legally compliant event, follow these steps:

1. Obtain the Necessary Public Performance License

Publicly showing movies requires a license, even if no admission fee is charged. The Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC) offers the Umbrella License®, which covers a wide range of films and television shows. Senior centers affiliated with the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC) may be eligible for discounted rates. For more information, visit the MPLC website.

MPLC

2. Select Appropriate Films

Choose movies that resonate with seniors and align with their interests. Consider films that embody Thanksgiving themes or values, such as gratitude and togetherness. Ensure the selected films are covered under your MPLC license.

3. Ensure Accessibility

To accommodate all attendees:

• Audio: Use wireless headphone systems like Eversound to assist those with hearing impairments. Eversound
• Visuals: Provide subtitles or closed captions for better understanding.
• Seating: Arrange comfortable seating with clear sightlines to the screen.

4. Set Up the Screening Environment

Create an inviting atmosphere:

• Equipment: Use high-quality projectors and sound systems. Companies like FunFlicks® offer rental services for outdoor and indoor events. FunFlicks
• Ambiance: Dim the lights and control ambient noise to enhance the viewing experience.

5. Promote the Event

Inform residents and staff about the upcoming screening:

• Flyers: Distribute printed materials with event details.
• Announcements: Make verbal announcements during communal gatherings.
• Calendars: Include the event in the center’s monthly schedule.

6. Provide Refreshments

Enhance the experience with snacks:

• Traditional Treats: Offer popcorn, candy, and beverages.
• Dietary Considerations: Be mindful of dietary restrictions and provide suitable options.

7. Facilitate Post-Movie Discussions

Encourage social interaction:

• Discussion Groups: Organize small groups to talk about the film’s themes and messages.
• Feedback: Gather input to improve future screenings.

By following these steps, senior centers can host enjoyable and compliant movie events that enrich the lives of their residents.