Top Family Holiday Movies for Thanksgiving Gatherings
28 titles
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The House of YesMovie · 1997 · 85m · Comedy, DramaThis intimate drama follows Jackie-O as she excitedly awaits her brother's Thanksgiving visit, unaware he'll bring his fiancée. As Jackie’s admiration for Jackie Kennedy is revealed, it becomes clear her love for her brother is profound. The film explores the complexities of family ties and personal struggles, revealing hidden emotions and secrets within ordinary lives. Through heartfelt moments and honest portrayals of connection, the story draws viewers into a world where the past impacts the present, bringing both happiness and sorrow.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.1 - 2
Home for the HolidaysMovie · 1995 · 103m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceClaudia Larson's life changes when she loses her job and begins a sudden affair with her boss just before he departs the company. Adding to her troubles, her teenage daughter chooses to spend Thanksgiving with her boyfriend instead of with Claudia. These events lead Claudia to consider spending Thanksgiving with her unusual family.
As Thanksgiving approaches, the story blends humor and emotion as Claudia deals with her family's eccentricities while trying to remain composed. The film explores acceptance, forgiveness, and finding hope in difficult circumstances, all during a Thanksgiving celebration that appears ordinary but is anything but.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.2 - 3
Alice's RestaurantMovie · 1969 · 111m · Drama, ComedyArlo's life changes when he's expelled from college and spends Thanksgiving with his friend Alice. They share a comforting evening of laughter and stories. But when Arlo agrees to take out the trash, he ends up dumping it in a ravine and unknowingly commits a crime. He's arrested, leading to a series of strange events. What started as a simple mistake becomes a life-altering adventure, revealing the unexpected consequences of our actions.
The story explores responsibility, morality, and how our choices affect ourselves and others. Through Arlo's experience, it reminds us of the power we have to shape our lives and the world around us.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.3 - 4
The Nightmare Before ChristmasMovie · 1993 · 76m · Fantasy, Animation, FamilyJack Skellington, the ruler of Halloween Town, is tired of the same old scares. He discovers a portal to Christmas Town and becomes fascinated by the joy of the holiday. Jack decides to bring Christmas to Halloween Town, planning to be Santa Claus.
Sally, Jack's rag doll friend, worries about the consequences. She tries to stop him from disrupting their town, unsure of what it will mean for their future. This story blends Halloween and Christmas themes, exploring creativity, love, and finding oneself in a way that goes beyond typical holiday stories.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.8 - 5
A Family ThanksgivingMovie · 2010 · 87mA successful, single lawyer enjoys a luxurious life in New York City. One day, she finds herself in a strange new reality – married with a child, living as a stay-at-home mother. She now struggles to understand this unfamiliar existence.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.3 - 6
The New WorldMovie · 2005 · 151m · Drama, History, RomanceThis drama explores the conflict between Native Americans and English settlers in 17th-century America, focusing on the experiences of explorer John Smith.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 7
Nobody's FoolMovie · 1994 · 110m · Drama, ComedyThis drama follows an aging man nearing retirement who becomes involved in a complicated situation with deceitful people and unexpected connections. While fighting a workers' compensation claim against his former employer, he secretly works for his greatest rival. He also develops a complicated relationship with his rival's young wife. Adding to the difficulties, his estranged son returns, creating new family obligations and a chance for healing. But just as he starts to feel settled, a banker threatens to evict him from his home. The film examines family, the possibility of making amends, and the impact of decisions in a changing world.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.8 - 8
Pieces of AprilMovie · 2003 · 81m · Comedy, DramaApril Burns lives in a small apartment in New York City with her boyfriend, far from her emotionally distant family. When she learns her mother has a terminal illness, April invites them all home for Thanksgiving. As her father struggles to get everyone to the city, April – who isn't much of a cook – faces kitchen disasters and has to ask a neighbor for assistance.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.5 - 9
The DaytrippersMovie · 1997 · 87m · Comedy, DramaEliza D'Amico's perfect life is shaken when she finds a mysterious love note for her husband, Louis. Worried, she tells her mother, and they plan to confront him. To get ready, Eliza and her close-knit family of five – including her sister Jo and Jo’s boyfriend – go on a road trip to the city where Louis lives.
On the trip, the family deals with their own relationships while meeting interesting people who offer new perspectives. As they try to understand what's happening with Louis, Eliza and her family question their own happiness and how they support each other. This story is about love, trust, and the strength of family when things are uncertain.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.5 - 10
The HobbitMovie · 1977 · 77m · Family, Fantasy, AnimationThis adventure follows Bilbo Baggins, an ordinary hobbit who becomes involved in a grand quest. Gandalf the Wizard visits him one evening, bringing with him a company of dwarves who ask for his help. They explain that their kingdom has been seized by the dragon Smaug and beg Bilbo to assist in getting it back.
Gandalf has secretly told the dwarves that Bilbo is a skilled burglar – a claim that isn't true. As they journey together, Bilbo must overcome his lack of experience and demonstrate his worth to the group. The story explores courage, friendship, and finding oneself, with surprising events happening along the way. Featuring beautiful visuals, compelling characters, and an interesting story, this tale will appeal to viewers of all ages.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 11
Son in LawMovie · 1993 · 95m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceRebecca, a South Dakota native, moves to Los Angeles for college and struggles with the city's overwhelming pace. She meets Crawl, a lively partygoer who believes in her and encourages her to stay.
During Thanksgiving break, Rebecca invites Crawl back to South Dakota to escape the city. There, he pretends to be her fiancé to appease her family and friends. This unexpected situation tests their growing friendship as they navigate social expectations and personal truths in a rural setting.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.0 - 12
The OathMovie · 2018 · 93m · Comedy, ThrillerAmidst a deeply divided nation, a man navigates Thanksgiving with the difficult goal of keeping his family from falling apart.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.6 - 13
Free BirdsMovie · 2013 · 91m · Animation, Comedy, FamilyTwo turkeys from different worlds must overcome their differences and work together to travel back in time. Their goal: to alter history and ensure turkeys are never served as a holiday meal again.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.9 - 14
Hannah and Her SistersMovie · 1986 · 107m · Comedy, DramaOver a year, between two Thanksgivings, Hannah's life changes unexpectedly when her husband develops feelings for her sister, Lee. This creates a ripple effect within their family, exposing the complicated relationships between the four siblings. Separately, Hannah's ex-husband begins reconnecting with her other sister, Holly.
The film examines love, family, and finding oneself amidst a year of surprising events. It shows how relationships are rarely simple and can be shaped by unforeseen circumstances. The characters navigate these new connections while confronting their own insecurities. Through heartfelt storytelling, the movie explores the complexities of modern families and the surprising ways love can appear.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5 - 15
KrishaMovie · 2016 · 82m · Drama, ThrillerKrisha goes home for Thanksgiving, but old problems resurface and put her family gathering in jeopardy.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.8 - 16
Broadway Danny RoseMovie · 1984 · 84m · Comedy, DramaDanny Rose, an eager but often clumsy talent manager, tries to succeed in New York's competitive entertainment scene. While searching for opportunities to revive the career of his aging lounge singer client, Lou Canova, Danny unintentionally gets involved with organized crime.
The story unfolds as a group of comedians recount Danny's experiences during a lunch at the iconic Carnegie Deli. Among a cast of struggling performers, including a charming one-legged tap dancer, Danny connects with Lou, who is determined to regain fame.
As Danny helps Lou navigate a complicated romantic entanglement involving the mob, their journey highlights themes of loyalty, friendship, and determination when facing hardship. The film blends humor and touching moments to explore the darker side of show business while celebrating the power of dreams and human connection.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1 - 17
Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of GivingMovie · 1999 · 70mThis video collects beloved holiday stories featuring Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, and Tigger. They search for winter supplies, Rabbit tackles Thanksgiving dinner, and everyone welcomes a new friend. With catchy songs, it's a holiday favorite for the whole family.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8 - 18
Funny PeopleMovie · 2009 · 146m · Comedy, DramaGeorge Simmons is a successful and wealthy comedian who rarely considers the impact of his actions on others. However, a serious health diagnosis prompts him to reconsider his life. With guidance from hopeful aspiring comedian Ira, George begins to re-evaluate his priorities.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.9 - 19
Paul Blart: Mall CopMovie · 2009 · 91m · Action, Adventure, ComedyA group of criminals seize control of a shopping mall, and a quiet security guard must step up to stop them.IMDb 5.3TMDB 5.4 - 20
Unaccompanied MinorsMovie · 2006 · 90m · Comedy, FamilySnow traps five kids at the airport on Christmas Eve. While trying to find a way home, they discover the meaning of friendship as they plan an escape and try to outwit a mean airport worker determined to keep them there.IMDb 5.4TMDB 5.9 - 21
A Charlie Brown ThanksgivingMovie · 1973 · 25m · Animation, Comedy, FamilyThis Thanksgiving special follows the Peanuts gang as they share a day of food, friendship, and fun. Peppermint Patty invites herself and her friends to Charlie Brown's for a big turkey dinner. Charlie Brown, not known for his cooking, usually sticks to cereal and toast, and he feels overwhelmed at the prospect of hosting.
Fortunately, Linus, Snoopy, and Woodstock help Charlie Brown prepare a Thanksgiving meal. They work together to create a memorable feast for everyone. The story highlights the importance of community, teamwork, and gratitude during the holidays. This classic animated special, with its lovable characters and gentle humor, is a heartwarming reminder of cherished moments with family and friends.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.3 - 22
The Shop Around the CornerMovie · 1940 · 99m · Comedy, Drama, RomanceTwo people working at a busy gift shop initially dislike each other. They unexpectedly begin exchanging heartfelt letters anonymously, unaware of each other's identities. The film shows how they develop feelings for one another through this secret communication, revealing love can blossom in surprising places and that open communication can overcome differences. It's a charming story about self-discovery, blending humor with emotional moments as they navigate their growing affection.IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.1 - 23
Planes, Trains and AutomobilesMovie · 1987 · 92m · ComedyNeal Page, a stressed-out marketing executive racing against the clock, unexpectedly meets Del Griffith, a friendly but persistent shower curtain ring salesman. They end up on a long road trip to Chicago for Thanksgiving. The two men, with very different lives – one a busy city worker, the other a laid-back traveler – experience a series of funny mishaps and unplanned stops because of travel problems. As they deal with these unexpected events, Neal and Del gradually develop a bond, highlighting how people can connect when life throws them curveballs.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3 - 24
DutchMovie · 1991 · 107m · Comedy, DramaThis heartwarming and funny film follows a man who wants to connect with his girlfriend's intelligent teenage son by picking him up from his exclusive school. What starts as a simple task quickly becomes a challenge. The son proves difficult, and their first meetings are full of awkward moments and disagreements.
The movie honestly looks at the difficulties of family, parenting, and growing as a person. The man's efforts to bond with his girlfriend's son highlight a touching story about the complexities of relationships. As they share experiences, both characters face their weaknesses and discover unexpected connections.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.4 - 25
A Winnie the Pooh ThanksgivingMovie · 1998 · 22mThanksgiving arrives in the Hundred Acre Wood, and Winnie the Pooh and his friends gather food for their feast. Piglet brings acorns, Pooh brings honey, Owl brings biscuits, Gopher brings lemonade, and Tigger brings ice cream. However, Rabbit arrives and declares their Thanksgiving dinner incomplete. He explains a proper Thanksgiving includes turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. So, Pooh and his friends embark on a quest to find these essential ingredients.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.6 - 26
Mr. Bean's HolidayMovie · 2007 · 90m · Family, ComedyWhile in Cannes as a prize winner, Mr. Bean accidentally separates a young boy from his father and finds himself tasked with reuniting them. His journey across France leads him to unexpected experiences, including cycling and finding love.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.4 - 27
Holiday ReunionMovie · 2003 · 91mMitch Snider just wants a normal holiday with his family. But he doesn't have one – until a letter arrives from his estranged cousin, Woodrow. What follows is a hilarious clash between Mitch’s uptight suburban relatives and Woodrow’s eccentric, free-spirited family in National Lampoon's most outrageous family comedy yet.IMDb 3.5TMDB 3.9 - 28
The Ice StormMovie · 1997 · 113m · DramaIt’s Thanksgiving, 1973, and the Hood family’s gathering quickly unravels into escalating conflict. The weekend takes a dramatic turn with an unprecedentedly severe ice storm, the worst in a century.
The treacherous weather forces the family to confront their priorities and relationships amidst the chaos. The ice storm acts as a catalyst, revealing hidden struggles and pushing them to face old resentments and fears.
The film explores the complexities of family and human emotion against a suspenseful, atmospheric backdrop, intensifying both the external dangers and internal challenges. Witnessing the family’s journey through adversity, audiences see them ultimately discover their capacity for growth and resilience.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.9
