With the scent of pumpkin in the air and leaves falling all around, it could only mean that Thanksgiving is upon us. Sure, we could talk about the turkey and ham that we’ll be eating, or talk about the terrible stories that extended family will tell even though we’ve heard the same stories the past 6 years, or even the fact that Thanksgiving is more a holiday for eating rather than its namesake, we cannot negate the fact that there are great Thanksgiving-themed movies.
Football is the viewing choice by most Americans on Turkey day, but here is a list of movies that are Thanksgiving themed to get you in the mood for gratitude and elastic pants.
Hannah and Her Sisters
Often considered one of Woody Allen’s best, this film’s bookend scenes are set at a family’s Thanksgiving meal and thus the plot of the film follows three sisters’ lives over the course of the year in between. Mia Farrow and Michael Caine star in the film with the latter picking up an Oscar for his performance; Dianne Wiest also picked up an Academy Award for her performance. Allen managed to snag his second Best Picture Nomination alongside a Best Screenplay win too, making it his second win in the category and sixth nomination. All in all, this movie is very funny and a great watch for any Thanksgiving family gathering.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Need I say more? Charlie Brown and The Peanuts have become synonymous with Thanksgiving and rightfully so. The movie sets on Charlie, Snoopy, and Woodstock as they frantically try and prepare a Thanksgiving meal for self-invited guests while still trying to make it to Charlie Brown’s grandma’s house for thanksgiving. This movie was the tenth TV special from the Peanuts and originally aired in November of 1973. Considered one of the Schulz’s best, this TV special managed to grab an Emmy in 1974. If you need a family friendly Thanksgiving screening, look no further.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
This one right here trumps them all. One of the original buddy comedies, this movie pits Steve Martin against John Candy in a race home to try and get to thanksgiving on time. John Hughes directs this great film and I don’t think that you’ll find Steve Martin in a funnier scene than when he is stuck at the counter trying to get a rental car. This film is one of Hughes’ best because it is one that doesn’t involve angsty teenagers, yet still has enough conflict between Candy and Martin that allows for the typical Hughes three act structure to succeed. This might not be the most family-friendly movie, but still one that a wide range of audiences can enjoy.
Think there are some movies that I left off? Feel free to leave a comment below and share your list of best Thanksgiving movies.
