When it comes to holiday movies, Christmas often takes the spotlight with countless new releases and beloved classics. But Thanksgiving deserves its moment too, and there are several films that celebrate “Turkey Day” traditions.
Best Thanksgiving movies of all time
10. Krisha (2015)
- Director: Trey Edward Shults
- IMDb user rating: 7.1
- Metascore: 86
- Runtime: 83 minutes
Starring writer-director Trey Edward Shults’ real-life aunt, Krisha Fairchild, “Krisha” is the story of a woman struggling with addiction, who attempts to reconnect with her family by preparing Thanksgiving dinner for them.
9. The Big Chill (1983)
- Director: Lawrence Kasdan
- IMDb user rating: 7.1
- Metascore: 61
- Runtime: 105 minutes
When an old friend dies by suicide, a group of former college pals gathers over Thanksgiving weekend to reminisce about their younger years and who they have become.
8. Avalon (1990)
- Director: Barry Levinson
- IMDb user rating: 7.2
- Metascore: 68
- Runtime: 128 minutes
The third in a series of semi-autobiographical films by director Barry Levinson, “Avalon” explores a Jewish family’s integration into American culture. The family can’t seem to connect, which culminates on Thanksgiving when their Uncle Gabriel (played by Lou Jacobi) arrives late for dinner to find they’ve started without him. His outrage (“You cut the turkey without me?”) leads to more drama, estrangement, and loss.
7. Nobody’s Fool (1994)
- Director: Robert Benton
- IMDb user rating: 7.3
- Metascore: 86
- Runtime: 110 minutes
Paul Newman plays an aging hustler living in a small town who tries to navigate love and relationships as he comes to terms with where his life has ended up. The movie takes place over the holidays, starting with Thanksgiving, and highlights the loneliness of both Newman’s character and those around him.
6. The Ice Storm (1997)
- Director: Ang Lee
- IMDb user rating: 7.3
- Metascore: 72
- Runtime: 112 minutes
Set in 1973 during Thanksgiving weekend, “The Ice Storm” tells of two disconnected families that become enmeshed in sexual experimentation and drug use, all of which ultimately lead to tragedy.
5. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
- Director: John Hughes
- IMDb user rating: 7.6
- Metascore: 72
- Runtime: 93 minutes
Probably one of the most well-known Thanksgiving movies to date, “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” takes Steve Martin and John Candy on a wild comedic ride as Martin’s character tries to get home for Thanksgiving, while Candy’s well-intentioned attempts to help bring nothing but disaster.
4. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
- Director: Woody Allen
- IMDb user rating: 7.8
- Metascore: 90
- Runtime: 107 minutes
This Woody Allen movie follows a family over two years, starting and ending with Thanksgiving dinner. While Hannah (Mia Farrow) deals with her husband’s infatuation with her sister, Lee (Barbara Hershey), the third sister, Holly (Dianne Wiest), repeatedly fails at every career she tries.
3. Scent of a Woman (1992)
- Director: Martin Brest
- IMDb user rating: 8.0
- Metascore: 59
- Runtime: 156 minutes
When student Charlie Simms (Chris O’Donnell) takes a job over Thanksgiving weekend to help care for a woman’s blind uncle (Al Pacino), he finds it to be a much bigger task than he had imagined. Pacino’s portrayal of retired Army ranger Frank Slade garnered major accolades, including his first Oscar for Best Actor.
2. The Last Waltz (1978)
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- IMDb user rating: 8.1
- Metascore: 87
- Runtime: 117 minutes
Directed by Martin Scorsese, “The Last Waltz” is a documentary about a farewell concert the musical group The Band performed on Thanksgiving Day in 1976.
1. Rocky (1976)
- Director: John G. Avildsen
- IMDb user rating: 8.1
- Metascore: 70
- Runtime: 120 minutes
While “Rocky” might not be considered a quintessential Thanksgiving tale, the conflict that takes place at the Thanksgiving table during the film is a reminder of the difficulties of family gatherings. When Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) attends Thanksgiving dinner at his girlfriend Adrian’s house, she and her brother get into an argument that leads to the turkey being thrown outside. Rocky and Adrian (Talia Shire) leave and go ice skating as their romance blooms.
Data reporting by Luke Hicks. Story editing by Carren Jao. Copy editing by Tim Bruns.
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