1. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987): This classic comedy tells the story of an uptight businessman (Steve Martin) forced to travel home for Thanksgiving with an irrepressible shower curtain ring salesman (John Candy). The two mismatched strangers embark on a wild and hilarious adventure to get home in time for the holiday.
2. Home for the Holidays (1995): Directed by Jodie Foster, this film follows the dysfunctional and chaotic Thanksgiving gathering of the Larson family. With a talented cast that includes Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr., and Anne Bancroft, the film is both funny and emotional, capturing the highs and lows of family relationships.
3. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973): This beloved animated TV special features Charlie Brown and his friends celebrating Thanksgiving together. With its catchy soundtrack and heartwarming message, the special has become a holiday classic for generations.
4. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986): Woody Allen’s Oscar-winning film spans two years in the lives of three sisters (Mia Farrow, Barbara Hershey, and Dianne Wiest) and their families. The Thanksgiving scene is a pivotal moment in the film, revealing the secrets, betrayals and reconciliations that define the relationships between the central characters.
5. Pieces of April (2003): This indie film follows a dysfunctional family on Thanksgiving Day as they travel to New York City to visit their estranged daughter (Katie Holmes) who is hosting her first Thanksgiving dinner. The film captures the joy and chaos of familial love and the importance of coming together despite our differences.
6. The Ice Storm (1997): Set against the backdrop of the 1973 Thanksgiving weekend in suburban New Canaan, Connecticut, this film explores the disintegrating relationships and hidden desires of two families. With a stellar cast that includes Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, and Sigourney Weaver, this dark drama is a poignant commentary on the disillusionment of the American Dream.
7. Miracle on 34th Street (1947): This heartwarming classic centers around the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and a man (Edmund Gwenn) who believes he is Santa Claus. Along with a charming little girl and a handsome lawyer, he sets out to prove the true meaning of Christmas.
8. Dutch (1991): This comedy tells the story of a working-class man (Ed O’Neill) who offers to drive his girlfriend’s son home from his private boarding school for Thanksgiving. Along the way, they encounter a series of mishaps and misadventures that test their patience and their bond.
9. The House of Yes (1997): In this quirky and dark comedy, a dysfunctional family gathers for Thanksgiving at their wealthy parents’ home. However, the arrival of the eldest daughter’s fiancé sparks a series of events that lead to a chilling reveal about the family’s past.
10. Avalon (1990): Set in the early 20th century, this drama follows three generations of a Jewish-American family as they celebrate Thanksgiving every year. Through their stories and experiences, the film explores the themes of assimilation, tradition, and the American Dream.
In conclusion, Thanksgiving is a holiday that brings people together in a spirit of gratitude and love. Whether through humor, drama, or animation, films set around this holiday have entertained and touched audiences for decades. These 10 films are just some of the many that capture the essence of Thanksgiving and the joy of spending time with those we love.