Grizz Presents: 15 Movies For The Thanksgiving Break

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to kick back, overindulge on leftovers, and dive into some movies that capture the spirit of the holiday—or at least make the break feel more festive. Whether you're into comedies, dramas, or even a bit of animated charm, these Thanksgiving-themed films are handpicked for maximum fun or maximum intensity!! Here’s my official list for Thanksgiving break 2024, in no particular order!

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1. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

The ultimate Thanksgiving classic. Steve Martin and John Candy’s chaotic journey to get home for Thanksgiving is a mix of heartfelt moments and laugh-out-loud chaos.

2. Beethoven (1992)

This family favorite follows the adventures of a lovable St. Bernard who brings chaos—and heartwarming joy—to a suburban family. Its Thanksgiving moments capture the warmth and humor of the holiday.

3. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)

This animated gem is nostalgia personified. Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang whip up a quirky Thanksgiving dinner that’s all about friendship and gratitude.

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4. Home for the Holidays (1995)

Directed by Jodie Foster, this dramedy is a hilarious and relatable look at the dysfunctions of family gatherings during Thanksgiving.

5. Free Birds (2013)

This animated comedy is a wild ride, following two turkeys who time-travel to the first Thanksgiving to take turkey off the menu. It’s goofy, clever, and perfect for a family laugh.

6. Spider-Man (2002)

Sam Raimi's superhero masterpiece makes the list for its unforgettable Thanksgiving dinner scene. Tensions between Peter Parker and Norman Osborn boil over during this iconic moment, offering a surprising holiday connection in a thrilling Marvel classic.

7. Addams Family Values (1993)

The Thanksgiving play scene at Camp Chippewa is reason enough to include this one. It’s darkly funny, with all the kooky Addams charm.

8. The Blind Side (2009)

While not entirely Thanksgiving-focused, this inspiring story about family, kindness, and perseverance has key scenes set during the holiday.

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9. Scent of a Woman (1992)

Thanksgiving break at a boarding school leads to an unforgettable journey for a young student and a blind, cantankerous veteran. Al Pacino's performance is iconic.

10. Tower Heist (2011)

For a lighter action-comedy, this Thanksgiving-set heist film brings plenty of laughs and an ensemble cast that delivers.

11. The Big Chill (1983)

Though more loosely tied to Thanksgiving, this reunion of old friends carries the spirit of gratitude, love, and reflection that the holiday evokes.

12. Rocky (1976)

Thanksgiving makes a brief but memorable appearance, and this underdog tale always feels like a feast for the soul.

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13. The Oath (2018)

A politically charged dark comedy about a Thanksgiving dinner gone off the rails. It’s sharp, satirical, and perfect for those who appreciate edgy humor. Trust me, I know Tiffany Haddish is in this but its actually not the worst movie ever.

14. Prisoners (2013)

This intense thriller about a father searching for his missing daughter takes place during Thanksgiving. It’s gripping, emotional, and unforgettable.

15. Friendsgiving (2020)

This modern comedy captures the chaos and fun of Friendsgiving celebrations, offering a fresh take on the Thanksgiving movie formula.

Closing Thoughts

Thanksgiving movies may not be as ubiquitous as Christmas films, but these gems capture the humor, warmth, and even the occasional dysfunction of the season. Whether you're in the mood to laugh, cry, or reflect, this list has something for everyone. Happy Thanksgiving, and don’t forget to save me a slice of pie!