By Alexandra Savage
When you think about holiday movie traditions, Thanksgiving might not come to mind. While Halloween has horror flicks, and Christmas has an endless slew of romantic comedies, Thanksgiving doesn’t have the same type of ‘movie’ connotation. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any classic films to look forward to in the coming weeks. Whether you’re visiting home or staying local, here are some of my favorite Thanksgiving movies for any occasion.
When You’re Feeling Nostalgic: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Although this movie is often overshadowed by its Christmas counterpart, this movie still holds a special place for anybody who grew up watching Charlie Brown TV specials. Watching the comforting and familiar characters is the perfect way to relax during a stressful time of year, and something about Snoopy making popcorn brings a smile to my face. This movie also scores points for being kid-friendly, meaning you can watch it with your herd of younger relatives. In addition, the movie is old enough (released in 1973) that your parents will feel nostalgic as well.
When You Want A Classic: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
I believe that “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” is the ultimate Thanksgiving movie. Every year, I make time to watch this film with my dad over Thanksgiving break. The plot features two vastly different men being forced to work together to travel home for Thanksgiving despite numerous setbacks. Directed by John Hughes, whose credits include “Home Alone,” “The Breakfast Club,” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” this movie combines holiday antics and the stress of travel with an ending that will pull at your heartstrings. I recommend this movie for anybody who’s traveling home for Thanksgiving as a reminder that it could always be worse- or, at least, you aren’t alone in the anxiety of getting home.
If You Can’t Wait For Christmas: Miracle on 34th Street
Truth be told, I have not seen this movie, but there are people who see Thanksgiving as a roadblock on the path to Christmas. If this applies to you, I’d suggest you watch “Miracle on 34th Street.” Although many claim this is a Christmas movie, the first scene opens at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, so I’m counting it as a Thanksgiving movie as well.
If You Want Some Excitement: Spider-Man (2002)
While doing research for this list, I soon realized there aren’t a lot of Thanksgiving movies out there, so now I’m expanding the criteria to include any movie that canonically has a Thanksgiving scene, regardless of how long it lasts. In the movie “Spider-Man,” played by Tobey Maguire, there is a scene where Peter Parker, Aunt May, and a few other characters have Thanksgiving dinner. Any Spiderman connoisseur will recall this is the scene where the movie’s villain, played by Willem Dafoe, learns Spiderman’s true identity. Admittedly, that is the extent of the Thanksgiving spirit in this movie, but this is still a solid watch, and great for any children in the family.
For An Underdog Story: Rocky
Alright, I admit this one may be a bit of a reach, but in “Rocky,” there is a brief Thanksgiving scene that involves a turkey being thrown out of a window. In any case, you can use that scene as an excuse to watch “Rocky” over break.
Don’t like holidays? Celebrate: Hanksgiving
If you don’t care for movies with any holiday references, take this Thanksgiving as an opportunity to watch every Tom Hanks movie as a celebration of “Hanksgiving.” This article from Vulture has more information on the mini-holiday, as well as a few Tom-Hanks-inspired recipes (there’s a sentence you don’t hear often). There’s never a bad time to watch Tom Hanks, and his movies are often safe for all ages.
These are my top Thanksgiving movies to binge this break. With such a wide variety of films on the list, you’re bound to find something to enjoy this November. And if you still don’t care for any of these movies, you can always watch some good old-fashioned football. Happy Thanksgiving.
