The 56 Best Thanksgiving Movies the Whole Family Will Love

When it comes to holiday movies, Christmas gets the lion’s share of love. And yet, what is Thanksgiving if not a gold mine for comedy, family conflict, kitchen fails and big-screen-worthy blunders?

In honor of this year’s celebration, we compiled a list of the best Thanksgiving movies to watch after consuming a metric ton of savory stuffing and mac n’ cheese. Because the only activity we feel like doing after eating our second (OK, third) piece of Thanksgiving pie is parking ourselves in front of the TV to enjoy some quality entertainment. From A Family Thanksgiving to You’ve Got Mail, keep reading for the top picks.

• Run time: 104 minutes
• Rating: TV-MA

Sloane (Emma Roberts) is a twenty-something single woman who’s fed up with her family always setting her up on awkward dates. So, she enlists a handsome stranger to be her “Holidate,” which is a made-up phrase that’s used to describe two people who are platonic plus-ones during the holidays.

• Run time: 115 minutes
• Rating: TV-14

Julie is a kindergarten teacher and hopeless romantic who goes on a solo vacation to Italy after going through a tough breakup. However, Julie is surprised to learn that her villa was accidentally double-booked, forcing her to share her much-needed alone time with a cynical stranger. The comical story line will teach you a thing or two about dealing with difficult family members.

• Run time: 95 minutes
• Rating: R

Join Molly, Abbey and their dysfunctional friends as they host a memorable Thanksgiving dinner. The movie stars several actors known for their comedic chops, like Wanda Sykes, Kat Dennings and Chelsea Peretti.

• Run time: 157 minutes
• Rating: R

Relish all that is New York City during the holidays in this Oscar-winning drama about a young man who’s tasked with watching over a curmudgeonly Army veteran. The nearly three-hour-long movie stars Al Pacino, Chris O'Donnell, James Rebhorn, Gabrielle Anwar and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Little-known fact: All moms love this movie.

• Run time: 104 minutes
• Rating: PG-13

Josh (Ben Stiller) is the manager of a high-class apartment complex. When one of his residents steals part of his retirement fund, he’s determined to seek revenge by plotting a heist in the days leading up to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Eddie Murphy and Matthew Broderick also star in the film, which was directed by Brett Ratner.

• Run time: 119 minutes
• Rating: PG-13

There’s not one, but two Thanksgiving scenes in one of our all-time favorite rom-coms. This is Nora Ephron at her best and the perfect picture of a moment in time (the late ’90s). The ensemble cast includes Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Jean Stapleton, Heather Burns and Dave Chappelle. Remember the “You’ve got mail” notifications? Were we ever so young?

• Run time: 103 minutes
• Rating: PG-13

With a stacked cast of celebrities, including young Robert Downey Jr. and Dylan McDermott, this movie will make you feel better about your own family’s dysfunction. Believe us, your clan has nothing on this group of misfits. Holly Hunter, Anne Bancroft and Charles Durning also appear in the Jodie Foster-directed film.

• Run time: 109 minutes
• Rating: PG-13

The movie introduces viewers to four different families who are celebrating Thanksgiving. Although they stem from diverse backgrounds, they share many of the same trials and tribulations, including irreversible kitchen mishaps. Joan Chen, Julianna Margulies, Mercedes Ruehl, Victor Rivers and Douglas Spain star.

• Run time: 81 minutes
• Rating: R

Trey Edward Shults’s directorial debut tells the story of his aunt Krisha Fairchild, who celebrates Thanksgiving with her family after years of estrangement. While the movie stars his real-life aunt, the actual plot is somewhat fictionalized.

• Run time: 93 minutes
• Rating: R

Chris (Ike Barinholtz) and Kai’s (Tiffany Haddish) dysfunctional relationship is put to the test when they refuse to sign a loyalty oath to the president. Their lack of cooperation results in an, er, interesting family dynamic during Thanksgiving dinner.

• Run time: 88 minutes
• Rating: PG

All hell breaks loose when Claudia (Daphne Zuniga) is pressured by her sister into baking a homemade pie for Thanksgiving. The comical plot will make you think twice about assigning gender roles during the holidays.

• Run time: 85 minutes
• Rating: R

It’s Thanksgiving Day in 1983, and Marty (Josh Hamilton) is preparing to introduce his fiancée, Lesly (Tori Spelling), to his less-than-average family. The sexual innuendos and eerie comments will make your in-laws appear like a walk in the park.

• Run time: 71 minutes
• Rating: G

Just because he’s a lasagna lover doesn’t mean Garfield (voiced by Lorenzo Music) is opposed to indulging in a juicy turkey. Join the animated cat as he attempts to cook Thanksgiving dinner alongside Jon and Odie.

• Run time: 86 minutes
• Rating: PG-13

The mockumentary follows three actors, who are starring in a brand-new film called Home for Purim. When the film generates Oscar buzz, the studio decides to rename the movie Home for Thanksgiving, since the first title seemed “too Jewish.” The cast includes Catherine O’Hara, Harry Shearer, Parker Posey and Schitt's Creek star Eugene Levy.

• Run time: 120 minutes
• Rating: PG-13

When Sara Deever (Charlize Theron) randomly meets Nelson Moss (Keanu Reeves) at the DMV, they immediately hit it off. And so when she later invites him to spend the month of November with her, he agrees. But little does he know that she will take him on the journey of a lifetime.

• Run time: 117 minutes
• Rating: PG

In the mood for a documentary post-feast? Check out this critically-acclaimed concert film that follows the Thanksgiving farewell show of the American-Canadian rock group, The Band. (They’re known for hits like “Up on Cripple Creek,” “The Shape I’m In,” “Rag Mama Rag,” “Life Is a Carnival,” “Time to Kill” and “Ophelia.”)

• Run time: 113 minutes
• Rating: R

When an ice storm hits during Thanksgiving break, a small town is forced to confront its neighborly issues, including affairs and broken relationships. Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Tobey Maguire and Elijah Wood star in the movie.

• Run time: 152 minutes
• Rating: R

After being diagnosed with leukemia, a movie star named George Simmons (Adam Sandler) returns to his stand-up comedy roots. If George’s Thanksgiving toast doesn't inspire you to appreciate the holidays, then nothing will.

• Run time: 95 minutes
• Rating: PG-13

Introducing every parent’s worst nightmare: When a country girl meets a party boy while away at college, her family is forced to put on a brave face for the Thanksgiving break.

• Run time: 94 minutes
• Rating: PG-13

The widely popular sequel picks up right where the original movie left off, with Gomez and Morticia sending their kids to summer camp as recommended by the family’s new nanny, Debbie. But this new member of the family may be the most sinister one yet.

• Run time: 135 minutes
• Rating: PG-13

The movie follows the mythical love story of Captain John Smith (Colin Farrell) and Pocahontas (Q'orianka Kilcher). Focusing on the founding of Virginia’s Jamestown settlement, it’s the ideal Thanksgiving flick for the entire family.

• Run time: 128 minutes
• Rating: PG-13

Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw star in this sports drama film, which is based on a true story. A homeless teen is taken in by a wealthy family and learns that love and hard work can make your dreams come true. Not only is it a feel-good story, but it will also help fill the void of Friday night football.

• Run time: 87 minutes
• Rating: PG

When the Emmerson family visits Turkey Hollow, they attempt to track down the town’s elusive legend: the Howling Hoodoo. Mary Steenburgen, Jay Harrington and Graham Verchere star in the Lifetime film.

• Run time: 104 minutes
• Rating: PG-13

Playboy Will’s world is turned upside down when—one autumn day in New York City—he meets Charlotte. Is the 21-year-old free spirit the answer to his commitment issues? Guess you’ll have to watch the flick to find out.

• Run time: 98 minutes
• Rating: PG-13

It's probably not the first movie that comes to mind when you think of turkey-themed films, but it definitely has that festive feel. In the movie, a widower and single parent named Dan Burns (Steve Carell) falls in love a charming woman named Marie. The only problem? She also happens to be his brother's new girlfriend.

• Run time: 127 minutes
• Rating: PG

Want to brush up on your history? Look no further than American Experience: The Pilgrims, an eye-opening documentary that reveals the story of the "First Thanksgiving" and explains the founding of the first English colony in New England.

• Run time: 111 minutes
• Rating: R

The classic cult movie is actually an adaptation of Arlo Guthrie's folk song, "Alice's Restaurant Massacree." Guthrie stars as himself in the film, where he decides to visit a close friend named Alice for Thanksgiving dinner. But after he litters, he gets into some trouble with the law.

• Run time: 114 minutes
• Rating: R

The title itself already suggests that it's a great choice for post-Thanksgiving entertainment—although you might want to watch this one after the kids are asleep. In the movie, which stars Vanessa Williams and Vivica Fox, a family struggles to continue their 40-year tradition of Sunday family dinners when the matriarch falls into a coma.

• Run time: 114 minutes
• Rating: PG-13

This classic '70s film tells the coming-of-age story of nine-year-old Troy Carmichael, who lives with her tight-knit family Brooklyn. Fun fact: The story is loosely based on the experiences of Spike Lee, the film's director and producer.

• Run time: 127 minutes
• Rating: NR

After completing their first semester at college, a group of old friends return home for Thanksgiving break, where they reflect on all the ways that they've changed since high school.

• Run time: 127 minutes
• Rating: PG

It may not be a movie about Thanksgiving, but it'll probably have the entire family singing "Tomorrow" faster than you can say "pumpkin pie." Join the happy young character as she embarks on new adventures with her dog, Sandy.

• Run time: 101 minutes
• Rating: PG

There's a lot more to Curly Sue (Alisan Porter) than her abundance of dark curls. Follow the homeless six-year-old and her pal, Bill Dancer (Jim Belushi), as they pull off the ultimate cons to help make ends meet.

• Run time: 120 minutes
• Rating: R

Businessman and former high school quarterback Patrick Hodges (Ryan Hansen) gets tricked into returning to his hometown for Thanksgiving weekend. When he arrives expecting a funeral, he learns that his old buddies need his help finishing a football game from 15 years ago, known as “The Turkey Bowl.”

• Run time: 87 minutes
• Rating: G

When Tilly (Tatiana Maslany) sees that her mom can barely afford to put food on the table for Thanksgiving, she pens an exaggerated letter to her wealthy grandmother, Isabella (Jacqueline Bisset), and asks for help. But when Isabella arrives, Tilly’s mom isn’t too thrilled.

• Run time: 86 minutes
• Rating: G

Emily Rogers (Autumn Reeser) takes pride in coordinating Chicago’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade, but when the city hires a wealthy consultant to handle the finances, she worries that he will ruin the tradition. Can they work together to pull off a successful production?

• Run time: 123 minutes
• Rating: TV-PG

You won't spot any turkeys or Thanksgiving decor, but this charming romantic comedy has all the makings of a cozy fall film. Set in 1946, the movie follows a writer who bonds with a resident on the island of Guernsey after exchanging letters.

• Run time: 105 minutes
• Rating: R

Yes, we will take any opportunity to watch young Jeff Goldblum. This is the movie to stream if you’re feeling philosophical about the passage of time with all your besties at an orphan Friendsgiving. Goldblum stars alongside Tom Berenger, Glenn Close and William Hurt in the Lawrence Kasdan film

• Run time: 84 minutes
• Rating: R

We know, we know. Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It feels like a rather odd choice, given that it follows a sexually liberated Black woman who tries to juggle three different men. However, there’s one iconic Thanksgiving scene, where Nola (Tracy Camilla Johns) invites all three of her partners over for dinner. That alone earns this classic a spot on the list.

• Run time: 107 minutes
• Rating: PG-13

Before his Modern Family days, Ed O’Neill starred in a funny Thanksgiving movie about a guy trying to appease his girlfriend by driving her son from Atlanta to Chicago in time for the holidays. Ethan Embry, JoBeth Williams, Christopher McDonald, Ari Meyers and Elizabeth Daily star in the film. Revel in the early ’90s charm.

• Run time: 153 minutes
• Rating: R

If you 're craving some terror with your turkey, you'll enjoy this intense thriller, which follows a father as he embarks on a mission to find his daughter when she suddenly goes missing on Thanksgiving. When the prime suspect gets arrested and quickly released, however, the father seeks vengeance.

• Run time: 106 minutes
• Rating: R

Adapted from Stephen Karam's Tony Award-winning play, The Humans follows Erik and his family as they celebrate at his daughter's run-down flat in New York. But before long, the family gathering goes south as old resentments and hidden secrets resurface.

• Run time: 93 minutes
• Rating: PG-13

Following his divorce from his ex-wife, Daniel hatches an elaborate plan to stay close to his children. With his friend's help, he invents a new female persona and tricks his wife into hiring him as the new nanny. His efforts to lead a double life start to take a toll. While the plot doesn't revolve around the holidays, it has strong themes of family support and unconditional love.

• Run time: 93 minutes
• Rating: R

In Bart Freundlich's directorial debut, a dysfunctional family celebrates Thanksgiving together in New England. Over the weekend, unresolved issues and old rivalries arise, resulting in an awkward and tense-filled reunion.

• Run time: 74 minutes
• Rating: PG-13

Following the passing of a family member, Martha is determined to plan the perfect Thanksgiving dinner. When the rest of the Winthrop family arrives to celebrate, however, troubling secrets are revealed as they try to navigate their loss.