The 30 Best Movies to Watch After You’ve Survived Thanksgiving Dinner

After the Thanksgiving meal is finished, many families settle in to relax and watch a movie together. Choosing the right film can keep everyone happy or offer a welcome break from the busy house. Here’s a list of options, from classic holiday favorites to feel-good dramas, perfect for enjoying with leftover food. These movies often focus on family, food, and the changing seasons from fall to winter.

‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ (1987)

As a film buff, I always loved the setup of ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’! It’s about a guy named Neal Page who’s just trying to get home to Chicago for Thanksgiving, but everything that can go wrong, does. He ends up stuck with Del Griffith, this incredibly talkative shower ring salesman who seems to attract bad luck like a magnet. What follows is a hilarious and chaotic three-day trip filled with disasters – think burning rental cars and seriously cramped motel rooms. But beyond the comedy, director John Hughes beautifully shows how this unlikely friendship blossoms between these two completely different guys during their crazy road trip.

‘Home for the Holidays’ (1995)

Claudia Larson’s Thanksgiving trip home takes a turn when she unexpectedly loses her job. Returning to her family, she finds herself amidst a whirlwind of quirky personalities, leading to both funny and stressful moments around the holiday dinner table. The film, starring Holly Hunter, realistically portrays the challenges and humor of family gatherings and learning to accept each other’s imperfections.

‘Knives Out’ (2019)

A famous, rich mystery writer dies unexpectedly shortly after his 85th birthday celebration at his home in the countryside. When his estranged family comes together for the reading of his will, a detective begins investigating what really happened. As they argue over the inheritance, long-held grudges and family secrets come to light. This contemporary mystery cleverly explores themes of wealth, social standing, and the corrupting influence of greed.

‘Pieces of April’ (2003)

April Burns attempts to reconnect with her family by hosting Thanksgiving dinner in her cramped New York City apartment. As her relatives travel from the suburbs – each carrying their own personal problems – April battles a malfunctioning oven while trying to prepare the meal. The movie weaves between the frantic kitchen activity and the strained conversations happening during the car ride, ultimately showing how difficult – yet potentially rewarding – it can be to repair fractured family bonds simply by sharing a meal together.

‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ (2009)

Mr. Fox goes back on his word and starts stealing from three grumpy farmers. When the farmers fight back with tractors and flooding, all the animals have to work together to survive. Director Wes Anderson uses charming stop-motion animation and warm, fall colors to tell this story based on a book by Roald Dahl. At its heart, the film is about a father trying to be true to himself while also taking care of his family.

‘Hannah and Her Sisters’ (1986)

The story takes place over two years and is framed by three Thanksgiving dinners hosted by Hannah. She’s the grounded sister who supports her two siblings as they navigate love lives and personal struggles. The film looks at the complicated mix of love and rivalry between sisters and their partners, as Woody Allen tells several interconnected stories about finding happiness in New York City.

‘Addams Family Values’ (1993)

When Wednesday and Pugsley are sent to summer camp, they rebel against a cheerful Thanksgiving play, turning the traditional story on its head. Back home, Uncle Fester finds himself captivated by a dangerous woman who intends to marry him for his money and then inherit his fortune. This darkly funny story playfully mocks typical suburban life while highlighting the Addams family’s love of all things spooky and unusual.

‘Scent of a Woman’ (1992)

Over Thanksgiving weekend, a high school student takes a job helping a grumpy, retired army colonel who is also blind. The colonel unexpectedly takes the student on an extravagant trip to New York City, complete with fancy restaurants and a ride in a Ferrari. Initially, they clash, but over time, a bond of respect develops as the student learns valuable life lessons from the troubled veteran. Al Pacino gives a powerful performance in this moving story about living with integrity and finding purpose.

‘The Blind Side’ (2009)

The film centers around the Tuohy family, who open their home to Michael Oher, a teenager experiencing homelessness. They later become his legal guardians and help him achieve his dream of earning a football scholarship. A key moment shows the family connecting over a Thanksgiving dinner, sharing both a meal and their love of football. The movie is based on the real-life story of how Michael Oher ultimately became a professional football player in the NFL.

‘Rocky’ (1976)

Rocky Balboa, a relatively unknown boxer, unexpectedly gets the chance to fight for the world heavyweight title. He also begins a relationship with a quiet woman named Adrian, and their first date is a Thanksgiving ice skating trip. The movie centers around his intense training and his determination to prove himself as a fighter. It’s a story about the tough spirit of Philadelphia and the triumph of perseverance, even if you don’t win the fight.

‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (1947)

The movie starts at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade when a man named Kris Kringle unexpectedly fills in for a Santa who’s had too much to drink. He gets a job at the main Macy’s store, but creates a buzz by insisting he is the real Santa Claus. A lawyer takes on his case, determined to prove his claim in court. This beloved film perfectly captures the spirit of the season and the power of believing.

‘Spider-Man’ (2002)

As a huge movie fan, I always loved the way Spider-Man’s story kicks off. It’s such a classic origin tale – this ordinary kid, Peter Parker, gets bitten by a spider and suddenly has incredible powers. He immediately decides to use them to protect New York City, which is awesome. But what really makes it compelling is how it blends all the superhero action with Peter’s personal life. There’s this one Thanksgiving scene that’s particularly brilliant – it’s so tense! Everyone’s gathered for dinner, but the villain, the Green Goblin, starts to figure out Peter’s secret, and you can just feel the secrets threatening to explode. It’s a really great balance of action and a young guy just trying to navigate life and do what’s right.

‘Little Miss Sunshine’ (2006)

A quirky family embarks on a road trip to California in a beat-up yellow Volkswagen bus so their little daughter can compete in a beauty pageant. The family is a bit of a mess – the mom is stressed, the dad is a former life coach who didn’t quite make it, and their uncle is struggling with difficult emotions. Along the way, the bus keeps breaking down and everyone faces personal challenges. Ultimately, the movie shows how going through tough times together can help a broken family reconnect.

‘Dutch’ (1991)

A blue-collar man volunteers to give his girlfriend’s privileged son a ride home from boarding school in Georgia for Thanksgiving. The son is ungrateful and intentionally makes the trip difficult. When they lose both the car and their money, they’re forced to depend on each other to complete the journey. Through the challenges of the road trip, the two men begin to overcome their class differences and develop a connection.

‘Son in Law’ (1993)

During Thanksgiving break, a college student introduces her quirky resident advisor to her family’s farm. He finds it hard to adjust to country life and often conflicts with the traditional values of the small town. However, his unique personality ultimately charms the family and encourages them to be more open to new ideas. The movie is a funny look at the differences between life in Los Angeles and the more traditional American Midwest.

‘Tower Heist’ (2011)

Employees at a high-end apartment building realize a rich resident has stolen their retirement funds. They decide to rob him during the busy Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to get their money back. The plan is complicated, requiring them to evade the FBI and bypass the penthouse’s advanced security. The movie blends thrilling action with a humorous story and a large cast of characters.

‘The House of Yes’ (1997)

Jackie-O, a woman struggling with mental health, spirals out of control when her brother introduces his fiancée during Thanksgiving. A hurricane forces the family to stay confined to their home, where hidden secrets and troubling fixations are revealed. The characters engage in intense, verbally-charged conflict, creating a darkly humorous and dramatic exploration of obsession and family trauma, almost like a play.

‘What’s Cooking?’ (2000)

The movie follows four Los Angeles families – Latino, Vietnamese, African American, and Jewish – as they each get ready for Thanksgiving. We see how each family handles its own challenges and celebrates the holiday with unique cultural traditions, all while preparing a traditional turkey dinner. It’s a look at how Thanksgiving brings both stress and love to families from all backgrounds.

‘Soul Food’ (1997)

In Chicago, a tight-family is thrown into turmoil when their mother falls into a coma after surgery. The weekly Sunday dinners that normally keep them connected start to fall apart, and old disagreements between the sisters begin to resurface. Determined to help, a young grandson tries to reunite everyone and resolve their conflicts. The story highlights how food and family traditions are vital for keeping loved ones close.

‘Krisha’ (2015)

A woman who has struggled with addiction returns home for Thanksgiving, hoping to reconnect with her sister and family after a long absence. As she prepares the Thanksgiving turkey, old tensions resurface, and she tries to show everyone she’s changed. The movie uses unsettling sounds and camera angles to reflect her inner turmoil and the doubts her family has about her recovery. It’s a story about how delicate the process of getting better can be, and how much the past can affect the present.

‘The Holdovers’ (2023)

A grumpy history teacher reluctantly stays at boarding school over winter break to watch over students who don’t have anywhere else to be. He unexpectedly connects with a difficult student and the school’s cook, who is dealing with a loss. Set in 1970, the story is a heartwarming look at loneliness and the families we create, all unfolding against a beautiful, snowy New England backdrop during the holidays.

‘Silver Linings Playbook’ (2012)

After spending time in a mental health facility, Pat Solitano returns home to live with his parents and attempts to win back his estranged wife. He unexpectedly connects with a recent widow who proposes a deal: she’ll help him if he’ll be her dance partner. The movie portrays a lively, often messy family that bonds over their shared love of the Philadelphia Eagles, and it tackles difficult topics like mental health with both heart and humor.

‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ (2001)

Harry learns he’s a wizard and begins his education at Hogwarts, a school for magic. The movie showcases stunning scenes of feasts, especially during Halloween and Christmas, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. As Harry, Ron, and Hermione become close friends, they work together to solve a puzzling mystery at the castle. This magical adventure is perfect for families and offers a feeling of enchantment and coziness.

‘You’ve Got Mail’ (1998)

This charming romantic comedy follows two competitors in the book world who unexpectedly fall for each other while exchanging anonymous emails. Set against the backdrop of New York City and its beautiful autumn season—including memorable scenes around Thanksgiving—the story explores how the characters navigate both a changing neighborhood and their careers as their connection deepens. It perfectly captures the warm and inviting feeling of fall in Manhattan.

‘The Big Chill’ (1983)

Old college friends gather at a beach house in South Carolina for the funeral of one of their own. Over the weekend, they reflect on how their lives have evolved since the 1960s, sharing memories and facing difficult truths. Much of their conversation and emotional reckoning takes place in the kitchen and dining room. The film is a thoughtful look at time passing and the lasting power of friendship.

‘Meet the Parents’ (2000)

Greg Focker plans a weekend getaway to ask his girlfriend’s parents for their blessing, but things quickly go wrong. He struggles to win over her intimidating father and finds himself in a series of embarrassing situations as he tries to make a good impression. As the weekend progresses, small lies begin to snowball, increasing the tension. This funny movie captures the awkwardness and stress of meeting the family and wanting them to accept you.

‘Rushmore’ (1998)

Max Fischer is a driven student who doesn’t excel in school, and he develops a crush on one of his teachers. He forms an unlikely friendship with a rich businessman who also becomes interested in the teacher. Directed by Wes Anderson, the movie has a unique, fall-themed look and feel, and it thoughtfully portrays the challenges of adolescence, ambition, and loving someone who doesn’t return your feelings.

‘Paddington’ (2014)

Paddington, a young bear from Peru, arrives in London looking for a place to live and is welcomed by the Brown family. He often causes trouble as he learns about how people live, but it’s always unintentional. Meanwhile, a taxidermist is trying to capture him for a museum. The movie emphasizes the importance of being kind and accepting to others, which fits perfectly with the idea of bringing people together.

‘Dan in Real Life’ (2007)

A recently widowed man, who also writes an advice column, brings his three daughters to a family reunion in Rhode Island. He starts a romance with a woman he meets, only to find out she’s already seeing his brother. As the family enjoys typical reunion activities like shared meals and events, this complicated love triangle creates tension and awkwardness. The film blends funny moments with the emotional challenges of dealing with loss and finding love again.

‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ (1989)

In the movie, Clark Griswold tries his best to have a classic, perfect Christmas, but everything keeps going wrong. He deals with unexpected guests and constant problems with his over-the-top decorations. Many people watch it right after Thanksgiving as a fun way to kick off the Christmas season. The film playfully pokes fun at how much pressure parents put on themselves to make the holidays magical for their families.

Tell us which movie from this list is your annual post-turkey tradition in the comments.

2025-11-28 03:18