There are a GAZILLION Christmas movies, but not so many actual movies specifically made for Thanksgiving.
So it can sometimes be hard to figure out a film to watch with the family while you’re all sitting around stuffed with turkey and mashed potatoes.
But we rounded up a few flicks with appropriate themes which may be just the perfect thing for the family not interested in watching football!
Ch-ch-check out our suggestions then let us know YOUR favorite traditional Thanksgiving movies in the comments (below)!
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Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
The classic has become popular alternative Thanksgiving programming thanks to… its focus on gratitude and eating way too much? Honestly, we have no idea why it always seemed to be on TV every Thanksgiving growing up. But it is a great family movie that needed an excuse for an annual rewatch, so we’re thankful someone thought of it!
(Rated G)
The Parent Trap
Lindsay Lohan and Lindsay Lohan are both phenomenal in their star-making performance as twins separated at birth. With a scheme to put a broken home back together at its center, this remake is fun for the whole family.
(Rated PG)
Addams Family Values
Sure, they’re mysterious and spooky, but they’re also a family who have to stick together and protect one another in this hilarious sequel. Oh, and this one actually has a holiday-appropriate subplot — culminating in one of the greatest Thanksgiving scenes of all time!
(Rated PG-13)
Steel Magnolias
One of the best movies about family of all time actually covers a lot of different holidays — Independence Day, Halloween, Easter — but really it’s all about female solidarity, something we should all be thankful for year-round! So get together on Turkey Day and watch with your mother, daughter, grandma, sister, aunt, wife, etc!
(Rated PG)
The Incredibles
Most Pixar films are great for all ages, but maybe none better than this superhero franchise that puts family first.
(Rated PG)
The Princess Bride
OK, the only “dinner” scene may be a battle of wits over poison — but has there ever been a better movie to put on to please the entire family??
(Rated PG)
Mrs. Doubtfire
The Robin Williams classic about a man who will do anything to see his kids isn’t based around any holidays — and can easily fill that family flick void on Turkey Day.
(Rated PG-13)
What’s Cooking?
This little known gem is sort of like the Love Actually of Thanksgiving movies, following multiple unrelated families as they prepare meals based on their diverse traditions while just trying to survive a day with their in-laws!
(Rated PG-13)
Crazy, Stupid, Love
Sure there’s a rom com aspect to this film — the first to pair Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone btw — but it actually has a very strong thread about keeping a family together through all the most trying times!
(Rated PG-13)
The Birdcage
A modern family hides who they really are to try to get along with judgmental conservative in-laws in a family dinner that goes completely off the rails. Frankly, this 1996 film has never been more timely!
We must caution, however, this one is R-rated and full of humor definitely NOT for the younger kids!
(Rated R)
[Image via Paramount Pictures/YouTube.]
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