The 10 Best Thanksgiving Movies & Where to Stream Them
Discover the top movies to watch this Thanksgiving. From heartwarming classics to hilarious comedies, dive into films perfect for turkey day with family.
For many of us, Thanksgiving weekend means family Thanksgiving dinners, pumpkin pie, and movie marathons. With the Thanksgiving and Christmas movie season upon us, the question is: What are the best movies for you and your family to enjoy on turkey day?
How to Stream The Best Thanksgiving Movies
With so many free and affordable streaming platforms available today, finding the best Thanksgiving films is easier than ever. Below, you’ll see options on a range of services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Max, and many others.
The 10 Best Movies to Watch on Thanksgiving
10. You’ve Got Mail (1998) - 70% Rating
This classic rom-com starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan unfolds during fall in New York, capturing the essence of Thanksgiving and leading up to Christmas.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Greg Kinnear
Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video, Max
9. Home For The Holidays (1995) - 72% Rating
Directed by Jodie Foster, this film explores the ins and outs of family dynamics when Claudia Larson decides to spend Thanksgiving with her dysfunctional family after losing her job.
Starring: Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr., Anne Bancroft
Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Fubo, Paramount Plus, Showtime
8. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973) - 76% Rating
This classic TV short based on Charles M. Schulz’s “Peanuts” comic strip is a Thanksgiving staple. Join Charlie Brown and the gang as they have dinner and learn the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
Starring: Todd Barbee, Robin Kohn, Stephen Shea
Where to Stream: Apple TV+
7. Soul Food (1997) - 82% Rating
When Ahmad goes home to visit his diabetic grandmother “Big Mama,” she falls into a coma during an operation to amputate her leg. This throws the entire family into chaos, as they work to maintain the family tradition of Sunday family dinners.
Starring: Vivica A. Fox, Vanessa L. Williams, Nia Long
Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
6. Pieces of April (2003) - 84% Rating
This heartfelt drama revolves around April Burns, played by Katie Holmes, who invites her dysfunctional family to her New York City apartment for Thanksgiving dinner. A day filled with mishaps and surprises ensues.
Starring: Katie Holmes, Oliver Platt, Patricia Clarkson
Where to Stream: Tubi, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
5. The Ice Storm (1997) - 86% Rating
Set during Thanksgiving weekend of 1973, the film delves into the complex relationships of two suburban Connecticut families as they deal with personal issues amidst an ice storm.
Starring: Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Sigourney Weaver
Where to Stream: Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
4. One True Thing (1998) - 88% Rating
When an often forgotten matriarch of the Gulden family is diagnosed with cancer, her daughter (Ellen) returns from NYC to take care of her mother. While there, Ellen uncovers many uncomfortable family secrets.
Starring: Meryl Streep, Renée Zellweger, William Hurt
Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
3. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) - 92% Rating
This classic John Hughes comedy is a heartwarming tale of friendship and the challenges of holiday travel. The movie follows two mismatched travelers who embark on a chaotic and hilarious journey to get home for Thanksgiving.
Starring: Steve Martin, John Candy, Laila Robins
Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Pluto TV
2. Rocky (1976) - 92% Rating
While a boxing movie may not be the first Thanksgiving film you think about, there’s a classic Thanksgiving scene that highlights how difficult family gatherings can sometimes be. It’s a classic movie the whole family can enjoy after eating.
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young
Where to Stream: YouTube, MGM+, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, Philo
1. The Miracle on 34th Street (1947) - 96% Rating
While this is an iconic Christmas film, this timeless classic begins with the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, making it a perfect movie to kick-start the holiday season.
Starring: Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, Edmund Gwenn
Where to Stream: Disney+
Looking for More Thanksgiving Movies?
There are hundreds of family-friendly movies, dramas, and comedies to choose from for Thanksgiving. If you didn’t see your favorites above, hits like The Blind Side, Black Friday, Addams Family Values, Friendsgiving, Jim Henson’s Turkey Hollow, and more can be found in our Thanksgiving Movie Guide.
Looking for other themed movies? SmartMove has you covered with the best movies for every holiday.
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