Thanksgiving Movie Night: A Family Tradition

For most, Thanksgiving is just about pumpkin pies and stuffing, but beyond that, it's about togetherness and gratitude. In fact, it's a tradition that is connecting generations. Among the clinking dishes and laughter, one tradition has become a favorite in every home—Thanksgiving movie night! Of course, there’s nothing like being together with loved ones in a cozy blanket and drehnching yourself in the cinematic essence. After all, who doesn't need some moments of downtime after an entire day of cooking and eating?

Read this article to explore more about Thanksgiving movie night.

Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season. However, among family schedules, preparing meals, and ensuring Pinterest-perfect dinner tables, the day can leave even the most organized person overwhelmed. This is why here enters the role of movie night tradition—an incredibly low-effort bonding experience with your family. Did you know studies have proven that engaging in shared interests and activities, such as watching a movie together, improves the emotional connection? In fact, the tradition of watching movies during Thanksgiving weekend has become a staple in most households.

A major chunk of fun during the Thanksgiving movie night contributes to the setup. The best way perhaps is to transform your living room into a cozy theater with pillows, thick blankets, and dim lighting as the non-negotiable elements. You can even add some popcorn bowls and sandwiches to double up the fun.

Need a pro tip? Needless to say, one person ought to be the ‘Movie DJ’ who can mediate those inevitable ‘what should we watch’ debates.

Even though Thanksgiving movies might not be as loved as the Christmas movies, there are some absolute gems that are indeed a must-watch this Thanksgiving. After all, you can never go wrong with a family comedy or a timeless classic. Here are some fan favorites that you could consider for the day.

Ranked as one of the top Thanksgiving movies of all time, ‘Planes, Trains, & Automobiles’ is a hilarious tug at your heartstrings. This movie is about friendships and gratitude, which makes it a perfect Thanksgiving must-watch.

This animated classic is indeed a timeless piece of nostalgia and is perfect for all ages. Initially aired in 1973, this movie showcases a story about making attempts to put together a Thanksgiving dinner. This short film, hardly about 25 minutes, is a reminder of what Thanksgiving actually is about.

For those seeking a lighthearted Thanksgiving movie for kids, Free Birds is another classic pick. This animated comedy is packed with humor, lovely characters, and unexpected twists on the holiday's origins.

The Blind Side is based on a true story. While it's not a traditional Thanksgiving-inspired movie, it beautifully captures the spirit of gratitude and giving. The movie is typically based on family, kindness, and second chances, which perfectly reflect the meaning of Thanksgiving.

Fantastic Mr. Fox, a delightful animated film directed by Wes Anderson, is another quirky movie for Thanksgiving movie night. Its stunning stop-motion animation and witty dialogues make it one of the best entertaining choices for the holiday season.

Thanksgiving movie night is not actually about what's on the screen but about the people on the couch. In fact, it's a moment to appreciate, laugh, and engage in funny commentary together. And sometimes it may be about those silly disagreements over who will take the last slice of pumpkin pie. In this guide, we have suggested some of the top Thanksgiving movie recommendations to make your day loaded with love and laughter.