Whether you're in the kitchen prepping sides or just relaxing on the couch, these five films are a great way to ease into Thanksgiving. From animated classics to heartfelt comedies, these films capture all the warmth, chaos and connection that make the holiday special.
1. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
This comedy classic is a Thanksgiving staple. Steve Martin and John Candy star as two travelers whose attempt to get home for the holiday is increasingly disastrous. This movie is side-splittingly funny, profoundly human and shows that patience and kindness are timeless.
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Paramount+, Pluto TV
2. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
Nothing says Thanksgiving nostalgia like "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving." Snoopy, Woodstock and the Peanuts gang host a heartwarming, slightly chaotic feast of toast, popcorn and jelly beans — and still manage to remind us what gratitude is really about. A must-watch for kids and grown-ups alike.
Genre: Animated classic/family
Where to watch: AppleTV
3. Home for the Holidays (1995)
This family dramedy, directed by Jodie Foster, perfectly encapsulates the mix of love, tension and chaos associated with a Thanksgiving homecoming. With standout performances from Holly Hunter and Robert Downey Jr., it's both funny and surprisingly moving.
Genre: Comedy/drama
Where to watch: Paramount+, Tubi
4. The Humans (2021)
Set during a Thanksgiving dinner in a Manhattan apartment, The Humans examines a family across three generations, exploring love, loss and the unspoken tensions around the table. Featuring strong acting by Richard Jenkins, Beanie Feldstein and Steven Yeun, it's a look at how people unite and separate.
Genre: Drama/family.
Where to watch: Tubi, Plex, Xumo Play
5. Pieces of April (2003)
This heartfelt indie film stars Katie Holmes as a young woman who hosts a Thanksgiving dinner for her estranged family in her tiny New York apartment. It's a gentle and poignant story of forgiveness, family and fresh starts, perfect for a calm pre-holiday evening.
Genre: Indie drama/comedy
Streaming: Tubi and Pluto TV
