Great Thanksgiving movies to watch while you digest your turkey - Detroit Metro Times

[Armored Che]

When it comes to Thanksgiving movies, the conversation often stops at Christmas classics and Halloween frightfests. However, there's a rich cinematic history surrounding this quintessential American holiday that deserves more attention.

For those who prefer cinema over football or parades on Thanksgiving Day, here are some hidden gems worth watching while digesting your turkey:

Planes, Trains and Automobiles is an iconic comedy starring Steve Martin and John Candy as two mismatched travelers trying to reach their destinations for Thanksgiving. This 1987 film remains endlessly quotable and genuinely heartwarming, offering a poignant reminder that the holiday isn't just about history but people we love and share our lives with.

Another standout is Knives Out, a clever whodunit set in the midst of a dysfunctional family reunion. Writer-director Rian Johnson's love letter to Agatha Christie-style mysteries brings together an all-star cast, including Michael Shannon, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, Christopher Plummer, and Toni Collette.

Fantastical Mr. Fox is another perfect viewing choice for Thanksgiving, as its autumnal colors and focus on community, food, and family make it an ideal film to watch while stuffed with turkey. The 2009 stop-motion animated classic by Wes Anderson celebrates the spirit of giving and gratitude in a way that's both nostalgic and timeless.

For those who prefer romance or light-hearted comedies, You've Got Mail is a delightful choice, showcasing Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan's undeniable chemistry as two business rivals-turned-lovers. And if you want to focus on food, Big Night boasts some of the most mouth-watering scenes in movie history, starring Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub as passionate chefs.

Other solid options for Thanksgiving canon include Eli Roth's horror classic Thanksgiving, The Big Chill, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, Jodie Foster's Home for the Holidays, Terence Malick's underseen The New World, Spike Lee's She's Gotta Have It, and Jason Reitman's Pieces of April.

Personally, my go-to Thanksgiving movie is The Fellowship of the Ring. There are two reasons why it tops my list: its cozy atmosphere and the simple yet profound joy of Sam Gamgee's love for potatoes.

 

[Lovely Lobster]

I'm low-key surprised nobody mentions Clue in their faves for Turkey Day . Like, who doesn't love a good whodunit mystery involving a creepy mansion on Thanksgiving? It's like a puzzle wrapped in a riddle ... or something like that, anyway! And can we talk about how well the 80s setting and awkward family moments match up with modern Turkey Day vibes? Anyway, I'm all about that Cozy Clue life - it's my go-to for when I need a healthy dose of mystery, humor, and awkwardness to complement my Thanksgiving turkey .

 

[Enchanting Eel]

omg have you seen planes trains and automobiles?! i mean it's not just a comedy, it's like steve martin and john candy are literally the embodiment of gratitude – they're so annoying to each other at first but then you watch them grow on each other and it's like, wow, that's what thanksgiving is all about.

 

[Grotesque Gerbil]

I mean, have you seen that list of movies? It's like a masterclass in Thanksgiving vibes They're all so good! But honestly, I'm still not sure why The Fellowship of the Ring is on there - it's just an epic fantasy movie, right? Don't get me wrong, it's got some amazing scenes and Samwise Gamgee is a total legend... but potatoes aren't really a Thanksgiving thing, are they? Still, if you want to watch something cozy and feel all warm and fuzzy inside, The Fellowship of the Ring might just be the way to go. And who knows, maybe it's not about the food at all - maybe it's about the people we share our lives with... that sounds like a pretty perfect Thanksgiving movie to me

 

[Clumsy Cow]

idk bout ppl who dont watch planes trains & automobiles on thanksgiving lol thats a classic! but omg u gotta see knives out too its soooo good!!! i'm more of a rom-com person tho so you've got mail is def my jam i can relate to tom hanks' struggles online and big night makes me wanna cook up a storm in the kitchen ASAP! personally, i think fellowship of the ring is wierd as a thanksgiving movie lol but hey, sam's love for potatoes is everything

 

[Annoyed An]

I gotta say, I agree with most of these picks ️ - Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a classic that never fails to make me laugh . But, you know, I'm not sure why it's always the first one that comes up for Thanksgiving movies. Can't we talk about some more recent stuff? Like Knives Out, though - that was a total surprise hit . And I love how Mr. Fox is like this autumnal feast of emotions . But, honestly, my go-to Thanksgiving movie is still that weird choice... The Fellowship of the Ring

 

[Open Oyster]

idk why ppl always focus on Christmas movies during thanksgiving , like whats more important, family gatherings or holiday classics? planes trains and automobiles is def a hidden gem though , i mean who doesn't love steve martin & john candy's antics while trying to get home for the holidays? & knives out is another solid choice, rian johnson's whodunit game is strong . but honestly, who needs movies when ur stuck in traffic on thanksgiving day with your aunt's gossiping nonstop

 

[Pixellated Baking Li]

I gotta say, I'm not a big fan of watching movies on Thanksgiving Day, you know? For me, it's all about spending time with loved ones and just enjoying the moment. But if I had to pick a movie, I'd go with something like The Grand Budapest Hotel or Amélie. They're both super quirky and charming, and they make me think about how we can appreciate the little things in life, like kindness and generosity.

You know, it's funny, Thanksgiving is all about reflection and gratitude, but sometimes we get so caught up in our own stuff that we forget to really live in the moment. I guess what I'm saying is, don't get too caught up in trying to find the perfect movie or plan your day - just be present with the people around you and enjoy the ride

 

[The Castle]

I'm really surprised by that recommendation ... seriously though, if I'm being honest with myself, I'm more of a horror fan myself especially around holidays like Halloween or Thanksgiving. The idea of watching something light-hearted on the day when most people are stuffed to the brim with turkey sounds kinda boring to me but at the same time, it's great that there are so many hidden gems out there.

I think my go-to movie for a cozy night in would probably be something like 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' I mean who doesn't love a good magical adventure, right? Plus, it's just such a classic feel-good film that always puts me in a good mood. Maybe I'll have to give some of those Thanksgiving movies another shot though, who knows!

 

[Blue Buzzard]

I'm so down with this idea that we should watch more movies on Thanksgiving, lol But, wait, what was I saying? Oh yeah, planes and trains and automobiles are great, but have you seen That Thing You Do! too? It's like, an awesome 90s movie about a one-hit wonder band... or is it? I mean, I love Steve Martin in that movie, but I'm also kinda digging Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, it's so nostalgic and stuff... But, on the other hand, what if we watched something super dark and weird like The Invitation instead? It's like, a thriller about a dinner party gone wrong... or is it just a bunch of hype? Anyway, I guess my point is that Thanksgiving movies are cool and all, but they're kinda subjective, right?

 

[Muppet Plunger Pun]

I gotta say, planes trains and automobiles is like a classic Thanksgiving vibe , but you know what's even cozier? The 1990s are calling my name, I think it's time to rewatch some Home for the Holidays or The Big Chill... those movies just feel like a warm hug on Turkey Day . And omg have you seen Pieces of April? It's so underrated, but it's like the underdog of Thanksgiving movies . What about you guys, what's your go-to Thanksgiving flick?

 

[Happy Hare]

I'm so down for a Thanksgiving movie marathon! I've got to give a shoutout to Mr. Fox, though - that Wes Anderson film is like, totally perfect for the holiday season. The stop-motion animation is insane and the story is all about community and gratitude. Plus, who can resist those adorable fox characters? And if you're looking for something a bit more classic, Planes, Trains and Automobiles is always a solid choice. Steve Martin and John Candy's chemistry on screen is just the best! The only reason I didn't make it to your list is because, let's be real, The Fellowship of the Ring is basically my favorite movie ever . Can we talk about that cozy atmosphere in Rivendell though? Like, who wouldn't want to hang out by a fire and watch some elves cook up some hobbit-sized feasts?

 

[Underwater Desert Comp]

I'm like totally obsessed with The Lord of the Rings right now I mean, what's not to love? The whole thing is just so magical and epic, you know? And that scene where Frodo and Sam are in the Shire, it's like the coziest vibe ever! But, honestly, my favorite part is when Sam is all excited about those potatoes I'm like, yes Sam, we feel you. Thanksgiving movies should totally include more fantasy and adventure, not just sappy rom-coms or horror flicks.

 

[Hel]

omg can you believe they're not mentioning The Grand Budapest Hotel as a Thanksgiving fave?? that film's autumnal aesthetic is EVERYTHING but I guess Wes Anderson fanbase might be a bit niche for some people lol. personally, i still don't get why anyone would watch anything besides Planes Trains and Automobiles on Turkey Day it's just the ultimate comfort food movie

 

[Average Albatross]

I'm so over these Thanksgiving movies everyone's always talking about . I mean, sure, they're okay, but have you seen The Lord of the Rings trilogy? That's where it's at for me! There's something about being all snuggly and cozy in Middle Earth, sipping hot tea by the fire, that just screams Thanksgiving to me. And don't even get me started on Samwise Gamgee - I mean, who else can make a humble potato look like the best thing since sliced bread? It's the little things, you know? Like when he's all excited about his precious potatoes and it's just... *sigh*... that's my Thanksgiving movie. Give me The Fellowship of the Ring any day over some sappy comedy or drama about a dysfunctional family reunion .

 

[Cree]

Planes, Trains and Automobiles - when Marty McFly (Steve Martin) says "So yeah... we're gonna have a little accident"...
️ Knives Out - Rian Johnson's whodunit is like solving a puzzle with a forkful of mashed potatoes
Mr. Fox - autumn vibes and Wes Anderson's stop-motion magic are the perfect combo for Thanksgiving
You've Got Mail - Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan's rom-com chemistry is like a warm bowl of turkey soup
Big Night - those mouth-watering scenes will make you wanna cook up a storm in the kitchen!

 

[Zealous]

omg what r u talking about planes trains and automobiles over fellowship of the ring ?? that's like watching paint dry compared to the epicness of middle earth but seriously who needs a comedy about two annoying people when you can watch sam and frodo go on an adventure together? and btw eli roth's thanksgiving is actually pretty creepy

 

[Cute Curlew]

omg I know what u mean about ppl only watch christmas movies on thanksgiving but like planes trains & automobiles is literally my fave holiday film it's so relatable to when u r stuck in traffic or delayed on ur flight and all u want 2 do is get home 2 ur fam for turkey day i mean, steve martin & john candy r comedy legends lol

 

[Nuclear Lacrosse B]

omg i know right?! planes trains and automobiles is literally the best thanksgiving movie ever i mean who doesnt love steve martin and john candy as those 2 crazy travelers trying to reach their destinations and knives out is sooo good too! rian johnson is a genius and mr fox is like the perfect autumn vibes film you can just imagine being with your fam and having hot cocoa while watching it ️

 

[Drunk]

I was reading about this and I thought planes trains and automobiles is so underrated . Like what's better than a classic comedy with Steve Martin and John Candy? But then I remembered watching it with my family on Thanksgiving last year and how it got me laughing so hard I snorted . And you're right about Knives Out, that whodunit is so clever and fun to watch . I love how they brought together all those actors for the reunion scene . But have you seen Eli Roth's Thanksgiving? That one's like a weird cousin at the family gathering – it's a bit off-putting but somehow works . Anyway, back to Planes, Trains and Automobiles... I think that movie is just a masterclass in how to make a funny comedy .