During this time of the year, Christmas movies often take the spotlight. However, before you immerse yourself in those cheesy Hallmark holiday films or head to the theaters to watch Red One, consider spending some quality time during the week of Thanksgiving with Thanksgiving movies! These often overlooked and quite rare holiday films can offer a unique experience. They might just touch on Turkey Day lightly but are filled with autumnal vibes, like the Nora Ephron classic "You’ve Got Mail". Or they could center entirely around getting home in time for Thanksgiving dinner, similar to "Planes, Trains and Automobiles". There are also those that fall somewhere in between, such as "Sweethearts", which starts streaming on Max on November 28th.

Why Thanksgiving Movies Are a Perfect Side Dish

A Thanksgiving movie can be the perfect accompaniment to your turkey dinner this holiday season. It's a great way to unwind after the big meal and enjoy some quality entertainment. These movies bring a different kind of warmth and charm to the holiday.

Sweethearts (Nov. 28)

"Sweethearts" follows two best friends and college freshmen with a single goal during Thanksgiving break - to break up with their high school significant others, a.k.a. pull off a "Turkey Dump". Kiernan Shipka, Nico Hiraga, and Caleb Hearon star in this coming-of-age comedy. It premieres on Thanksgiving Day (November 28th) on Max. This movie showcases the joys and challenges of young love during the holiday season.

The Humans (2021)

In a time of turmoil, a family gathers in a tiny apartment in New York's Chinatown for Thanksgiving dinner. Richard Jenkins, Jayne Houdyshell, Amy Schumer, Beanie Feldstein, Steven Yeun, and June Squibb star in this underrated A24 film based on the Tony Award-winning play. You can stream it for free through Amazon's Prime Video. It offers a deep look into family dynamics during the holiday.

Holidate (2020)

Although not exclusively a Thanksgiving movie, "Holidate" does cover Turkey Day! Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey star in this romantic comedy about two single adults who team up to be each other's date for every family holiday gathering of the year. You can stream it on Netflix. It's a fun and light-hearted take on holiday relationships.

Friendsgiving (2020)

A group of dysfunctional friends gather for a Friendsgiving, bringing vegan dishes and a lot of drama along with them. Malin Åkerman, Kat Dennings, Aisha Tyler, Chelsea Peretti, Christine Taylor, Jane Seymour, Deon Cole, Wanda Sykes, Margaret Cho, and Fortune Feimster star in this movie, which streams on Starz. It shows the chaos and fun that can happen when friends come together for a holiday.

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Another non-specific Thanksgiving movie, "Fantastic Mr. Fox" lacks official Turkey Day scenes but makes up for it with stolen turkeys, elaborate dinner scenes, and a gorgeous autumnal color palette. George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, and Bill Murray are the vocal stars of this 2009 Wes Anderson film. You can catch it streaming on Disney+. It's a visually stunning movie that captures the essence of the holiday.

You’ve Got Mail (1998)

Aren't all Nora Ephron movies kind of the perfect fall film? "You’ve Got Mail" may have just that one iconic Thanksgiving scene, but it's still a great excuse to revisit this 1998 romantic comedy starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. Plus, with the voice behind the iconic "You’ve got Mail!" notification, Elwood Edwards, passing away earlier this month, it's even more special. Although it's not streaming anywhere right now, you can rent it for $4 on Amazon.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1986)

Steve Martin and John Candy star in this heartwarming John Hughes film about two strangers who keep getting thrown together after a series of travel mishaps as they try to get home for Thanksgiving. You can stream "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" on Paramount+. It's a classic that captures the spirit of the holiday and the struggles of traveling during that time.