Do you ever find yourself pondering if Thanksgiving truly gets the recognition it merits as a holiday? A quick glance at the scarcity of Thanksgiving movies over the years reveals a stark contrast to the plethora of Christmas and Halloween films. Planes, Trains and Automobiles has long been the go-to Thanksgiving movie, accompanied mainly by genre entries like Eli Roth's slasher Thanksgiving.

Uncover the Hidden Gems for Thanksgiving Movie Nights

Knives Out (2019)

This is an obvious choice. Knives Out swiftly became part of the unofficial Thanksgiving canon upon its 2019 release. Not only did it hit theaters around the holiday, but it exudes Thanksgiving energy in every aspect. Set in a cozy, fall-coded northeastern mansion, it revolves around a big family with numerous issues gathering. The tension is palpable from the moment they arrive. We've all got that obnoxious relative like Don Johnson's Richard. This is a Thanksgiving movie that doesn't even feature a turkey but still captures the essence.There's a sense of warmth and togetherness amidst the chaos, making it a perfect choice for the holiday. The characters' interactions and the overall atmosphere add to the Thanksgiving feel.

Spider-Man (2002)

Rocky is too closely tied to Thanksgiving to be included here directly, as most of the film takes place around the holiday. However, Sam Raimi's Spider-Man manages to cross the turkey threshold and be considered a Thanksgiving movie. It spends some time celebrating Thanksgiving, with the family meal between Peter and Norman's families being a pivotal scene. The "Unity Day Festival" where Green Goblin shows up is like a fictional version of the famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It brings a touch of the holiday spirit to the story, making it a unique addition to the Thanksgiving movie lineup.

The Family Stone (2005)

Although The Family Stone is technically a Christmas movie, it has a strong Thanksgiving vibe. Like Knives Out, it features a dysfunctional family coming together and allowing their issues to surface. While it has its funny moments, it is relentlessly stressful from start to finish. This accurately captures the essence of Thanksgiving for many of us, with the family dynamics and the underlying tensions adding to the holiday atmosphere.

Uncle Buck (1989)

Not all movies about estranged relatives coming to town have to be a nightmare. In Uncle Buck, when John Candy shows up at the kids' door, the situation may not be easy, but it is a hilarious ride for the viewers. Buck represents the ideal relative we all wish we had - one who realizes their flaws and makes efforts to be better. The movie shows the growth and change within the family, adding a heartwarming element to the Thanksgiving theme.

Star Wars (1977)

One of the most iconic films ever, Star Wars has nothing to do with Thanksgiving directly. But it holds a special place during Thanksgiving due to those beloved cable TV marathons. In the pre-streaming days, networks like TNT would run marathons of the original Star Wars trilogy on Thanksgiving. Just the sight of Luke Skywalker gazing at the twin suns of Tatooine takes us back to those cozy Thanksgiving days at our grandmothers' houses, with the volume turned up a bit to drown out the snoring of our uncles. It has become a part of the Thanksgiving tradition.

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Few movies capture the fall spirit like When Harry Met Sally. Just looking at the poster gives a cozy feeling. Along with the cozy vibes and changing interpersonal dynamics, the movie also has one of the most memorable meal scenes in cinema history. It adds to the overall Thanksgiving mood, making it a must-watch during the holiday. The way the characters interact over the meal and the subsequent conversations enhance the festive atmosphere.