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, think about spending some quality time during the week of Thanksgiving on Thanksgiving movies! These often overlooked and quite rare holiday films can offer a unique experience. They might just touch on Turkey Day lightly but be filled with autumnal vibes, like the Nora Ephron classic "You’ve Got Mail". Or they could center entirely around making it 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 28.

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 option for that post-dinner food coma. Here are seven of the best Thanksgiving movies to stream this year:

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, also known as a "Turkey Dump". Kiernan Shipka, Nico Hiraga, and Caleb Hearon star in this coming-of-age comedy. This movie premieres on Thanksgiving Day (November 28) on Max.It showcases the challenges and experiences of young adults during this special time. The story is filled with relatable moments and a touch of humor that makes it a must-watch.

The Humans (2021)

In a time of chaos, 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.This movie delves deep into the dynamics of a family during the holiday season. It shows the joys and struggles of coming together and sharing a meal, creating a truly immersive experience.

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 "Holidate" on Netflix.The movie combines the elements of romance and holiday spirit, offering a unique take on the Thanksgiving theme. It's a light-hearted and enjoyable film that will leave you with a smile.

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 "Friendsgiving", which streams on Starz.This movie captures the essence of friendship during the Thanksgiving season. It shows the ups and downs of gathering with friends and celebrating together, making it a relatable and entertaining watch.

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Another non-specific Thanksgiving movie, "Fantastic Mr. Fox" may not have many official Turkey Day scenes, but it 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 "Fantastic Mr. Fox" streaming on Disney+.The movie is a visual treat with its unique animation and attention to detail. It brings the autumnal atmosphere to life and offers a different take on the holiday theme.

You’ve Got Mail (1998)

Aren't all Nora Ephron movies kind of the perfect fall film? "You’ve Got Mail" may have that one iconic Thanksgiving scene, and it's a great excuse to revisit this 1998 romantic comedy starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. Plus, Elwood Edwards, the voice behind the iconic "You’ve got Mail!" notification, passed away earlier this month. So, for both these reasons, I recommend revisiting "You’ve Got Mail" this Thanksgiving. Although it's not streaming anywhere right now, you can rent it for $4 on Amazon.This movie is a timeless classic that captures the essence of love and the holiday season. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves romantic comedies.

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+.The movie is a comedy classic that highlights the struggles and adventures of traveling during the holiday season. It's a feel-good film that will make you laugh and warm your heart.