Thanksgiving Themed Movies

If your looking for something to watch after dinner this Thanksgiving evening, check out some of our favorite Thanksgiving related films.

1. "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" (1987): Steve Martin and John Candy star in this John Hughes directed comedy classic of a man trying to make it home in time for Thanksgiving with his family and the man who helps make the trip home all the more difficult.  This film is just as funny now as it was when it came out 23 years ago.  Known for it's classic lines and uncomfortable situations, the film also features an emotional side that will leave you feeling good.  Rated R for language (primarily in a memorable scene in which Martin is dealing with a car rental clerk)
2. "Pieces of April" (2003): April (Katie Holmes) has invited her estranged family to her apartment where she intends to host Thanksgiving dinner and introduce them to her boyfriend Bobby.  Upon discovering her oven is broken she frantically searches for a neighbor with available oven in which to cook the turkey.  Meanwhile her family begins their journey from the suburbs to city unsure what the evening will bring.  The film is a funny and emotional look at a family trying to reconnect before it's too late.  Rated PG-13
3. "Home For the Holidays" (1995): Jodie Foster directed this film of a forty year-old woman, played by Holly Hunter, who returns to her parents house to spend Thanksgiving.  Her daughter Kitt (Claire Danes) has ditched her to spend the holiday with her boyfriend and she has been fired due to budget cuts so spending Thanksgiving with her overbearing parents, her crazy aunt and her conservative aunt along with her dull husband and spoiled children.  Her brother (Robert Downey Jr) also shows up with his new boyfriend.  This film was under appreciated when it was originally released and has since fallen between the cracks but it is definitely worth checking out.  Rated PG-13
4. "Hannah and Her Sisters" (1986): Woody Allen's comedy about the lives of three sisters begins and ends at Thanksgiving dinners hosted by Hannah (Mia Farrow) and her husband Eliot (MIchael Caine in the role that won him his first ACADEMY AWARD®). Hannah's sisters are Lee played by Barbara Hershey and Holly played by Diane Weist in the role that won her her first ACADEMY AWARD®.  The film follows these characters throughout the year between and chronicles the changes in their love lives.  The film is a terrific mix of comedy and drama and is often considered to be one of Allen's best films.  Rated PG-13 
5. "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947): Edmund Gwen won an ACADEMY AWARD® for his portrayal of Kris Kringle in this film about a girl who has been raised by her mother not to believe in things like Santa Claus and how her encounter with Kris begins to change not only her beliefs but those of her mother and others as well.  While this is a Christmas film, we've included it because it begins on Thanksgiving at the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and it's a good way to kick off your Christmas season.  As a side note, the film will be part of next month's movie club theme.  Check back to see what else will be joining it.  Not Rated

Finally if your looking for something shorter than a feature, we recommend "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" (1973).  While less popular that either the Christmas or Halloween specials, it a favorite of ours.  Charlie Brown and his sister Sally are going to their grandmother's house for Thanksgiving dinner but after a series of phone calls in which Peppermint Patty invites not only herself but Marci & Franklin as well to dinner, Charlie Brown feels obligated to provide a meal.  Being not much of a cook, he enlists the help of Linus and Snoopy to prepare a Thanksgiving dinner, we have considered having ourselves sometime, consisting of jelly beans, popcorn, pretzels and toast.  If you haven't seen it before we very much suggest you do either as an alternative to the films listed above or as a short beforehand.

We hope this list helps add a little something extra to your holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving from The Roundhay Garden Scene.