5 Classic Thanksgiving Movies From the 1940’s to 2000’s

Thanksgiving is such a great time for enjoying family and friends, recognizing the many blessings we should be thankful for, and even watching a favorite holiday flick. The five films below, all centered around Thanksgiving, will warm your heart and prepare you for the holidays.

1. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) – While we often think of Christmas with this classic film, the story actually takes place between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day in New York City. The movie focuses on the impact of a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the real Santa. This film will not only make you appreciate the joy of Thanksgiving but get you in the mood for Christmas.

2. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving  (1973) – When Peppermint Patty and her friends convince Charlie Brown to serve a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, Woodstock and Snoopy must come to his aid. Creative dishes like buttered toast and popcorn are highlighted, and Snoopy lends his innate charm to the special day. The gang gather around a ping-pong table for their unique feast, and the true meaning of Thanksgiving is revealed. This is a classic film the entire family will enjoy.

3. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) – The story follows control-freak Neal Page (Steve Martin) as he meets chatty Del Griffith (John Candy) after his flight is rerouted to a distant city in Kansas because of a snowstorm. The duo’s attempt to return from a business trip in time for Thanksgiving dinner leads to self-discovery. Together they must overcome the craziness of holiday travel to reach their intended destination.

4. Home for the Holidays (1995) – This comedy-drama was directed by Jodie Foster, and boasts an all-star cast which includes Robert Downey Jr., Dylan McDermott, and Claire Danes as they delve into the stresses of gathering with one’s family during the holidays. After losing her job, making out with her soon-to-be former boss and finding out that her daughter plans to spend Thanksgiving with her boyfriend, Claudia Larson faces spending the holiday with her family and that’s when the antics heat up.  This is definitely an entertaining Thanksgiving movie.

5. The Blind Side (2009) – Sandra Bullock plays the wealthy, no-nonsense, Southern mom Leigh Anne Tuohy who takes in a homeless football prodigy Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), who eventually becomes a first-round NFL draft pick. The movie is based on a true story and does a great job of bringing together a family. One of the more memorable scenes starts with Tuohy’s clan sitting down for a take-out type of Thanksgiving dinner in front of a loud TV, then ends with Oher being instrumental in bringing the family together for quality time, filled with laughs and great conversation.