Top 10 Thanksgiving Movies to Watch Right After Dinner

Thanksgiving is here, and now that the glorious feast is over, it’s time for the mandatory post-dinner migration to the couch. If you’re looking for the perfect cinematic companion—whether it’s a hilarious road trip, a nostalgic animated classic, or a dramatic family saga—we’ve got you covered.

Forget the post-turkey slump! We’ve rounded up 10 of the best movies linked to the holiday, designed to keep your spirits high and the laughter flowing.

The Definitive Thanksgiving Viewing Guide

1. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

This John Hughes masterpiece is often hailed as the undisputed king of Thanksgiving cinema. The film pairs the high-strung, hapless traveler Neal Page (Steve Martin) with the relentlessly optimistic and irritating Del Griffith (the late, great John Candy). Their chaotic, cross-country journey to get Neal home for the holiday sparks an unlikely and genuinely moving friendship. It’s a hilarious and charming look at the madness of holiday travel.

• Why It Works:

  • Iconic Chemistry: Martin and Candy are an unmatched comedic duo.

  • Relatable Stress: Perfectly captures the agony and absurdity of holiday travel delays.

  • Heartfelt Ending: Features a surprising amount of emotion beneath the laughs.

• Where to Watch: Free on Paramount Plus; available to rent on Prime Video, YouTube, and Apple TV.

2. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)

An Emmy Award-winning animated classic that is mandatory viewing. Forget the traditional turkey dinner—Charlie Brown’s unconventional feast, featuring popcorn, jelly beans, pretzel sticks, and toast, perfectly encapsulates the quirky, imperfect charm of the Peanuts gang. It’s a simple, nostalgic holiday treat.

• Why It Works:

  • Nostalgic Appeal: A beloved, simple tradition for all ages.

  • Iconic Scene: The infamous “Thanksgiving meal” sets the bar for unconventional holiday food.

  • Quick Watch: A short, sweet burst of seasonal cheer.

• Where to Watch: Apple TV.

3. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

While it’s a famed Christmas classic, the magic of this film starts with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Since you’re likely watching movies right as the holiday transition begins, this film is the perfect bridge. It follows Kris Kringle, who is hired to play Santa and insists he’s the real deal, leading to a trial that tests the true meaning of belief.

• Why It Works:

  • Seasonal Bridge: Kicks off the Christmas season right after the Thanksgiving meal.

  • Legal Intrigue: An intriguing story about faith versus reality.

  • Timeless Charm: Features a heartwarming, enduring message.

• Where to Watch: Free for subscribers on Disney Plus or Prime Video; available to rent elsewhere.

4. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

Need to fully commit to the chaos? While centered on Christmas, this film belongs here because it captures the universal dread and hilarity of extended family gatherings. Clark Griswold’s relentless pursuit of the “perfect” holiday—from battling thousands of lights to dealing with Cousin Eddie—is hilariously relatable to anyone surviving a large family feast.

• Why It Works:

  • Relatable Chaos: A perfect parody of holiday stress and high expectations.

  • Memorable Characters: Features the unforgettable Cousin Eddie.

  • Big Laughs: A gold standard of holiday slapstick comedy.

• Where to Watch: Available to rent on various streaming services.

5. The Holdovers (2023)

A modern addition to the Thanksgiving canon, this Oscar-winning film is a bittersweet story of found family. It’s set during the Christmas break, but the trio—a curmudgeonly teacher (Paul Giamatti), a grieving cook, and a rebellious student—bond over the isolated holiday period. It’s a snarky yet incredibly warmhearted reminder of the holiday spirit.

• Why It Works:

  • Found Family: A beautiful look at unlikely companionship.

  • Oscar-Caliber: Features superb writing and acting.

  • Nostalgic Vibe: Perfectly captures the aesthetic of the 1970s.

• Where to Watch: Available on Peacock; available to rent on other sites.

You may also like:

• Top 5 Best Zendaya Movies – Ranked and Reviewed for Every Fan
• Top 7 Netflix Movies to Watch Alone, Perfect for Solo Nights
• Best Terence Stamp Movies: A Definitive Top 10 List

6. Avalon (1990)

Barry Levinson’s moving, semi-autobiographical saga follows a family’s immigration to America and their life in Baltimore. The film is known for its legendary Thanksgiving scene where a simple family disagreement—”You cut the turkey without me?”—perfectly encapsulates the generational friction and deep emotional history of large family gatherings. A gorgeous, highly quotable period piece.

• Why It Works:

  • Deeply Emotional: A beautiful drama about American assimilation and family ties.

  • Quotable Scene: The “turkey cutting” argument is an iconic piece of holiday cinema.

  • Historical Insight: Great for younger viewers to understand their ancestors’ journeys.

• Where to Watch: Available to rent on Prime Video, Apple TV, or YouTube.

7. Rocky (1976)

While not a holiday film, the original Best Picture winner features a memorable Thanksgiving scene where Rocky Balboa’s budding romance with Adrian is tested by her grumpy brother, Paulie, who is angry about the turkey. Use this small scene as an excuse to watch (or rewatch) the inspiring story of a struggling Philly boxer overcoming monumental odds.

• Why It Works:

  • Inspiration: An all-time classic sports drama and underdog story.

  • Philly Pride: Perfect viewing for a famously tough city.

  • Romantic Beginning: The scene highlights the humble beginnings of Rocky and Adrian’s relationship.

• Where to Watch: Available to rent on Apple TV, Prime Video, YouTube, and other streaming sites.

8. Scent of a Woman (1992)

This drama earned Al Pacino a well-deserved Oscar for his portrayal of Lt. Col. Frank Slade, a blind and cantankerous Vietnam War veteran. The film centers on a prep student hired to watch over Slade during the holiday weekend, and it’s at a key, dramatic Thanksgiving dinner where the cause of Slade’s blindness is revealed. A compelling, intense watch.

• Why It Works:

  • Oscar Performance: Features Al Pacino’s legendary, scenery-chewing role.

  • Intense Drama: A mature, compelling story about morality and mentorship.

  • Key Holiday Scene: The Thanksgiving dinner serves as the emotional turning point.

• Where to Watch: Available to rent on Prime Video, Apple TV, or YouTube.

9. Grumpy Old Men (1993)

Set in the snowy landscape of Minnesota, this comedy recognizes the friendships, feuds, and romances of older generations. While only tangentially related to the holiday, watching Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau trade hilarious insults feels like a perfect, cozy fit for a post-Thanksgiving gathering with the seasoned members of your own family.

• Why It Works:

  • Ageless Humor: Matthau and Lemmon’s comedic timing is flawless.

  • Cozy Setting: The icy Minnesota backdrop is perfect for fall/winter viewing.

  • Focus on Elders: A rare comedy that centers on the lives of seasoned individuals.

• Where to Watch: Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV.

10. Addams Family Values (1993)

This sequel to The Addams Family might seem like a Halloween pick, but it contains one of the most famously subversive Thanksgiving scenes in cinematic history. Wednesday Addams (Christina Ricci) delivers a brilliantly dark and satirical critique of the holiday during a summer camp play, making it a perfect pick for viewers who prefer their holidays with a sharp, gothic edge.

• Why It Works:

  • Subversive Comedy: Wednesday Addams’ iconic takedown of the holiday.

  • Family Fun: A wildly inventive and funny sequel.

  • Gothic Charm: Perfect for those who enjoy a darker aesthetic year-round.

• Where to Watch: Available to rent on Prime Video, YouTube, or Apple TV.