Welcome to the Ultimate Guide to Non-Corny Thanksgiving Movies to Cue Up This Year

Ah, Thanksgiving. A time to fill your home with the scent of warm pies and the laughter of guests. It’s one of the most beloved holidays, full of tradition and memories. This much we can easily agree upon, however not all of us look forward to the same movie lineup year after year. If you’re searching for Thanksgiving movies that don’t make you squeamish, you’re in the right place. With the help of this guide, you can easily come up with an exciting alternative to the same bittersweet, sappy Thanksgiving themed flicks that you’ve seen over and over again.

What Makes a Good Thanksgiving Movie?

When it comes to choosing Thanksgiving movies, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Different people like to watch different types of movies. Some like action-packed flicks, while others enjoy movies with a more emotional core. However, we can all agree on one thing – the perfect Thanksgiving movie should bring the spirit of the holiday alive.

The movies in this guide are diverse and far from typical. They explore topics such as ambition, diversity, and resilience of the human spirit through a variety of emotionally-charged stories. Regardless of the type of movie you’re looking for, you’re sure to find something to your liking.

Best Classics for Movie Night

Let’s kick things off with some of the best classic Thanksgiving movies:

  1. Miracle on 34th Street (1947): Everyone’s favorite spoonful of sugar, Miracle on 34th Street was truly a timeless classic. This holiday fable of faith and goodwill follows a department store Santa suspected of insanity for claiming to be the real Santa.

  2. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987): A classic road trip comedy that follows two men from different worlds as they try to get to their destination despite numerous misadventures. A heartwarming and funny tale full of life lessons well-worth your time.

  3. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946): One of the most well-known holiday movies of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life takes us through a man’s journey as he discovers the true importance of family.

  4. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973): A Charlie Brown special that follows the gang of kids as they “feast” on popcorn, pretzels, and jellybeans while understanding the importance of family and the Thanksgiving season.

Best New Releases to Watch This Thanksgiving

With so many amazing movies being released in recent years, why not take the opportunity to check out some new releases at home this holiday season? Here are some of the hottest new releases to watch this Thanksgiving:

  1. Free Birds (2013): A light-hearted animated adventure about two turkeys traveling back in time to stop Thanksgiving before it starts. A hilarious and feel-good movie for the entire family to enjoy.

  2. Home for the Holidays (1995): An emotional drama about a single mother of two whose plan for a quiet Thanksgiving is ruined when her entire extended family arrives.

  3. The Grinch (2018): An exciting retelling of the classic holiday tale starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the Grinch. A must-watch movie!

  4. A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas (2011): The raunchy buddy comedy series returns as Harold and Kumar reunite to take on Christmas. An outrageous and must-watch comedy.

  5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000): Take a journey with Jim Carrey as The Grinch in this charming live-action retelling. Be sure to cuddle up with the family for this one.

Romantic Movies for Date Night

What can be better than snuggling up with that special someone for a romantic night at home watching movies? Here are some of the best romantic Thanksgiving movies to watch on date night:

  1. Dutch (1991): A classic romantic comedy about a girl from the wrong side of the tracks whose life suddenly takes a turn when she meets Dutch, her stepdad-to-be.

  2. Sleepless in Seattle (1989): An enduring romantic comedy classic about two strangers, separated by distance, who find themselves falling in love.

  3. The Best Man Holiday (2013): A continuing story about the characters of The Best Man, this fun comedy-drama follows the gang for an unforgettable holiday.

  4. Love the Coopers (2015): A story of the Cooper’s family as their chaotic Thanksgiving celebrations bring them closer together.

Must-See Animated/Family Movies

Next up are some of the best animated Thanksgiving movies:

  1. Chicken Run (2000): A charming claymation classic about a daring escape plan by a group of chickens. An endearing and family-friendly adventure for all ages.

  2. The Brave Little Toaster (1987): A delightful animated classic about a group of discarded household appliances on the way to a summer camp to find their beloved master.

  3. Rango (2011): A thrilling adventure story following a chameleon named Rango on a quest to save Ahab’s town from forces of nature and evil. An exciting movie for the entire family.

  4. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): A modern classic of gothic fantasy following Jack Skellington’s adventures in a combination of Halloween and Christmas worlds.

Thanksgiving Movies with a Twist

Looking for an unconventional Thanksgiving movie to surprise everyone in your home? These must-watch movies are sure to be a hit:

  1. National Lampoon’s Thanksgiving Reunion (2001): An out-of-the-box comedy about a dysfunctional family that gathers for Thanksgiving.

  2. ThanksKilling (2009): A hilarious horror movie about a killer turkey out for revenge. A wild ride that’s not for the faint of heart.

  3. Addams Family Values (1993): A darkly hilarious film about the Addams Family’s Thanksgiving experiences. From a turkey with a grudge to a pageant featuring Wednesday and Pugsley, this movie is sure to keep you in stitches.

How to Enjoy Thanksgiving Movies

Now that you’ve picked out some unique Thanksgiving movies, it’s time to learn how to enjoy them:

• Break out the snacks – what’s a movie night without snacks? Take your pick of warm popcorn, chips, candy, or other snacks to keep you going throughout the movie marathon.

• Get comfy – cozy up on your couch or beds in loose clothes and a light blanket to enjoy your movies in ultimate comfort.

• Make time for conversation – take breaks to talk about the movies, discuss your favorite parts and make predictions for the next ones.

• Enjoy the ambiance – darken your living room windows and don’t forget the candles for an extra special atmosphere.

• Unplug the devices – put away your phones or any other devices to ensure you can really focus on the movies.

A Successful Thanksgiving Movie Marathon

We hope that this guide has inspired you to try something different this Thanksgiving. With the help of this guide, you can easily create a film marathon that’s sure to be a hit! Get ready to get cozy, grab your snacks and take advantage of this great opportunity to spend quality time with your family.

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