Five Classic Thanksgiving Movies To Watch On Turkey Day

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and a lot of downtime,
inevitably leading to spending more hours in front of a screen. That
can be a good thing when you're tuning in to classic holiday movies.
Not only are they (mostly) devoid of the Leftist propaganda that's
taken over Hollywood lately, but they're also a surefire way to put you
in the holiday spirit during the most wonderful time of the year.

Just like with Christmas songs, there aren't nearly as many
Thanksgiving-themed movies. But there are some truly great options that
capture the feeling of gratitude. From heartwarming classics to laugh-
out-loud comedies, these are the best Thanksgiving movies to watch this
holiday season.

Any best-of Thanksgiving movie list absolutely must include "A Charlie
Brown Thanksgiving," an animated classic that has warmed the hearts of
both young and old since 1973. This beloved Peanuts special follows
Charlie Brown's well-intentioned but hilariously disastrous attempt to
host Thanksgiving dinner for his friends after Peppermint Patty invites
everyone to his house. Using a toaster and a ping-pong table, Charlie
and Snoopy create a meal that becomes a memorable lesson in friendship
and gratitude.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973). IMDB.
This heartwarming movie is only 25 minutes long, making it the perfect
option to view between your turkey dinner and pumpkin pie. It's also
great for kids and adults to watch together.

"Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" (1987) is the quintessential
Thanksgiving comedy, traditionally viewed on Thanksgiving Eve or
Thanksgiving day. Steve Martin and John Candy star as two strangers,
advertising executive Neal Page (Martin) and shower curtain ring
salesman Del Griffith (Candy), who get stranded during holiday travel,
often with over-the-top disastrous results. This John Hughes production
was released to critical acclaim and still holds a 92% approval rating
on Rotten Tomatoes.

The story is a comedy, but it also has a meaningful message at its
heart.

"Home for the Holidays" (1995), directed by Jodie Foster, also explores
family dynamics during Thanksgiving. The film features an ensemble cast
that includes Holly Hunter and other celebrities, including Robert
Downey Jr., Anne Bancroft, Charles Durning, Dylan McDermott, and
others. This holiday option includes awkward moments and the often
dysfunctional yet loving family dynamic present at many holiday
gatherings. It's a relatable film that captures real life so well.

"Grumpy Old Men" (1993) is about next-door neighbors John Gustafson
(Jack Lemmon) and Max Goldman (Walter Matthau), who have a long-running
rivalry. Everything comes to a head when a new neighbor named Ariel
Truax (Ann-Margaret) moves in, leading to funny antics and romantic
hijinks as they compete for her affection. Things really take a turn
when they realize a mutual friend already had Thanksgiving dinner with
the object of their affection.

Ann-Margret, Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau. "Grumpy Old Men." IMDB.
Finally, "Scent of a Woman" (1992), starring Al Pacino and Chris
O'Donnell, is a drama about a prep school student who takes a short-
term job around Thanksgiving to work as a companion and assistant to a
blind retired Army lieutenant colonel who is depressed and abusing
alcohol. For his performance, Pacino won the Academy Award for Best
Actor, and the movie was nominated for Best Director, Best Picture, and
Best Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published.

It's Thanksgiving Day - settle back with a movie, digest your turkey,
and enjoy.