Top 25 Thanksgiving Movies & TV Shows of All Time

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering around the table, sharing favorite family traditions, and enjoying a little entertainment after the feast. For many households, that means settling in with a classic Thanksgiving movie, catching up on a favorite sitcom, or introducing a new generation to a beloved holiday special.

But which Thanksgiving movies and TV shows deserve a spot on your annual watchlist?

From the nostalgic charm of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving to the hilarious holiday disasters of Friends, these 25 Thanksgiving movies and TV shows span generations, genres, and viewing preferences. Some tell stories centered on Thanksgiving itself, while others have become seasonal favorites thanks to their themes of family, gratitude, friendship, and togetherness.

If you're planning a Thanksgiving movie marathon, looking for a family-friendly holiday special, or searching for the funniest Thanksgiving TV episodes of all time, start with this list.

The Top 25 Thanksgiving Movies & TV Shows of All Time

This list brings together classic holiday specials, Thanksgiving-themed films, memorable sitcom episodes, and animated favorites. The selections are organized into categories to make it easier to find the right show or movie for your holiday plans.

Note: This is an editorial selection, not a definitive industry ranking. Some titles are Thanksgiving-centered, while others are popular seasonal viewing choices or feature memorable holiday episodes.

1. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)

Few holiday specials are as recognizable as A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. The animated Peanuts classic follows Charlie Brown as he tries to organize a Thanksgiving gathering with the help of his friends. Snoopy and Woodstock add their own memorable touches to an unconventional holiday meal.

The special has remained a seasonal favorite for generations because of its simple humor, familiar characters, and message about appreciating the people around you.

Why watch it: It's a short, nostalgic choice for families who want to start Thanksgiving with a beloved animated classic.

Best for: Families, Peanuts fans, and viewers looking for a traditional Thanksgiving special.

2. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

Steve Martin and John Candy star in this classic comedy about two strangers attempting to get home in time for Thanksgiving. Neal Page wants a straightforward trip home, but traveling alongside the talkative Del Griffith turns the journey into a series of increasingly chaotic mishaps.

Beneath the comedy, the film explores patience, kindness, loneliness, and the importance of human connection.

Why watch it: Its travel disasters and unexpected friendship make it one of the most recognizable Thanksgiving comedies.

Best for: Adults, comedy fans, and families with older children.

3. Friends: Thanksgiving Episodes (1994–2004)

Thanksgiving became one of the signature traditions of Friends. Monica, Rachel, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler, and Ross repeatedly gather for holiday meals that rarely go according to plan.

Among the best-known episodes are “The One with All the Thanksgivings,” featuring flashbacks to the friends' past holidays, and “The One Where Ross Got High,” which delivers a particularly memorable family dinner.

The show's Thanksgiving stories mix awkward reunions, relationship troubles, inside jokes, and the kind of chosen-family dynamic that made the sitcom popular.

Why watch it: The series offers multiple Thanksgiving episodes, making it easy to create an entire holiday sitcom marathon.

Best for: Sitcom fans, groups of friends, and viewers who enjoy character-driven comedy.

4. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Although Miracle on 34th Street is primarily associated with Christmas, its opening Thanksgiving Day parade makes it a natural choice for the transition into the holiday season.

The story follows a department-store Santa Claus who claims to be the real Kris Kringle. His identity becomes the center of a legal dispute that challenges the characters' beliefs about imagination, faith, and the spirit of Christmas.

Why watch it: It captures the excitement of a Thanksgiving parade while introducing the Christmas season.

Best for: Families, classic-film enthusiasts, and viewers who enjoy starting Christmas movies early.

5. Home for the Holidays (1995)

Directed by Jodie Foster, Home for the Holidays follows Claudia Larson as she returns to her childhood home for Thanksgiving. Once reunited, the family navigates old disagreements, complicated relationships, and the familiar tensions that can accompany a holiday gathering.

The film balances humor with more serious observations about growing up, family expectations, and finding your place among the people who know you best.

Why watch it: Its honest portrayal of family gatherings offers a more grounded alternative to idealized holiday movies.

Best for: Adults and viewers who enjoy family comedies with emotional depth.

6. Garfield's Thanksgiving (1989)

Garfield's appetite for food takes center stage in this animated Thanksgiving special. When Jon invites Liz to Thanksgiving dinner, Garfield finds himself facing an unexpected challenge: a holiday meal that may not be as indulgent as he would prefer.

The familiar comic-strip characters and food-related jokes make this special a fun seasonal choice.

Why watch it: Garfield's humor and love of food fit perfectly with a holiday built around a big dinner.

Best for: Younger viewers, Garfield fans, and families seeking a short animated special.

7. Addams Family Values (1993)

Thanksgiving takes an unusual turn in Addams Family Values, the sequel to The Addams Family. Wednesday Addams attends a summer camp where a Thanksgiving pageant becomes the setting for one of the film's most memorable sequences.

Christina Ricci's performance as Wednesday helps make the film's sharp, unconventional humor especially memorable.

Why watch it: The film offers a mischievous alternative to traditional Thanksgiving entertainment.

Best for: Fans of dark comedy and families with older children who enjoy offbeat humor.

8. Pieces of April (2003)

In Pieces of April, Katie Holmes plays April Burns, a young woman attempting to host Thanksgiving dinner for her estranged family in her small New York City apartment.

When her oven stops working, she must rely on neighbors and strangers to help prepare the meal. Meanwhile, her family travels to the city with unresolved tensions of its own.

Why watch it: The film explores forgiveness, family relationships, and the effort involved in bringing people together.

Best for: Viewers who prefer independent films and heartfelt family dramas.

9. The Big Bang Theory: “The Thanksgiving Decoupling” (2013)

In this Thanksgiving episode of The Big Bang Theory, the gang's holiday plans take an unexpected turn when Sheldon encounters an uncomfortable situation involving his past.

The episode combines the series' science-minded humor with relationship dynamics and the awkwardness of spending a holiday with friends.

Why watch it: It's a fun option for viewers who prefer a modern sitcom to a traditional holiday movie.

Best for: Fans of geek culture, ensemble comedy, and the show's familiar characters.

10. Dutch (1991)

Ed O'Neill stars in Dutch, a comedy about a man who volunteers to bring his girlfriend's son home from boarding school for Thanksgiving. What begins as a straightforward road trip quickly becomes a series of conflicts and unexpected lessons.

The film uses the journey to explore the relationship between a reluctant teenager and the adult attempting to connect with him.

Why watch it: Its road-trip premise makes it a good companion to other Thanksgiving travel comedies.

Best for: Viewers who enjoy older comedies about family relationships.

11. Free Birds (2013)

This animated adventure follows two turkeys who travel back in time in an effort to change the Thanksgiving tradition involving their species. Owen Wilson and Woody Harrelson lend their voices to the central characters.

The film uses time travel, slapstick comedy, and an imaginative premise to put a different spin on the holiday.

Why watch it: Its Thanksgiving storyline makes it an easy addition to a family movie marathon.

Best for: Families and children who enjoy animated adventures.

12. A Winnie the Pooh Thanksgiving (1998)

Winnie the Pooh and his friends celebrate Thanksgiving in the Hundred Acre Wood in this animated holiday special. As the characters prepare for their gathering, they discover that everyone has a different idea of what belongs on the menu.

The story emphasizes cooperation, friendship, and sharing, with the gentle humor associated with the Winnie the Pooh characters.

Why watch it: It's a relaxed option for introducing young children to Thanksgiving-themed entertainment.

Best for: Preschoolers, young children, and families looking for gentle holiday viewing.

13. The Thanksgiving Promise (1986)

This family television film follows a young boy who develops a bond with a goose that his family plans to serve for Thanksgiving. As the story unfolds, the family faces a decision that puts compassion and tradition at odds.

The story offers a gentle look at kindness, responsibility, and the choices families make during the holiday season.

Why watch it: Its Thanksgiving-centered storyline explores compassion and the meaning of holiday traditions.

Best for: Families looking for a classic Thanksgiving television movie.

14. The Simpsons: Thanksgiving Episodes

Thanksgiving has provided plenty of material for the satirical world of The Simpsons. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie approach family life with the show's familiar mix of absurdity, social commentary, and animated comedy.

Individual episodes vary in how closely they focus on Thanksgiving, so viewers can choose from holiday-themed installments or simply enjoy a broader Simpsons marathon.

Why watch it: The show's humor offers a less sentimental take on the holiday.

Best for: Adult animation fans and viewers who enjoy irreverent comedy.

15. Bob's Burgers: Thanksgiving Episodes

For the Belcher family, Thanksgiving is rarely a quiet occasion. Bob's Burgers has built a following for its holiday episodes, particularly those centered on Bob's enthusiasm for preparing the perfect turkey.

The family's unusual dynamics, musical moments, and Bob's dedication to cooking make these installments stand out from standard sitcom holiday specials.

Why watch it: The episodes combine food, family, and absurd comedy in a distinctly animated style.

Best for: Fans of adult animation and offbeat family sitcoms.

16. New Girl: “Thanksgiving” (2011)

In this early episode of New Girl, Jess decides to host Thanksgiving dinner for her new roommates. Her plan to create a warm, traditional holiday quickly becomes complicated by the personalities and habits of the people sharing her loft.

The episode introduces the kind of chaotic group dynamic that becomes central to the series.

Why watch it: It delivers a humorous reminder that holiday traditions rarely go exactly as planned.

Best for: Fans of modern sitcoms and friendship-centered comedy.

17. What's Cooking? (2000)

What's Cooking? follows several families from different cultural backgrounds as they celebrate Thanksgiving in the same Los Angeles neighborhood.

The film explores how food, family history, identity, and generational differences influence the holiday experience. Multiple storylines intersect as the families prepare their meals and navigate personal challenges.

Why watch it: Its ensemble approach highlights the different ways families celebrate Thanksgiving.

Best for: Viewers interested in ensemble dramas and varied perspectives on holiday traditions.

18. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

Woody Allen's Hannah and Her Sisters follows three sisters and their interconnected relationships over a period of time. Thanksgiving gatherings serve as recurring points in the story, bringing the characters together as their lives change.

The film blends comedy and drama while exploring love, family loyalty, insecurity, and personal reinvention.

Why watch it: Its recurring holiday gatherings make it an interesting choice for viewers who enjoy character-focused storytelling.

Best for: Adult audiences and fans of classic ensemble films.

19. The Thanksgiving House (2013)

This Hallmark Channel movie follows a Boston lawyer who returns to her hometown to settle an inheritance involving a historic house associated with the first Thanksgiving. As she investigates the property's history, she discovers unexpected connections to her community and her own past.

The story blends a holiday setting with small-town relationships and a mystery surrounding the historic property.

Why watch it: Thanksgiving is central to the setting and story, making it a fitting choice for a seasonal movie marathon.

Best for: Viewers who enjoy cozy holiday movies, small-town stories, and romantic drama.

20. An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving (2008)

Based on a story by Louisa May Alcott, An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving is a period drama about a family facing financial hardship and the challenges of maintaining hope.

The story centers on family loyalty, sacrifice, and the importance of coming together during difficult circumstances.

Why watch it: Its historical setting offers a quieter, more traditional Thanksgiving viewing experience.

Best for: Viewers who enjoy period dramas and family-centered holiday stories.

21. The Ice Storm (1997)

Directed by Ang Lee, The Ice Storm is a drama set around Thanksgiving in 1973. It follows two suburban families as personal relationships, generational conflict, and emotional distance complicate their lives.

This is a serious, mature film rather than a conventional holiday crowd-pleaser.

Why watch it: It offers a thoughtful look at family dysfunction and the tensions that can exist beneath an apparently ordinary holiday.

Best for: Adult audiences who prefer dramatic, character-driven films.

22. South Park: Thanksgiving Episodes

The animated series South Park is known for its provocative humor, and its holiday-related episodes follow that irreverent approach. Thanksgiving can serve as a backdrop for stories that satirize popular culture, social behavior, and contemporary issues.

Because the show's humor is frequently explicit, these episodes are best reserved for adult viewers.

Why watch it: It offers a sharp contrast to wholesome animated Thanksgiving specials.

Best for: Adult animation fans who enjoy satire.

23. How I Met Your Mother: “Slapsgiving” (2007)

One of the most recognizable holiday episodes of How I Met Your Mother, “Slapsgiving” centers on Marshall's ongoing slap bet with Barney.

The Thanksgiving gathering provides the backdrop for one of the sitcom's best-known running jokes, combining the group's friendship with the escalating absurdity of Barney's predicament.

The episode also inspired additional Thanksgiving installments connected to the “Slapsgiving” tradition.

Why watch it: It is a standout choice for viewers who enjoy recurring jokes and ensemble sitcoms.

Best for: Fans of How I Met Your Mother and workplace or friendship comedies.

24. Cheers: Thanksgiving Episodes

The Boston bar at the center of Cheers provides a different kind of gathering place from the traditional family dinner. Its Thanksgiving episodes use the familiar setting to explore friendship, awkward social situations, and the relationships between the regular characters.

The series' ensemble cast and conversational humor make it a natural choice for a classic television marathon.

Why watch it: It captures the comfort of returning to familiar characters during the holidays.

Best for: Classic sitcom fans and viewers who enjoy character-driven comedy.

25. The O.C.: “The Homecoming” (2003)

Thanksgiving takes on a more dramatic tone in The O.C., the teen drama known for its complicated relationships and family conflicts.

“The Homecoming” is a memorable early episode that brings together the show's central characters amid relationship tensions and the challenges of navigating adolescence.

While the episode isn't a traditional Thanksgiving special in the same way as a dedicated holiday sitcom episode, it suits viewers who prefer drama to broad comedy.

Why watch it: It adds a teen-drama option to a Thanksgiving watchlist dominated by comedies.

Best for: Fans of early-2000s television and relationship-driven drama.

How to Plan the Perfect Thanksgiving Movie Marathon

With 25 options to choose from, building a Thanksgiving watchlist is easy. The best approach depends on who is watching and how much time you have.

When Should You Start Watching Thanksgiving Movies?

Thanksgiving movies and television specials can fit into several parts of the holiday weekend.

• Before Thanksgiving: Watch a classic special to build anticipation for the holiday.

• On Thanksgiving Day: Choose a short animated program while dinner is being prepared.

• After the meal: Settle in with a comedy or a favorite sitcom episode.

• During Thanksgiving weekend: Plan a longer movie marathon or start transitioning to Christmas classics.

If you're watching with a mixed-age group, check the film's rating and content before choosing a title. Some movies on this list are family-friendly, while others are intended for mature audiences.

Bring Your Favorite Movie Stars to Life at Madame Tussauds Orlando

Thanksgiving is a time for sharing favorite stories, celebrating pop culture, and making memories with the people who matter most. For movie fans, that can mean revisiting classic films, watching favorite actors on screen, or discovering more about the entertainment personalities behind memorable performances.

At Madame Tussauds Orlando, visitors can step into the world of celebrity culture with more than 90 lifelike wax figures across themed areas celebrating movies, music, sports, history, and other areas of popular culture.

Located at ICON Park on International Drive, the attraction offers an indoor experience where guests can pose for photos alongside recognizable personalities and explore interactive exhibits.

The attraction's A-List area features figures including Tom Hanks, Angelina Jolie, Channing Tatum, Zendaya, and Samuel L. Jackson. Music fans can also look for figures such as Taylor Swift and Elvis Presley, while the Sports zone brings visitors closer to sporting legends through lifelike figures and interactive experiences.

For visitors planning a Thanksgiving weekend in Orlando, Madame Tussauds Orlando offers a way to step away from the television and create their own celebrity-inspired photo moments.

Whether you're spending the holiday with family, planning a trip with friends, or looking for indoor entertainment during your Orlando vacation, add Madame Tussauds Orlando to your International Drive itinerary.

Make This Thanksgiving One to Remember

From the nostalgic charm of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving to the comic chaos of Friends, the best Thanksgiving movies and TV shows give everyone a reason to gather around the screen and enjoy a familiar holiday tradition.

Choose a classic for the whole family, revisit a favorite sitcom episode, or discover a film you've never seen before. Then, if your Thanksgiving plans bring you to Orlando, make time for an experience beyond movie night.

At Madame Tussauds Orlando, you can step into the spotlight, pose with lifelike celebrity wax figures, and create memorable photos of your own during a visit to ICON Park.

Plan your visit to Madame Tussauds Orlando and make your Thanksgiving weekend in Orlando even more memorable.