Top 20 Movies not “about” Thanksgiving, but still has Thanksgiving in it
Alternative movie recommendations for Thanksgiving from the Metabolic Nostradamus — From chaotic family dinners to pivotal character moments, here are 20 excellent films where Thanksgiving plays a memorable supporting role rather than the lead.
THE MIND'S EYEMOVIES
1. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)
The whole journey is about getting home by Thanksgiving, even though the story isn’t about the holiday itself.
2. Tower Heist (2011)
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the central backdrop for the heist.
3. Addams Family Values (1993)
The wild summer-camp Thanksgiving play is iconic but not the plot’s focus.
4. Avalon (1990)
Features a major Thanksgiving dinner that becomes a key emotional turning point.
5. The Blind Side (2009)
Thanksgiving dinner is when Michael is first welcomed as part of the family.
6. Scent of a Woman (1992)
The entire story unfolds over Thanksgiving weekend.
7. Spider-Man (2002)
The tense Norman/Peter Thanksgiving dinner marks a shift in their relationship.
8. Beethoven (1992)
The family’s chaotic Thanksgiving meal fuels the story’s comedic tension.
9. Little Women (1994/2019)
Thanksgiving dinner scenes highlight the family’s warmth and values.
10. The War at Home (1996)
The Thanksgiving dinner confrontation becomes the film’s emotional core.
11. The Big Chill (1983)
The reunion carries Thanksgiving-weekend energy without focusing on the holiday.
12. The Kids Are All Right (2010)
A Thanksgiving dinner scene sets up key character shifts.
13. You’ve Got Mail (1998)
The famous grocery-store “cash-only” moment happens on Thanksgiving.
14. Rocky (1976)
Paulie throwing out the Thanksgiving turkey becomes a defining character beat.
15. Funny People (2009)
Includes a Thanksgiving segment that shows changing relationships.
16. The Doors (1991)
Features an unhinged Thanksgiving turkey moment highlighting turmoil.
17. She’s Gotta Have It (1986)
Thanksgiving dinner appears as an important but brief interpersonal scene.
18. Grumpy Old Men (1993)
Thanksgiving moments appear but remain secondary to the main rivalry.
19. The Birdcage (1996)
Includes a family meetup with Thanksgiving vibes, but only lightly.
20. About Time (2013)
Contains a small Thanksgiving moment reinforcing the film’s focus on family.
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