Top 6 Films to Put on At Thanksgiving with the Fam

Sometimes, you go to the Fam’s house and they just want to leave the news on (usually whatever news channel you yourself would never watch). Sometimes they want to rewatch Bosch or Tracker or Landman. Here are 6 movies you can put on that will please the whole fam, and give you a few minutes to either sit quietly or doomscroll, your choice!

ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES

This should resonate with both the younger crowd into Wednesday and the elders for whom John Astin is the only Gomez. With explicitly holiday hi-jinks where Wednesday (of course) hatches a plot to sabotage the summer camp’s (that her and Pugsley are forced into attending) Thanksgiving play, Addams Family Values holds up. Streaming on Paramount+.

FANTASTIC MR. FOX

This one is all about the autumnal color pallet—rich browns, yellows, ochres (sp?). As usual with Wes Anderson movies, this one is beautiful to look at, with a healthy dose of dry humor. This will also appease those who bemoan the death of art and animation being replaced by AI.

PIECES OF APRIL

Not gonna lie I thought this movie came out in the 1990s based on Katie Holmes hair and fit. It’s about a young woman in NYC trying to make a Thanksgiving dinner for her estranged family. Really sweet, slightly sad, and a wonderful performance from the always-great Oliver Platt.

MIRACLE ON 34th STREET

Okay so this is mostly a Christmas movie, but it does open with the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (explain to the young ‘uns why there is no Spider-Man, Bluey, or really any recognizable modern IP).

PLANES, TRAINS, and AUTOMOBILES

A classic. John Candy is as charming as ever, along with “Only Murders in the Building” star Steve Martin. A tale of the difficulties of traveling during the holidays, it has moments we can all relate. Oh, this DOES have some spicy language, so maybe for older teens.

PADDINGTON 2

One of those rare sequels that outshines the original. You will cry. It brings the whole family during the holidays vibes, and is beautiful to boot.