#1 “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” – 1973
This film is a Thanksgiving classic, a must watch for all families celebrating the holiday. “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” centers around the lovable, melancholic Charlie Brown. In an unexpected visit, Peppermint Patty, Marcie, and Franklin decide to invite themselves over to Charlie Brown’s residence expecting a gathering. In an act of kindness, and unable to say no, Charlie Brown decides to host a thanksgiving dinner for the guests on a whim. The key message of this film is about how friendship and unity is far more important than any kind of lavish meal, we need to give the time to thank the people around us, and appreciate the friends that we have.
#2 “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” – 1987
“Planes Trains and Automobiles” can only be described as a thoroughly entertaining film that brings to you many twists and turns. The film follows marketing executive Neal Page (Steve Martin) who works in New York City. In time for thanksgiving, he plans on flying to Chicago so he can spend the holiday with his wife and children. This trip goes terribly wrong in spectacular fashion, beginning when the plane is re-routed to Kan. Forced to bunk with a man who he finds insufferable, shower curtain ring salesman Del Griffith (John Candy), this duo share a variety of chaotic moments in their venture. Together, these total opposites need to overcome the madness that comes with holiday travel so they can reach Chicago in time for thanksgiving, through planes, trains, and automobiles.
#3 “Rocky” – 1976
“Rocky” is a mainstream blockbuster movie and all-time classic that centers around a small-time, blue collar boxer from Philadelphia. At the beginning of the movie, professional boxer Apollo Creed set up a public exhibition match in Philadelphia. After an unfortunate series of events, Apollo’s opponent gets injured which leads to the offer of a lifetime, for any unknown local fighter to fight him for the title. Hand picked by Apollo himself, Rocky Balboa was selected as the man that would fight him for the championship in five weeks. Despite being knocked down on numerous occasions by life, this was Rocky’s chance to prove his self worth in stardom, that he is not a nobody. In the lead up to the fight the movie follows Rocky’s influential journey to prepare for this massive fight. The central message of Rocky is how through perseverance, hard work, and determination, an underdog can overcome anything.
#4 “The Blindside” – 2009
“The Blindside,” based on true events, tells the story of former NFL player Michael Oher and his journey from rags to riches. With the help of a wealthy household, the Tuohy family took Michael off the streets as a teenager during the Thanksgiving season. In an inspiring tale, Michael overcomes an impoverished upbringing to play as an offensive lineman for several different teams in the NFL. The lesson of the film is to never give up, things will get better no matter how much the odds are stacked against you.
#5 “Thanksgiving” – 2023
“Thanksgiving” (2023) can be considered a typical slasher horror movie. Combining horror and mystery, the film is a good watch if you are seeking a quick, engaging film in the spirit of Thanksgiving. The movie focuses on a masked killer dressed as a pilgrim known as “John Carver” who terrorizes the town of Plymouth, Mass., he begins his spree exactly one year after a Black Friday riot at the mall which resulted in the deaths of over a dozen people. Can the town find out who the killer is and what the motive is for these cold-blooded killings?
