Christina Ricci in Addams Family Values

Ah, Thanksgiving. The holiday that magically breaks up the time between Halloween and Christma-Hanu-Kwanzaa. Every year on November 1, networks begin inundating us with romantic Christmas movies (looking at you, Lifetime) completely bypassing the day of giving. This year, after you’ve settled into your turkey-induced food coma, here are some on-theme films you can watch before you give in to 160 hours of Christmas with the Kranks. 

Dutch (1991)

Starring Ed O’Neill, this is one of my all-time favorite holiday movies. Dutch (Ed O’Neill) wants to impress his girlfriend by picking her son up from boarding school and bringing him home for Thanksgiving. Too bad her son is a brat who tries to ruin the road trip back every chance he gets.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)

Is it even a holiday if you don’t watch a Charlie Brown special? I’d argue that it is not.

Soul Food (1997)

“Big Mama! Your Arm!” If there’s one thing you can count on Thanksgiving (besides pie, of course), it’s family drama. Soul Food is a 90s classic that reminds you of how “fun” having the whole family around for dinner can be!

Addams Family Values (1993)

This movie was also on my list of movies to watch for Halloween. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving. Honestly, I can watch Christina Ricci burn down a pilgrim village year after year and never tire. 

Into the Dark: Pilgrim (2019)

The newest addition to Hulu’s “Into the dark” series, which includes my personal favs “Pooka” and “Uncanny Annie.” Pilgrim is the grisly tale of what happens when you let Thanksgiving cosplayers into your home. Spoiler alert, things get bloody. 

Bob’s Burgers: Season 9, Episode 7

Not a movie but still a damn good Thanksgiving special. The Belchers try to save a turkey from the slaughterhouse and chaos ensues.