Top Thanksgiving Related Movies

Watching a movie on Thanksgiving has always been a tradition in my house. Partly because the theaters are open, thus providing an escape from extended relatives and endless dirty dishes, but also because watching a movie is a simple way to spend time with your family. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving doesn't get the play Christmas does at the box office, and often the films that do come out are stiff pieces about Pilgrims. That is, if their are any Thanksgiving movies to be had at the box office at all. So I compiled my own list of Thanksgiving related movies.

1. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. While it's certainly no Great Pumpkin, this movie is worth watching if you're a Charlie Brown fan. If nothing else it will keep the kids entertained. If you pick up the DVD version it comes with the "Mayflower Tales," so you can give the kids some more-then-slightly-distorted Thanksgiving education to boot.

2. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. While some people will grab the tear-jerkers for their post dinner movie, I tend to stick with the humor. Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a laugh out loud comedy about trying to make it home for Thanksgiving. From John Candy's performance as the traveling curtain ring salesman, to the slapstick comedy, you'll be entertained all the way through your post-turkey laziness.

3. Waltons: Thanksgiving Story. This movie is surprisingly about the Waltons and their non-stop approach to good manners. The story is uplifting for the wholesome type, and just plain funny for the more sarcastically inclined. Sadly, this is only available on VHS, so fire up the old VCR and put on a movie with a little something for everyone.

4. Holiday Inn. While Holiday Inn isn't specifically about Thanksgiving, Bing Crosby does perform his song "What I've Got to be Thankful for." What you do get with this film is a classic musical starring some of the greatest performers in film like, Virginia Dale and Bing Crosby. Plus, it's a family friendly story, based around the holiday season. Win. Win.

5. What's Cooking. What looks like a well crafted film about four families during their Thanksgiving dinner turns out to be a surprisingly deep film about the rifts families create and the issues that cause them. While the issues covered, (racism, homosexuality, etc.) may not be appropriate for the entire family, I found the film realistic and enjoyable. The DVD version even comes with recipes as a bonus feature.

6. National Lampoon's Holiday Reunion. Personally, I don't think this movie is even in the same ballpark as the Vacation series, and maybe it's time the National Lampoon legacy is put out to pasture. That being said, Holiday Reunion may be a good pick for some members of your family, especially if they're a fan of big comedy.

7. Avalon. This film is an intimate look at immigrant families and their relationships . While it's not a traditional Pilgrims and Indians story, the plot tries hard and succeeds. While this one may not be for everyone, it is an excellent depiction of immigrant life and the common ties that bring us all together on Thanksgiving.

8. Garfield's Thanksgiving. I'm a big fan of Garfield and this one did not disappoint. Jon is destined for failure and Garfield is put on a diet. Definitely a classic skit for the cartoon. It's available on DVD as a three part combo called Garfield: Holiday Celebrations.

9. Hannah and Her Sisters. A Woody Allen classic, about Hannah and her two sisters. This is another film with not directly about Thanksgiving, but the story does follow a family and it's problems, and they will at some point sit down to Thanksgiving dinner. I've watched this one many times myself and it has been hailed by critics as a Thanksgiving Day marathon film.

10. One Special Night. Originally made for TV, this movie is often overlooked by critics, but it is a true Thanksgiving movie. Centered around two strangers trapped together on Thanksgiving, the plot is a little mushy at times, but overall worth a watch. It will, at the very least, appeal to any Lifetime Movie Network fans in your crowd.