While the food, drinks, and joy of Thanksgiving are the focal points of the day, the after-dinner chill time is just as important. While some family members may be consumed with football, some of the cousins are taking those annual “walks” away from the rest of the elders. Then, there are those who aren’t exactly in the mood for sports or a stroll. That is when good Thanksgiving movies can come into play.

The beauty of this holiday is that it has sparked films of all genres. There are Thanksgiving flicks for the horror lovers and the rom-com connoisseurs. Back in the day, those desperately seeking some turkey-themed cinema were forced to skip through channels until they came across a channel hosting a movie marathon. Thankfully, many Thanksgiving classics are available on any device, thanks to streaming platforms. Whatever you’re in the mood for, grab yourself a blanket and a cozy corner in the house and tap into either of these five movies perfect for the holiday.

Friendsgiving (2020)

IMDb: 4.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 19%

Where to Watch: Starz, YouTube, Hulu, Sling TV, The Roku Channel, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, Philo, Google Play Movies & TV, Fandango at Home, Apple TV

Friendsgiving is a comedy-drama film based on Molly (Malin Åkerman) and bestie Abby (Kat Dennings) as they plan to spend Thanksgiving together and soak in their life sorrows. However, their pity party is quickly turned upside down when several friends end up intruding on the dinner, making it a full-on “Friendsgiving” meal with a host of quirky characters, each with their own set of problems. While not what Molly and Abby anticipated, the dinner turned out to be just what they needed.

Holiday Rush (2019)

IMDb: 5/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 43%

Where to Watch: Netflix

Holiday Rush follows widowed radio DJ Rashon “Rush” Williams (Romany Malco), who is faced with employment after losing his adored job. The layoff stems from his radio station being bought out by another media company that switched the format from hip-hop to pop. A single father of four must alter his children’s lives by downsizing from their luxury home back into the house of his Aunt Jo (Darlene Love). Together with his producer and partner, Roxy (Sonequa Martin-Green), Rush purchases an old radio station, though the owners of his old gig quickly create hurdles for the partners. However, when their working relationship turns romantic, the pair faces new challenges from his children that run concurrently with their professional woes.

Family Thanksgiving (2021)

IMDb:7.2/10

Where to Watch: Peacock, Tubi, Xumo Play, Sling TV, The Roku Channel, PLEX, Amazon Prime Video

Family Thanksgiving is a lesser-known 2021 holiday comedy that focuses on Elliot (Tracy Mazyck), who receives an invitation to come to his family’s Thanksgiving dinner. Though he is apprehensive to attend, thanks to financial issues, he is asked to attend by his aunt, who he believes is dying. Though reluctant, he shows up for her, only to encounter his chaotic family and their drama. Additionally, he discovers the truth about his aunt and several traditions, and while the ordeal is quite the headache, it serves a purpose.

Black Friday (2021)

IMDb: 4.7/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 65%

Where to Watch: Sling TV, The Roku Channel, Amazon Prime Video, Redbox, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, Fandango at Home

Black Friday is a comedy horror film about the after-Thanksgiving shopping tradition. When a deadly parasite attacks All-Mart employee Monty (Lonnie Farmer), he transforms into a vicious monster who attacks two of his coworkers. Unfortunately, several Black Friday shoppers also end up infected by this parasite, which attacks employees and shoppers of All-Mart and surrounding stores. With no apparent end in sight, those aware of the attack are simply trying to survive the consumer holiday.

The Oath (2018)

IMDb: 5.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 63%

Where to Watch: YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Amazon Prime Video

The Oath is a hilarious take on a politically divided family who must gather at Thanksgiving. The kicker is that the holiday arrives shortly after the government starts requiring all citizens to sign a loyalty agreement. While Chris (Ike Barinholtz) has promised his mother he would not discuss politics during the dinner, his brother Pat (Jon Barinholtz) and girlfriend Abbie (Meredith Hagner) have other plans at the table. Arriving with opposing political views, the couple badger Chris as his wife Kai (Tiffany Haddish) tries to ensure peace. However, with this pledge to the United States wreaking havoc on the world, there is no way for the family to fully avoid it.

Thanksgiving films

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