Thanksgiving is a day where we give thanks for the blessings we’ve received in the year. It’s when we spend time with our loved ones, have parties, and roast turkey. There are a lot of ways to celebrate this holiday, and those above are some of the best ones.
But don’t forget that you can also have a movie marathon! Not only is this a cost-effective way of having fun. But this also lets you feel the spirit of Thanksgiving even more. That’s why we’ve come up with the best Thanksgiving movies you can watch with the whole family. These will surely make you appreciate life even more.
1. Pieces of April
Katie Holmes is one of the most charming faces in Hollywood. And this movie depicts her mix of beauty and talent in the best way possible. “Pieces of April” is a movie about an unmarried couple living in a low-end New York apartment. It centers on Katie’s character, April Burns, who are living away from her family.
After knowing that her mother has breast cancer, she invites her family for Thanksgiving. Only to find out that things won’t turn out the way they’re expected. It shows how things could go wrong with emotionally-distant family members.
And Katie Holmes is pretty good at this, thanks to the natural quirky-look in her face. This lets you realize the importance of family ties while giving you a mix of laughter and tears.
2. Pocahontas
The first Thanksgiving celebration can be traced as far back as the 17th century. This was when European settlers were still exploring North America. And because of the surprising amount of riches and discoveries made, they can’t help but give thanks. Thus, Thanksgiving was born. That’s why it makes sense to travel back in time and know where it all started.
“Pocahontas” might seem to be your average animated movie in the ‘90s. But it shouldn’t be underestimated as such. This depicts the fictional romance between Englishman John Smith and Powhatan Indian Pocahontas. It is an immersive movie even if there are no historical records of the two’s romance. Nonetheless, it’s still an accurate depiction of the realities of the “New World.”
It lets you realize that love knows no barriers, even if it means two different worlds colliding. As cheesy as it sounds, it’ll still touch your heart in ways you won’t expect. That’s how much-of-a-masterpiece this movie is. It’ll also bring back all those memories from childhood!
3. Home for the Holidays
Long before Robert Downey Jr. became the Ironman we knew, he starred as a supporting cast for a comedy-drama film, “Home for the Holidays.” Though he might not be the center-of-attraction, he still pulled off his role pretty well.
The witty charm of single mother, Claudia Larson (Holly Hunter) is already lovely. But it’s even made better with Leo Fish (Dylan McDermott)’s provocative personality. These make it an entertaining movie fit for the entire family.
It centers on typical family issues that are dealt extraordinarily on Thanksgiving. You’ll surely find this relatable. Just expect that things are going to be kinky between Claudia and Leo!
4. The Blind Side
“The Blind Side” is another must-watch this Thanksgiving. It’s a movie that’ll give you lots of lessons. Trust, racial equality, second chances, and optimism are some of the things you’ll learn.
It follows the life of Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), a homeless black teen who’s been in and out of school. He’s adopted by Sean Tuohy (Tim McGraw) and Leigh Anne (Sandra Bullock). Through time, the foster parents grew fond of Michael which is why they helped him find his life’s purpose.
Years passed and Michael realizes his potential to excel in academics and the NFL. And that’s where the magic started. Yes, you’ve got it right — he’s the guy from the 1st round pick of the 2009 NFL Draft. He’s also currently playing for the Baltimore Ravens.
5. The New World
Here’s another take on the tale of Pocahontas. “The New World” recounts the experiences of the first wave of English settlers in America. It’s great for a Thanksgiving movie marathon because it shows the holiday’s origin.
This is a coming of age story of the fictional romance between John Smith and Pocahontas. And though it’s a bit historically inaccurate, you’ll still get a feeling of how thankful we should all be. It’s a movie that shows two different cultures can cross borders, all in the name of love. As cheesy as it sounds, that’s what you’ll get from this masterpiece.
And it’s not only a love story, as it’s also packed with a lot of action scenes! Director John Lee Hancock sure knows how to blend in reality, romance, and action altogether.
6. Rocky
You might have heard about Rocky Balboa a couple of times already. Only to find out that he’s a fictional character. That’s a testament to how great this movie is. It’s a rags-to-riches story of Rocky, who started out as a small-time boxer in Philadelphia.
He’s had the break of his career after winning against an unexpected fight with Apollo Creed. With the help of his buddy Paulie and training partner Mickey Goldmill, Rocky was able to defy the odds. But this film wouldn’t be complete without a sizzling chick, right? Director John Avildsen knows that fact. That’s why he put in Adrian (Talia Shire) to become Rocky’s (Sylvester Stallone) inspiration.
7. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Thanksgiving is all about the spirit of gratitude and compassion. And that’s what this 1987 movie is all about. “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” lets you realize the true meaning of Thanksgiving day.
It’s a movie that shows this holiday is more than eating turkeys and getting drunk. Instead, it teaches you life lessons about friendship and optimism. It follows Del Griffith and Neal Page as they do their best to return home in time for Thanksgiving dinner. But it didn’t turn out as planned because they encountered a series of problems along the way. Kudos to Steve Martin and John Candy for pulling off their roles with style!
Their journey home was a redemptive experience for them. They learned the value of trust even if it means putting them on a total stranger. This is the kind of movie you should watch right after a Thanksgiving meal with your family. Not only does this open you to the reality of life, but this also helps you to know your real self.
8. You’ve Got Mail
A taste of a rare love story would spice up your Thanksgiving. If you’d want one, then better watch “You’ve Got Mail.” Though it might sound mainstream at first, it isn’t. Take note that Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan star in this 1998 blockbuster.
It follows the relationship between Joe Fox and Kathleen Kelly that started online. The twist here is that, unknown to them; they are each other’s business rival. And it’s up to them on how they’re going to deal with their intense dislike and affection for each other.
It’s a movie filled with heartwarming realizations on how relationships should be. It also gives you scenarios on what to expect between real-life dilemmas. It’s the kind of film that’ll make you a better person once you’re through watching it.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is the time of year where we express our gratitude to the life we have. It’s also the time when we celebrate how good (or how cruel) life has been to us. Whichever the case is, it still boils down to how we move forward.
One way of doing that is by watching a movie with your family and friends. Netflix, Showtime, and HBO Now are some of the best places to watch these films. But the thing is, is that some of them might be unavailable in your region. These are what you call as geo-restricted content.
Good thing there’s Smart DNS Proxy because you can go around that restriction. With the help of this DNS service, you’re able to unblock any restricted content. You can avail this for $4.90 per month. But if you subscribe to the 2-year Best Smart DNS Special, you’ll only get it for only $34.9, instead of $117.6. That’s a 70% discount!
So what are you waiting for? Get one now and make your Thanksgiving more meaningful.