List of films set around Thanksgiving
Encyclopedia
Comedy
- Alice's RestaurantAlice's Restaurant (film)Alice's Restaurant is a 1969 American comedy film co-written and directed by Arthur Penn. It is an adaptation of the 1967 folk song of the same name by singer and songwriter Arlo Guthrie...
, a 1969 American comedy filmComedy filmComedy film is a genre of film in which the main emphasis is on humour. They are designed to elicit laughter from the audience. Comedies are mostly light-hearted dramas and are made to amuse and entertain the audiences...
adapted from the 1967 folkFolk musicFolk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
song of the same nameAlice's Restaurant"Alice's Restaurant Massacree" is a musical monologue by singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie released on his 1967 album Alice's Restaurant. The song is one of Guthrie's most prominent works, based on a true incident in his life that began on Thanksgiving Day 1965, and which inspired a 1969 movie of the...
by singer and songwriter Arlo GuthrieArlo GuthrieArlo Davy Guthrie is an American folk singer. Like his father, Woody Guthrie, Arlo often sings songs of protest against social injustice... - Bean, a 1997 British-American comedy film directed by Mel SmithMel SmithMelvin Kenneth "Mel" Smith is an English comedian, writer, film director, producer, and actor. He is most famous for his work on the sketch comedy shows Not the Nine O'Clock News and Alas Smith and Jones along with his comedy partner Griff Rhys Jones.- Early life :Smith's father, Kenneth, was born...
and starring Rowan AtkinsonRowan AtkinsonRowan Sebastian Atkinson is a British actor, comedian, and screenwriter. He is most famous for his work on the satirical sketch comedy show Not The Nine O'Clock News, and the sitcoms Blackadder, Mr. Bean and The Thin Blue Line... - For Your ConsiderationFor Your Consideration (film)For Your Consideration is a 2006 comedy film directed by Christopher Guest. It was co-written by Guest and Eugene Levy, both also starring in the film....
, a 2006 American comedy film written and directed by Christopher GuestChristopher GuestChristopher Haden-Guest, 5th Baron Haden-Guest , better known as Christopher Guest, is an American screenwriter, composer, musician, director, actor and comedian. He is most widely known in Hollywood for having written, directed and starred in several improvisational "mockumentary" films that... - Grumpy Old MenGrumpy Old Men (film)Grumpy Old Men is a 1993 American romantic comedy film starring Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, and Ann-Margret, with Burgess Meredith, Daryl Hannah, Kevin Pollak, Katie Sagona, Ossie Davis, and Buck Henry. Directed by Donald Petrie, the screenplay was written by Mark Steven Johnson, who also wrote...
, a 1993 American comedy film directed by Donald PetrieDonald PetrieDonald Mark Petrie is an American film director.Petrie was born in New York City, New York, the son of Dorothea , a television producer, actor, and novelist, and Daniel Petrie, a director. Petrie has acted and guest-starred on television programs. His first directorial job was on the set of The...
and starring Jack LemmonJack LemmonJohn Uhler "Jack" Lemmon III was an American actor and musician. He starred in more than 60 films including Some Like It Hot, The Apartment, Mister Roberts , Days of Wine and Roses, The Great Race, Irma la Douce, The Odd Couple, Save the Tiger John Uhler "Jack" Lemmon III (February 8, 1925June...
and Walter MatthauWalter MatthauWalter Matthau was an American actor best known for his role as Oscar Madison in The Odd Couple and his frequent collaborations with Odd Couple star Jack Lemmon, as well as his role as Coach Buttermaker in the 1976 comedy The Bad News Bears...
. - The House of YesThe House of YesThe House of Yes is a 1997 film starring Parker Posey, Josh Hamilton, Geneviève Bujold, Freddie Prinze, Jr. and Tori Spelling. The movie is based on the play of the same name, which was written by Wendy MacLeod. It was produced by Robert Berger and was released by Miramax Films on October 10,...
, a 1997 American black comedyBlack comedyA black comedy, or dark comedy, is a comic work that employs black humor or gallows humor. The definition of black humor is problematic; it has been argued that it corresponds to the earlier concept of gallows humor; and that, as humor has been defined since Freud as a comedic act that anesthetizes...
film directed by Mark Waters and starring Parker PoseyParker PoseyParker Christian Posey is an American actress. She became known during the 1990s after a series of roles in several well-received independent films. As a result, she has often been referred to as the "Queen of the Indies".... - Jack and Jill, a 2011 American comedy film directed by Dennis DuganDennis DuganDennis Dugan is an American director, comedian, and actor. He is most famous for his partnership with comedic actor Adam Sandler, with whom he directed the films Happy Gilmore, Big Daddy, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, You Don't Mess with the Zohan, Grown Ups, Just Go With It, and Jack and...
and starring Adam SandlerAdam SandlerAdam Richard Sandler is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter, musician, and film producer.After becoming a Saturday Night Live cast member, Sandler went on to star in several Hollywood feature films that grossed over $100 million at the box office... - National Lampoon's Thanksgiving Family ReunionNational Lampoon's Thanksgiving Family ReunionNational Lampoon's Thanksgiving Family Reunion is a 2003 TV movie about a Thanksgiving family reunion of the Sniders, starring Bryan Cranston as Woodrow Snider, Judge Reinhold as Dr. Mitch Snider and Penelope Ann Miller as Jill Snider. The film was released as National Lampoon's Holiday Reunion in...
, a 2003 American comedy TV movie directed by Neal IsraelNeal IsraelNeal Israel is an American actor, screenwriter, film and television producer and director best known for his comedic work in the 1980s.-Career:... - Planes, Trains and Automobiles, a 1987 American comedy film written, produced and directed by John Hughes and starring Steve MartinSteve MartinStephen Glenn "Steve" Martin is an American actor, comedian, writer, playwright, producer, musician and composer....
and John CandyJohn CandyJohn Franklin Candy was a Canadian actor and comedian. He rose to fame as a member of the Toronto branch of The Second City and its related Second City Television series, and through his appearances in comedy films such as Stripes, Splash, Cool Runnings, The Great Outdoors, Spaceballs, and Uncle... - Son in LawSon in LawSon in Law is a 1993 comedy film starring Pauly Shore, Carla Gugino, Lane Smith, Cindy Pickett, Tiffani Thiessen, Patrick Renna, Dan Gauthier and Dennis Burkley.-Plot:...
, a 1993 American comedy film directed by Steve RashSteve RashSteve Rash is an American film director and producer best known for directing such films as The Buddy Holly Story, Can't Buy Me Love, and Queens Logic.- External links :...
and starring Pauly ShorePauly ShorePaul Montgomery "Pauly" Shore is an American comedian and actor who starred in several comedy films in the 1990s and hosted a video show on MTV in the late 1980s and early 1990s... - TadpoleTadpole (film)Tadpole is a 2002 American romantic comedy film directed by Gary Winick and written by Heather McGowan and Niels Mueller. It stars Sigourney Weaver, Bebe Neuwirth, Aaron Stanford, John Ritter, Robert Iler, and Kate Mara.-Plot:...
, a 2002 American comedy film directed by Gary WinickGary WinickGary Winick was an American film director and producer who directed films such as Tadpole and 13 Going on 30...
Comedy-Drama
- DutchDutch (film)Dutch is a 1991 American comedy-drama film directed by Peter Faiman and written by John Hughes. The original music score was composed by Alan Silvestri...
, a 1991 American comedy-drama film written by John HughesJohn Hughes-Artists:*John Hughes , American film director, writer, and producer*John Hughes , American art director*John Hughes , Irish musician and manager of The Corrs-Clergy:...
and directed by Peter FaimanPeter FaimanPeter Leonard Faiman is a well known Australian television producer with experience in film, live television and events. He has had a long standing working relationship with the Nine Network.-Biography:... - Funny PeopleFunny PeopleFunny People is a 2009 American comedy-drama film written, co-produced and directed by Judd Apatow, and starring Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, and Leslie Mann. The film was released on 31 July 2009 in North America, and on 28 August 2009 in the United Kingdom. Funny People uses considerably more...
, a 2009 American comedy-drama film cowritten and directed by Judd ApatowJudd ApatowJudd Apatow is an American film producer, director, and screenwriter. He is well known for his work in comedy films, especially for films he has been involved with throughout the latter half of the 2000s. He is the founder of Apatow Productions, a film production company that also developed the... - Hannah and Her SistersHannah and Her SistersHannah and Her Sisters is a 1986 American comedy-drama film which tells the intertwined stories of an extended family over two years that begin and end with a family Thanksgiving dinner...
, a 1986 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Woody AllenWoody AllenWoody Allen is an American screenwriter, director, actor, comedian, jazz musician, author, and playwright. Allen's films draw heavily on literature, sexuality, philosophy, psychology, Jewish identity, and the history of cinema... - Home for the HolidaysHome for the Holidays (film)Home for the Holidays is a 1995 comedy-drama film directed by Jodie Foster and produced by Peggy Rajski and Jodie Foster. The screenplay was by W. D. Richter based on the short story by Chris Radant...
, a 1995 American comedy-drama film directed by Jodie FosterJodie FosterAlicia Christian "Jodie" Foster is an American actress, film director, producer as well as a former child actress.... - Nobody's Fool, a 1994 American comedy-drama film directed by Robert BentonRobert BentonRobert Douglas Benton is an American screenwriter and film director.Benton was born in Waxahachie, Texas, the son of Dorothy and Ellery Douglass Benton, a telephone company employee. He attended the University of Texas and Columbia University. Benton has won numerous awards for both writing and...
and starring Paul NewmanPaul NewmanPaul Leonard Newman was an American actor, film director, entrepreneur, humanitarian, professional racing driver and auto racing enthusiast... - Pieces of AprilPieces of AprilPieces of April is a 2003 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Peter Hedges. The film debuted at the Sundance Film Festival.- Plot :...
, a 2003 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Peter HedgesPeter HedgesPeter Hedges is an American novelist, screenwriter, and film director.Hedges grew up in West Des Moines, Iowa, and attended Valley High School, where he was involved in the theater department, including the improv group and the mime troupe, "The Bakers Dozen". He later went to the North Carolina... - She's Gotta Have ItShe's Gotta Have ItShe's Gotta Have It is a 1986 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Spike Lee. It was also Lee's first feature-length film. The film stars Tracy Camilla Johns, Tommy Redmond Hicks and John Canada Terrell. Also appearing are cinematographer Ernest Dickerson as a Brooklyn resident and...
, a 1986 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Spike LeeSpike LeeShelton Jackson "Spike" Lee is an American film director, producer, writer, and actor. His production company, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks, has produced over 35 films since 1983.... - What's Cooking?What's Cooking?What's Cooking? is a 2000 British/American comedy-drama film directed by Gurinder Chadha and starring Mercedes Ruehl, Kyra Sedgwick, Joan Chen, Lainie Kazan, Maury Chaykin, Julianna Margulies, Alfre Woodard, and Dennis Haysbert.-Plot:...
, a 2000 British/American comedy-drama film directed by Gurinder ChadhaGurinder ChadhaGurinder Chadha , OBE, is a British film director of Indian origin. Most of her films explore the lives of Indians living in the United Kingdom. She is best known for the hit films Bhaji on the Beach , Bend It Like Beckham , Bride and Prejudice and Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging...
Drama
- AvalonAvalon (1990 film)Avalon is a feature film directed by Barry Levinson. It is a mostly autobiographical story of a family of Polish-Jewish immigrants to the United States who settle in Baltimore, Maryland, at the beginning of the 20th century. The movie follows the family as they grow, become more prosperous, and...
, a semi-autobiographicalAutobiographyAn autobiography is a book about the life of a person, written by that person.-Origin of the term:...
1990 film directed by Barry LevinsonBarry LevinsonBarry Levinson is an American screenwriter, film director, actor, and producer of film and television. His films include Good Morning, Vietnam, Sleepers and Rain Man.-Early life:... - The Ice StormThe Ice Storm (film)The Ice Storm is a 1997 drama film directed by Ang Lee, based on the 1994 novel of the same name by Rick Moody.The film features an ensemble cast of Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Tobey Maguire, Christina Ricci, Elijah Wood, and Sigourney Weaver...
, a 1997 film directed by Ang LeeAng LeeAng Lee is a Taiwanese film director. Lee has directed a diverse set of films such as Eat Drink Man Woman , Sense and Sensibility , Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon , Hulk , and Brokeback Mountain , for which he won an Academy...
, based on the 1994 novel of the same nameThe Ice StormThe Ice Storm is a 1994 American novel by Rick Moody. The novel was widely acclaimed by readers and critics alike, described as a funny, acerbic, and moving hymn to a dazed and confused era of American life....
by Rick MoodyRick MoodyRick Moody is an American novelist and short story writer best known for the 1994 novel The Ice Storm, a chronicle of the dissolution of two suburban Connecticut families over Thanksgiving weekend in 1973, which brought widespread acclaim, became a bestseller, and was made into a feature film of... - The Myth of FingerprintsThe Myth of FingerprintsThe Myth of Fingerprints is a 1997 American drama written and directed by Bart Freundlich and stars his real-life wife Julianne Moore.The film is named after track 11, "All Around the World or the Myth of the Fingerprints" on Paul Simon's Graceland album, released in August 1986...
, a 1997 film directed by Bart FreundlichBart FreundlichBartholomew "Bart" Freundlich is an American film, television director, screenwriter and film producer.-Life and career:... - Scent of a WomanScent of a WomanThis article is about the American film. For the Korean drama, see Scent of a Woman .Scent of a Woman is a 1992 drama film directed by Martin Brest that tells the story of a preparatory school student who takes a job as an assistant to an irascible, blind, medically retired Army officer...
, a 1992 film directed by Martin BrestMartin BrestMartin Brest is an American film director, screenwriter, and producer.-Education:He was born in a Jewish family in the Bronx, New York.... - ThanksgivingThanksgiving (2004 film)Thanksgiving is an American short film released in 2004. It was directed by Tom Donahue and starred Yolonda Ross, William Mahoney and James Urbaniak.- Plot :Yolonda is a young woman fleeing an unwanted commitment...
, a 2004 short film - The War at HomeThe War at Home (film)The War at Home is a 1996 motion picture starring Emilio Estevez, Kathy Bates, and Martin Sheen. Estevez also directed the film and also served as co-producer.-Plot:...
, a 1996 film directed by and starring Emilio EstevezEmilio EstevezEmilio Estevez is an American actor, film director, and writer. He started his career as an actor and is well-known for being a member of the acting Brat Pack of the 1980s, starring in The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo's Fire...
Family
- A Family ThanksgivingA Family ThanksgivingA Family Thanksgiving is a 2010 Hallmark Channel Original Movie directed by Neill Fearnley.- Plot :Claudia is a very successful attorney who was once graduated at the top from Harvard Law School. Nowadays, she is working hard to become the first female partner within a high-powered firm. Her life...
, a 2010 Hallmark Channel Original Movie directed by Neill Fearnley - An Old Fashioned ThanksgivingAn Old Fashioned ThanksgivingAn Old Fashioned Thanksgiving is a television movie based on a short story by Louisa May Alcott. Filmed on location in Canada, the movie premiered on Hallmark Channel on November 22, 2008...
, a 2008 television movieTelevision movieA television film is a feature film that is a television program produced for and originally distributed by a television network, in contrast to...
based on a short story by Louisa May AlcottLouisa May AlcottLouisa May Alcott was an American novelist. She is best known for the novel Little Women and its sequels Little Men and Jo's Boys. Little Women was set in the Alcott family home, Orchard House in Concord, Massachusetts, and published in 1868... - The Thanksgiving Promise, a 1986 Disney adaptation starring Beau BridgesBeau BridgesLloyd Vernet "Beau" Bridges III is an American actor and director.- Early life :Bridges was born in Los Angeles, the son of actor Lloyd Bridges and his college sweetheart, Dorothy Bridges . He was nicknamed "Beau" by his mother and father after Ashley Wilkes's son in Gone with the Wind, the book...
- The Thanksgiving Visitor, a 1967 TV adaptation of the story by Truman CapoteTruman CapoteTruman Streckfus Persons , known as Truman Capote , was an American author, many of whose short stories, novels, plays, and nonfiction are recognized literary classics, including the novella Breakfast at Tiffany's and the true crime novel In Cold Blood , which he labeled a "nonfiction novel." At...
Horror
- Blood FreakBlood FreakBlood Freak is a 1972 American horror film, directed by Brad F. Grinter and starring Steve Hawkes.-Plot:The film follows Vietnam veteran Herschell who, whilst riding down the highway on his motorbike, helps a young religious girl called Angel , whose car has broken down...
, a 1972 pro-Christianity horror film about a stranded motorist who's encounters with marijuana turn him into a killer turkey who craves the blood of other junkies. - Home Sweet HomeHome Sweet Home (1981 film)Home Sweet Home is a 1981 slasher film written by Thomas Bush, produced by Don Edmonds, directed by Nettie Pena and stars Jake Steinfeld and Vinessa Shaw.- Plot :...
, a 1981 slasher film about a family celebrating Thanksgiving that's terrorized by an escaped mental patient. - Blood RageBlood RageBlood Rage is a 1983 slasher film written by Bruce Rubin and directed by John Grissmer. It was produced by Marianne Kanter and starred Louise Lasser.-Plot:...
, a 1983 slasher film about a young boy who's framed for murder by his twin brother and escapes years later on Thanksgiving to prove his innocence. - ThanksgivingThanksgiving (2006 film)Thanksgiving is a 2006 slasher film produced by Screen Screams Pictures. It is not to be confused with the faux trailer of the same name created by Eli Roth for the 2007 film Grindhouse...
, a 2006 horror film - Thanksgiving, a fake trailer directed by Eli RothEli RothEli Raphael Roth is an American film director, producer, writer and actor. He is known for his role as Donny "The Bear Jew" Donowitz in Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds for which he won both a SAG Award and a BFCA Critic's Choice Award...
as part of the movie Grindhouse - ThanksKilling, a 2009 comedy horror film about a demonic killer turkey that terrorizes a group of friends celebrating Thanksgiving.
See also
- List of Thanksgiving television specials
- List of Christmas television specials
- List of Easter television specials
- List of Halloween television specials
- List of St. Patrick's Day television specials
- List of Valentine television specials