Thanksgiving is all about spending time with friends or family. Once the football game is over and the big feast is done, there is nothing more exciting than gathering to watch a great Thanksgiving movie. Whether you're looking for a family movie that kids can enjoy or looking for something sweet and romantic to curl up with your partner, there is no shortage of Thanksgiving movies that channel the spirit of gratitude and the positive aspects of life.
This guide will reveal 10 Thanksgiving movies that channel the spirit of the season's quality-time craziness. However, power outages can be a common concern that might ruin the vibe of the Thanksgiving party. That's where Jackery Portable Power Stations kicks in to save the day. The power stations can charge a wide range of appliances, such as phones, portable heaters, TVs, projectors, sound systems, etc., for a fun movie night.
- Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)
- Thanksgiving (2023)
- Blood Rage (1987)
- Scent of a Woman (1992)
- Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
- The Ice Storm (1997)
- A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
- Black Friday (2021)
- Prisoners (2013)
- Always Be My Maybe (2019)
- Book Club (2023)
Thanksgiving is a day of feasting and the occasional spirited debate — but there's more to the celebration. Here is the list of top-rated Thanksgiving movies for kids and adults that you can watch for a memorable night:
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is a popular classic comedy Thanksgiving movie directed by John Hughes. The heartwarming tale follows the misadventures of two unlikely travel companions. Watch the odd couple duo of helpless travelers, Steve Martin and John Candy, as they desperately try to get home for Turkey Day.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV
Thanksgiving (2023)
Thanksgiving is granted to be the best Thanksgiving horror movie ever. The most inspired sequence takes place during the Black Friday sale when Roth debuts an obnoxious Masshole variant of his signature hateable characters.
After a Black Friday riot ends in tragedy, a mysterious Thanksgiving-inspired killer terrorizes Plymouth, Massachusetts - the birthplace of the infamous holiday. If you are looking to watch a Thanksgiving horror movie, you should definitely start looking for where to watch this Thanksgiving movie.
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV
Blood Rage (1987)
Blood Rage is another Thanksgiving horror movie filmed in Jacksonville, Florida. It features a plot driven by an escaped psychotic killer who targets a family. When Terry's twin (Todd) escapes the asylum, he kills a man and then accuses his twin (Todd) of the murder.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Scent of a Woman (1992)
Scent of a Woman is an American drama movie that tells the story of a school student, who is in need of money. He takes a short-term job near Thanksgiving as a companion and assistant to a retired Army lieutenant colonel who is blind, irritable, and depressed.
Where to Watch: YouTube and Amazon Prime Video
Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
Three siblings, Hannah (Mia Farrow), Lee (Barbara Hershey), and Holly (Dianne Wiest), come together for a Thanksgiving Day party. However, things take a turn when Hannah discovers that her husband, Elliot (Michael Caine), is secretly having an affair with her sister, Lee. Holly is frustrated by her increasing dependence on Hannah's largesse and her lack of career fulfillment.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
The Ice Storm (1997)
The Ice Storm is about two dysfunctional New Canaan, Connecticut, families who come together for its 1973 Thanksgiving weekend. Ben (Kevin Kline), who is frustrated with his job, seeks fulfillment by cheating on his wife, Elena (Joan Allen), with neighbor Janey (Sigourney Weaver). Their teenage daughter, Wendy (Christina Ricci), dabbles in sexual affairs, too — with Janey's son, Mikey (Elijah Wood). The family's strained relations continue amidst the ice storm.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving movie for kids follows the Turkey Day traditions and festivities of Charlie Brown and the Peanut crew. The 25-minute animated film captures the essence of gratitude, friendship, and the joy of coming together during the holiday season.
Wondering where to watch a Thanksgiving movie? Well, it can be streamed on Apple TV+. Get ready to watch the Peanuts gang with your kids for a timeless adventure where Charlie Brown preps for a party, Linus patiently awaits a pumpkin patch miracle, and Snoopy sets his sights on the Red Baron.
With a Thanksgiving movie rating of 7.7/10 on IMDb, it is one of the most popular movies of all time.
Where to Watch: Apple TV+
Black Friday (2021)
Black Friday is an American horror movie that gets a little Christmas in its Thanksgiving horror. The cast is fun, with Devon Sawa starring as an alcoholic slacker who is way too old to be working as a stock boy and Bruce Campbell in a role that is kind of as if Ash had never made out of S-Mart.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Prisoners (2013)
If you love thriller movies, you can never go wrong with Prisoners. The film follows the abduction of two girls (Keller Dover's daughter and her friend) in Pennsylvania and then the search for the perpetrator by the police. As minutes turn into hours, Keller Dover feels his child's life is at stake and decides he has no choice but to take matters into his own hands.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Always Be My Maybe is the perfect Thanksgiving movie for all those who hope to reconnect with their teenage crushes. The 2019 romantic comedy movie stars All Wong as Sasha Tran (a famous chef who returns to her hometown to open a restaurant after breaking up with her fiancé).
She then meets her school love interest, Marcus Kim (Randall Park), and they eventually grow closer. It's a light-hearted, entertaining rom-com Thanksgiving movie with enough mouth-watering food shots to make you want to watch it only after a big meal.
Where to Watch: Netflix and Amazon Prime Video
Book Club (2023)
Book Club is the perfect romantic comedy for friends who wish to laugh, cry, and support each other. It follows four friends (and book club members) who are inspired to make some steamy changes to their love lives.
In the Thanksgiving movie, Diane (Keaton) pursues a romance with a pilot, Vivian (Fonda). Sharon (Bergen) dives into the world of online dating, and Carol (Steenburger) tries to spice things up with her husband with some pharmaceuticals.
Throughout their journey, four friends provide invaluable support to one another.
Where to Watch: Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Peacock
Checklist of Thanksgiving Outdoor Movie Nights
If you plan to watch the Thanksgiving movie in your backyard with your family or a big group of friends, it's essential to have all the supplies ready by your side. Here's everything you need to set up an outdoor movie night and create a wholesome backyard camping and movie screening experience.
Movie Screen & Set Up
- Projector
- Screen or Outdoor TV
- Outdoor Speakers
- Internet Connection
- Ambient Lighting/Candles
- Outdoor Blankets
- Cozy Seating (Use Lawn Chairs, Outdoor Chairs, Outdoor Sofa, Beanbags, Sleeping Bags, and Outdoor Pillows)
- Outdoor Table
- Jackery Portable Power Station
Food & Drinks
- Popcorn (Set Up Popcorn Bar)
- Popcorn Toppings
- Movie Theater Paper Popcorn Boxes/Bags
- Movie Theater Candy
- Water
- Soda
- Beer
- Wine
- Juice/Ice Tea
- Hot Chocolate
Additional Items
- Flashlight
- Napkins/Paper Towels
- Plastic Cups
- Candles/Citronella Candles
- Garbage Bag(s)
Portable Power Stations for Outdoor Movie Night
According to EIA data, U.S. electricity customers experienced nearly five and one-half hours of electricity interruptions in 2022. If you're planning to use the power extension cords to outdoor locations and charge the movie night supplies, it can not only be annoying but can also ruin Thanksgiving movie night if power outages happen. That's where portable power stations come to save the day.
Jackery is a leading brand that manufactures solar generators, portable power stations, and solar panels. The Jackery Portable Power Stations are built with portability and outdoor power in mind. They feature a sturdy handle and ergonomic design to move the power station to outdoor locations and charge movie night appliances for long hours. They do not emit toxic fumes or noise to ensure movie audio will remain clear without a gas generator buzz.
Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station is the smallest, lightest 2kWh backup power solution, 40% smaller and 34% lighter than similar-capacity products available in the market. It has a foldable handle to ensure effortless carrying from one place to another. Whether you want to charge a TV or lights during Thanksgiving movie night, the robust power station has got your back!
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station
If you are throwing a big Thanksgiving party and wish to power multiple appliances at once, you may consider the expandable Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station. It features pull rods and double wheels, so you can move the power station outdoors with convenience. If you need more power for your appliances, the battery capacity can be expanded to 24kWh with an additional Jackery Battery Pack 2000 Plus.
Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station
If you are looking for a large-capacity power station that can charge 99% of your outdoor movie night appliances, you can consider the Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station. Its portable design with pull rods and double wheels ensures easy movement all around. Whether you want to run coffee makers or power portable heaters to keep the space cozy, the power station is capable of charging outdoor appliances for long hours.
Product |
Capacity |
Appliances Running Time |
Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station |
2042Wh |
Projector (250W): 6.9H Screen (80W): 21.6H Light (5W): 347.1H Portable Refrigerator (50W): 34.7H Speaker (30W): 57.8H Phone (5W): 347.1H Portable Heater (800W): 2.1H |
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station |
2042.8Wh |
Projector (250W): 6.9H Screen (80W): 21.6H Light (5W): 347.1H Portable Refrigerator (50W): 34.7H Speaker (30W): 57.8H Phone (5W): 347.1H Portable Heater (800W): 2.1H |
Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station |
3024Wh |
Projector (250W): 10.2H Screen (80W): 32.1H Light (5W): 514H Portable Refrigerator (50W): 51.4H Speaker (30W): 85.6H Phone (5W): 514H Portable Heater (800W): 3.2H |
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a time to show some gratitude and spend the entire holiday weekend with friends and family. Whether you are hosting a big party or planning a small family get-together, these Thanksgiving movies will make the day more memorable.
Once you have picked the best Thanksgiving movie and planned how to set up the party, make sure to choose a reliable portable power station to charge the outdoor appliances. Jackery Portable Power Stations are eco-friendly and robust charging solutions that can power essential outdoor movie night appliances in peace.
Which is your favorite Thanksgiving movie and why? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Leave a comment