28 Movies to Watch During Thanksgiving Weekend 2015

Thanks to the magic of Thanksgiving, this week is a little shorter than all the rest, leaving us free to stuff our faces full of turkey and enjoy plenty of good movies. And since it’s a holiday weekend, you’ll probably be looking to escape the house for a few hours just so you don’t have to hear your family argue about politics. Or maybe you want to get everyone out of the house so you can enjoy a movie as a family.

Well, we’ve got you covered for a variety of cinematic occasions with a list of 28 movies to watch this Thanksgiving, and some of them you can even enjoy from the comfort of your own home.

Index

Our selection of 28 Thanksgiving movies is broken up into five sections: Family Films, Oscar Contenders, Dramas (Mostly) for Adults, Comedy, Action & More and Indies. Not all of the films are new this weekend, and (especially with older or more obscure titles) we can’t guarantee that all of them are playing at a theater near you. But whether you’re looking to spend the entire weekend in a theater alone, or only have time for one quick jaunt with the entire family, we should have something for you.

Family Films

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 – Since it’s only been about a week since the finale of The Hunger Games franchise hit theaters, there’s a good chance that some people in your family haven’t seen this one yet. Since the book series is so popular, and so is Jennifer Lawrence, you’re likely to have someone in the family who wants to go to the theaters to finish the games. This one tests the limits of PG-13 in its intensity though, so beware of that if you’re taking some little ones.

Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and for some thematic material

Availability: In theaters everywhere

The Peanuts Movie – It’s the only G-rated film out in theaters right now, so if you’re looking for the kind of movie that’s perfect for grandparents and parents who grew up with Charlie Brown, or just something with bright colors and kid characters to keep your rugrats entertained outside of the house for a bit, then this is your best bet. You can’t go wrong with Snoopy and the gang, and you just may enjoy it yourself since it has an 85% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Rating: G

Availability: In theaters everywhere

The Good Dinosaur – Another great option for adults and kids alike, Pixar’s latest offering goes back millions of years to an alternate reality where dinosaurs weren’t destroyed by a giant asteroid that hit Earth. We follow a little apatosaurus named Arlo who must learn to face his fears when he gets separated from his family. It’s a touching, uplifting story for the whole family, so make sure you bring some tissues for the tears that will eventually come out of your face.

Rating: PG for peril, action and thematic elements

Availability: In theaters everywhere

Love the Coopers – If you’ve got a family who doesn’t really have any little ones to satisfy, but you’ve got some adults who aren’t necessarily up for some drama, Love the Coopers should do the trick. Olivia Wilde stars in what is this year’s family Christmas comedy that deals with the trials and tribulations of not being able to choose your relatives. This one doesn’t have a great Rotten Tomatoes score at 21%, but I’ve heard that it’s pretty charming nonetheless thanks to Wilde. And with a cast that includes Diane Keaton, John Goodman, Anthony Mackie, Amanda Seyfried, Ed Helms, June Squibb and Marisa Tomei, you’re bound to find someone you like in it.

Rating: PG -13 for thematic elements, language and some sexuality

Availability: In theaters everywhere

Inside Out – Pixar’s summer release is a funny, beautiful tale of growing up and dealing with the complicated emotions inside your head. After seeing this one a couple times, it quickly rose up to be my second favorite Pixar movie of all-time (behind The Incredibles), and I haven’t met a single soul who didn’t love it. Honestly, it’s better than The Good Dinosaur if you don’t feel like heading to the theaters, just pick this one up to watch at home.

Rating: PG for mild thematic elements and some action

Availability: Blu-Ray, DVD and VOD