Thanksgiving Break Movie Recommendations

What better way to spend your time off than with some amazing movies?

A glorious week off from school. Wait, scratch that. A glorious three days off from school thanks to two makeup days caused by Hurricane Florence. Despite the shortened break, there is still plenty of time to binge watch TV shows or have a movie marathon. As I am partial to movies, I will be listing my top 10 movie suggestions for watching over Thanksgiving Break. These films are perfect whether you’re stuck at your grandparent’s house with them consistently asking you about college or just relaxing at home in a food coma from consuming so much turkey, stuffing, or mashed potatoes. These films are also sure to cheer you up if you have any procedures or surgeries scheduled over break too like Kate Kuisel (12) who is unfortunately spending her break getting her wisdom teeth out. Regardless of your reason, these movies are perfect for Thanksgiving Break. Enjoy!

Themed Pick: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)

It is impossible to start this list with any film other than A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. This short film is certain to get you excited about spending time with the family and eating all of that amazing food over Thanksgiving break. This film offers a great nostalgic choice that everyone in the family will enjoy on Thanksgiving Day. Pop this in after the conclusion of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade while the turkey roasts in the oven, and you’ll be good to go! The recipe for a perfect Thanksgiving is incomplete without this adorable film.

Thriller Pick: Gone Girl (2014)

For all my psychological thriller fans out there, Gone Girl is certain to provide the unexpected twists and turns you need. Although this film is a few years old, it is still perfect for this year’s Thanksgiving break when you’re in the mood for a film that just leaves you speechless at the end. In this movie, the main character, Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike), goes missing on her fifth wedding anniversary. The film centers around her disappearance and her husband, Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck), who is the prime subject. If you haven’t seen this film, definitely give it a watch over break, but prepare yourself.

Romantic Comedy Pick: Love, Actually (2003)

Switching gears a bit, this selection is for all of you romantics out there. As many people have already started celebrating Christmas time, what better way to kick the celebration off even more than with the best Christmas movie? With a star studded cast like this, it’s impossible not to love this movie and its feel good attitude. This film is on Netflix too, so it is perfect for Thanksgiving Break if you’re in the mood for a cozy afternoon at home.

Horror Pick: Get Out (2017)

While Get Out is a mix of suspense, drama, and horror instead of just a true jump scare horror film, it is still worthy of its spot on this list. Get Out is still the best horror like movie I’ve seen within the last year, so if you’re in need of a scary escape over break, this film is perfect. The film focuses on Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) and his girlfriend Rose (Allison Williams) as they go visit Rose’s family for the first time. And let me just say that her family is certainly not a normal family… So any time your own family annoys you over the holidays, just watch this film and take solace in the fact that at least your family is not like the one in Get Out. Hopefully.

Action Pick: Logan Lucky (2017)

Logan Lucky is your traditional heist movie with some interesting twists. This film focuses on a group of siblings who plan to steal money from the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina during one of the biggest races of the year. With a spectacular cast and a scene with everyone’s favorite song, “Take Me Home, Country Roads”, this film is certain to have you laughing and on the edge of your seat the whole time to see if they can pull off the heist.

Drama Pick: Room (2015)

This list would not be complete without a Brie Larson movie. Room tells the story of a woman and her son who who were held captive for many years, but finally gain their freedom to experience the outside world again. The intensity of the movie is unmatched by anything else I’ve seen before, but the acting and storytelling is incredible. Watch this film when you’re in the mood for an intense drama and to see some Oscar winning acting. Make sure to have a box of tissues nearby for this film though.

Sci Fi Pick: Ex Machina (2014)

Similarly to Gone Girl, Ex Machina will leave your mind racing afterwards. If you’re in the mood for a film that will change your perception of the world and the rapid growth of technology then this is it. This film deals with the testing and understanding of artificial intelligence and the effect that will have on our world moving forward. The reason this movie is so unnerving is because it could actually be a reality in the not so distant future. Watch this movie over break if you’re in the mood for a fantastic sci-fi flick that features an incredible cast and an amazing dance scene.

Documentary Pick: Won’t You Be My Neighbor (2018)

If you’re feeling nostalgic over break, this documentary is perfect for those feelings. It follows the life of popular children’s TV show host, Fred Rogers, and the legacy he created. The film is a heartfelt look at the important things in life and learning how to appreciate every day no matter what life throws at you. This film is perfect for Thanksgiving Break because it will remind you to be thankful for all of the wonderful little things in life.

Super Hero Pick: Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

In honor of Avengers 4 quickly approaching, it is fitting to return to the roots of Marvel movies and watch one of the original films. This film follows Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and his journey with becoming Captain America. This film is perfect for Thanksgiving Break because it takes you back to the origins of Steve Rogers and features soft 1940s scenes such as at the Stark Expo. Since the fate of Steve Rogers following the next Avengers movie is unknown, it’s also best to watch some of his best moments now. Pay tribute to the best super solider while you still can.

New Release Pick: Robin Hood (2018)

If you’re in the mood to go to the actual movie theater over Thanksgiving Break instead of just binge watching movies from the comfort of your own bed, then Robin Hood is perfect. The film opens on November 21 and follows Robin (Talon Egerton) and his mentor (Jamie Foxx) as they stage a revolt against the leaders of England. Although the story of Robin Hood is not a new one, this film is certain to be exciting and entertaining. Check out this film when you need to venture out of the house over break!

Bonus Pick: Isle of Dogs (2018)

This bonus pick is for all of you animated movie fans out there. Wes Anderson outdid himself with his most recent movie. Isle of Dogs, follows the journey of a young boy, Atari, as he ventures to find his dog that got sent away because their city is trying to eradicate all of the canines. In traditional Wes Anderson fashion, the film features comedy, drama, and quirky heartfelt moments. Definitely watch this movie if you’re interested in learning to appreciate films more and for a great animated film.

Enjoy all of these suggestions or explore other movies available of Netflix, Hulu, or other streaming services. You really can’t go wrong! I hope you all have a fantastic move filled Thanksgiving Break!