Serving Up a Side of Thanksgiving Cinema
Serving Up a Side of Thanksgiving Cinema
By: Briley Rakow
While Christmas and Halloween seem to get all the buzz when it comes to movies and TV shows, there is no shortage of excellent things to watch to get in the Thanksgiving spirit this year. Whether it be rewatching the Thanksgiving episodes of class TV shows, or finding a movie that is reminiscent of the holiday season, here are a few options for your next night in.
You’ve Got Mail
Nora Ephron films all have a certain nostalgia to them, but You’ve Got Mail in particular stands out as a holiday classic. Starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks as a local bookshop owner and the heir to the largest corporate bookstore in America, You’ve Got Mail follows an unlikely love story that’s twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Friends
Season 5, Episode 8, “The One with All the Thanksgiving Flashbacks”
Season 3, Episode 9, “The One with the Football”
With many noteworthy holiday episodes, Friends is an easy place to start for your Thanksgiving fix. Each Thanksgiving episode offers hilarious stories from the group of friends who the world has come to know and love over the show’s ten seasons. Between competitive football games and heads being put into turkeys, these episodes are sure to bring some holiday cheer.
How I Met Your Mother
Season 3, Episode 9, “Slapsgiving”
There is perhaps no more iconic Thanksgiving show in history than the recurring “Slapsgiving” episodes on How I Met Your Mother. When a bet leads to Marshall being able to slap Barney five times whenever he chooses begins, Barney’s fear and paranoia over when the slaps will occur takes over Thanksgiving. In response, Marshall begins calling the day “Slapsgiving,” a theme that continues over several Thanksgiving episodes in seasons to follow.
Rocky
While there is only one Thanksgiving-related scene in Rocky, the film’s tone still very much fits the holiday season. The movie touches on family and togetherness while also telling the inspirational story of a man trying to achieve his goals despite the odds against him. Maybe it is not the first film to come to mind when one thinks about Thanksgiving, but it is certainly worth a watch this time of year.
New Girl
Season 1, Episode 6, “Thanksgiving”
Season 2, Episode 8, “Parents”
New Girl has many Thanksgiving episodes worth watching, but these two are especially entertaining. The ensemble cast is always hilarious and guest appearances on both holiday episodes bring even more laughs. Fit with romance, friendship, and just enough awkward moments to make it realistic, New Girl is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a holiday pick-me-up.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
One of the more obvious options on this list, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is the perfect amount of nostalgia for this time of year. Many of us have fond memories of the cartoon from our younger years, and there is no better time to indulge in some childlike wonder than the holiday season.
Gilmore Girls
Season 3, Episode 9, “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving”
Gilmore Girls is the ultimate fall rewatch, and the Thanksgiving moments are no different. Balancing humor, romance, and family in perfect harmony, the show is always a good go-to for a holiday night in.
Little Women
A true classic, Little Women has seen many adaptations over the years, all fit for the holidays. While Christmas is depicted in the film, the story of family, contentment, and generosity speaks to the spirit of Thanksgiving. The recent Greta Gerwig version is especially autumnal in feel and a brilliant cinematic experience.
Eat Pray Love
Another unexpected listing, Eat Pray Love is not exactly a holiday film, but it has an amazing Thanksgiving scene while the heroine, played by Julia Roberts, is in Italy. The film as a whole is inspiring and focuses on what really matters in life, a theme that translates very well to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Thanksgiving is an underrated holiday when it comes to cinema, but there are still many options for those who want something to watch over the holidays with friends and family. This time of year is about being together with loved ones and there are few better ways to spend your time than curling up with the people you hold dear to watch one of these holiday classics.
For more holiday inspiration, keep reading Square Magazine and follow us on Instagram @um.squaremagazine.
Images belong to their respective owners.