Movies About Thanksgiving

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robbie Robertson, Muddy Waters, Neil Young, Van Morrison
Rated PG

The Last Waltz is a 1978 concert film that documents The Band's farewell performance at San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom on Thanksgiving Day 1976. Directed by Martin Scorsese, The Last Waltz features performances by The Band and a variety of musical guests, including Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Van Morrison, Dr. John, Muddy Waters, Joni Mitchell, Neil Diamond, Ringo Starr, and others. In addition to the concert footage, the film also includes interviews with members of The Band, as well as director Scorsese, who narrates the film. Through these interviews, The Last Waltz offers insight into The Band's career, from their beginnings in Canada to their rise to fame in the United States. Throughout the film, the musicians discuss their craft, their influences, and their plans for the future. The Last Waltz is a celebration of an iconic American band and its unique sound.

From Martin Brest, starring Al Pacino, Chris O'Donnell, James Rebhorn, Gabrielle Anwar
Rated R

Scent of a Woman is an American drama film released in 1992, directed by Martin Brest and starring Al Pacino, Chris O'Donnell and James Rebhorn. The plot follows the story of a young prep school student, Charlie Simms (O'Donnell), who is hired to look after a retired army officer and former colonel, Frank Slade (Pacino), over Thanksgiving weekend in New York City. Slade has a keen sense of smell, which the young man comes to appreciate as he follows the colonel on his daring escapades. Along the way, Simms learns valuable lessons about life, love and loyalty from the colonel. As the weekend progresses, the two men form an unlikely bond, with Slade helping Simms to come to terms with his own troubled past. In the end, Simms is charged with the task of defending Slade in a court of law, and his faith in the man is ultimately rewarded.

From Woody Allen, starring Mia Farrow, Dianne Wiest, Michael Caine, Barbara Hershey
Rated PG-13

Hannah and Her Sisters is a 1986 comedy-drama written and directed by Woody Allen and featuring an all-star cast, including Mia Farrow, Michael Caine, Barbara Hershey, Dianne Wiest, and Carrie Fisher. The story follows Hannah (Farrow) and her two younger sisters, Holly (Hershey) and Lee (Wiest), over the course of one year. Hannah’s husband, Elliot (Caine), is having an affair with Lee, while Holly is struggling with depression and finds solace in a relationship with Hannah’s ex-husband, Frederick (Max von Sydow). As the year progresses, the sisters’ lives intertwine and they all face their own unique struggles while maintaining their familial bond. Through it all, they discover the strength and joy of family, ultimately finding peace and acceptance.

From John Hughes, starring Steve Martin, John Candy, Laila Robins, Michael McKean
Rated R

Planes, Trains & Automobiles is a classic American road comedy film directed by John Hughes. It stars Steve Martin and John Candy as two strangers who are forced to travel together in order to make it back home in time for Thanksgiving. Along the way, they face numerous obstacles, including flight delays, missed connections, and vehicle breakdowns. Despite the odds, the two men's relationship develops from animosity to friendship as they help each other through the journey. Throughout their travels, they meet a wide variety of characters who help illustrate the film's themes of camaraderie, resilience, and the importance of family. The film is ultimately a heartwarming story about the power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit.

From Ang Lee, starring Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Henry Czerny
Rated R

From Sam Raimi, starring Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe, James Franco
Rated PG-13

From Woody Allen, starring Woody Allen, Mia Farrow, Nick Apollo Forte, Sandy Baron
Rated PG

From Werner Herzog, starring Christian Bale, Steve Zahn, Jeremy Davies, Zach Grenier
Rated PG-13

From Robert Benton, starring Paul Newman, Bruce Willis, Jessica Tandy, Melanie Griffith
Rated R

From Barry Levinson, starring Aidan Quinn, Elizabeth Perkins, Leo Fuchs, Eve Gordon
Rated PG

From Peter Hedges, starring Katie Holmes, Oliver Platt, Patricia Clarkson, Derek Luke
Rated PG-13

From Donald Petrie, starring Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Ann-Margret, Burgess Meredith
Rated PG-13

From Greg Mottola, starring Hope Davis, Stanley Tucci, Parker Posey, Liev Schreiber
Rated R

From Gurinder Chadha, starring Joan Chen, Julianna Margulies, Mercedes Ruehl, Victor Rivers
Rated PG-13

From John Singleton, starring Mark Wahlberg, Tyrese Gibson, André 3000, Garrett Hedlund
Rated R

From Barry Sonnenfeld, starring Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, Joan Cusack
Rated PG-13

From Terrence Malick, starring Colin Farrell, Q'orianka Kilcher, Christopher Plummer, Christian Bale
Rated PG-13

From Directors: Mike Gabriel, Eric Goldberg, starring Mel Gibson, Linda Hunt, Christian Bale, Joe Baker
Rated G

From Mark Waters, starring Parker Posey, Josh Hamilton, Tori Spelling, Freddie Prinze Jr.
Rated R

From Jodie Foster, starring Holly Hunter, Anne Bancroft, Robert Downey Jr., Charles Durning
Rated PG-13

From Judd Apatow, starring Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Eric Bana
Rated R

From Gary Winick, starring Sigourney Weaver, Aaron Stanford, Kate Mara, Robert Iler
Rated PG-13

From Noam Murro, starring Dennis Quaid, Thomas Haden Church, Sarah Jessica Parker, Elliot Page
Rated R

From Bart Freundlich, starring Julianne Moore, Roy Scheider, Noah Wyle, Randee Allen
Rated R

From Steve Rash, starring Pauly Shore, Carla Gugino, Lane Smith, Cindy Pickett
Rated PG-13