The Thanksgiving movie most often considered “the best” is Planes, Trains and Automobiles, a 1987 comedy starring Steve Martin and John Candy about a man desperately trying to get home for Thanksgiving despite a series of travel disasters.

Why it’s usually ranked #1

• It appears at or near the top of most “best Thanksgiving movies” lists from major outlets and critics’ roundups, which frequently single it out as the definitive Thanksgiving film.

• The story is explicitly centered on getting home for Thanksgiving, blending broad comedy with a heartfelt ending that fits the holiday’s themes of family, gratitude, and connection.

Other great Thanksgiving picks

If you want alternatives depending on mood, commonly recommended choices include:

• A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving – an all-ages animated classic for a cozy, family-friendly watch.

• Home for the Holidays – a more adult, bittersweet family dramedy about returning home and dealing with messy relatives.

• Fantastic Mr. Fox – not strictly about Thanksgiving, but widely praised as a perfect fall/Thanksgiving-season movie thanks to its harvest themes and autumn look.