best thanksgiving movies-Top 5 Modern Thanksgiving-Focused Movies-While there might not be a plethora of recent films centered solely on Thanksgiving, these contemporary movies capture the essence of family gatherings and holiday spirit.
| Top 5 Modern Thanksgiving MOVIES | Year |
|---|---|
| The Humans | 2021 |
| Home for the Holidays | 1995 |
| Pieces of April | 2003 |
| The Family Stone | 2005 |
| Little Women | 2019 |
1-The Humans (2021)
The Humans is a story about a family who comes together for Thanksgiving dinner in their daughter’s new apartment. As the night goes on, we see the cracks in their relationships and the worries they hide. It’s like a scary movie where the monsters are the things they don’t say to each other.
This dark comedy explores family dynamics during a Thanksgiving gathering in a New York City apartment, offering a raw and honest portrayal.
Cast and Crew
Main Actors:
- Richard Jenkins as Erik Blake, the dad
- Jayne Houdyshell as Deirdre Blake, the mom
- Amy Schumer as Aimee, the daughter
- Steven Yeun as Richard, the son-in-law
- Beanie Feldstein as Brigid, the younger daughter
- June Squibb as Momo, the grandma
Behind the Scenes:
- Stephen Karam wrote the story and made the movie.
- The movie was filmed in a real apartment to make it feel more like a home.
2-Home for the Holidays (1995)
Home for the Holidays is a story about a woman named Claudia who has a really bad day. She loses her job, then kisses her boss goodbye (oops!). Her daughter decides to stay home for Thanksgiving instead of coming to visit. So, Claudia has to go spend the holiday with her crazy family.
Imagine a big, noisy family dinner with lots of laughs, but also some tense moments. That’s kind of what this movie is like. It’s funny and silly, but also shows how families can be a little weird and messy sometimes.
Cast and Crew
Main Actors:
- Holly Hunter as Claudia Larson, the stressed-out mom
- Robert Downey Jr. as Tommy Larson, her brother
- Anne Bancroft as Adele Larson, their mom
- Charles Durning as Henry Larson, their dad
- Dylan McDermott as Leo Fish, Claudia’s boyfriend
Behind the Scenes:
- Jodie Foster was the one who decided to make the movie and helped write the story.
- She also acted in the movie as one of the family members.
3-Pieces of April (2003)
Pieces of April is about a young woman named April who lives in a tiny apartment in New York City. She’s not very good at taking care of herself, but she decides to cook Thanksgiving dinner for her whole family.
April’s mom is really sick and this might be their last Thanksgiving together. So, April wants everything to be perfect, but things don’t go as planned. Her family has a hard time getting to her apartment, and she messes up the dinner. Even though things are crazy, the movie shows how much families love each other, even when they’re not perfect.
Pieces of April (2003) Cast and Crew
Main Actors:
- Katie Holmes as April Burns, the troubled daughter
- Patricia Clarkson as Joy Burns, her sick mother
- Oliver Platt as Jim Burns, her dad
- Derek Luke as Bobby, April’s boyfriend
- Alison Pill as Beth Burns, her older sister
Behind the Scenes:
- Peter Hedges wrote the story and directed the movie.
- The movie was made with a small budget but became very popular.
4-The Family Stone (2005)
The Family Stone is a funny and heartwarming story about a big, loving family and the chaos that happens when a new person joins them.
Everett wants to introduce his girlfriend, Meredith, to his family during Christmas. Meredith is super stressed and uptight, while Everett’s family is super chill and laid-back. It’s like oil and water!
All sorts of crazy things happen as Meredith tries to fit in with the family. There’s lots of laughs, but also some sweet moments as they all learn to understand each other. It’s a movie about family, love, and finding your place.
The Family Stone (2005) Cast and Crew
Main Cast:
- Sarah Jessica Parker as Meredith Morton, Everett’s uptight girlfriend
- Dermot Mulroney as Everett Stone, the eldest son
- Diane Keaton as Sybil Stone, the free-spirited matriarch
- Craig T. Nelson as Kelly Stone, the easygoing patriarch
- Claire Danes as Julie Morton, Meredith’s younger sister
- Luke Wilson as Ben Stone, Everett’s laid-back brother
- Rachel McAdams as Amy Stone, the youngest of the Stone siblings
Behind the Scenes:
- Thomas Bezucha wrote and directed the film.
5-Little Women (2019)
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Little Women is a cinematic gem that breathes new life into the classic tale. With its stunning visuals, stellar performances, and a fresh perspective on timeless themes, the film resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers to the story.
A Vibrant and Modern Interpretation
Gerwig’s decision to play with the narrative timeline adds depth and complexity to the characters, allowing us to see their journeys unfold in a non-linear fashion. This approach offers a unique understanding of the March sisters’ aspirations, struggles, and triumphs.
The film’s visual style is equally captivating. The costumes, set design, and cinematography create a rich and immersive world that transports the audience to 19th-century New England. However, Gerwig’s modern sensibilities shine through, giving the film a contemporary feel that makes it relevant to today’s audience.
Stellar Performances Across the Board
The ensemble cast delivers outstanding performances. Saoirse Ronan as Jo March is a revelation, capturing the character’s fiery spirit and unwavering determination with remarkable authenticity. Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Eliza Scanlen as Meg, Amy, and Beth, respectively, create complex and relatable characters. Timothée Chalamet shines as the charming Laurie, and Meryl Streep is a scene-stealer as the eccentric Aunt March.
A Timeless Tale with Modern Relevance
Little Women is more than just a coming-of-age story; it’s a powerful exploration of gender roles, societal expectations, and the pursuit of dreams. Gerwig’s adaptation highlights the characters’ complexities and challenges, making them feel more relatable and inspiring than ever before.
In conclusion, Little Women (2019) is a masterful adaptation that captures the heart and soul of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel. It’s a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.