10. Mouse On The Mayflower
(1968) Animated
This classic children’s cartoon movie about a mouse traveling on the Mayflower is a must if your children have never watched it.
9. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
(1973) Animated
The best part of this movie is Linus’ Thanksgiving prayer reminding us of the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
8. Holiday Inn
(1942) Starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire
This prequel to White Christmas cover all of the holidays including Thanksgiving featuring Bing Crosby singing I’ve Got Plenty To Be Thankful For.
7. Plymouth Adventure
(1952) Starring Spencer Tracy, Gene Tierney, and Van Johnson
Any movie starring these three giants of acting is worth watching. This movie tells the story of the voyage of the Mayflower.
6. Mayflower: The Pilgrim’s Adventure
(1979) Starring Jenny Aqutter and Tim Barrett. Anthony Quinn and Richard Crenna also have roles in this movie.
Another telling of the crossing of the Mayflower.
5. A Man Called Peter
(1955) Starring Richard Todd and Jean Peters
This story has nothing to do with Thanksgiving, but it does tell a story of the spiritual heritage of our nation. Peter Marshall feels the call to be a preacher. He leaves Scotland and comes to America and eventually becomes the pastor of “The Church of Presidents” and the chaplain of the US Senate without ever becoming politically correct or compromising his faith.
4. The Wizard of Oz
(1939) Starring Judy Garland
This movie used to be showed on TV every Thanksgiving and reminds us we can be thankful for what we have. There’s no place like home.
3. Miracle On 34th Street
(1947) Starring Edwin Gween, Maureen O’Hara, and Natalie Wood
Although technically this is a Christmas movie, who can forget that it starts with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
2. It’s A Wonderful Life
(1946) Starring James Stewart and Donna Reed
This movie reminds us that sometimes what we consider hardship may be the very thing we can be thankful for because our lives matter to other people.
1. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
(1987) Starring Steve Martin and John Candy
In my opinion, this comedy is the best Thanksgiving movie reminding us to be thankful for what we have and sharing our blessings with those who might have lost everything. I get a lump in my throat at the end every time I watch it.
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