Need An After-Thanksgiving Movie? Here Are My Top 10 Flicks To Warm The Evening

Thanksgiving is almost here again and if you are like me, after all the eating is done the wind-down begins and finding an awesome movie is a major plus.

I am not an expert on television but I know good movies when I see them. I wanted to share with you my top 10 movies for Thanksgiving evening after you’ve eaten all you can and the football games are over.

10. You’ve Got Mail

Cast: Greg Kinnear, Meg Ryan, Parker Posey, Tom Hanks

Parents need to know that this 1998 romantic comedy may seem old-fashioned to teen viewers, especially given the technology — dial-up internet access and AOL chat rooms — at the heart of its plot. But they’ll likely find it entertaining, too, and still relatable. There’s a chain-stores-versus-independent-stores debate that may give young viewers pause (but would surely be informative). Plus, expect some discussions about infidelity and cybersex.

 

9. August Osage County Official

Cast: Chris Cooper, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep

This film is exquisite. I was not expecting much from it as I didn’t really like the trailer but the wonderful cast pushed me to at least give it a shot. I loved it, it’s simply amazing and the acting is fantastic…actually the word fantastic doesn’t even come close!! Though, it is not for everyone.

 

8. Paul Blart: Mall Cop

Cast: Jayma Mays, Keir O’Donnell, Kevin James

At first Paul Blart: Mall Cop just seems like another broad, brainless Adam Sandler-produced comedy aimed at teen and tween boys. But as the plot thickens, James’ teddy-bear of a protagonist actually begins to grow on the audience. This is one if you want to kick back and laugh a little at the craziness.

 

7. Home For The Holidays

Cast: Anne Bancroft, Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr.

This is probably the best family holiday movie around. Hunter and Downey’s screen presence are amazing. The acting is well executed and every joke happens at just the right moment. It is the perfect example of the trivia we go through with our own families, so while it is a comedy, it also really hits home.

 

6. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Cast: John Candy, Kevin Bacon, Steve Martin

R for one scene, perfectly great for mature pre-teens. This is a fun-and FUNNY classic, that’s rated R for literally one scene, in which the F word is said numerous times in what I think is the best movie scene of all time! Otherwise, this movie is a PG-13 level. Just see it all, it’s a classic for a reason!

 

5. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Cast: Jimmy Ahrens, Stephen Shea, Todd Barbee

Charlie Brown is put on the spot when Peppermint Patty invites herself, Marcie and Franklin to his house for Thanksgiving without first asking him. So he does the best he can under the circumstances. Later Marcie reminds Peppermint Patty that Charlie Brown didn’t invite her, but that she invited herself. Linus then reminds the kids- and viewers- of the true meaning of Thanksgiving. All turns out for the best- even better than any of the kids expected- when Charlie Brown’s grandmother invites him and all of his friends for a “real” Thanksgiving dinner. All are grateful. A great Thanksgiving tradition!

 

4. Dutch

Cast: Ed O’Neill, Ethan Randall, JoBeth Williams, Christopher McDonald, and Arnold Palmer

While has a couple of “hide your eyes” moments for the youngsters, it has some fantastic positive messages to portray. There are some wonderful scenes portraying compassion for other human beings as well as learning to not take his mother for granted. Add to that the message that all humans are created equal (blue vs white collar), and this movie is a moral winner.

 

3. Grumpy Old Men

Cast: Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Ann-Margaret, Burgess Meredith, Ossie Davis, Kevin Pollack, Daryl Hannah

Its a good comedy for older kids because of there is a lot of cussing in it but it has some really good acting in it. Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, and Ann-Margret together in a small town, what can happen? These two elderly men have been fighting each other for years and now a beautiful woman invades their battleground. That sets up for new ideas and a fight to the finish.

 

2. Miracle On 34th Street

Cast: Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins, Dylan McDermott, Mara Wilson, J T Walsh, James Remar, Robert Prosky, Joss Ackland

Miracle on 34th Street is an irresistible fable that has, for many years, become synonymous with celebrating Christmas. The holiday season is in full swing when a cultured gentleman with twinkling eyes, an ample belly, and a snowy beard (Edmund Gwenn) is hired as a Macy’s department store Santa. He claims his name is Kris Kringle, and he soon fills everyone with Christmas spirit

 

1. A Christmas Story

Cast: Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsley, Ian Petrella, Scott Schwartz, R.D. Robb, Tedde Moore, Zack Ward

This is my all-time favorite Christmas movie, no doubt. In fact, I’ll be watching it all day on Friday too. This movie is a tradition to watch when it nears Christmas, I love it so much. I can’t put my arms down. How I miss all the classic Christmas movies like this one and “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “Miracle on 34th St” or “A Christmas Carol” being aired on multiple channels over and over again.

You might have a few movies you would like to add to my top 10. Share them in the comment section.

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Wayne is a freelance writer who was named the 2015 American Conservative Union Blogger of the Year and awarded... More about Wayne Dupree

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