There is no single definitive count of how many Thanksgiving movies exist because definitions, formats, and sources vary. Broadly, the category includes theatrical features, direct-to-video releases, TV movies, and recurring TV specials that center on Thanksgiving. In this evergreen overview, we clarify what qualifies, list notable titles with years, and show why estimates differ. Our aim is an evergreen, transparent reference you can rely on when assessing the scope of Thanksgiving-themed film and television.
What Counts as a Thanksgiving Movie
Feature Films vs TV Movies and Specials
For consistent counting, separate theatrical and direct-to-video feature films from television movies and holiday specials. Features are typically 70–120 minutes and receive wide or niche distribution. TV movies and specials often air on broadcast or cable, may be shorter, and can become annual traditions. Both deserve inclusion, but mixing formats can inflate perceived counts. Below is a concise, source-agnostic comparison to anchor definitions.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Format Type | Theatrical feature, direct-to-video feature, TV movie, TV special | Industry standard |
| Typical Runtime | Feature: 80–120 min; TV: 45–120 min | General practices |
| Distribution | Theatrical, streaming, broadcast, cable, digital purchase | Industry standard |
| Annual Tradition Status | Certain titles recur as holiday viewing rituals | Broadcast scheduling |
| Centrality to Thanksgiving | Plot must substantially revolve around Thanksgiving | Content criteria |
Notable Thanksgiving-Themed Titles by Format
The following list emphasizes widely recognized theatrical and TV titles that center on Thanksgiving. It is illustrative rather than exhaustive, and counts vary by whether duplicates, limited releases, or regional titles are included.
- Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) — Feature film
- Home for the Holidays (1995) — Feature film
- The Ice Storm (1997) — Feature film
- American Splendor (2003) — Feature film
- Turkey Town (2020) — Feature film
- Friends & Family (2001) — TV movie
- A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973) — TV special
- Garfield’s Thanksgiving (1989) — TV special
- Tracey Takes On… Thanksgiving (1996) — TV episode/sketch
- Drunk Thanksgiving (2018) — Short/feature hybrid
Why Counts Vary Across Sources
Estimates range from a handful to several dozen titles depending on inclusion criteria. Key variables include:
- Theatrical vs TV vs direct-to-video releases
- Whether single-episode TV appearances are included
- Re-releases, remakes, and regional productions
- Documentary vs scripted treatment
- Whether holiday-themed anthologies are included
Because of these differences, providing a single number without context can mislead. A transparent range and clear definitions reduce confusion.
Documented Estimates and Examples
While precise totals remain elusive, we can anchor expectations with examples from major formats. The table below reflects commonly cited titles by category, not an exhaustive universe.
| Movie/Title | Year | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planes, Trains and Automobiles | 1987 | Feature | Widely recognized classic |
| Home for the Holidays | 1995 | Feature | Drama with ensemble cast |
| The Ice Storm | 1977 | Feature | Period drama set during Thanksgiving |
| A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving | 1973 | TV special | Annual tradition |
| Friends & Family | 2001 | TV movie | Cable holiday film |
| Garfield’s Thanksgiving | 1989 | TV special | Animated tradition |
How to Define Your Own Count
If you are building a list for research, editorial, or programming purposes, set explicit rules. Examples include:
- Include only feature-length scripted works centered on Thanksgiving
- Include TV movies and recurring specials, noting annual status
- Exclude episodes unless they are standalone specials
- Document remakes, regional titles, and language variants
By stating criteria up front, your count becomes reproducible and transparent, which supports long-term accuracy and editorial clarity.
Where to Find Updated Lists
Reliable sources evolve as streaming catalogs expand and legacy cataloging changes. Prioritize platforms that use structured metadata (where available) and provide year, format, and distribution details. Cross-reference multiple sources when exact counts matter, and note release windows (e.g., made-for-TV vs theatrical windows) that affect visibility.
Wrap-Up
The number of Thanksgiving movies depends on how narrowly or broadly you define the category. By clarifying formats, providing notable examples with years, and explaining variability, this reference supports consistent, repeatable counts. Use it as an evergreen baseline for any discussion, report, or editorial plan that depends on understanding Thanksgiving-themed screen titles.