Life
7 Thanksgiving Movies On Netflix For Your Post-Turkey Nap
While there are a million Christmas movies on Netflix, for the most part, Thanksgiving-themed entertainment gets left in the dust. There are a few great options out there, but unfortunately most aren't streaming. So when it comes to what to watch on Netflix this Thanksgiving, you need to get rather creative.
That's why I dug deep into the Netflix library, combing over an unusually large amount of films, and found some fantastic choices to relax with after you've overindulged in turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pie, and wine. Maybe you'll watch the whole thing, maybe you will fall asleep halfway through thanks to the alcohol and tryptophan, who knows. The point is that you tried, right?
If you already know that your attention span is limited, go for one of the Thanksgiving episodes that I included. They are shorter by design, and can even be watched between courses, in the event that your family spaces them out like mine does. (It's a marathon, not a sprint. If you set a slow and steady pace, you can literally eat for hours and never get sick.) Personally, might I suggest The West Wing? It is one of the best hours of television you'll ever have the pleasure of watching.
1. 'Lez Bomb'
This is a surprisingly sweet coming out story. What better time to come out to your family and loved ones than at Thanksgiving, right? Except when your roommate screws up your plan by showing up to your family dinner, and everyone mistakes him for your new boyfriend. That certainly complicates matters.
2. 'Paul Blart: Mall Cop'
Arguably one of the most ridiculous movies on all of Netflix, it's basically the perfect family Thanksgiving movie. Who wouldn't want to watch a security guy risk life and limb on a Segway through the hallowed halls of the shopping mall in the post-Thanksgiving rush? Sure, you might have already seen it 50 times, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it at least 10 more times before next Thanksgiving. It's total mindless enjoyment.
3. 'Krisha'
Is your family too happy? Too normal? Then I have the film for you. Or, perhaps, after spending hours with your in-laws, you start to believe that there is no other more dysfunctional family on the planet. Again, I have a film for you. Enter Krisha. She's been gone for years, trying to make herself a better person, and has a lot to make up for. Unfortunately, her disease follows her, and it doesn't go well.
4. 'A Holiday Engagement'
Fake fiancé romances are all the buzz in the book world, and this movie brings the trope to Netflix. I am ready for it. Grab a slice of pie, whipped cream, and settle in for the long haul.
It is a really touching portrayal of awkward family dynamics, and it just works.
And now, I present a bunch of great Thanksgiving TV show episodes you can watch in a giant marathon and pretend it's one full-length movie:
5. 'Gilmore Girls' Season 3, Episode 9
Lorelei and Rory engage in their typical full-on dialogue olympics in this episode. It's all about the holiday spirit. And coffee. It's always about coffee.
6. 'Friends' Season 1, Episode 9 (& Others)
If you're a Friends fan, you already know that their Thanksgiving shows are legendary. Turkeys on heads, Monica freaking out about everything, a football game, a teeny weenie, a huge loft apartment they could in no way afford — all of it.
7. 'The West Wing' Season 2, Episode 8
Can I quote this entire episode? It's possible. Will I watch it again this Thanksgiving? Abso-freaking-lutely. I think we could all use a little Jed Barton goodness in our lives right now. Especially paired with the Aaron Sorkin dialogue.
