14 Movies To Keep The Peace During Thanksgiving
You don’t need me to remind you that the holidays are going to look different this year. And I’m trying to provide distractions, not hammer home what’s going on. So here we go: Please stay safe - you, your families, your friends. Wear masks, keep gatherings small and social distance where you can. Please, for the sake of everyone.
Okay. That’s all I wanted to say on that. Now let’s get to something that doesn’t change: clashing family members. Whether it’s differing political views, a lack of overlapping interests or even just the difficulty of bridging generation gaps, there can be plenty of things that can make conversations go awry in the blink of an eye. So let’s do something to fix this: a good movie.
I really loved compiling my election day distractions, so I wanted to follow suit for the holiday weekend. Here are a range of movies that the whole (or at least the majority of them - some are not 100% good options for kids) family can enjoy, no matter what you normally watch.
So here’s to keeping the peace, because you know the talk won’t always stay in the safe zone. There’s only so much you can say about the weather.
Netflix
Pride & Prejudice
This is my favorite movie. Full stop. Sure, some people (especially male) may not think Jane Austen is for them. But hear me out. This is one of the most beautiful and calming movies in existence, which would be a perfect antidote to a heated political discussion over dinner. Just enjoy seeing a world so, so very different from our current one.
Ocean’s Eleven
There may be some non kid-friendly language in this one, but overall, it’s a surprisingly innocent caper film. I know it’s a remake, but to me, this is an OG of this genre. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, has a phenomenal cast and it’s beautifully shot. You can watch it for the first time or the 22nd and still find things that can bring you joy.
Hulu
Fighting With My Family
This was a new one for me, and I feel like it flew under the radar so I’m happy to recommend it when I can. I had zero expectations of this movie other than knowing I enjoy seeing almost everything Florence Pugh does. Yes, it’s about wrestling, but you don’t have to like, know or even care about the sport to appreciate this movie. Language warning on this one, but it definitely could surprise you.
Passport to Paris
Did you know there are Mary Kate & Ashley movies on streaming now?? And this is one of the classics. Did it age well? Maybe, maybe not. Will most millennials get really hyped to introduce other members of their families - especially the younger ones - to the epitome of our childhood? Absolutely. Welcome back to the nineties, everyone.
Prime
Clue
Clue is one of those movies that I almost forgot that I hadn’t seen. I grew up playing the game so I know all the jokes, players’ names, etc, but I didn’t get to this film until the last year or so - and I was really excited to see that it aged pretty decently. It’s dated, for sure, but it’s peak Tim Curry and usually on streaming you can see all the possible endings and can just enjoy every minute of it.
Brittany Runs a Marathon
I reviewed this movie when it came out a little more than a year ago. I was sold on it immediately. It is rated R, so keep that in mind, but it is a wonderful movie that will almost certainly make you cry, whether from happy or sad moments. As a woman in my mid/late 20s, I identified with this movie more than I expected and just writing this blurb is making me want to check it out again.
Disney+
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Guess what, everyone? Time doesn’t matter in 2020 so start celebrating Christmas now! Why not? Get into the spirit with my personal favorite holiday film. I’ll probably watch it myself when I put up my decorations this weekend. Introduce little ones to this classic while all the adults laugh at the clever jokes and make it a tradition of your own. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Hidden Figures
I loved this movie when it came out, and I think now is the perfect time to watch it with the whole family. It’s the year that Black Lives Matter finally gained more of the support it deserved, so introduce the family to the story of some truly incredible Black women. Everyone can learn something from this film, even if it isn’t your first time watching it.
CBS All Access
Major League
Alright this was another selfish pick on my end. This is one of my most nostalgic movies. I grew up watching this over and over with my mom, and it’s so wonderfully dated. If you watched Ted Lasso (which you really should) and enjoyed it, I definitely think you should check this one out. There’s a bit of adult material and language, but for anyone okay with that, it’s worth the watch - or the rewatch.
Roman Holiday
I have loved movies my entire life, but there are quite a few classics that I just never got to, and this was one of them. I finally watched it earlier this year and was a bit blown away. It was nothing like I expected, and I was utterly charmed by every single thing Audrey Hepburn said or did. It’s already making me look forward to exploring other movies from that period.
HBO Max
Dolittle
Okay here me out. This movie is so bad that it could unite the whole family. You will laugh, you will groan and you will roll your eyes. But man oh man is it fun. If you - and any of your family members - can handle the joy that comes from appreciating an insanely horrible film, it’s not a waste of time - especially now that it’s streaming.
Wonder Woman
We just got the news that the Wonder Woman sequel will be on HBO Max on Christmas, so now is the perfect time to refresh your memory on the first. Sure, it is kind of Captain America: The First Avenger recast and gender-swapped, but it’s a great example of how badass a woman can be. Enjoy one of the better movies DC has to offer and get excited for the next one coming soon!
Peacock
The Little Rascals
We had to have a real nostalgia film on this list, right? It doesn’t get much more wholesome than this movie, which I feel like I have an odd memory of watching it in a cabin on vacation with my family. Which, really, is the perfect vibe for a holiday movie that’s good for everyone, right?
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
Normally documentaries aren’t my “fun for the whole family” recommendations, but this one hits that comforting feel that I mentioned with The Little Rascals. The majority of millennials - and probably some Gen X-ers too, will have fond memories of Mr. Rogers, so go ahead and revisit that while learning more about the man behind the show.
Hopefully something on this list will make the whole family happy - or at least inspire a movie choice that does. If you have any traditional holiday or family films you always seek out around this time of year, let me know in the comments below!