3. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973) 

If a heartwarming, fun, and profound holiday special is ever needed, Charlie Brown and the gang are always up to the task. In addition to A Charlie Brown Christmas and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, the Peanuts gang also helped deliver A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. The iconic Peanuts comic strip stole the hearts of the nation upon its premiere in 1950. Even after its original run concluded in 2000, the loveable characters have continued to be a mainstay across generations through comic strip repeats and timeless TV specials. Creator Charles M. Schulz has received resounding recognition for his work with the characters, including a win for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Children’s Programming at the Primetime Emmy Awards in 1974 for A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. The special is highly efficient with its 25-minute runtime, teaching lessons of friendship, gratitude, and the importance of togetherness even in the face of unexpected challenges.

While Charlie Brown is preparing to spend Thanksgiving at his grandmother’s, one of his more forward friends, Peppermint Patty, invites herself, along with Marcie and Franklin, to his house to spend the holiday. Charlie’s kind-hearted and mild-mannered nature prevents him from refusing, so after consulting his loyal friend Linus, he begins arrangements to host the event. Not short on support, Charlie turns to his dog, Snoopy, for help with the menu. Somewhat expected, the beagle only musters a meal of toast, pretzels, popcorn, and jelly beans. Despite Snoopy’s excitement, the dinner guests are less than thrilled. The situation gives the gang an opportunity to be grateful and enjoy one another’s company despite the nonideal circumstances.             

2. Scent of a Woman (1992) 

Scent of a Woman saw director Martin Brest (Midnight Run, Meet Joe Black) team up with Al Pacino (The Godfather, Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon) to deliver a powerful drama that explores the themes of honor, integrity, and redemption. Although Pacino has been nominated for an Academy Award on nine separate occasions, his performance in Scent of a Woman helped him win his only Oscar. He was able to beat out stiff competition that included Denzel Washington (Malcolm X), Clint Eastwood (Unforgiven [1992]), and Robert Downey Jr. (Chaplin). The film also saw Pacino’s co-star in the film, Chris O’Donnell, win for Most Promising Actor at the Chicago Film Critics Association Awards. The Golden Globes also recognized the production for Best Motion Picture – Drama and awarded Bo Goldman Best Screenplay – Motion Picture.

Pacino plays retired Army officer Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade, a blind and short-tempered aging man who’s been left to question his place in the world. With Slade’s family leaving for the holiday weekend, prep school student Charlie Simms (O’Donnell) takes on the odd job of watching Lt. Col. Slade for the weekend. Similar to The Ice Storm, Scent of a Woman doesn’t center around the direct theme of Thanksgiving and instead utilizes the long weekend as a plot device that allows the story to take place. Despite this fact, a Thanksgiving dinner with Slade’s estranged family helps Charlie see past Slade’s irritable aura and gain a profound understanding of who he is. Pacino concludes his superb portrayal near the end of the movie during a disciplinary hearing at Charlie’s school.         

1. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

Planes, Trains & Automobiles is not only the best and most well-rounded Thanksgiving movie but it also stands as a quintessential comedy. Legendary director, John Hughes, known for Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Weird Science, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, teamed up with Steve Martin (Three Amigos!, The Jerk) and John Candy (Spaceballs, The Blues Brothers) to deliver a buddy comedy for the ages. Although the film was largely snubbed for film awards, critical acclaim remains high, as does praise from movie-goers of all ages. Contemporary filmmaking typically sees comedies “play it safe” and give half-hearted attempts at providing an underlying message if it’s even attempted at all. Although it’s extremely difficult for a comedy to flip its tone into a more profound theme, Planes, Trains, & Automobiles proves it’s indeed possible.

Marketing executive Neal Page (Martin) is attempting to get home to Chicago in time to spend Thanksgiving with his family, but after a series of frustrating misadventures and crossing paths with Del Griffith (Candy), Neal must go above and beyond to ensure the hijinks don’t get the better of him and his travel plans. During their respective travels, Neal and Del become strange bedfellows (pun intended), and the journey helps lend perspective to Neal, who begins to soften his overall disposition. The late, great John Candy’s portrayal of Del is a true achievement in comedy as he’s able to garner sympathy while playing a bumbling and boisterous buffoon. After nearly four decades, fans still quote the film for a laugh. “Those aren’t pillows!”