by Tamera Lynn Kraft
Here are 10 of my favorite movies to watch on Thanksgiving Day.
10. Mouse On The Mayflower
(1968) Animated
Directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin, Jr.
Starring Voices: Tennessee Ernie Ford, John Gary, and Eddie Albert
This classic children’s cartoon movie about a mouse traveling on the Mayflower is a must if your children have never watched it.
9. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
(1973) Animated
Directed by Bill Melendez, Phil Roman
Written by Charles Schultz
The best part of this movie is Linus’ Thanksgiving prayer reminding us of the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
8. Holiday Inn
(1942)
Directed by Mark Sandrich
Starring: Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire
This prequel to White Christmas cover all of the holidays including Thanksgiving featuring Bing Crosby singing I’ve Got Plenty To Be Thankful For.
7. Plymouth Adventure
(1952)
Starring Spencer Tracy, Gene Tierney, and Van Johnson
Any movie starring these three giants of acting is worth watching. This movie tells the story of the voyage of the Mayflower.
6. Mayflower: The Pilgrim’s Adventure
(1979)
Directed by Clarence Brown
Starring Jenny Aqutter and Tim Barrett. Anthony Quinn and Richard Crenna also have roles in this movie.
Another great telling of the crossing of the Mayflower.
5. A Man Called Peter
(1955)
Directed by Henry Coster
Starring Richard Todd and Jean Peters
This story has nothing to do with Thanksgiving, but it does tell a story of the spiritual heritage of our nation. Peter Marshall feels the call to be a preacher. He leaves Scotland and comes to America and eventually becomes the pastor of “The Church of Presidents” and the chaplain of the US Senate without ever becoming politically correct or compromising his faith.
4. The Wizard of Oz
(1939)
Directed by Victor Fleming
Starring Judy Garland
This movie used to be showed on TV every Thanksgiving and reminds us we can be thankful for what we have. There’s no place like home.
3. Miracle On 34th Street
(1947)
Directed by George Seaton
Starring Edwin Gween, Maureen O’Hara, and Natalie Wood
Although technically this is a Christmas movie, who can forget that it starts with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
2. It’s A Wonderful Life
(1946)
Directed by Frank Capra
Starring James Stewart and Donna Reed
This movie that used to be shown every Thanksgiving reminds us that sometimes what we consider hardship may be the very thing we can be thankful for because our lives matter to other people. It would be number one if it weren’t really a Christmas movie.
1. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
(1987)
Directed by John Hughes
Starring Steve Martin and John Candy
In my opinion, this comedy is the best Thanksgiving movie reminding us to be thankful for what we have and sharing our blessings with those who might have lost everything. I get a lump in my throat at the end every time I watch it. Get the TV version instead of the movie DVD, or it will have too much bad language. I believe there’s a DVD that takes out the language also.
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