5 Movies That Taught Me How To Survive Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for food, family, and figuring out how to dodge drama like a turkey on the run. Luckily, Hollywood has taught me a thing or two about navigating the holiday madness. Here are five Thanksgiving movie moments that have helped me prepare for whatever this holiday throws at me.

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1. Keep Your Secrets Safe—Spider-Man (2002)

Scene: Remember when Peter Parker comes home for Thanksgiving with that fresh cut on his arm, and Norman Osborn sniffs out something weird about Peters suspicious cut! Peter’s sitting there sweating bullets while Aunt May’s sweet potatoes are still steaming on the table.

Lesson I’ve Learned: If I’m hiding a big secret—like being a web-slinging superhero or I just went on a "walk" with my cousins and the family is suspicious—I need to keep my cool. I’ve learned to dodge the interrogation tactics of nosy family members by staying calm and shifting the conversation. Pro tip: keep dessert handy to distract them.

2. Don’t Bring the Drama—Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)

Scene: Neal Page finally makes it home after the road trip from hell, with Del Griffith tagging along. It’s heartwarming, but not before we’ve endured screaming matches, charred cars, and frozen fingers.

Lesson I’ve Learned: Thanksgiving travel is rough, but the drama doesn’t have to be. Whether it’s a canceled flight or getting stuck behind 20 cars in the drive-thru lane, I try to channel my inner Del Griffith: laugh it off, stay positive, and remember the food waiting at the end of the journey.

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3. Watch What You Say About the Food—A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)

Scene: Snoopy’s Thanksgiving dinner of buttered toast and popcorn doesn’t exactly impress Peppermint Patty, who throws an epic tantrum over the lack of turkey.

Lesson I’ve Learned: I don’t care if the green bean casserole is overcooked or the stuffing is dry—I’m keeping my mouth shut. Thanksgiving isn’t about the food being perfect; it’s about not being the person who ruins the vibe. I’ll take my popcorn and jelly beans with a smile, thanks.

4. Be Ready for Kitchen Chaos—Home for the Holidays (1995)

Scene: Holly Hunter deals with a dinner that’s basically one disaster after another—overcooked turkey, embarrassing family revelations, and her mom bringing up WAY too much about her dad’s underwear.

Lesson I’ve Learned: Thanksgiving is chaos. I’ve stopped expecting a Pinterest-perfect meal and started embracing the madness. When the oven starts smoking or my uncle tells the same cringy story for the fifth year in a row, I just laugh, grab another roll, and keep on vibin'.

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5. Embrace the Unexpected—Addams Family Values (1993)

Scene: Wednesday Addams hijacks the Thanksgiving play at summer camp, turning it into a dark critique of colonialism. Nobody at that dinner table saw it coming, but honestly, it’s iconic.

Lesson I’ve Learned: Thanksgiving is full of surprises—unexpected guests, awkward speeches, or your niece turning grace into a performance piece. Instead of resisting the chaos, I’ve learned to lean in. These are the moments that keep Thanksgiving interesting, even if I do agree with the younger relatives rants on colonialism.

My Closing Thanksgiving Tip

Every Thanksgiving, I remind myself: it’s not about the turkey, the sides, or even the perfectly timed Spider-Man reference. It’s about laughing at the chaos, savoring the small moments, and trying not to lose my cool when the gravy starts flowing—or when my mom asks why I’m still single.