Thanksgiving Movie Guide: 8 Movies You Should Watch in Theaters

Thanksgiving is a time for family, which means you're probably going to be stuck with yours. And when the thrill of hearing what your uncle's latest fishing trip produced fades, you'll probably want to head to the local theater and spend two hours away from your loved ones. (You still love them, but a breather is necessary!) With so much out there, from studio juggernauts to quiet Oscar hopefuls, it can be easy to get lost. So here's our guide to all of your Thanksgiving movie possibilities. Please save us some cranberry sauce (the canned stuff is fine).

'Lady Bird'

One of the funniest and most refreshing movies of the year, "Lady Bird" is the movie your family members will thank you for dragging them to. Writer/director Greta Gerwig's charming coming-of-age tale follows young Lady Bird (Saoirse Ronan) as she grows up in Sacramento, coming to terms with family issues, boyfriend issues, and friend issues (you know, adolescence!) If it sounds like a movie you've seen a thousand times before, it's not. This is full of nuance and heartfelt, almost novelistic detail. And what's more -- people will love it (it's already become something of a word-of-mouth sensation). It's expanding to more and more theaters each week, so chances are it'll make it to your local bijou by Thanksgiving.

'Coco'

Pixar's latest animated confection is also one of their best, a kaleidoscopic blast that sends viewers from modern day Mexico to the mythical Land of the Dead, where skeletons live rich, full (after) lives. In "Coco," young Miguel, through a series of mishaps, encounters his spectral family members on Dia de Muertos, the Day of the Dead. They usher him into the afterlife, where he hones his musical skills and reconnects with a long-lost relative. It's another surprising, delightful treat from Pixar and will truly entertain every family member (no matter how persnickety).

'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri'

Already tapped as a major Oscar contender after a string of film festival appearances, "Three Billboards Outisde Ebbing, Missouri" is the latest film from writer/director Martin McDonagh ("In Bruges," "Seven Psychopaths") and it might not be for everyone. If you've seen McDonagh's earlier work, you know his penchant for salty language, bursts of extreme violence, and generally dicey subject matter. And that hasn't changed in his newest film (which might also be his best). Frances McDormand plays a complicated, grieving mother hounding a local sheriff (Woody Harrelson) after her daughter's rape and murder goes unsolved. It's as brilliant as it is abrasive, but just know this going in.  

'Mudbound'

Sure, you could stay home and watch "Mudbound" on Netflix. But the film is also playing on select cinemas, which is where Dee Rees' sprawling Southern Gothic epic should really be seen. It's a story of frayed race relations around the time of World War II, which doesn't sound like warm and fuzzy family viewing. But in a weird way, its themes of tradition, familial obligation, and setting aside differences (while battling inhospitable land) align nicely with the thematic undercurrents of Thanksgiving. This isn't exactly a crowd pleaser but as a galvanizing topic-starter, it can't be beat.   

'Thor Ragnarok'

Marvel Studios is on something of a streak this year, after the wonderful "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" and "Spider-Man Homecoming." The streak continues with "Thor: Ragnarok," easily the greatest film in the Thor series and one of the best Marvel movies, period. In this latest installment, the God of Thunder (Chris Hemsworth) is banished to a bizarre alien world after Hela (Cate Blanchett) overturns his rule. That leaves Thor to team up with the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and reclaim his land. It's a space bound buddy comedy, one full of unusual quirks and wondrous embellishments. Even if you have family members that are cool to comic book movies, they'll come away from this having the time of their lives.

'Blade Runner 2049'

Yes, "Blade Runner 2049" is still in theaters. And yes, you probably missed it when it opened earlier this fall. Don't be a bonehead and let it leave theaters without drinking in its visual opulence, marveling at its narrative intricacies, and appreciating its finely nuanced performances (seriously, Harrison Ford is so good). Why not pop in your copy of the first film and then take the clan to see the sequel? The less you know, the better. But know this: you'll kick yourself if the first time you watch the movie is on your flat screen TV.

'Darkest Hour'

Now this is something everyone can enjoy. Older family members will be drawn in with the possibility of a handsomely-made period film about a critical juncture in the life and career of Winston Churchill, while younger family members will be jolted by the movie's craftsmanship and thriller-like atmosphere. Oh, and everyone will love Gary Oldman as Churchill. (He's the closest thing we've got to a surefire Oscar winner.) What's more, "Darkest Hour" makes a winning companion to "Dunkirk," showing the administrative maneuvering that made Operation Dynamo possible. It's just great.

'Call Me By Your Name'

A sweeping romantic fable, "Call Me By Your Name" is the Thanksgiving movie you go watch if you want to feel everything (although, it should be noted, mostly joy). Armie Hammer plays a doctoral student working under the tutelage of a professor (Michael Stuhlbarg). Soon, the professor's son (Timothee Chalamet) develops feelings for Hammer and the rest is a swirling, sundrenched romance that positively radiates off the screen. This is seriously one of the most gorgeous, sumptuous films of the year and one that will take your breath away. If you want to swoon after your turkey, try this.