Thanksgiving. A time for turkey, stuffing, and—if we’re being honest—family drama. Between passive-aggressive remarks about life choices and that one relative who brings up politics, it can feel like a survival mission all on its own. But why just survive Thanksgiving when you can add a sprinkle of horror, a dash of dark humor, and turn the drama into a cinematic experience?
If tension at the dinner table has you feeling like you’re trapped in a scary movie, we’ve got the perfect antidote. Here are five horror films to watch that embody the chaos, absurdity, and survival instincts needed to breeze through Thanksgiving family drama—with some good scares and questionable poultry thrown in for good measure.
1. ThanksKilling (2008)
One-liner takeaway: A vengeful, foul-mouthed turkey goes on a killing spree.
What better way to lean into the Thanksgiving spirit than with a homicidal turkey? This over-the-top horror-comedy is the perfect reminder that your relatives, no matter how loud or nosy, could always be worse. With cheesy dialogue and ridiculous gore, ThanksKilling is a cult classic that doesn’t take itself seriously—much like you shouldn’t take Aunt Carol’s critique of your mashed potatoes.
Survival tip: If you can handle a crude, murderous turkey on-screen, you can handle the bird sitting at your dinner table. Deep breaths.
2. Pilgrim (2019)
One-liner takeaway: Be careful who you invite into your home, especially if they love pilgrim reenactments a little too much.
From the creators of Into the Dark, this chilling thriller centers on a family who hires colonial reenactors for an “authentic” Thanksgiving experience. Spoiler alert—it spirals into a nightmare. Pilgrim will make you appreciate that even when relatives overstay their welcome, at least they’re not wearing bonnets and threatening you with archaic laws.
Survival tip: Set boundaries and don’t feel bad for saying no. Watch this, and you’ll never hesitate to enforce a “3-day maximum visitor rule” again.
3. You’re Next (2011)
One-liner takeaway: Family dinners can be deadly, but at least you’re not being hunted by masked killers.
This indie gem flips the home-invasion genre on its head. When a seemingly picture-perfect family gathers for dinner, chaos ensues as masked attackers strike. Packed with dark humor, creative kills, and clever twists, You’re Next is a bloody reminder that no matter how dysfunctional your family feels, at least your Thanksgiving won’t involve crossbows and machetes. (Hopefully.)
Survival tip: Always have an exit strategy. Whether it’s dodging drama or actual danger, You’re Next proves preparation is everything—oh, and maybe avoid houses in the middle of nowhere.
4. Home Sweet Home (1981)
One-liner takeaway: Sometimes, it’s not the turkey making things tense but an uninvited, deranged guest.
This slasher film is one of the earliest Thanksgiving-themed horror movies, and it’s got all the campy charm you could ask for. The story follows a weightlifting-obsessed psycho who crashes a Thanksgiving dinner, adding a whole new meaning to “unexpected guest.” While the film might not win awards for subtlety, it’s a nostalgic reminder that Thanksgiving has always had its quirks—even without a maniac on the loose.
Survival tip: A little security goes a long way. Whether it’s a lock on the door or an extra bottle of wine stashed away, preparation never hurts.
5. Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead (2006)
One-liner takeaway: Zombie chickens and musical numbers—because why not?
Sometimes, the best way to deal with stress is to laugh at something so absurd it defies explanation. Enter Poultrygeist, a horror-comedy-musical from Troma Entertainment that blends fast food, undead chickens, and irreverent humor. It’s gross, it’s outrageous, and it’s oddly cathartic for when Thanksgiving gets a little too poultry-centric.
Survival tip: Humor is the strongest weapon. If you can laugh at zombie chickens, Uncle Bob’s fourth political rant of the evening doesn’t stand a chance.
Grab the Popcorn (and Pumpkin Pie)
These five films are more than just entertainment—they’re an escape and a reminder that, no matter how chaotic Thanksgiving may feel, someone’s fictional dinner table is always worse. Whether you need laughs, scares, or just an outlet for pent-up frustration, these horror movies have you covered.
So hit play, grab a piece of pie, and let the screams (and giggles) drown out the family chatter. After all, Thanksgiving isn’t just about gratitude—it’s about survival.
What’s your go-to Thanksgiving horror movie? Tell us in the comments!
