The Best Thanksgiving Horror Movies of All Time

For those who haven't forgotten about Thanksgiving, this in-between time during the mid-autumn season focuses on values such as family, blessings, and... horror? While Christmas is also famous for its collection of horror films, there's a small selection of Thanksgiving-themed stories that will undoubtedly fill your stomach with the creeps (and turkey, of course).

Home Sweet Home (1981)

Also released as Slasher in the House, this film is the only Thanksgiving-themed horror film directed by a woman, Nettie Peña. The story premise revolves around a PCP-addicted murderer who first escapes from a mental hospital, steals a random car, and then begins to murder people, specifically a family, at Thanksgiving dinner at a remote ranch along the outskirts of town. Although notable for its time, it's not considered a classic horror film by any means, but it's worth a watch.

Blood Rage (1987)

80's horror films always have a tinge of cringey acting and poor dialogue, but Blood Rage is considered a notable Thanksgiving film for its gory practical effects. This film exists solely for the love of gore and death scenes, and with its premise being identical twins being switched from a mental asylum, it can undoubtedly add to your cravings for cranberry sauce this Thanksgiving.

Addams Family Values (1993)

The Addams Family is a classic among horror lovers and Gothics everywhere, and Addams Family Values takes Thanksgiving to a delightfully playful and dark level. Famous for its depictions of Wednesday, the gothic child of everyone, this movie reigns hell on the entire affair and brings everyone together for the holidays.

Alien Abduction: Incident in Lake County (1998)

Alien-meets-horror subgenres are certainly an interesting take that any conspiracy lover will enjoy, and the film Alien Abduction: Incident in Lake County takes found footage and pushes it to the max with its realism and unscripted feel. Aliens are the uninvited guests and contain plenty of eerie moments, only preceding the infamous movie The Blair Witch project by a year.

Thanksgiving (2006)

Being nice to strangers doesn't always pay off, and in this film, inviting strangers is a bad idea that will lead to terror. Directed by Scott Ennis, it crafts its horror scenes with violence, working with the found-footage style to create a horrific experience. It's a quick film, but it is certainly a film to enjoy before your feast begins.

Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead (2006)

As a comedic spinoff of the infamous Night of the Living Dead, this musical takes all things stereotypical cringey and weird and pushes it to the max. Although it isn't Thanksgiving-related, it does take place with the premise of zombie chickens, Native American burial grounds, and, worst of all, New Jersey.

Pilgrim (2019)

Last but not least, Pilgrim is the most sophisticated of all the listed films, showcasing more of a slow-burn, psychological horror experience that creates twists and turns at every moment. As a Hulu Original, it's only available to watch on their platform, but it definitely takes the premises of the traditional Thanksgiving experience and turns it on its head.

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