Thanksgiving is a time for family, feasting, and, of course, horror—wait, what? That's right, while most people associate Thanksgiving with turkey, mashed potatoes, and family arguments, there’s a growing list of horror movies that have embraced this turkey-filled holiday as the backdrop for terror. Whether it’s the grisly dark comedy or the twisted nightmares that Thanksgiving can conjure, these films prove that the holiday season is more than just a time for gratitude.
So, put down that pumpkin pie and prepare for a list of the top ten horror movies with a Thanksgiving theme that will give you something to fear—besides your creepy Uncle Larry.
1. Thankskilling (2008)
This low-budget slasher is a true cult classic and arguably the most infamous Thanksgiving horror movie out there. The plot? A homicidal, wise-cracking turkey comes to life and begins slaying college students in a small town. The movie embraces its absurdity with gory violence and terrible one-liners, making it a beloved entry in the "so bad it's good" genre. If you love over-the-top kills and dark humor, Thankskilling is your go-to.
Why Watch? It’s absurd, hilarious, and a pure guilty pleasure.
2. Blood Rage (1987)
Originally released under the title Slasher, this 80s slasher gem is set on Thanksgiving Day. The film centers around twin brothers, one of whom is institutionalized for a brutal murder he didn’t commit. Years later, on Thanksgiving, the other brother escapes and starts a killing spree, all while the family attempts to reunite and deal with the chaos. Blood Rage blends slasher tropes with a healthy dose of campy fun, making it a perfect choice for a Thanksgiving horror marathon.
Why Watch? It’s a throwback to 80s slasher films with a dash of dark holiday horror.
3. The Poughkeepsie Tapes (2007)
This found-footage psychological horror film doesn’t specifically revolve around Thanksgiving, but there is a chilling subplot involving a family’s Thanksgiving dinner. The film is centered around a disturbing collection of tapes that document the crimes of a serial killer. Although not a traditional Thanksgiving horror film, it’s hauntingly dark and can be the perfect atmospheric film to watch after your holiday meal.
Why Watch? It’s a brutal, unsettling film that dives into the mind of a killer, with subtle holiday connections.
4. Home Sweet Home (1981)
Set during Thanksgiving, this slasher follows a psychotic killer who escapes a mental institution and wreaks havoc on a family gathering at a remote house. The film plays out in a typical 80s slasher style with an unhinged killer, a group of unsuspecting victims, and plenty of gory moments. It’s not particularly well-known, but it’s a fun, nostalgic slasher to add to your Thanksgiving horror rotation.
Why Watch? If you're a fan of classic slasher films with a holiday twist, this one’s for you.
5. Krampus (2015)
While Krampus isn't a Thanksgiving-themed movie in the strictest sense, it does take place during the holiday season and captures the essence of family chaos. The story revolves around a dysfunctional family that triggers the wrath of Krampus, a demon who punishes those who’ve lost the Christmas spirit. With dark comedy, holiday horror, and holiday-themed terror, Krampus is a must-watch if you’re in the mood for something that evokes the holiday season's darker side.
Why Watch? It’s perfect for those who love holiday horror that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
6. Pilgrim (2019)
This made-for-TV horror film from the Into the Dark anthology series is a Thanksgiving-themed slasher that centers around a family who invites a group of "Pilgrim reenactors" to their holiday dinner. The actors, however, take their roles a bit too seriously, and soon the family’s celebration turns into a horrifying series of events. It’s a tense, twisted thriller that plays off the cult-like fervor of historical reenactments with deadly consequences.
Why Watch? It’s a unique, fresh take on Thanksgiving horror, blending holiday traditions with terror.
7. The Last Thanksgiving (2022)
In this dark comedy slasher, a group of friends gathers at a remote cabin for a Thanksgiving weekend getaway, only to be stalked by a killer dressed as a turkey. This one goes heavy on the satire and humor while still delivering on the gory kills and cheesy moments. It’s a meta-commentary on slasher films with a holiday flair.
Why Watch? If you're looking for a more recent Thanksgiving slasher with a humorous edge, this one's for you.
8. Sisters (1973)
Brian De Palma's psychological horror film, Sisters, doesn’t scream “Thanksgiving,” but it does have a pivotal Thanksgiving scene that sets the tone for the film’s disturbing atmosphere. The plot follows a woman named Danielle, who becomes entangled with a mysterious neighbor, and things quickly spiral into dark, psychological horror. While not a traditional holiday movie, it has enough of a Thanksgiving connection to be included on the list.
Why Watch? A psychological horror with intense suspense and a twisted mystery.
9. Thanksgiving (2023)
The newest addition to the Thanksgiving horror genre, Thanksgiving is a slasher directed by Eli Roth. The movie centers on a small town that becomes the target of a masked killer during the Thanksgiving holiday. Combining gory kills with Roth’s signature dark humor, Thanksgiving quickly became a hit among horror fans, giving the holiday a chilling new cinematic legacy.
Why Watch? For a fresh, intense, and entertaining slasher in the vein of classic holiday horror films.
10. Jack Frost (1997)
Although not strictly about Thanksgiving, this campy horror-comedy is about a serial killer who, after an accident, becomes a mutated snowman and terrorizes a small town. The film has a holiday backdrop and fits the holiday horror niche, offering a fun blend of ridiculous kills and holiday-themed chaos. It’s a quirky, ridiculous film that stands out for its sheer bizarre nature.
Why Watch? It’s campy, it’s bizarre, and it’s a great choice if you're looking for something offbeat to watch after dinner.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving horror movies might be the underdog of the genre, but they’re a fantastic way to spice up your holiday celebrations. From the absurdly funny turkey-slasher Thankskilling to the more chilling psychological horror of Sisters, there’s something for every kind of horror fan. So, next time you’re gathered around the table, consider switching out that football game for a movie that will leave you craving more than just mashed potatoes—perhaps a little horror on the side.
Happy haunting!
