Thanksgiving Thrills: Chilling Films to Spice Up Your Holiday Season

Posted by Edward Mugarian in Entertainment on November 11th, 2024

When you think of Thanksgiving, you likely envision hearty meals, family gatherings, and an autumnal sense of warmth. But what if you added some thrills to the holiday season? Beneath the cozy traditions lies a wealth of unsettling tales and terrifying films that bring thrills to your Thanksgiving festivities. From murderous turkeys and cult thrillers to a reimagined look at The Wizard of Oz, these films offer an eerie twist to classic holiday themes, inviting you to explore the darker side of Thanksgiving. So, gather around and prepare to feast on a collection of stories that will make you think twice about those family gatherings.

1. Thankskilling (2008)

This over-the-top, cult-classic slasher horror-comedy is as ridiculous as it sounds. The story follows a foul-mouthed, vengeful turkey who comes to life every 505 years to terrorize a group of unsuspecting college students. While definitely not for the faint of heart (or those with high cinematic expectations), this low-budget film has achieved a cult following for its absurd plot, gruesome kills, and dark humor. It’s perfect for fans looking for a laugh with their scares.

2. Blood Rage (1987)

In this slasher gem from the ’80s, the action takes place over Thanksgiving as twins Todd and Terry find themselves in a horrifying predicament. As children, Terry frames Todd for a brutal murder, leading Todd to spend years in a mental institution. Years later, Todd escapes and returns home for Thanksgiving, only for a new string of murders to begin. The tension escalates in this classic horror tale as the family and friends discover the deadly truth—and the Thanksgiving dinner table becomes a gruesome battleground.

3. Kristy (2014)

Set on a deserted college campus over the Thanksgiving holiday, this tense thriller follows a young woman named Justine, who decides to stay behind while her classmates leave for the break. As she enjoys the peace and quiet, she soon realizes she’s not alone—she’s being hunted by a sadistic cult that preys on “Kristys,” or young women who are alone and vulnerable. The suspense builds as Justine fights for her life, turning the quiet campus into a terrifying maze of survival.

4. Pilgrim (2019)

Part of Hulu’s Into the Dark anthology series, this Thanksgiving horror story centers on a family whose attempt to have a “traditional” holiday goes horribly wrong. In a well-intentioned but ill-fated move, the mother hires historical reenactors to bring an authentic Pilgrim experience to Thanksgiving. However, the reenactors take their roles too seriously, blending twisted historical fervor with violent, fanatical practices. The result is a bloody clash of beliefs and values, transforming Thanksgiving from a time of gratitude into a nightmare.

5. The Oath (2018)

Though more thriller than horror, The Oath combines social tension with the dread of Thanksgiving dinner gone wrong. The film is set in a near-future America where citizens are pressured to sign a loyalty oath to the government. When family members with opposing political views gather for Thanksgiving, the situation spirals out of control as mistrust and fear take over. The film uses the Thanksgiving dinner setting to explore the horror of ideological division, highlighting how family gatherings can be more unsettling than any monster.

6. Addams Family Values (1993)

This dark comedy may not be a horror film in the traditional sense, but it has a twisted Thanksgiving sequence that horror fans adore. In this classic, Wednesday Addams is sent to summer camp, where she’s forced to participate in a Thanksgiving play. Instead of sticking to the script, she and her fellow “outcasts” lead an unforgettable rebellion that transforms the holiday performance into a hilariously dark spectacle. This iconic scene pokes fun at Thanksgiving myths and adds a deliciously rebellious twist.

7. The Wizard of Oz (1939) – Thanksgiving Horror Retrospective

Though not a horror film, The Wizard of Oz can be reimagined through a darker, surreal lens for Thanksgiving. In this interpretation, the beloved family classic transforms into an eerie tale of identity, fear, and survival. Dorothy’s journey to Oz can be seen as a surreal nightmare, where each character reflects her inner fears and conflicts. The Wicked Witch embodies childhood fears, her flying monkeys become symbols of ever-present anxiety, and the land of Oz itself takes on a sinister, dreamlike quality. The ruby slippers and Yellow Brick Road, in this retelling, become symbols trapping Dorothy rather than helping her find her way home, creating a sense of suspense as she grapples with the shadows of her own psyche. Re-watching this classic in a darker light makes it perfect for viewers seeking a haunting, psychological edge to their Thanksgiving viewing.

Conclusion:

Thanksgiving may traditionally be a time for gratitude, but these films show that even this beloved holiday has a dark side. Whether it’s the threat lurking behind a quiet family dinner or the unsettling journey down the Yellow Brick Road, these movies add mystery and thrills to the season. As you carve into your Thanksgiving feast, remember that frights can be found in the most unexpected places—sometimes even at the holiday table. So, if you’re in the mood to mix some chills with your turkey and pie, these Thanksgiving horrors are ready to turn your holiday into a hauntingly memorable night.

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Edward Mugarian

Editor of Halloween Living Magazine, and a Detroit, Michigan native. After earning a B.A. in English at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, Ed pursued opportunities in public relations and management that helped mold him personally and professionally, developing his skills in writing and editing, marketing and advertising, public speaking and media relations. As well as broadening his experience in administrative leadership. In addition, he pursued film and special effects makeup programs in both Detroit and Los Angeles and worked on set as a special effects make-up artist. His passion for being a Halloween and horror film “geek” have been a constant throughout his life - cutting his teeth on the extraordinary works of Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, H.P. Lovecraft, and the great Shirley Jackson. His youth was spent hustling through haunted houses, and seeing the latest 70’s & 80’s horror films at the midnight drive-ins and local movie houses. He's also an avid horror film and movie memorabilia collector. One could say, he's autumn over summer. Pumpkins over pineapples. Horror over drama; and wearing black over anything else.
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