Thanksgiving is all about family, food, and — let’s be honest — a little bit of movie magic! While the turkey’s roasting, why not escape to the big screen and dive into some cinematic greatness? For movie buffs, it’s one of the few times we can catch a flick in the middle of the day, surrounded by fellow film lovers. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic classic at an indie theater or ready to see the latest blockbuster, we’ve rounded up the best films screening this Thanksgiving, November 28, 2024, across Los Angeles. So grab some popcorn, settle into your seat, and make this holiday break even more worth it with a trip to the movies!
1. Wicked
Elevate your holiday with some unforgettable music and stunning visuals by catching the highly anticipated Wicked! This thrilling film tells the story of Elphaba, a green-skinned woman wrongfully blamed by the Wizard of Oz, who ultimately becomes the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. The first part of the two-part film adaptation of the beloved musical stars Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and a talented cast. The film is screening at theaters all across L.A.
Location: Find the closest theater near you here!
2. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!
‘Tis the season to sprinkle a little holiday magic into your Thanksgiving plans, and what better way to do that than with The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Based on the beloved book, this heartwarming tale follows the Herdmans — the most mischievous, troublemaking kids around. This Christmas, they take over their local church’s Christmas Pageant, and in the process, they might just teach the entire community the true spirit of the holiday in the most unexpected way. It’s a fun and festive reminder that sometimes the most unlikely heroes bring us the most meaningful lessons.
Location: Find the closest theater near you here!
3. King Kong (2005)
Catch King Kong (2005) at Tarantino’s New Beverly Theatre this Thanksgiving! Directed by Peter Jackson (Academy Award®-winner for The Lord of the Rings), this epic adventure stars Naomi Watts, Jack Black, and Adrien Brody. With stunning special effects, thrilling action, and unforgettable creatures, King Kong tells the story of a legendary gorilla captured on a dangerous island and brought to the city, where he faces a fight for survival. Nothing beats catching this film at a historic theater!
Tickets: New Beverly site
Location: 7165 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
4. Gladiator II
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to feast on more than just food — why not indulge in a movie marathon? Start by watching Gladiator at home, then head to the theater for the highly anticipated Gladiator II on the big screen! Directed by the legendary Ridley Scott, Gladiator II picks up the epic saga of power, betrayal, and revenge in Ancient Rome. Years after the death of the beloved hero Maximus, his young protege Lucius (Paul Mescal) is thrust into the heart of the Colosseum, forced to fight after his home is overtaken by the brutal emperors now ruling Rome with an iron grip. It’s the ultimate Thanksgiving double feature for action and drama lovers!
Location: Find the closest theater near you here!
5. Let’s Get Lost
Documentaries provide a unique window into the lives of fascinating individuals, and Let’s Get Lost offers an intimate look at the life of jazz legend Chet Baker. Directed by iconic fashion photographer Bruce Weber, this film captures the allure and tragedy of Baker’s career, from his rise as the epitome of ’50s cool to his descent into heroin addiction. We follow the young, charming Baker in California and Italy, where he was both a musical sensation and a troubled figure, appearing in films and serving time in jail for drug possession. The documentary also showcases the ravages of addiction, with Baker’s once-beautiful face now marked by years of struggle. A new 4K restoration brings this poignant story to life like never before — and you catch it at the historic Landmark’s Nuart Theatre — right here in L.A.
Tickets: Landmark Nuart site
Location: 11272 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
6. All We Imagine As Light
Film lovers won’t want to miss All We Imagine as Light, showing at Laemmle Royale Theatre this holiday. Directed by Payal Kapadia, winner of the Grand Prize at Cannes, the film delves into the lives of three women in contemporary Mumbai. It follows two hospital roommates, Prabha (Kani Kusruti) and Anu (Divya Prabha), along with their coworker, Parvaty (Chhaya Kadam), as they navigate personal struggles, from forbidden romances to sudden evictions. With stunning cinematography and powerful performances, Kapadia beautifully captures the contrasts of city life and seaside tranquility, offering a poignant exploration of friendship and sisterhood.
Tickets: Laemmle site
Location: 207 N Maryland Ave, Glendale, CA 91206
7. Red One
For some holiday action, check out Red One! When Santa Claus — Code Name: RED ONE – is kidnapped, the North Pole’s Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) teams up with the world’s most notorious bounty hunter (Chris Evans) on a high-stakes, globe-trotting mission to save Christmas. It’s a thrilling, festive adventure you won’t want to miss!
Location: Find the closest theater near you here!
8. Moana 2
Thanksgiving is all about family, and what better way to spend time together than with Moana 2 on the big screen? The sequel reunites Moana and Maui three years after their first adventure, setting sail on a grand new journey with a crew of unlikely seafarers. When Moana receives a call from her wayfinding ancestors, she embarks on a daring voyage across the far seas of Oceania, facing dangers and uncovering long-lost waters in an adventure like no other. Perfect for the whole family to enjoy this holiday season!
Location: Find the closest theater near you here!
9. Hello, Love, Again
It’s cuffing season, so you know catching a romance film is a must. Autumn brings a season of love and second chances, after all — and you can catch that with Hello, Love, Again. Ethan, in Hong Kong, and Joy, in Canada, are determined to reunite and better their lives, but distance and unexpected challenges eventually pull them apart. Years later, fate brings them back together, and they must navigate the complexities of their changed lives as they rediscover each other and their love.
Location: Find the closest theater near you here!
10. The Wild Robot
There’s something about animated films that tugs at our heartstrings, and The Wild Robot is sure to do just that. This epic adventure follows Roz, a robot (ROZZUM unit 7134), who is shipwrecked on a remote, uninhabited island. Struggling to survive in the harsh environment, Roz learns to adapt and forms unlikely bonds with the island’s animals. Along the way, she becomes the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling, embarking on a touching journey of connection and survival. This emotional tale is one that will resonate with audiences of all ages.
Location: Find the closest theater near you here!
11. Queer
The historic 100-year-old Vista Theater is showcasing the remarkable film Queer, set in 1950. The story follows William Lee, an American expatriate living in Mexico City, who leads an isolated life, rarely interacting beyond his small circle. However, his meeting with Eugene Allerton, a newly arrived former soldier also living abroad, opens William’s eyes to the possibility of forming a deep, personal connection for the first time in his life.
Tickets: Vista Theater site
Location: 4473 Sunset Dr, Los Angeles, CA