Top 10 Ranked Horror Movies for Thanksgiving Viewing

Thanksgiving often conjures images of a delightful feast, family gatherings, and moments of gratitude. However, a unique subgenre exists that intertwines the spirit of the holiday with spine-tingling horror. The best Thanksgiving horror films juxtapose cherished traditions with thrilling suspense, offering an experience unlike any other.

This list showcases a variety of Thanksgiving-themed horror films, ranging from cult classics to modern favorites. These films, ranked by their popularity and impact, deliver suspense, gore, and unexpected twists that are sure to capture the attention of horror enthusiasts looking to explore the darker side of the holiday season.

10 Deadly Friend (1986)

An AI Experiment Gone Hauntingly Wrong

Release Date: October 10, 1986
Director: Wes Craven
Producers: Robert M. Sherman

For aficionados of sci-fi horror, Deadly Friend is a compelling tale that delves into the gray areas of life and death. Directed by the legendary Wes Craven, it follows a young genius who resurrects his deceased friend using artificial intelligence, triggering a series of chilling events. Infused with 80s horror aesthetics and moral quandaries, this film is sure to haunt viewers this Thanksgiving.

9 Blood Freak (1972)

A Mutant Turkey Man Goes on a Wild Killing Spree

Release Date: October 12, 1972
Director: Brad F. Grinter
Producers: Brad F. Grinter, Steve Hawkes

In the realm of Thanksgiving horror, Blood Freak is an endearing cult favorite. The film chronicles the plight of a Vietnam veteran turned mutant turkey after ingesting experimental drugs, leading to a savage rampage. Despite its low budget and peculiar premise, it remains beloved for its outrageous plot and biting social commentary—perfect for those seeking something unconventional for the holiday.

8 Thankskilling 3 (2012)

The Murderous Turkey Returns to a Virtual Reality World

Release Date: November 1, 2012
Director: Jordan Downey
Producers: Jordan Downey, Kevin Stewart

Thankskilling 3 is a low-budget satirical slasher film featuring a potty-mouthed, bloodthirsty turkey. This installment sees the turkey wreaking havoc within a virtual reality world, following the hilariously chaotic events of its predecessors. Its outrageous humor and blend of horror with dark comedy establish it as a must-see for fans of offbeat holiday films.

7 Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead (2006)

Zombie Chickens Terrorize a Fast-Food Restaurant

Release Date: December 29, 2006
Director: Lloyd Kaufman
Producers: Andy Deemer, Michael Herz, Lloyd Kaufman, Pat Swinney Kaufman, Kiel Walker

Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead combines satire with horror in a fast-food setting built over an ancient burial ground. The film showcases living, vengeful zombie chickens attacking patrons amid a backdrop of social criticism and dark humor, brilliantly addressing consumerism and corporate greed, making it a unique entry in the Thanksgiving horror genre.

6 Thankskilling (2009)

A Killer Turkey Hunts Down College Students During Thanksgiving Break

Release Date: December 8, 2008
Director: Jordan Downey
Producers: Jordan Downey, Kevin Stewart

This campy slasher introduces an outrageous plot featuring a foul-mouthed turkey seeking vengeance against college students during Thanksgiving break. A pioneer of absurd horror, Thankskilling has gained a cult following for its extreme violence and campy dialogue. It’s essential viewing for anyone looking to explore the horror film landscape during the holidays.

5 Into the Dark: Pilgrim (2019)

A Family Unknowingly Invites Sinister Guests to Thanksgiving Dinner

Release Date: November 1, 2019
Director: Marcus Dunstan
Producers: Jason Blum

Into the Dark: Pilgrim takes a dark turn on the Thanksgiving theme by showcasing a family that unknowingly invites malevolent guests to their holiday dinner. The film intersperses traditional festivities with shocking and sinister undertones, establishing itself as a chilling viewing choice for Thanksgiving.

4 Christy (2014)

A College Student Fights for Survival on a Campus During Thanksgiving

Justine being chased by the killer in Kristy (2014)

Release Date: August 7, 2014
Director: Oliver Blackburn
Producers: David Kirschner, Corey Sienega, Jamie Patricof, Lynette Howell

Kristy presents a gripping thriller that unfolds during Thanksgiving break, where a college student, Justine, must battle for her life against a brutal group of killers. The film excels in building tension and delivering scares, making it a standout entry for horror fans seeking thrills around the holiday.

3 Black Friday (2021)

Store Employees Battle Shoppers Who Have Turned Into Monsters

Release Date: November 19, 2021
Director: Casey Tebo
Producers: Bruce Campbell, Warner Davis

Black Friday masterfully blends slasher and comedy, set against the backdrop of the infamous shopping holiday. As an alien parasite transforms shoppers into monstrous beings, store employees, including Bruce Campbell, must fend off the carnage. This film offers a fresh and entertaining take on holiday horror, mixing humor with a strong dose of gore.

2 Blood Rage (1987)

A Brother Seeks Revenge During Thanksgiving

Release Date: March 29, 1987
Director: John Grissmer
Producer: Marianne Kanter

Blood Rage rightfully occupies a prime spot on this list, presenting a grisly slasher narrative that unfolds during the Thanksgiving holiday. The film centers around two brothers, one framed for murder, whose return triggers a violent reckoning. The exaggerated kills and quintessential 80s vibe create an entertaining blend of horror and dark humor beloved by fans.

1 Thanksgiving (2023)

A Town Is Terrorized by a Masked Killer

Masked killer behind girl in Thanksgiving (2023)

Release Date: November 17, 2023
Director: Eli Roth
Producers: Eli Roth, Roger Birnbaum, Jeff Rendell

Thanksgiving is a contemporary slasher film that entwines holiday festivities with brutal terror. Set against a backdrop of a small town reeling from a string of murders following a disastrous Black Friday parade, the film features a masked antagonist targeting unsuspecting victims. Known for its harshly violent sequences and a blend of dark humor, this latest entry is quickly becoming a must-watch this holiday season.

Source & Images