8 horror movies about holiday gatherings gone wrong in honor of Thanksgiving

8 horror movies about holiday gatherings gone wrong in honor of Thanksgiving

As a seasoned horror enthusiast with a penchant for the macabre and a deep appreciation for the twisted dynamics of family gatherings gone awry, I can wholeheartedly recommend these films to spice up your holiday festivities.


If Thanksgiving is becoming particularly tense this year, consider providing an opportunity for everyone to relax and unwind by watching a suspenseful horror film, or at the very least, a gripping psychological thriller.

Although not numerous, there are several horror movies themed around Thanksgiving that focus on family or friend gatherings taking a dark turn. If your holiday celebration is exclusively for adults, and you’re seeking a thrilling alternative to the usual festivities, opt for something eerie to add an edge of suspense to your gathering.

You’re Next (2011)

The movie “You’re Next” isn’t set during Thanksgiving, but it shares a similar sense of turmoil as a family with strained relationships comes together to celebrate a wedding anniversary. However, their peaceful gathering takes an unexpected turn when masked assailants armed with crossbows infiltrate the house and begin murdering the guests one by one, turning the evening into complete chaos.

The Invitation (2015)

At a dinner gathering organized by his former spouse who’d remarried, a mourning father finds himself in an unexpected situation when he brings along his new romantic partner. Since their child’s passing, Will and Eden had parted ways, with Eden finding solace in a secretive and cult-like group named “The Invitation.” For enthusiasts of the chilling novel, Speak No Evil.

Silent Night (2021)

In this film, Matthew Goode and Keira Knightley feature as the leads. It’s a wryly amusing, apocalyptic drama centered around a gathering of friends for their yearly Christmas meal, coincidentally taking place on the brink of an impending environmental disaster – a lethal gas spreading across the globe, exterminating all life forms.

Coherence (2013)

At a friendly get-together, an unusual comet’s appearance transforms the evening into a dreamlike horror. The movie Coherence is a thought-provoking psychological thriller that could make an intriguing choice for a “Friendsgiving” celebration. After watching it, you might want to steer clear of gazing at the heavens.

Krampus (2015)

The next time your family arguments become so heated that it feels impossible to speak, think about employing the ominous character from folklore, Krampus, as a means to silence them. In the 2015 movie featuring Toni Collette and Adam Scott, a teenage boy’s lack of holiday spirit accidentally invokes the ancient monster and his band of malevolent beings, who seek to mete out punishment on his family for their misdeeds during the festive season.

The Visit (2015)

In 2015, M. Night Shyamalan’s film features two siblings who spend five days with their grandparents. However, this peaceful visit soon transforms into a terrifying nightmare. During their stay, the children, Becca and Tyler, observe peculiar activities by their grandparents, Nana and Pop Pop, at night – such as moving on all fours in the crawl space or attempting to enter their room with a knife.

Thanksgiving (2023)

If you’re searching for a chilling horror film set during or around Thanksgiving, you’ve struck gold! Eli Roth’s 2023 slasher comedy is poised to be an annual tradition for movie fans everywhere. A masked killer, reminiscent of John Carver, begins causing chaos in Plymouth, Massachusetts, a year after a Black Friday riot claimed numerous lives. After watching this, you might think twice before carving your turkey!

Ready or Not (2019)

On my wedding day, I found myself plunged into an actual nightmare when I discovered that my husband’s family has a penchant for playing macabre games. The game they chose this time was hide and seek, but with a chilling twist – they weren’t just searching for me, they were out to actively hunt me down before sunrise to avoid the repercussions of a generational curse.

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2024-11-28 16:25

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