Movies You Should Watch Depending On The Thanksgiving Conversation

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If you’re having dinner with family or friends on Thanksgiving, one of the trickiest parts can be navigating conversations at the table.

Sure you’re happy to reconnect with everyone, but it also gives people an opportunity to say what’s really on their mind….since they have an audience now. Energy spent on a heated conversation can leave you drained and distraught.

Thus, it’s nothing like a great movie to keep everyone still and focused on someone else’s problems.

Luckily, a lot of great flicks are hitting the theater this season and depending on how your dinner went, I have the suggestions that could be just right for you.

Hit the next pages to find out which movies you and your people should watch if Thanksgiving conversations take a particular road.

The “Pull Yourself Up By Your Bootstraps” Convo

Anyone doing bad in school knows this conversation all too well.

That report card is on STRUGGLE.

Your class behavior is deemed “lazy” or “careless.”

You’re hanging with the “wrong crowd.”

Usually, a parent figure will find the most opportune time to let everyone know you’re failing in some kind of way.

Pass the yams?

“When are you gonna pass that 11th grade algebra class?”

Kids aren’t the only ones in the hot seat either. If you’re over 18, not gainfully employed or you don’t have a five-year plan for your future, you better believe you’re vulnerable to the never-ending gaze of judgement.

Suggested Movie: Creed II

Let’s face it, no matter what movie you see, your mom, aunt or financially stable family member is going to find some way to make it about you. So you might as well watch a buff Michael B. Jordan punch things in the process. And who knows, Creed II‘s story of family, redemption and beating the odds might inspire you to get moving on your dreams.

The “My Music Taste Is Better Than Yours” Convo

Everyone’s got an opinion on art, movies and music, but some people think they’re the end-all-be-all to good taste.

“Whitney Houston is the blueprint for female vocalists.”

“Lil Pump is a modern day Shakespeare.”

“Kendrick Lamar doesn’t hold a candle to 2Pac.”

Nine times out of ten, these music aficionados like to rank things and they’ll go for hours arguing with a family member to prove a point.

Suggested Movie: Bohemian Rhapsody

This could be a good way to keep the music conversation going without people being heavily invested. Freddie Mercury and Queen are obscure enough in some circles, yet general enough to strike that good balance of learning something new and bringing people together.

I mean, who doesn’t know “We Will Rock You?” You just stomp your feet, clap your hands, and chant.

No debates there.

The Dry Turkey Convo

This is meant as a metaphor (although dry turkey really is awful and you should avoid it at all costs).

But a dry turkey convo is a conversation that’s so dry, you might find yourself falling asleep at the table. If you’re wondering why Uncle Joe is more concerned with catching the game or why Lil Tasha has her face glued to her phone, it’s most likely because they’re bored out of their minds.

Suggested Movie: Widows

Widows will definitely pump some adrenaline into your dry family members. If Viola Davis‘ powerhouse acting or the exciting heist scenes won’t do it, then the racial/political themes of the flick will definitely spark some conversation.

The Politics Convo That Brings Out Everyone’s -Isms

Picture it.

You’re in the middle of passing food around the table. The vibes are great and the dishes are immaculate. You finally get the mac-and-cheese to your side of the table and prepare to dig in.

Then, right before your fork punctures the chewy, yet cheesy crust…

Your sister’s White boyfriend says something that’s extra racist.

No White people in your family?

Cool.

But your favorite uncle just said something so sexist, you thought someone left a Trump press conference on T.V.

Two minutes later, a homophobic slur is thrown across the table easier than air travels.

Family members get challenged.

The discussion gets heated.

True colors come out.

Now you hate everyone.

Suggested Movie: Ralph Breaks the Internet

After feelings have been dragged across the flowery table cloth, there’s nothing like a good non-political kids movie to ease the tension. A group of colorful characters navigating the Internet world?

Everyone can relate to that, right?

You can remember you hate your family after the movie.

But until then, have a laugh, shed some tears and let Disney delve you into youthful bliss.