Best Thanksgiving Horror Movies, Ranked

Best Thanksgiving Horror Movies, Ranked

As a horror enthusiast who has spent countless chilly All Hallows’ Eves huddled around the TV with a bowl of popcorn, I can confidently say that these films are a must-watch for any fan looking to spice up their Thanksgiving festivities. From the blood-soaked rampage in Blood Rage to the masked killer on the loose in Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving, these movies will have you hiding behind your turkey drumstick and cackling with glee at the sheer horror they deliver.


When considering Thanksgiving, images of delicious feasts, loved ones, and feelings of gratitude often come to mind. But for enthusiasts of horror, it can be a distinctly different experience – a chance to unwind and enjoy a dose of heart-pounding terror. The top Thanksgiving horror movies offer a unique blend of cozy holiday customs with nerve-wracking suspense, making for an unparalleled experience.

Ranging from timeless favorites to fresh Thanksgiving horror productions, viewers can expect a thrilling mix of chills, gore, and shocking plot twists. Arranged based on their popularity and success, these films will provide everyone with a glimpse into the eerie side that the festive season sometimes unveils.

10 Deadly Friend (1986)

An AI Experiment Gone Hauntingly Wrong

Best Thanksgiving Horror Movies, Ranked

  • Release Date: October 10, 1986
  • Directed By: Wes Craven
  • Produced By: Robert M.Sherman

If you’re a fan of science fiction horror films, this movie will be right up your alley – it explores the complexities of life and death in a chilling manner, and its plot is remarkably original. Directed by Wes Craven, the film revolves around a brilliant teenager who manages to resurrect his deceased friend through artificial intelligence.

Instead, the experiment rapidly transforms into a horrifying ordeal. Combining elements of 80s horror with moral and obsession themes, Deadly Friend is certain to be included in many Thanksgiving horror movie lineups. Its spine-chilling narrative and eerie visuals are set to provide some unnerving entertainment for this coming Thanksgiving.

9 Blood Freak (1972)

A Mutant Turkey Man Goes On A Wild Killing Spree

Best Thanksgiving Horror Movies, Ranked
  • Release Date: October 12, 1972
  • Directed By: Brad F. Grinter
  • Produced By: Brad F. Grinter and Steve Hawkes

In the realm of Thanksgiving-themed horror flicks, the quirky favorite “Blood Freak” continues to hold its place. The narrative unfolds around a Vietnam war veteran who undergoes a grotesque transformation into a turkey monster after ingesting some experimental concoctions, signaling the impending gory events to ensue.

Despite having a limited budget and an unusual narrative, the film garnered recognition for its over-the-top storyline and insightful, unconventional social commentary. For individuals seeking offbeat Thanksgiving movies to enjoy during this season, this eccentric, macabre selection is sure to impress.

8 Thankskilling 3 (2012)

The Murderous Turkey Returns To A Virtual Reality World

Best Thanksgiving Horror Movies, Ranked
  • Release Date: November 1, 2012
  • Directed By: Jordan Downey
  • Produced By: Jordan Downey and Kevin Stewart

In simpler terms, “Thankskilling 3” is another affordable movie that falls under the slasher comedy category. It’s the third installment of a series, and the main character is an uncouth, carnivorous turkey. Following events from the first two films, this turkey is once again wreaking havoc, but this time it’s focusing on individuals who have found themselves stuck in a virtual reality world.

This movie’s humor is incredibly exaggerated, offering a delightful blend of terror and black humor. It’s definitely a must-watch for horror enthusiasts during Thanksgiving, providing both laughter and screams, making it a beloved cult classic.

7 Poultrygeist: Night Of The Chicken Dead (2006)

Zombie Chickens Terrorize A Fast-Food Restaurant

Best Thanksgiving Horror Movies, Ranked
  • Release Date: December 29, 2006
  • Directed By: Lloyd Kaufman,
  • Produced By: Andy Deemer, Michael Herz, Lloyd Kaufman, Pat Swinney Kaufman, and Kiel Walker

The movie “Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead” is a humorous blend of horror and comedy, directed by Lloyd Kaufman. It takes place in a fast food establishment constructed on an old Native American burial site. In this film, audiences see chicken products transformed into vengeful zombies, unlike any other time they’ve come to life.

Packed with turmoil, this movie blends dark comedy and insightful social critique, tackling themes like consumerism and corporate avarice. For enthusiasts of offbeat Thanksgiving films, this unique offering delivers a grizzly yet engaging viewing experience.

6 Thankskilling (2009)

A Killer Turkey Hunts Down College Students During Thanksgiving Break

Best Thanksgiving Horror Movies, Ranked
  • Release Date: December 8, 2008
  • Directed By: Jordan Downey
  • Produced By: Jordan Downey and Kevin Stewart

This offbeat slasher movie presents an unusual concept: a vengeful, potty-mouthed turkey is poised to take on a gang of college students. Known for its over-the-top violence, goofy dialogue, and laughable humor, it’s one of the odd yet popular Thanksgiving films.

In contrast to the third installment of “Thankskilling” (previously mentioned), which continues the turmoil started by the title character, the original “Thankskilling” film established the foundation for this distinctive Thanksgiving-themed horror series. Offering an unconventional twist on holiday horror, both the movie and the franchise make for an enjoyable viewing experience.

5 Into The Dark: Pilgrim (2019)

A Family Unknowingly Invites Sinister Guests To Thanksgiving Dinner

Best Thanksgiving Horror Movies, Ranked
  • Release Date: November 1, 2019
  • Directed By: Marcus Dunstan
  • Produced By: Jason Blum

Under a Darkened Sky: Pilgrim is a spine-chilling Thanksgiving horror movie – it combines traditional holiday elements, but with an unsettling, eerie twist. In this tale, audiences see a family extending invitations to pilgrims dressed in costumes for dinner, unaware that their guests harbor malicious and deadly plans.

As tension builds and the boundary between historical performance and lethal rite becomes indistinct, an eerie ambiance takes shape, making “Pilgrim” a chilling Thanksgiving horror film that’s sure to captivate viewers over the holiday season. The unsettling anticipation and intriguing plot make it a memorable choice for horror enthusiasts during this time of year.

4 Kristy (2014)

A College Student Fights For Survival On A Campus During Thanksgiving

Best Thanksgiving Horror Movies, Ranked
  • Release Date: August 7, 2014
  • Directed By: Oliver Blackburn
  • Produced By: David Kirschner, Corey Sienega, Jamie Patricof, and Lynette Howell

The movie titled Kristy is a suspenseful thriller set over Thanksgiving vacation. In this chilling tale, the protagonist, college student Justine, finds herself hunted by a menacing gang of killers. The movie skillfully combines elements of survival horror and spine-tingling solitude on an abandoned campus, instilling a sense of fear.

Spectators find themselves captivated as they witness Justine battling to survive, a film that has gained recognition for its relentless speed and spine-tingling ambiance. Although it may not be as widely recognized compared to other titles, this horror movie continues to be highly regarded among fans, particularly those seeking an adrenaline rush on the eve of Thanksgiving.

3 Black Friday (2021)

Store Employees Battle Shoppers Who Have Turned Into Monsters

Best Thanksgiving Horror Movies, Ranked
  • Release Date: November 19, 2021
  • Directed By: Casey Tebo
  • Produced By: Bruce Campbell and Warner Davis

The movie titled “Black Friday” is a fresh take on the traditional Thanksgiving horror flick, combining elements of slasher and comedy genres. In this film, which unfolds amidst the frenzy of Black Friday sales, a team of store employees must battle for survival as an alien parasite transforms shoppers into violent creatures.

This film, headlined by Bruce Campbell, offers an enjoyable blend of grisly scenes and comedy. Some might even call it one of the most amusing Thanksgiving movies out there. For individuals seeking something new, engaging, and downright gory, this movie could be just the ticket.

2 Blood Rage (1987)

A Brother Seeks Revenge During Thanksgiving

Best Thanksgiving Horror Movies, Ranked
  • Release Date: March 29, 1987
  • Directed By: John Grissmer
  • Produced By: Marianne Kanter

This classic slasher movie is usually included in Thanksgiving horror film compilations, as its plot unfolds around this festive occasion. The narrative revolves around two siblings: one who ended up institutionalized due to accusations of a grisly murder, while the other matures into a ruthless, bloodthirsty individual.

During Thanksgiving, the falsely accused brother reappears at the crime site, leading to a violent outburst filled with bloodshed. The movie offers excessive gore scenes set in the 80s, blending terror and black comedy that appeals to its dedicated audience.

1 Thanksgiving (2023)

A Town Is Terrorized By A Masked Killer

Best Thanksgiving Horror Movies, Ranked
  • Release Date: November 17, 2023
  • Directed By: Eli Roth
  • Produced By: Eli Roth, Roger Birnbaum, and Jeff Rendell

Eli Roth directs a thrilling movie titled ‘Thanksgiving.’ This film combines the joy and celebration of the holiday season with terrifying horror elements. The plot revolves around a town that experiences multiple grisly murders following an unfortunate incident at their Black Friday parade. A masked murderer is on the prowl, targeting those who participated in the event.

This film is renowned for its graphic violence, black comedy, and rapid rise to popularity as one of the most discussed Halloween-esque horrors on Netflix. With Roth’s signature shock factor and a pinch of chilling horror elements, it’s an essential watch during the festive period.

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2024-11-11 14:44