There are many exciting movies in theaters right now, and between new arrivals and films that have already been on the big screen for some time, I believe these three movies are perfect to watch this Thanksgiving. The holiday is a great time for a trip to the theaters, as families and friends get together to celebrate and spend quality time.
Thanksgiving always makes for a busy time at the movies, and this year it will be no different. Thinking about a wide range of tastes, I’ve come up with three movies that should please most moviegoers. The list includes an explosive action movie, a musical with exciting fantasy elements, and the long-awaited sequel to a fan-favorite animated film.
3
Wicked: For Good
First up is the sequel to last year’s musical hit, Wicked. While it is not as fun as the first movie in the franchise, 2025’s Wicked: For Good makes up for that by delivering emotional stakes that build on the foundation laid by the first movie. The focus on world-building is put aside in favor of a closer inspection of these characters.
Wicked: For Good Review – Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande Are Pure Magic (& That’s All That Matters)
It isn’t perfect, but by successfully concluding the emotional story of Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship, Wicked: For Good is more than enough.
Glinda and Elphaba go through major growth, with their relationship continuing to be at the core of what makes the franchise work. The musical numbers are grand and bring along some impactful beats. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo once again soar in both the acting and singing departments. With classic The Wizard of Oz elements in parallel to the main characters, Wicked: For Good is a must-watch.
2
Zootopia 2
This Thanksgiving, the best movie in theaters for the whole family has to be Zootopia 2. The sequel arrives 9 years after the first movie grossed over $1 billion worldwide. This time around, the returning duo of Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) investigate a mystery that revolves around Gary De’Snake (Ke Huy Quan).
Zootopia 2 Review: Disney Delivers A Near-Perfect Sequel
Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde return for another tightly woven mystery full of heart in Zootopia 2, the sequel to Disney’s 2016 animated hit.
Like the original movie, audiences can expect plenty of twists and turns in a gorgeous animated world that grows even larger this time around. The chemistry between Judy and Nick has only gotten better, and the main mystery is quite intriguing. All in all, Zootopia 2 is bound to be one of the year’s biggest theatrical hits, perfect for the Thanksgiving weekend.
1
The Running Man
Finally, the last movie on the list is an action film that will appease all the Top Gun-loving dads this Thanksgiving. Led by Glen Powell, The Running Man does a great job of creating a thrilling adventure based on Stephen King’s book. It is remarkably better than the first movie attempt with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Powell oozes with charisma throughout.
Edgar Wright and Glen Powell are consummate entertainers, and they made this dystopian Stephen King movie as fun and guilt-free as they could.
The action scenes are creative. The story meshes a dystopian Sci-Fi world with very relevant themes to today’s world. The Running Man plays like a shot of adrenaline, and while not all of its ideas land, Powell’s confident Ben Richards being chased around the United States by professional hunters in reality TV makes for a riveting journey that is worth a theatrical trip this Thanksgiving.