Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
This week, millions of Americans will pack their suitcases and leave town so that they are home for the Thanksgiving holiday. Of course, that also means that millions of Americans will be incredibly bored on their way over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house.
Traveling doesn’t have to be such a drag, though. Now with streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video plus VOD options like iTunes, you can download and stream your favorite shows and movies while you endure the tedious, draining task of making your way to family dinner. Team Decider has compiled this list of movies, shows, and even short-form favorites to keep you and your traveling companions occupied the entire time you’re en route.
Traveling a short distance: 'Kung Fury'
If Inglourious Basterds, Miami Vice, and all of your favorite arcade games from the ’80s had a baby, it might look something like Kung Fury. Written, directed, and starring David Sandberg as the titular hero, the 30-minute short film phenomenon reimagines one martial arts master’s journey back in time to kill Adolf Hitler.
If you have an hour to kill: 'John Mulaney: The Comeback Kid'
Stand-up sensation, John Mulaney, suits up to talk marriage, religion, his bulldog Petunia, and the first time he met Bill Clinton in this sharp, hilariously entertaining comedy hour. If you’re traveling with a good-humored friend or relative, pass them an earbud so they can get in on The Comeback Kid. (P.S. If you get delayed, John Mulaney: New In Town is also on Netflix)
To psyche you up for that holiday meal: 'Chef's Table'
The anti-cooking show cooking show, Chef’s Table takes the delectable parts of hits like Top Chef, Master Chef, and Chopped, and removes the (often brutal) competition to reveal incredible stories behind six artists of the kitchen. This six-part miniseries features a different master chef from around the world and will have your mouth watering and ready to feast as soon as you walk in for Turkey Day dinner.
While you're stuck in traffic: 'Red Oaks': Season One
It’s no secret that embarking on a plane, train, or automobile amongst hundreds of other people can be stressful. So kick back (as far as you can, at least) and relax with this throwback ’80s comedy from David Gordon Green and Steven Soderbergh. Set in the summer of 1985, Craig Roberts stars as David Myers, an amateur tennis instructor at the titular country club where he experiences a life-changing summer of love. Think Caddyshack meets The Graduate and you pretty much have the gist.
For a cross-country plane ride: 'Fanny and Alexander' (1982)
Got a solid five hours to kill? Watch the theatrical version of one of the longest, greatest coming-of-age stories ever! The televised variation clocks in at just over three hours but the director’s cut is roughly five hours; so you have plenty of time to get to know the Ekdahl family (and age along with them by the time it’s over). In all seriousness though: Ingmar Bergman’s classic is not only endearing, but also kind of magical.
If you're traveling with little ones: 'Shaun the Sheep: The Movie' (2015)
Keep the kids entertained and out of your hair with Wallace and Gromit’s adorable claymation adventure. When audacious farm-dweller, Shaun, takes an unprecedented stroll away from his herd, he ends up in the big city and must figure out a way back home.
If you're on your way to Friendsgiving: 'Friends,' "The One with All the Thanksgivings"
Sure, Friends has a few fantastic Thanksgiving episodes up their series’ sleeve, but Season Five’s “The One with All the Thanksgivings” is, by far, the best: no ifs, ands, or drumsticks about it. As the core six sit around Monica’s apartment in food comas, they reminisce about their less-than-satisfying Turkey Day endeavors growing up; leading to a hilarious walk down memory lane and resulting in Monica infamously donning a turkey.
[Stream Friends “The One with All the Thanksgivings” on Netflix]
You have days-worth of traveling: 'Fargo': Seasons One-Two
We get it. Some of us have to trek across the world to see our loved ones for the holidays. It’s rough, but it’s worth it and why not watch something that’s both riveting and enjoyable on your 15 or 20-hour flight? Stream the award-winning masterpiece series based on the Coen Brothers’ crime saga of the same name. Season One is available in it’s entirety on Hulu and Season Two’s latest episodes are available with your cable log in on FX NOW and for download on Amazon Video.
To keep your spirits bright during a layover: 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt'
If Kimmy (Ellie Kemper) can spend fifteen years in a bunker, you can make it through a few more hours at the airport. From the minds who brought you 30 Rock, Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, comes a relentlessly clever and uplifting sitcom about starting over and fearing nothing.
When you're finally home for the holidays: 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving'
Nothing feels as much like home as the endearing characters of Peanuts. Right now, you can buy A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving on Amazon or iTunes, and the hour-long special is sweet treat for all ages.
