5 Must-See Movies to Watch This Thanksgiving Weekend

5. The Private Lives of Pippa Lee

** Director:** Rebecca Miller
** Genre:** Drama
** Cast:** Robin Wright Penn, Keanu Reeves, Alan Arkin
** Summary:** To everyone looking in from the outside, Pippa Lee leads a quiet and charming life. She is a devoted wife, a proud mother of two grown children, and a trusted friend. But when Pippa follows her older husband to a retirement community, her familiar world and carefully crafted persona are put to the ultimate test. Looks are deceiving, and this woman has seen her fair share of turmoil growing up. How is her bittersweet journey of self-discovery going to unfold? This emotional film is something you definitely need to watch to see for yourself.

Key highlights of this thoughtful drama include:

4. The Road

Director: John Hillcoat
** Genre:** Drama, Suspense/Thriller
** Cast:** Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Charlize Theron
** Summary:** Based on Cormac McCarthy’s acclaimed novel, a father and his young son traverse a burned, ash-covered post-apocalyptic world. Together, they battle starvation, harsh environmental conditions, and dangerous survivors as they try to keep their dream of civilization and humanity alive. It is a hauntingly powerful tale of survival and parental devotion that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

3. Ninja Assassin

** Director:** James McTeigue
** Genre:** Action/Adventure
** Cast:** Rain, Naomie Harris, Ben Miles
** Summary:** Raizo was trained to be a lethal killer from an early age as a member of the secret assassin clan known as the Ozunu. When the Ozunu brutally execute his close friend, Raizo breaks free from their grip and vanishes into the shadows to plan his revenge. Meanwhile, Europol Agent Mika Coretti uncovers a money trail linking the clandestine group to a series of high-profile political murders. Raizo and Mika join forces to bring down the ruthless clan once and for all in a high-octane martial arts spectacle.

2. Old Dogs

** Director:** Walt Becker
** Genre:** Comedy
** Cast:** John Travolta, Robin Williams, Kelly Preston
** Summary:** Featuring comedy legends John Travolta and Robin Williams, this lighthearted film delivers plenty of laughs. When a divorced dad (Williams) and his fun-loving best friend and business partner (Travolta) are unexpectedly tasked with caring for seven-year-old twins, their bachelor lifestyles are turned upside down. With the biggest business deal of their careers on the line, these two kid-clueless friends must figure out how to juggle parenting duties and professional stakes at the same time, leading to hilarious misadventures and heartwarming life lessons.

If you're planning a fun movie marathon with friends, it's also worth checking out great stay-in date night movies for cozy evenings at home.

1. The Princess and the Frog

** Director:** Ron Clements, John Musker
** Genre:** Animated, Family, Romance
** Cast:** Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Keith David
** Summary:** This magical Walt Disney Animation release is absolute perfection to watch with the little ones. Marking Disney's triumphant return to traditional hand-drawn animation, it tells an unforgettable musical tale set in 1920s New Orleans. Filled with jazz-inspired music, a trumpet-playing alligator named Louis, a romantic Cajun firefly named Ray, and a spunky heroine named Tiana, this enchanted fairy tale brings warmth, joy, and laughter to viewers of all ages.

Why family audiences and animation lovers should not miss this release:

If you've noticed, each week when I write these blog posts, I try to feature at least one fantastic movie to see with children. I am a firm believer in spending quality family time together and letting kids enjoy the magic of going to the cinema. If you have little ones in your household, The Princess and the Frog will bring plenty of smiles and laughs for everyone.

Other than these top picks, what movies are theater worthy according to you? Have your kids been eager to check out The Princess and the Frog this season?