While many are highly anticipating the beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes, and more that they will be feasting on during Thanksgiving, they also are excited to take a break, kick back and relax with family and friends. Other than watching Football, what better way to settle down after a hearty meal then to take in a fun film all can enjoy. Here’s a few recommendations we have to celebrate the holiday together.
1) The Preacher’s Wife (1996)
First of all, Whitney Houston. Did we really ever deserve her in the first place? Continue to celebrate her legacy by taking in her grace and legendary voice in The Preacher’s Wife. Played alongside some of your Auntie’s favorites: Denzel Washington, Courtney B. Vance, and Gregory Hines, watch as they all navigate through New York City during the holidays and address issues of hardship, faith, love, and divine intervention. A remake of the 1948 film The Bishop’s Wife, this movie’s gospel tunes will certainly uplift your spirits after a long day of cooking, eating, and merriment.
2) Soul Food (1997)
Besides having one of the best soundtracks the ’90s could offer, Soul Food will remind any family of what’s most important, each other. A classic that features entertainment legends such as Vanessa Williams, Nia Long, Vivica Fox and Mekhi Phifer in their earlier years, will also remind you that loving your mom, is like food to your soul. Thank you Boys II Men! Though it’s not centered around a holiday, this movie reminds us that with family, there’s always something to celebrate.
3) Friday After Next (2002)
If you have eaten too much and have a stomach ache, you may want to skip this one as the laughter will have your belly hurting all over again. By the Friday After Next, people were fine without ‘Smokey’ because Cousin Day-Day, played by Mike Epps, certainly held his own in delivering the funny throughout Next Friday and this Christmas hood favorite.
4) Last Holiday (2006)
Two rap icons come together in this beautiful romantic comedy. Seeing Queen Latifah and LL Cool J on screen brings back early hip hop-era vibes that you cannot help but adore. Recently trending, as some “forgot” that Queen Latifah was a plus-sized love interest a long time ago in more than one film, this story inspires and pleases on several levels.
5) This Christmas (2007)
Playing off Donny Hathaway’s classic that stays on repeat in many Black households during the holidays, This Christmas quickly became a favorite of holiday film lovers worldwide. A fun and funny movie all around with an all star cast makes this a perfect dessert to your holiday meal.
6) Best Man Holiday (2013)
When people heard that after 10 years, the cast of The Best Man would be coming back for a sequel, they were very excited. Thankfully, the film did not disappoint and gave us the fine friend crew all grown up and looking as though they haven’t aged since we first met them. It is a tear jerker, but what better way to take in a sad story then with people you love.
7) Almost Christmas (2016)
This Will Packer Production directed by Florida A & M graduate David Talbert is more recent, but is a great family film that will easily go down as a favorite amongst fans. The celebrated cast comes together for a perfect mix of laughter and truth of intergenerational dynamics, death, divorce, and overcoming it all with love. Also, the rekindled high school friendship of Gabrielle Union and Omar Epps will give you all the feels.
8) The Holiday Calendar (2018)
In case you are looking for something new to enjoy, hit on Netflix and check out The Holiday Calendar with Kat Graham and Quincy Brown. In this romantic drama, Kat Graham’s character is a photographer whose grandfather gifts her an antique Advent calendar that may point her to love. A great made-for-TV Christmas watch for those looking to check out something fresh.
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