Home for the holidays: Films about family gatherings

Macaulay Culkin might not be left home alone in this movie, but he's left in the care of an irresponsible uncle. He plays Miles Russell who, together with his siblings, is horrified to learn that their notorious Uncle Buck (John Candy) will be moving in as babysitter. Comedy ensues, and they all come to love their uncle and his bumbling ways.

21 / 30 Fotos

'This Is Where I Leave You' (2014) -

After their father's death, four adult siblings return, families in tow, to spend a week living in their family home. Tensions are turned up to the max as they attempt to deal with simmering resentments and an over-sharing mother.

BrunoPress

22 / 30 Fotos

'Four Christmases' (2008) -

Get ready for a quadruple dose of festive family awkwardness! Kate and Brad (Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn) are a couple whose hopes of a winter break abroad are dashed, forcing them to spend Christmas with each one of their divorced parents in turn.

BrunoPress

23 / 30 Fotos

'Pieces of April' (2003) -

Rebellious daughter April (Katie Holmes) makes the bold decision to host her family for Thanksgiving dinner at her ramshackle apartment. Anything that can go wrong does go wrong, in a thoughtful comedy-drama about the strength of family bonds.

BrunoPress

24 / 30 Fotos

'Arsenic and Old Lace' (1943) -

When anti-marriage journalist Mortimer Brewster (Cary Grant) risks his career by deciding to tie the knot, he has to break the news to his beloved maiden aunts. During his visit, he discovers the women are hiding a murderous secret.

BrunoPress

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'Hannah and Her Sisters' (1986) -

It's a Woody Allen movie, so expect plenty of neuroses to play out at the dinner table. In a film that takes place over the course of several Thanksgivings, family tensions run high, and cutting one-liners are delivered with aplomb.

BrunoPress

26 / 30 Fotos

'The Ice Storm' (1997) -

Thanksgiving gatherings don't get much more dysfunctional than this. In 1973 suburbia, wife-swapping, drinking, and domestic disagreements abound. Errant teens despair of their parents, but a looming ice storm puts everything into perspective.

BrunoPress

27 / 30 Fotos

'Nothing Like the Holidays' (2008) -

The scattered Rodriguez clan come together for what they hope will be a traditional Christmas gathering. But with underlying resentments and bombshell announcements, it's not quite the peaceful get-together they had in mind.

BrunoPress

28 / 30 Fotos

'Secrets & Lies' (1996) -

Nobody does British dysfunctional families quite like director Mike Leigh. When an adopted daughter reaches out to her biological mother, all manner of hidden family betrayals come to the fore.

BrunoPress

29 / 30 Fotos

'Happy End' (2017) -

This satirical French comedy of manners sees 12-year-old Eve move into her wealthy family's Calais estate after the death of her mother. It's an intelligently-awkward movie, as the young interloper attempts to navigate the oddness of her new home.

Sources: (People) (BFI)

BrunoPress

30 / 30 Fotos

Home for the holidays: Films about family gatherings

These movies capture all the joy and pain of meeting up with loved ones

16/11/21 | StarsInsider

MOVIES Cinema

Family gatherings can inspire all sorts of emotions, from joy and anticipation to nervousness and even downright dread. Throw major holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas into the mix, and the scene is set for all sorts of fireworks over the dinner table. Many filmmakers have captured the tensions and tantrums that can come with family get-togethers, and the result is a treasure trove of family-centered movies that range from hilarious to heartbreaking. Ready for some family drama? Click through this gallery to discover some of the best movies ever made about family gatherings.