Christianity Today

The Best Years of Our Lives

1947 | Unrated directed by William Wyler

After returning home in glory, a group of World War II veterans experience a range of emotions as they try to assimilate back into "normal" life in a society that has stopped being thankful for the sacrifices they made.

It's a Wonderful Life

1946 | Unrated directed by Frank Capra

In the wake of a financial crisis, bank manager George Bailey wonders if the world would be a better place without him. He's proven completely wrong as he learns how thankful his family and friends are for his place in their lives.

The Game

1997 | Rated R directed by David Fincher

A wealthy businessman receives a mysterious invitation to join in a game that will play out in his everyday life. He jumps at the chance to relieve the tedium that plagues him. When the game spirals out of control, he realizes he is glad to be alive after all.

Brief Encounter

1945 | Unrated directed by David Lean

During her weekly outing into town, British housewife Laura strikes up a friendship with a charming, handsome doctor. She finds herself tempted to trade her safe, domestic haven in for an adulterous adventure, only to discover a wellspring of gratitude for her husband's loyalty and quiet love.

Raising Arizona

1987 | Rated PG-13 directed by Joel and Ethan Coen

An ex-con and an ex-cop kidnap one of the Arizona quintuplets in hopes of creating the family they couldn't have on their own. On the run from the law and a bunch of outlaws, their journey leads them to be grateful for the joys they have always had.

Annie Young Frisbie is a CT Movies critic and blogger at SuperFastReader.com.

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Related Elsewhere:

The Best Years of Our Lives, It's a Wonderful Life, The Game, Brief Encounter, and Raising Arizona are available at Amazon.com and other retailers.

Christianity Today has more articles on Thanksgiving, including:

The Impossibility of Thanksgiving | Why gratefulness is more gift than duty. (November 25, 2009)

Fruit Pies, Popcorn, and Music | The Pilgrim legacy goes beyond Thanksgiving to a love of music still with us today. (November 23, 1984)

Thanksgiving at Fair Acres | A meal with my mother and other nursing-home residents opened a small crack in their stony detachment, and gave a brief glimpse of the kingdom of heaven. (November 13, 2000)

Marching Farmers, Homeless Slaves | How Christianity's Jewish roots point us to a different kind of Thanksgiving. (November 25, 2008)

Previous SoulWork columns are available on our site.