Thin film transistors having U-shaped features are described. In an example, integrated circuit structure including a gate electrode above a substrate, the gate electrode having a trench therein. A channel material layer is over the gate electrode and in the trench, the channel material layer conformal with the trench. A first source or drain contact is coupled to the channel material layer at a first end of the channel material layer outside of the trench. A second source or drain contact is coupled to the channel material layer at a second end of the channel material layer outside of the trench.