Best Thanksgiving Movies for Families to Stream
Discover the best Thanksgiving movies for families on Disney Plus, Netflix, Hulu and Apple TV. Kid-friendly picks + grown-up classics for Turkey Day movie nights!
There’s just something magical about Thanksgiving weekend. The parade, the football games, the smell of an influx of decadent Thanksgiving recipes in the kitchen—and of course, sitting down with your whole family for a cozy movie night. After the Thanksgiving dinner (and maybe a little post-turkey food coma), there’s no better way to relax than with a family movie that everyone can enjoy together.
If you’re searching for the best Thanksgiving movies for families, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up a variety of great options across the most popular streaming platforms—from Disney Plus to Netflix, Hulu, and Apple TV—so you can queue up the perfect Thanksgiving films without endless scrolling.
Whether you’re in the mood for an animated film full of favorite characters, a classic cartoon, or a heartwarming romantic comedy with subtle Thanksgiving traditions, this list has something for your entire family. Plus, at the end, we’ll share a few bonus picks that parents might enjoy once the kids are tucked in.
In this article we are sharing a wide range of movies, some of which might not work if you have toddlers, preschoolers or young kids. Be sure to check out Thanksgiving Movies for Kids Rated G for more options for little viewers.
This list is accurate as of the date this article was published, but keep in mind that availability for streaming services can change from month to month and also depends on your geographic area.
Note: Some links may be affiliate links. That means I may make a commission if you use my links to purchase, at no extra added cost to you! I only recommend products that I personally love and believe in. Full disclaimer here.
Best Thanksgiving Movies on Disney Plus
When it comes to Disney movies and Disney shows, there’s no shortage of fun, family-friendly films. While Disney is better known for Christmas movies and animated classics, you’ll still find some gems that are perfect for a cozy turkey day movie night.
- Pocahontas: Inspired by a real Native American legend, in this romanticized take the free-spirited Pocahontas must “listen with her heart” to help her choose which path to follow. The music is great, and for little kids it’s a very appropriate option for Thanksgiving viewing.
- Squanto: A Warriors Tale: Very loosely based on the life of Squanto, and could make a good tie-in.
- Miracle on 34th Street: This holiday classic starts with the Thanksgiving Day parade! In both the timeless classic original and the remake, a lawyer and a little girl must prove that a man claiming to be Santa Claus is the real thing. It’s a very sweet, wholesome movie the entire family can watch together that also focuses on the true meaning of Christmas.
- Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Yes, it’s technically a Christmas season film, but watching Kevin McCallister outwit the burglars has become a holiday tradition for many families. Since Thanksgiving holiday often marks the start of the Christmas spirit, this is a great one to bridge the seasons. (Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, and Daniel Stern are at their comedic best.)
- The Santa Clause, The Santa Clause 2, The Santa Clause 3, The Santa Clauses: While not about Thanksgiving traditions, this Disney Channel favorite starring Tim Allen makes the list because it’s a great time to start introducing Christmas movies as soon as Thanksgiving dinner wraps up. Our family loves to watch the movies in order, and then finish with the series! They make the perfect family-friendly movie marathon.
Best Thanksgiving Movies on Netflix
Netflix is a go-to streaming platform for family members looking for everything from an animated film to a romantic drama. Here are a few of the best movies for Thanksgiving weekend.
- Freebirds: A silly flick about two turkeys who time travel to the first Thanksgiving to remove turkeys from the holiday menu. Cute cartoon option.
- Holiday Rush: This feel-good movie tells the story of a single father who loses his job and has to downsize with his kids just before the holidays. It’s full of themes of family and gratitude, making it a perfect film to watch during this time of year. (Romany Malco stars, with cameos from Aisha Tyler and Deon Cole.)
- The Christmas Chronicles 1 & 2: Starring Kurt Russell as Santa Claus, this Netflix original movie brings plenty of laughs, action, and Christmas spirit. It’s set around the holiday season, making it a perfect way to transition from Thanksgiving traditions to Christmas movies.
- Paddington: Who doesn’t love Paddington Bear? While not specifically a Thanksgiving-themed film, this lovely story about kindness and family is the perfect way to keep kids entertained while parents tackle the dishes from a big meal.
- Fantastic Mr. Fox: This animated film by Wes Anderson (with voice talents from George Clooney and Meryl Streep) has a cozy, fall feel. With its dysfunctional family dynamics, clever humor, and autumn palette, it’s one of those perfect Thanksgiving films that the entire family can enjoy.
Best Thanksgiving Movies on Hulu
Hulu is another great streaming platform with family movie options that tie into Thanksgiving weekend and the holiday season.
- Addams Family Values: While technically a Halloween sequel, the Wednesday Addams Thanksgiving pageant scene has become an iconic Thanksgiving scene in pop culture. With Christina Ricci stealing the show, it’s a quirky pick that’s both hilarious and a little biting in its look at Thanksgiving traditions.
- Paul Blart: Mall Cop: Starring Kevin James, this silly family movie is perfect for kids and grown-ups who want a good laugh after a heavy Thanksgiving meal. Bonus points if you watch it while prepping for Black Friday riot shopping!
- Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas Special: Another holiday special that feels right at home on Thanksgiving night. With its themes of family and plenty of slapstick humor, it’s a cozy option for kids of all ages.
- Mr. Bean’s Holiday: For some silly scenes content, turn to Mr. Bean. Rowan Atkinson’s bumbling adventures bring the kind of physical comedy that works for both young children and adults.
Best Thanksgiving Movies on Apple TV
Apple’s newer streaming platform has started to build a library of Apple Original Productions, including some fun family-friendly movies and holiday specials.
- A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving: An absolute classic cartoon and perhaps the most iconic of all Thanksgiving-themed films. Charlie Brown, Peppermint Patty, and the gang gather for a traditional family dinner (with toast and jellybeans, of course!). This is a perfect example of a holiday special that never goes out of style. It’s short, sweet, and the perfect way to kick off your Thanksgiving night.
- Jim Henson’s Turkey Hollow: A perfect example of a quirky Thanksgiving-themed film, this original is set around Thanksgiving dinner and features a young girl, her brother, and some strange forest creatures. It’s heartfelt, funny, and definitely a perfect Thanksgiving film for families who want something a little different.
- Peanuts Specials Collection: From the Thanksgiving Day Parade to the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, Apple TV has exclusive rights to many of the Peanuts holiday specials. Watching Snoopy set up a traditional family dinner of popcorn and toast is a perfect way to kick off your Thanksgiving holiday.
- Spirited: This Apple TV original movie starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds isn’t about Thanksgiving, but it’s a feel-good movie with plenty of music and heart. If your family loves Christmas movies, this is a perfect time to start the season.
- Garfield’s Thanksgiving: Another classic cartoon for kids, this holiday TV show special delivers a good laugh as Garfield resists Jon’s plans for a diet on Thanksgiving Day. Between the humor and the focus on a big Thanksgiving meal, it’s a lighthearted option for young children.
Bonus Picks: Best Thanksgiving Movies for Parents
Once the kids are in bed, you may want a more grown-up option with deeper themes of family, romantic drama, or even a darkly funny dysfunctional family tale. These aren’t necessarily kid-friendly, but they’re great Thanksgiving night choices for parents:
- Planes, Trains and Automobiles: Steve Martin and John Candy deliver one of the funniest road trip movies ever—set during Thanksgiving holiday travel chaos.
- You’ve Got Mail: Peak Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, and has a Thanksgiving tie-in, too.
- Pieces of April: Katie Holmes plays a young woman hosting her estranged family members for Thanksgiving dinner in New York City.
- The Ice Storm: Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, and Christina Ricci star in this 1970s-set story about family disconnection, set during Thanksgiving weekend.
- Thanksgiving (horror movie): I am NOT a horror movie girl, but a friend who saw this horror film about a killer who stalks a town in Massachusetts after a Black Friday tragedy said it’s pretty entertaining!
- All of the FRIENDS Thanksgiving episodes! My husband and I try to watch 1-2 a night leading up to Thanksgiving to get into the holiday spirit. The ten Friends Thanksgiving episodes in order by season are: “The One Where Underdog Gets Away” (S1E9), “The One With the List” (S2E8), “The One With the Football” (S3E9), “The One With Chandler in a Box” (S4E8), “The One With All the Thanksgivings” (S5E8), “The One Where Ross Got High” (S6E9), “The One Where Chandler Doesn’t Like Dogs” (S7E8), “The One With the Rumor” (S8E9), “The One With Rachel’s Other Sister” (S9E8), “The One With the Late Thanksgiving” (S10E8).
More Thanksgiving Family Fun
- Easy Thanksgiving Crafts for Toddlers
- Adorable Thanksgiving Turkey Handprint Poem Printable
- How to Cook a Turkey in a Crockpot
- 65 Non Perishable Foods for a Thanksgiving Food Drive
Final Thoughts on the Best Thanksgiving Movies for Families to Stream
Whether you’re queuing up A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, laughing through Addams Family Values, or settling in with a romantic comedy after the kids are asleep, there’s no shortage of perfect Thanksgiving films to enjoy with your loved ones. You might even enjoy starting the new tradition of kicking off your movie day with watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on live TV while getting dinner in the oven.
This time of year is all about slowing down, connecting with your family members, and building Thanksgiving traditions that your kids will remember forever. So grab a cozy blanket, settle in around the Thanksgiving table (or couch), and press play on one of these best Thanksgiving movies for families.
I hope you loved this collection of holiday-themed movies. If you need more movie inspiration, check out what’s offered as well on Amazon Prime video to rent or buy.
From one parent to another, here’s to a holiday season full of good food, good movies, and good memories with your entire family.
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