The whole family will love these best family Thanksgiving movies. After feasting around the dinner table, go get comfy on the couch and watch some classic Thanksgiving films.
I love everything about the holidays. Of course, I love the cooking and baking aspects of the holiday season, but I also enjoy a good movie. We always have holiday movies playing in the background during the season.
Some holiday movies are centered around our family traditions. Watching movies together is a wonderful way to spend time together and create memories and we love quoting holiday movies year round. We also love these Thanksgiving books for kids.
Of course you can watch the big football game on Thanksgiving, but what about other times during the Thanksgiving holiday? That is where Thanksgiving movies come in.
You may not have realized it, but there are actually Thanksgiving movies! Whenever I think of holiday films, my mind immediately goes to Christmas movies, then Halloween movies.
What about Thanksgiving, though? There are tons of movies that are centered around the food-filled November holiday. They encompass the holiday and celebrate spending time with your loved ones.
Do not get me wrong...I love a good Christmas movie, but Thanksgiving movies are just as fun! That is why we came up with a list of movies that you should check out this Thanksgiving.
Keep in mind that some are not for little kids. Everything is PG-13 or under but some will be more geared towards older family members. While some are definitely more of a kid favorite.
While you are watching a movie, sip on this incredible Thanksgiving punch. And if you need Thanksgiving dessert ideas gluten free, we've got you covered.
You should also try out this adorable Thanksgiving charcuterie board. It is perfect to snack on and is fun to put together. Same with decorating these Thanksgiving cookies.
One of the best things about Thanksgiving is that there is always something to snack on. And I know that I am a big snacker during movies. I particularly enjoy having Thanksgiving leftovers.
Why should you watch Thanksgiving movies?
- It is a great way to spend quality time with the entire family.
- You can sit down and relax during your vacation over Thanksgiving weekend.
- These movies give you an excuse to stay away from the craziness of Black Friday.
- You and your family members can really get into the Thanksgiving spirit.
- Movie marathons are great when the weather is super cold out.
What makes a good Thanksgiving movie?
- It takes place around Thanksgiving: If it is a Thanksgiving movie, it should take place around Thanksgiving or near the holiday season. Then the movie will get you into the spirit of the season.
- Usually it will be family centered: Thanksgiving is a family holiday when everyone comes together. That should be shown in the movies about the holiday.
- There is talk of delicious Thanksgiving food: What is Thanksgiving without the food? Having a Thanksgiving feast in a Thanksgiving film is definitely a plus.
- You could learn something new: There are documentaries and films about the first Thanksgiving, so you could learn something you did not know before. For example, did you know they served fish at the very first Thanksgiving?
- There is a cozy vibe: When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of having a full stomach, sitting with a cozy blanket by the fire, and spending time with my family. That cozy vibe of Thanksgiving should be shown in the movies also.
Here is a list of the best Thanksgiving movies that you need to check out this year. Give them a watch before Thanksgiving comes along. You will want to save some for Thanksgiving Day so you eat eat your pie and enjoy a film.
1. Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Snoopy decides to cook Thanksgiving dinner when Peppermint Patty invites everyone to Charlie Brown's house, even though Charlie is not there. With the help of his friends, Snoopy cooks his own Thanksgiving meal.
Where to watch: Apple TV
2. Little Women
Based on Louisa May Alcott's novel Little Women, the movie tells the story of four sisters and how they come together when one sister becomes ill. It takes place years after the Civil War.
Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Starz, Sling TV, YouTube
3. The Blind Side
The Blind Side recounts the true story of Michael Oher, who has been in and out of the school system for years. Sandra Bullock plays Leigh Ann Tuohy who takes him in and help him realize his potential as a football player.
Where to watch: For rent on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
4. A Looney Tunes Thanksgiving
A Looney Tunes Thanksgiving features two shorts, "Bugs Bunny's Thanksgiving Diet" and "Daffy Ducks' Thanks-for-giving Special." The beloved characters celebrate Thanksgiving in humorous ways.
Where to watch: For rent on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and YouTube
5. Fantastic Mr. Fox
Mr. Fox (George Clooney) raids his human neighbor's farm, breaking a promise to his wife (Meryl Streep). He gets into trouble with the neighbors and has to be clever to solve his problems.
Where to watch: HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
6. You've Got Mail
In this romantic comedy, Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) and Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) have a work rivalry but have started an anonymous online relationship. The two must navigate their feelings as they find out the truth.
Where to watch: HBO Max, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video
7. Addams Family Values
The Addams family expands with a baby boy, which Pugsley and Wednesday Addams (Christina Ricci) are not excited about. Their new nanny tries to stop their plans to get rid of the baby.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, YouTube
8. Garfield's Thanksgiving
The vet puts Garfield on a diet the day before Thanksgiving. To make it even worse, Jon invited the vet for Thanksgiving dinner. How will Garfield survive?
Where to watch: For rent on Amazon Prime Video
9. Instant Family
A couple goes from zero to three kids overnight when they decide to start a family. By looking into the foster care system, they end up with three kids and have to figure out how to be parents.
Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+
10. Miracle on 34th Street
Susan, a six-year-old girl, is unsure if Santa Claus is real. When her mom hires a mall Santa (Edmund Gwenn) who claims he is the real Santa, Susan finds herself standing up for him when others do not believe in him. I also love this 90's edition.
Where to watch: Disney+
11. Spider-Man
Tobey Maguire plays Peter Parker, a teenager who gets special powers after being bitten by a genetically modified spider. Now he has to navigate these new powers and learn how to fight crime.
Where to watch: For rent on Amazon Prime Video
12. Free Birds
Reggie the turkey (Owen Wilson) is the lucky turkey pardoned by the president, but is quickly recruited by Jake the turkey (Woody Harrelson) to change history. They go back in time to stop turkey from being the first Thanksgiving meal.
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Where to watch: Hulu, Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video
13. A Family Thanksgiving
In this Hallmark channel movie, a lawyer gets thrown into an alternate reality. This different reality shows her what her life could have been if she made different decisions in life.
Where to watch: To rent on Apple TV
14. Turkey Hollow
Turkey Hollow is about the Emmerson family, who heads to Turkey Hollow to visit their aunt. When the kids gets bored because there is no internet, they start to look into the local legend of the monster that lives there.
Where to watch: To rent on Amazon Prime Video
15. Home Alone
Kevin McCallister is left at home for Christmas after his family mistakenly leaves for their holiday without him. He enjoys the time alone until he has to get creative to protect his house from burglars.
Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
16. Paul Blart: Mall Cop
Paul Blart (Kevin James) is a mall security guard who takes his job seriously. During the holidays, Santa's helpers take over the mall and hold hostages, who include his kids and girlfriend. He realizes he is the man to protect the mall.
Where to watch: Sling TV
17. A Winnie the Pooh Thanksgiving
Winnie the Pooh and his friends prepare their version of a Thanksgiving dinner until Rabbit tells them a Thanksgiving meal includes turkey and pumpkin pie. The friends go on an adventure to find their Thanksgiving feast.
Where to watch: YouTube
18. Beethoven
The Newton family adopts a St. Bernard puppy, who they name Beethoven. He quickly causes chaos, but Mr. Newton is the only one who seems to care. A vet tries to steal Beethoven for an experiment, so the family has to try to save him.
Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
19. Alvin and the Chipmunks: Alvin's Thanksgiving Celebration
The Chipmunks sign up for a Thanksgiving play but become nervous. This film also has three other Alvin and the Chipmunks adventures: Food for Thought, Cookie Comper III, and Dave's Getting Married.
Where to watch: For purchase on Amazon
20. We're Back: A Dinosaur's Story
Captain Neweyes sends four dinosaurs on a time traveling adventure to New York City. The dinosaurs are having a good time until Captain Neweyes' evil brother tries to cause trouble.
Where to watch: For purchase on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, YouTube
21. The Thanksgiving Movie
Butterball and Missy, a turkey and a dodo bird, have to save Thanksgiving. They have to beat the countdown before Thanksgiving so the holiday can still exist. This animated film follows their adventure and will make you laugh.
Where to watch: PlutoTV
22. Squanto: A Warrior's Tale
Squanto, a Native American, lives in the New World until sailors take him back to England. He is taught English customs but is not treated well. When he returns home, he has to balance what he has learned and his old customs.
Where to watch: Disney+
23. Home for the Holidays
Claudia Larson (Holly Hunter) goes home alone to her hometown for Thanksgiving because her daughter does not want to go with her. Her family is dysfunctional and quickly annoys her, but her brother's friend catches her eye.
Where to watch: Paramount+
24. An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving
In a Hallmark movie based on a short story by Louisa May Alcott, a widow struggles to feed her three children. Her oldest daughter writes to her wealthy grandmother, who she has never met, to come and visit for the holiday.
Where to watch: Pluto TV
25. Pieces of April
April (Katie Holmes) lives in New York and has not spoken to her family in a long time. But she invites her family to her home for Thanksgiving after learning her mother has breast cancer.
26. Grumpy Old Men
This 90's classic is so cozy with a bit of that family drama and grumpiness you expect. It's a classic for a reason. They even made a Grumpier Old Men to follow.
27. Arthur Thanksgiving
If you are 90's kid, you are going to love this cartoon classic with a Thanksgiving twist. It has all the fun of Arthur but with the celebration of the season.
28. Son in Law
This is one of my favorite movies! I used to always watch it with my Grandma of all people. It never ceases to amaze me that no matter how many times I watch it, it is still hilarious. It is a true comedy that involves plenty of turkeys.
29. Dan in Real Life
This multi-generational gathering is sure to invoke memories of some of your own
Thanksgivings. It is a romantic comedy with a healthy dose of drama.
30. What's Cooking
This 2000's comedrama takes you to a tasty Thanksgiving dinner with a modern family that comes together. There are surprises and delicious food scenes in store.
Where to watch: Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video
Now that you have your movie picked out, it is time to plan out your feast. How about trying something off of the best Southern Thanksgiving menu? Or maybe some of these seafood Thanksgiving ideas?
If you do not want to cook this Thanksgiving, maybe go on a Thanksgiving vacation and enjoy movies from your hotel, resort, or cruise ship. Thanksgiving is wherever you go as long as your family is with you.
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