20 Best Thanksgiving Movies for Kids and the Whole Family

Looking for the best Thanksgiving movies for kids to keep everyone happy this holiday? Thanksgiving often begins with a flurry of activity: the kitchen buzzes, cars arrive, and joyful greetings fill the air. Yet, for many, the holiday's true heart emerges after the feast, in the comfortable quiet that settles over a full house. The dishes can wait. A movie on Thanksgiving offers more than just entertainment; it's a shared moment, a chance for everyone to pause, relax, and simply be together, wrapped in the gentle glow of the screen.

We've curated a selection of films that perfectly capture this Thanksgiving spirit. Our list spans from sweet, nostalgic classics ideal for the youngest viewers, to lively comedies that perfectly portray the joys and challenges of coming home for the holidays.

Whether you're looking for G-rated comfort for the kids or a PG-13 laugh once they're asleep, this guide tells you exactly what to watch and, crucially, where to find it right now.

💡 Tips: To ensure your family's viewing is truly uninterrupted, free from buffering, device compatibility issues, or the hassle of old physical media, preparing your movies ahead of time is essential. A versatile media enhancer and processor like VideoProc Converter AI makes this preparation seamless by allowing you to digitize your cherished film collection, record or download video and music content from over 1,000 sites for instant offline viewing, and even enhance low-quality footage to achieve stunning 4K UHD clarity.

Best Thanksgiving Movies for Kids (Ages 3-8) & Animated Classics

This first selection targets the core best thanksgiving movies for kids audience. These G-rated or light PG films are safe, simple, and often directly related to the holiday, making them perfect for a short, post-turkey viewing session.

1. Free Birds (2013)

• IMDB Rating: ⭐5.8/10
• Key Theme: Time travel, working together, and funny historical hijinks.
• Where to Watch: Available to rent or buy on most Video On Demand (VOD) services.

For kids who love talking animals and zany, high-concept fun, this animated comedy is an easy Thanksgiving pick. The entire plot centers on Reggie and Jake, two wildly different turkeys who steal a time machine to travel back to the year 1621. Their goal is simple: ensure that turkey never makes it onto the menu of the first Thanksgiving feast, thereby saving their species. It's a very colorful, fast-paced, and silly adventure that explores themes of history, self-preservation, and friendship. The direct, Thanksgiving-centric premise makes it a perfect, lighthearted bit of fun for the younger crowd.

2. Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002)

• IMDB Rating: ⭐7.2/10
• Key Theme: Freedom, homeland, and early American history.
• Where to Watch: Available for streaming on Netflix and VOD services.

This beautifully hand drawn animated film is a fantastic and unique thematic choice for the Thanksgiving holiday. It tells the epic story of Spirit, a wild Mustang, and his powerful journey across the American West as he fights for his freedom and for his herd's survival against the arrival of settlers and the U.S. Cavalry. The film speaks profoundly to the themes of land, freedom, and perseverance all concepts tied to the Thanksgiving narrative. Its stunning visuals and moving score, narrated by Matt Damon, offer a grand, compelling adventure that is both gentle enough for younger kids and rich enough for older viewers. It is a great choice for families looking for a movie that celebrates the beauty of the American landscape and the value of community.

3. The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)

• IMDB Rating: ⭐7.6/10
• Key Theme: Family, connection, and finding strength in each other.
• Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, Fandango at Home.

The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021) quickly became a hit after its release on Netflix, earning praise and winning several awards, including eight at the 49th Annie Awards and an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature. Directed by Mike Rianda, the film follows the Mitchell family as they find themselves unexpectedly saving the world from a robot apocalypse. While the plot may sound outlandish, the story is actually all about family. In a world full of distractions, it's the people we love who keep us grounded. The Mitchells vs. The Machines captures what makes Thanksgiving special: the importance of family. It's funny and relatable, reminding us that despite our differences, it's the people we care about who truly matter. With its unique animation and clever humor, this movie is a great choice for Thanksgiving, offering both fun and meaning.

4. Garfield's Thanksgiving (1989)

• IMDB Rating: ⭐7.6/10
• Key Theme: Appetite, overeating, and simple gratitude.
• Where to Watch: Available to Rent/Buy (Check VOD)

If you're looking for a lighthearted, nostalgic Thanksgiving treat, Garfield's Thanksgiving is a perfect choice. This short animated special, centered around Garfield's insatiable appetite, brings plenty of laughs as he plots his way through a holiday filled with food. But it's not all about the feast. Through Garfield's antics and the gentle guidance of Jon Arbuckle and Liz the vet, the special wraps up with a sweet reminder of gratitude and family. It's the kind of film that brings both smiles and warmth, making it a fun and meaningful pick for both parents and kids alike.

5. Ratatouille (2007)

• IMDB Rating: ⭐8.1/10
• Key Theme: Passion, finding family, and the power of food.
• Where to Watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.

Ratatouille may be set in the romantic streets of Paris, but its story is universally about something far deeper: the transformative power of food to bring people together, inspire passion, and unite people from all walks of life. The beauty of this Pixar film lies not only in its stunning animation but also in its message that no dream is too big and no person too small to make a difference. It's the kind of movie that reminds us that family isn't just about blood; sometimes, it's about finding those who truly understand and support you, no matter where you come from. Perfect for Thanksgiving, it offers a refreshing perspective on following your passions and embracing new beginnings. Whether you're watching with toddlers or teenagers, Ratatouille has the perfect blend of humor and heart, making it a timeless choice for families looking for something both entertaining and meaningful this holiday season.

6. Coco (2017)

• IMDB Rating: ⭐8.4/10
• Key Theme: Family history, memory, and unconditional love.
• Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and Disney+.

Coco (2017) is considered one of Pixar's best films by many. The story touches on family, memories, and the lasting power of love. Directed by Lee Unkrich, it focuses on the Día de Muertos tradition, but the message is universal: honoring our ancestors, staying true to ourselves, and the importance of the stories we pass down. The ending always gets me, reminding us how the people we love remain with us through our memories. Watching Coco during Thanksgiving is a way to think about what really matters: family, connection, and love. It shows us that holidays are about more than just food or gifts; they're about being with the people who matter most. With beautiful animation and a Grammy-winning soundtrack “Remember Me”, Coco will leave you feeling thankful and inspired to share your own family stories.

7. Chicken Run (2000)

• IMDB Rating: ⭐7.1/10
• Key Theme: Teamwork, freedom, and making a break for it before dinner time.
• Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, and Apple TV.

Chicken Run (2000) might not be the first movie that comes to mind when you think of Thanksgiving, but it's one of those films that quietly reminds us of the things that really matter. That is working together, fighting for your freedom, and the importance of community. The chickens in this film are trying to escape before they end up on the dinner table, but their story is much more than just a frantic escape plan. It's about finding hope in the most unlikely places, and how even when things look impossible, having the support of those around you can make all the difference. It's a fun watch for the whole family, with humor that both kids and adults can appreciate. But beyond the laughs, Chicken Run touches on the value of unity and the small victories that come from working together—something that's easy to think about as we gather with family during Thanksgiving.

Best Thanksgiving Movies for the Whole Family (Teens & Adults)

Once the little ones are finally asleep or thoroughly engrossed in a video game, it's time for the movies that feel truly honest about the holiday. This section is for the teens and the adults. The films about the travel disasters, the painful reunions, and the sheer, funny chaos of gathering all your people in one house. Parental guidance is suggested for all PG-13 titles.

This is a soft PG-13 film with some profanity and adult themes. It's a must-watch for the adults, but may require discretion for younger viewers.

8. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)

• IMDB Rating: ⭐7.7/10
• Key Theme: Friendship, gratitude, and simple, unexpected gatherings.
• Where to Watch: Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video.

You can't have a kids' Thanksgiving movie list without A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Directed by Bill Melendez and produced by Lee Mendelson, this classic aired as a special on CBS on December 9, 1973. While it might not have the polished look of modern films and the animation feels a bit old-fashioned, its timeless message about friendship and making the best of an awkward situation remains relevant. The "popcorn and toast" dinner is a perfect reminder that the holiday doesn't have to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes, just being together is enough. Short, nostalgic, and ideal for little ones who can't sit still for too long, it's a simple, sweet film that still holds up today.

9. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

• IMDB Rating: ⭐7.6/10
• Key Theme: Road trip chaos, unexpected friendship, and the meaning of home.
• Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, Disney+, YouTube, Pluto TV, and more.

This is a film that, for countless Americans, the undisputed, beloved anthem of the Thanksgiving season. The story follows Neal Page (Steve Martin) and Del Griffith (John Candy), two wildly mismatched travelers who find themselves forced together in a mad, three-day quest to get Neal back to Chicago for Thanksgiving dinner. It is the definitive, hilarious, and ultimately tender portrait of holiday desperation. The chaotic, relentless setbacks, for example, the canceled flights, the fire, and the rental car debacle, are so funny because they tap into that universal, frustrating feeling of being utterly powerless on the road. But the film's lasting power lies in its quiet final moments, which land on the profound realization that holiday miracles don't come from grand plans, but from the unexpected human connections we make when we need them most. It's the one movie that perfectly captures the stress, the release, and the warmth of simply making it home.

10. The Holdovers (2023)

• IMDB Rating: ⭐7.9/10
• Key Theme: Found family, mentorship, and finding connection amidst holiday solitude.
• Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.

The Holdovers is a perfect movie for anyone who understands the quiet ache of being lonely during the most festive time of the year. Set against the frigid backdrop of a deserted New England boarding school in the 1970s, it locks three disparate souls together over both the Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks: a caustic classics teacher, a sharp but troubled student, and the school's grieving head cook. This film isn't about grand holiday cheer; it's a quiet, witty, and achingly honest character study. It explores how deep, necessary human connection can grow out of shared solitude and melancholy. It's the story of three broken people slowly, messily, building a makeshift family unit. It offers a profound, gentle warmth that makes it the ideal, unforced viewing for Thanksgiving, reminding us that the best kind of belonging often appears when you least expect it.

11. Dutch (1991)

• IMDB Rating: ⭐6.5/10
• Key Theme: Forced bonding, hilarious misadventure, and overcoming snobbery.
• Where to Watch: Available to rent or buy on most Video On Demand (VOD) services.

Dutch is one of the most beloved road trip comedies centered specifically on the desperation of getting home for Thanksgiving. The story follows Dutch Dooley, a good-natured, working-class man who drives across the country to bring his girlfriend's impossibly snobbish, miserable son, Doyle, home for the holiday. It's a pure, messy adventure that captures the spirit of two people who initially loathe each other being forced into proximity by the holiday—the kind of accidental pairing that only happens when you are desperate to see family. It's a hilarious, often heartwarming look at how a shared, horrible experience can be the fastest path to breaking down walls and forcing an unlikely bond, just in time for the big meal. This gem from John Hughes perfectly embodies the chaos and eventual warmth of a Thanksgiving journey.

12. Pieces of April (2003)

• IMDB Rating: ⭐7.0/10
• Key Theme: Acceptance, forgiveness, and the chaotic beauty of a deeply imperfect family reunion.
• Where to Watch: Tubi, Pluto TV, MUBI, YouTube, MGM+, YouTube TV, and more.

This is a beautiful, messy little movie that perfectly captures the anxiety and hope of bringing a fractured family back together for a single day. Katie Holmes plays April, a young woman living a bohemian life in a cramped New York apartment, determined to cook a full Thanksgiving dinner for her estranged, conventional family who are driving in from the suburbs. The entire film is a stressful, often funny countdown as April tries to salvage her meal, while her family struggles with their own journey and complex feelings about seeing her. It's a raw, honest look at acceptance, forgiveness, and the difficult reality that even imperfect efforts to connect are worth the trouble. This is a must-watch for anyone who understands that the "perfect" holiday often ends up being the most complicated.

13. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

• IMDB Rating: ⭐7.9/10
• Key Theme: The importance of community, creative survival, and the joy of a shared feast.
• Where to Watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV.

This stop-motion jewel from Wes Anderson is a wonderful, unconventional choice for a cozy Thanksgiving viewing. It never actually mentions the holiday, but it is entirely about feasting, community, and the wild, chaotic effort to provide for your loved ones. The film follows Mr. Fox and his neighbors as they plot to steal food—plump chickens, delicious geese, and crisp cider—from three mean-spirited farmers. It's quick-witted, visually stunning with its autumn color palette, and full of fun, charmingly eccentric characters. It's a fantastic adventure that makes you appreciate the simple comfort of a full belly and the people you share it with, making it a surprisingly perfect thematic fit for the holiday.

14. Addams Family Values (1993)

• IMDB Rating: ⭐6.9/10
• Key Theme: Iconic, subversive, and hilarious summer camp Thanksgiving play scene.
• Where to Watch: Google Play Movies & TV, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV.

The Addams Family (1991) is a beloved dark comedy, and its status as a Thanksgiving favorite is partly thanks to one memorable scene: the summer camp Thanksgiving pageant. Wednesday Addams, fed up with the syrupy, inaccurate portrayal of the holiday, leads a brilliantly funny rebellion that's both shocking and clever. This film is the perfect antidote to overly sentimental holiday fare. It embraces the outsiders, mocks forced cheer, and delivers sharp, unexpected laughs. Witty and surprisingly insightful, it's ideal for families with older kids and teens who appreciate a more subversive sense of humor.

15. Home for the Holidays (1995)

• IMDB Rating: ⭐5.8/10
• Key Theme: Dysfunctional families, emotional turmoil, and finding acceptance in the chaos.
• Where to Watch: MGM+, FuboTV, Sling TV, and more.

Directed by Jodie Foster, this film is the ultimate antidote to any overly sweet holiday tale. It follows Holly Hunter's Claudia as she comes home to her wildly dysfunctional, yet still loving, Baltimore family for Thanksgiving. It's a hilarious, raw, and totally relatable portrait of the lovely, passive-aggressive mess that is the modern family reunion. This movie perfectly captures the simultaneous warmth and utter exhaustion of spending four days with the people who know how to push every single one of your buttons. If you need a movie that says, "Yes, my family is like this too," and finds the profound humor and love within the chaos, this is it.

16. Dan in Real Life (2007)

• IMDB Rating: ⭐6.8/10
• Key Theme: Messy family dynamics, unexpected love, and the conflict between heart and duty.
• Where to Watch: Xumo TV, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV.

This film is a quiet, wonderfully human comedy that captures the true feeling of a New England autumn holiday gathering. The entire story unfolds over a long, compulsory annual reunion at a large coastal home, giving it the unmistakable atmosphere of Thanksgiving. It follows Dan Burns (Steve Carell), a widower and newspaper advice columnist, whose own life is anything but sorted. When he meets the perfect woman, only to discover she is his brother's new girlfriend, the holiday is thrown into a charming state of internal chaos. This movie is a fantastic choice for the whole family because its humor is gentle, its focus is firmly on the messy love between siblings and parents, and it perfectly encapsulates the comfortable, cozy feeling of being crammed together with all your relatives.

17. The Blind Side (2009)

• IMDB Rating: ⭐5.8/10
• Key Theme: Generosity, unconditional acceptance, and the true meaning of found family.
• Where to Watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, YouTube, and Apple TV.

Based on a true story, this movie is a profoundly moving choice for Thanksgiving, centering entirely on the themes of acceptance and gratitude. It tells the story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized high school student, and the wealthy Tuohy family who decides to open their home to him. The film perfectly captures the spirit of found family and the selfless act of providing a safe haven, with a particularly pivotal scene that anchors the entire narrative around a holiday table. It's a heartwarming, modern-day reflection on what it truly means to give thanks for the blessings you have, and to share those blessings with someone who needs them most.

18. Son in Law (1993)

• IMDB Rating: ⭐5.8/10
• Key Theme: Culture clash, overcoming prejudice, and the ultimate acceptance of the outsider.
• Where to Watch: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.

This film is a classic 90s comedy and a fantastic choice for families looking for pure, uncomplicated, goofy fun. The entire movie centers on a Thanksgiving break road trip: South Dakota college student Rebecca brings her outlandish, party-loving friend, Crawl (Pauly Shore), home to her conservative, rural farm family. The rest of the film is a delightful, chaotic culture clash as Crawl tries to navigate family dinners, chores, and the rural lifestyle, much to the horror of Rebecca's parents. It's a very silly, high-energy comedy that perfectly captures the "fish-out-of-water" stress of bringing someone new home for the holiday, all with a heartwarming message about acceptance underneath the laughs.

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Movies & Cult Favorites for Adults

It's time for the truly unconventional. This part of the list is for the adults who want a specialized experience: deep-cut classics, iconic music history, or even a dark cult favorite. These are the unique picks that offer a completely different, mature kind of atmosphere for your late-night holiday viewing.

19. Blood Rage (1987)

• IMDB Rating: ⭐5.8/10
• Key Theme: 80s slasher horror, cult movie schlock, and extreme Thanksgiving chaos.
• Where to Watch: It's available on physical media: DVD and Blu-ray.

This film is the ultimate antidote to holiday sentimentality and is strictly a late-night choice for adults and horror fans. Blood Rage is an infamous, over-the-top 80s slasher that has gained a massive cult following for its aggressive gore, campy dialogue, and chaotic plot, all set during Thanksgiving. Fans love its ridiculous "schlocky cheese" and the bizarre dynamic between the twin brothers, one of whom is a killer escaped from an asylum. WARNING: This is an R-rated, highly violent film with explicit content and is absolutely not suitable for children or general family viewing. It is a perfect piece of Thanksgiving cinema if you are specifically looking for a chaotic horror film with the lights out.

20. The Last Waltz (1978)

• IMDB Rating: ⭐8.1/10
• Key Theme: Communal music, brotherhood, and the real-life historical event of a Thanksgiving Day concert.
• Where to Watch: Available to rent or buy on most Video On Demand (VOD) services.

This isn't just a classic concert documentary; it is a genuine piece of Thanksgiving history. The film captures The Band's legendary 1976 farewell performance, which actually happened on Thanksgiving Day, making it the perfect thematic choice. Directed by Martin Scorsese, it has an incredible lineup of guest stars like Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. It is a gorgeous, celebratory look at friendship, music, and the end of an era. The atmosphere is rich, nostalgic, and deep, giving your family a shared soundtrack for your holiday gathering. It's the ideal post-meal movie for any family with older teenagers and adults who want to appreciate a piece of timeless rock and roll history together.

Where to Watch Thanksgiving Movies for Kids and Family

Finding the perfect Thanksgiving movie for kids and family can be a yearly challenge, as streaming libraries constantly evolve. To help you prepare for the holiday, here's a comprehensive guide to where you can legally watch, stream, or acquire your favorite Thanksgiving films.

1. Legal Streaming Platforms (Subscription-Based)

• Disney+: A top choice for G/PG family picks and Pixar titles (e.g., Ratatouille, seasonal shorts). The official app supports downloads for convenient offline viewing, perfect for travel.
• Hulu: Carries current TV specials and various holiday films/episodes. Many titles can be downloaded within the Hulu app for offline playback.
• Paramount+: It holds Nick/Viacom family content and occasional holiday specials (e.g., The Loud House specials).
• Netflix: One of the most popular destinations for watching Thanksgiving movies. You can easily search the "Thanksgiving" category or use site search for seasonal releases and family comedies.
• Amazon Prime Video (Prime + TVOD): Offers a wide selection included with Prime, plus a vast library for rent or purchase (TVOD), making it useful for finding classics not currently on subscription services.

2. Legal Purchase/Rental Platforms (Transactional Video On Demand - TVOD)

For permanent digital copies or rarer Thanksgiving titles, consider these platforms:

Apple TV / iTunes, Google Play, Vudu: Excellent for buying a permanent digital copy of classic or hard-to-find Thanksgiving movies, ensuring you own them for future holidays.

3. Free, Ad-Supported Services

Legal platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel often feature family-friendly Thanksgiving movies and specials available for free with ads.

Note:

While some people may also turn to illegal streaming sites like Fmovies and 123movies for holiday films, it's important to keep in mind that these platforms come with risks, including poor video quality and potential security threats. For a safer and legal viewing experience, it's always best to stick with legitimate services.

How to Prepare Movies for Watching on Thanksgiving

You've carefully selected the perfect films. Now, let's make sure nothing interrupts that cozy time on the couch. Every Thanksgiving, families can face common tech hiccups: slow house Wi-Fi, buffering streams, or the challenge of playing old physical discs on modern devices. To ensure a truly seamless, interruption-free movie marathon, a little preparation goes a long way.

Quick Tips to Get Your Thanksgiving Holiday Movies Ready

How to Get Your Movies Ready for Viewing on Thanksgiving

For families looking for a comprehensive solution to manage and prepare their holiday movie collection, a versatile tool like VideoProc Converter AI can be incredibly helpful. It allows you to:

• Record to save Thanksgiving movies on streaming sites for buff-free offline viewing.
• Digitize old, new, homemade, commercial movie DVDs for playing everywhere.
• For different needs: lossless DVD backup, 5-min fast copy, compression
• 420+ output formats: DVD to ISO, MP4, multi-track MKV, AV1, HEVC, MP4, etc
• AI-powered upscale DVD and low resolution vintage Thanksgiving movies to 4K.
• 47x real-time faster DVD digitization boosted by full GPU acceleration.

Free download and install VideoProc Converter AI. Enjoy Thanksgiving movies offline, buffer-free, in stunning 4K!

Final Words

Whether you're looking for a heartwarming animated tale for the little ones or a laugh-out-loud comedy for the adults, this list of the 20 best family Thanksgiving movies offers the perfect cinematic companion for your Thanksgiving celebration. So dim the lights, gather your loved ones, and let the quiet glow of the screen bring you closer together this holiday season.