Looking for the best Thanksgiving movies to watch as a family?
Whether it’s before or after the turkey, there’s nothing better than pressing play on a feel-good fall film.
So, if you’re looking for laughter, heartwarming family moments, or festive vibes with pie, these Thanksgiving movies are perfect. They’ll keep the holiday spirit alive long after dinner.
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This list is split into G/PG movies and PG-13 for families with older kids. It contains recommendations only. Use your best judgment to determine if a movie is the right fit for your family.
G & PG-Rated Thanksgiving Family Movies
First, these Thanksgiving movies offer kids heartwarming stories about family, friendships, and the many blessings we have in our lives.
1. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
Charlie Brown scrambles to put together a feast. With Snoopy and Woodstock’s help, he serves up toast, popcorn, and jellybeans in true Peanuts fashion. It’s nostalgic, funny, and heartwarming. It’s also a gentle reminder that Thanksgiving isn’t about the food on the table, but the people you share it with.
See A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving here >>
2. Free Birds (2013)
Two turkeys from opposite sides of the flock team up on a time-traveling mission to the first Thanksgiving. Their goal? To take turkey off the holiday menu once and for all.
Kids love the silly adventure. Parents love the humor tucked in. And it puts a playful spin on the Thanksgiving turkey tradition.
3. Turkey Hollow (2015)
This is a whimsical and heartwarming movie from Lifetime that is perfect for the whole family to enjoy together. The Emmerson family heads to the quaint town of Turkey Hollow to visit Aunt Cly. Tim and Annie quickly grow bored without the Internet, and soon try to track the Howling Hoodoo, an elusive monster the locals dismiss as a legend.
4. The Wild Robot (2024)
After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot named Roz is stranded on an uninhabited island. She learns to survive and eventually forms a family-like bond with the animals she once feared.
While this isn’t a specific Thanksgiving movie, the themes of belonging, gratitude, and finding family in unexpected places mirror the heart of Thanksgiving. It sparks thoughtful conversations with kids, too.
5. A Family Thanksgiving (2010)
A high-powered lawyer obsessed with her career wakes up in an alternate reality. One where she’s a wife and mom preparing for Thanksgiving dinner. Through the experience, she learns what truly matters.
It’s a cozy, feel-good reminder to slow down and appreciate family.
6. Fantastic Mr Fox
Mr. Fox is bored of his quiet family life. So he returns to his old habit of stealing chickens, sparking a battle with three nasty farmers. The clever animals band together to outsmart the humans.
7. The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh
This classic Disney film weaves together several beloved Winnie the Pooh stories, following Pooh and friends through gentle adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood. It’s cozy, sweet, and timeless. And it’s the kind of movie that brings generations together with themes of friendship and simple joys at Thanksgiving.
8. Remember the Titans (2000)
Based on a true story, this drama follows a newly integrated high school football team in 1970s Virginia as they learn to work together despite racial tensions. This fall football film is inspiring, emotional, and full of teamwork and unity. Its values echo the spirit of coming together and gratitude at Thanksgiving.
See Remember The Titans here >>
Looking for other inspiring football films? Don’t miss Rudy and Friday Night Lights.
9. The Santa Clause
*Perfect for after the Thanksgiving festivities!
After accidentally causing Santa to fall off the roof, Scott Calvin unexpectedly becomes the new Santa Claus. As he struggles to accept his new role, holiday magic takes over.
Thanksgiving marks the kickoff of the Christmas season, and this film bridges the two holidays with heart and humor. It’s festive without rushing too far ahead.
PG-13 Thanksgiving Movies For Older Kids, Teens
10. The Blind Side (2009)
This uplifting true story follows Michael Oher, a homeless teen who finds a home with the Tuohy family. He then goes on to play college and professional football. It’s about kindness, generosity, and the power of family. These themes resonate deeply during Thanksgiving.
11. Home for the Holidays (1995)
After losing her job and learning her daughter won’t be home, Claudia Larson reluctantly travels to spend Thanksgiving with her eccentric family. It’s relatable, funny, and messy in all the right ways for Thanksgiving.
See Home for the Holidays here >>
12. You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Bookstore owner Kathleen Kelly and corporate bigwig Joe Fox unknowingly fall in love online while feuding in real life. With its cozy New York City fall setting, witty banter, and warm ending, it’s ideal for curling up after Thanksgiving dinner.
13. Pieces of April (2003)
April, the black sheep of her family, invites her estranged relatives to her tiny New York apartment for Thanksgiving. As she prepares the meal, everything that can go wrong, does.
It’s a fun reminder that Thanksgiving isn’t about flawless meals but about showing up for one another.
14. Spider-Man (2002)
Peter Parker, an ordinary high school student, gains superpowers after being bitten by a genetically altered spider. As he learns to balance his new identity, he faces off against the villainous Green Goblin. Beyond the action and heroics, there’s a memorable Thanksgiving dinner scene where Norman Osborn nearly reveals Peter’s secret. It’s a fun mix of family awkwardness, holiday tension, and superhero stakes (perfect for watching after your own feast).
15. Planes, Trains, & Automobiles (1987 – R)
Neal Page, a tightly wound executive, just wants to get home to his family for Thanksgiving. Instead, he finds himself stuck traveling with Del Griffith, a well-meaning but endlessly frustrating salesman. Their misadventures stretch across planes, trains, and, yes, automobiles.
This is the quintessential Thanksgiving movie. It’s hilarious, heartfelt, and centered on the universal holiday struggle of doing whatever it takes to make it home to the people you love.
See it here >>
Note: This movie is the only rated R movie on the list, so it’s best for older teens.
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