39 Best Family Thanksgiving Movies to Stream 2023
Gather the kids to watch these movies after the big meal.
After a big Thanksgiving feast that warrants stretchy pants and antacids for all, there’s only one sensible thing to do: plop on the couch and watch a movie, duh! With the whole family gathered for the holiday, you’ll want to pick something family friendly and on theme for Turkey Day. Of course, there are a million movies out about Christmas and Halloween, but poor Thanksgiving seems to be neglected more often than not. However, there are a few great kids movies for Thanksgiving that are totally worth watching! Even better, most of them are available to stream on Disney Plus or Amazon.
Some of these films are specifically for Thanksgiving like A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, Garfield’s Thanksgiving or Free Birds, while others just fit the broader themes of the holiday. Movies like Little Women and Matilda are great options to remind of what to be thankful for this holiday season. Whatever you may choose (Thanksgiving related or not), the important thing is spending quality time with family, counting your blessings and maybe even getting a jump on decorating the tree for Christmas. Happy Thanksgiving you turkeys! Now let the countdown to Christmas begin...
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
While it's one of the best Thanksgiving movies for kids, people of all ages absolutely adore this animated pick. Thanks to a last-minute invite from Peppermint Patty, Charlie Brown and the gang attempt to throw together a Thanksgiving dinner. This year, the movie will be available for free on AppleTV+ November 23 through November 27.
You've Got Mail
The charming remake of the 1940s The Shop Around the Corner spans all seasons—including fall—and features a memorable Thanksgiving scene. Plus, who doesn't love a Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan matchup?
Garfield's Thanksgiving
Everyone's favorite grumpy (and hungry!) cat is forced to go on a diet on the worst possible day of the year. Grumpy, indeed!
National Treasure
Treasure hunter Benjamin Gates (played by Nicolas Cage) is on a mission to steal the Declaration of Independence to protect a legendary treasure from getting into the wrong hands.
In the mood for a double feature? Watch National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets, also available on Disney Plus.
Little Women
This classic tale of the March sisters—Meg, Amy, Beth, and Jo—is a great holiday movie for all the ladies in the family.
Home Alone
The holiday season doesn't officially start until the whole family gathers around to watch Home Alone.
Rudy
Nothing says "Thanksgiving" quite like a classic football movie. Rudy's inspirational story will resonate with everyone in your family, and the chilly fall setting will fit your November mood.
Matilda
This story from Roald Dahl is sure to entertain the whole family. You'll all be rooting for Matilda, the little girl with big powers who outsmarts everyone in her world.
The Preacher's Wife
Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston star in this 1996 movie about an angel who comes down from Heaven to help a preacher and his wife.
Hoosiers
This movie is a must-see for any sports-loving family. Set in Hickory, Indiana, where folks take high school basketball very seriously, a new coach faces many challenges from the townspeople and the team on the road to the state championship.
Toy Story 4
Adults and kids alike will delight in the entire Toy Story collection of movies (four in all) available on Disney Plus. All your favorite characters—Woody, Buzz, and more—welcome new friends like Forky to the latest set of adventures.
E.T., The Extra-Terrestrial
This classic '80s film doesn't have a Thanksgiving theme, but it's sure to become a family favorite any time of the year. Get ready for a roller coaster of emotions—laughter, sadness, and everything in between—as the universe's most lovable alien steals your heart.
Eat Pray Love
After the kids are tucked in, watch Julia Roberts embark on a journey of her own to India, Italy, and Bali. This film is truly a feast for the eyes and soul.
Ratatouille
This charming tale about Remy, the rat who dreams of being a chef, feels especially appropriate for Thanksgiving.
Fantastic Mr. Fox
The family, friends, and feasting in this animated film make it the perfect flick to watch post-pie. Bonus: Taking in director Wes Anderson's signature autumnal color palette is the best way to wave goodbye to fall.
What's Cooking?
Never worry that your relatives are the only ones who find themselves at odds with each other during the holidays. This funny (and all-too-relatable) movie follows the stories of several families at Thanksgiving.
Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade
We're suckers for a good Hallmark holiday movie. This one revolves around Chicago's annual Thanksgiving Day parade and, of course, love.
Turkey Hollow
Two kids befriend mysterious monsters when visiting the town of Turkey Hollow. The wacky Lifetime movie will have the kids in stitches.
Dan in Real Life
Steve Carrell's part as a widower in this fall-set dramedy will resonate with every dad out there and remind the whole family how important it is to stick together.
The Oath
The hilarious Tiffany Haddish and The Mindy Project’s Ike Barinholtz do their best to survive the holidays with a family who doesn’t share their opinions about a political oath they're supposed to sign by Thanksgiving.
Madison Alcedo was the Assistant Editor at WomansDay.com and Redbookmag.com.
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