Looking for some great Thanksgiving movies for kids? We hear you.
Watching movies late at night is the universal feel-good home activity after a long and exhausting day, and Thanksgiving is no exception. There’s something so wholesome about the whole thing. Just imagine it. Everybody has licked their plates clean of the delicious Thanksgiving dinner. It’s still not the time for bed, but nobody has the energy to move or play games. So, it’s hard to imagine something fitting more perfectly in this scene than a holiday movie. You all change into something comfortable, grab a blanket, and watch movies while your kids laugh tucked in your arms. Moments of serenity!
But, what movie to watch? You wouldn’t want to ruin your night by starting a boring or age-inappropriate movie, which is why we believe this lovely list of the best thanksgiving movies for kids will come quite handy after the big day!
The 25 Thanksgiving Movies for Kids
You need movies that feature funny, adventurous, and heartwarming stories about family, friends, sacrifices, forgiveness, and gratefulness. Whether you want to laugh, cry, or feel inspired, we have the right movie for your family!
We’re starting our list with a bunch of animated movies that even the youngest kids can enjoy, and as we progress, we’ll also describe classics, new movies, comedies, adventures, and romance.
Let’s go!
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1965)
Age appropriateness: 4+
Length: 30 min.
Where to watch: AppleTV+ | Target (Blue-ray) | Amazon
Everybody knows Charlie Brown, a loveable character and loyal companion to kids for more than five decades. If your child enjoys Charlie Brown then this TV special is the perfect match for you. Best of all, it’s suitable for kids as young as four years old, while older kids can enjoy it too!
Garfield’s Thanksgiving (1989)
Age appropriateness: 4+
Length: 30 min.
Where to watch: Youtube | iTunes | Amazon Prime Video
Another animated superstar, the comic strip Garfield made a television special about Thanksgiving back in 1989. The movie is everything a family-friendly, funny, and amusing movie should be. Just like in the real world, Garfield, Odie, and Jon prepare for Thanksgiving dinner. Garfield is especially excited as he believes that Thanksgiving is a day where people celebrate food and eat as much as they can. However, after a check-up at the vet, things get complicated. Garfield is put on a diet. How is the gang going to handle the holiday? Watch the movie and enjoy it!
Winnie the Pooh: Seasons Giving (1999)
Age appropriateness: 3+
Length: 1h 10m.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video | iTunes |
Winnie the Pooh is a masterpiece created by Disney back in 1966. Throughout the years, we’ve seen many adaptations, but the first appearance of this wonderfully cute teddy bear is in the short film Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree.
If you have a child younger than six or seven years old, we kindly recommend watching a least some movie from the Winnie the Pooh universe. This season, it might be most fitting to watch the Winnie the Pooh: Seasons Giving movie from 1999 where Pooh, Christopher Robin, Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, and many more go on many adventures during the holidays – Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Dora the Explorer: Dora’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (2012)
Age appropriateness: 3+
Length: 30 min.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video | iTunes |
And, the last one in the line of the best Thanksgiving movies for kids of all ages, including the youngest ones, is the Thanksgiving special episode of the animated series about Dora the Explorer. If you have kids as young as three years old, chances are they’re already familiar with Dora and her adventures. The Thanksgiving Day Parade episode doesn’t fall short, as, after an unfortunate incident, it’s up to Dora and Boots to rescue their friends and save Thanksgiving day.
Mouse on the Mayflower (1968)
Age appropriateness: 5+
Length: 45min
Where to watch: Amazon | Youtube
The Mouse on The Mayflower is an old animated Thanksgiving television special with a unique and insightful perspective. It’s the perfect story for little kids when you want to teach them more about the origins and history of Thanksgiving. In fact, the plot of the movie is centered around a church mouse who’s on the Mayflower and witnesses the whole journey of the Pilgrims. They arrived in North America in the fall, they were very thankful for the Harvest and decided to celebrate Thanksgiving Day.
Alvin and the Chipmunks – Alvin’s Thanksgiving Celebration (2008)
Age appropriateness: 6+
Length: 1h 29m.
Where to watch: Amazon
Alvin and the Chipmunks is one of the most endearing franchises of all time that has stolen the hearts of many children around the world. The story can be traced back to 1958, although the first official series was released in 1961 titled The Alvin Show. The success of the show is evident in its many feature film releases and animated series that followed throughout the years. According to fans, the holiday specials are beautifully done and won’t disappoint those who are excited to see the beloved characters in a holiday spirit.
What’s Cooking (2000)
Age appropriateness: 13+
Length: 1h 49min
Where to watch: TubiTV | Google Play | iTunes | Amazon
Slowly we’re transitioning to movies made for children coming to age. One such movie is this Thanksgiving gem from the 2000s titled What’s Cooking. The movie deals with the Thanksgiving ups and downs of four different families. They’re neighbors of different ethnic backgrounds. What the writers and directors try is to emphasize the similarities between them during the season of Thanksgiving. This movie is an amazing follow up after teaching kids about Thanksgiving around the word.
Addams Family Values (1993)
Age appropriateness: 13+
Length: 1h 34min
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video | iTunes | Google Play | Youtube
Although incredibly bizarre, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t love the Addams Family, especially kids. You might have even watched the first Addams Family movie which was our pick in the Best Halloween Movies for Kids. Now, the second installment of the eccentric family’s saga is set around the time for Thanksgiving when the whole family gathers together. However, when Uncle Fester introduces his new wife to the family, things get complicated.
Jim Henson’s Turkey Hollow (2015)
Age appropriateness: 7+
Length: 1h 30min
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video | iTunes
Jim Henson’s Turkey Hollow is a relatively new movie with a Thanksgiving theme – something that’s not easy to find. The movie is well received with many praises as there’s something for everyone. Both children and parents can relate to the characters and enjoy the fantasy storyline.
Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009)
Age appropriateness: 7+
Length: 1h 30min
Where to watch: Netflix | Google Play | iTunes | Youtube
In this movie, Kevin James (Paul) stars as a security guard in a large mall trying to make ends meet. Things get funny and messy when the busy holiday season starts and trouble is lurking. Goofy and likable, Paul gets an opportunity to show his worth. The main action happens during Black Friday, which is the day after Thanksgiving. If you are looking for a light comedy movie for the whole family, this just might be it.
Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade (2012)
Age appropriateness: 5+
Length: 1h 30min
Where to watch: Google Play | iTunes | Amazon Prime Video
Another relatively new movie with a Thanksgiving theme is this jewel from 2012 – Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade. However, unlike the laughing-out-loud movie about Paul Blart, this one is a witty romance movie that will surely win your heart if you’re a rom-com fan.
The plot tells the story of Emily (Autumn Reeser), a Chicago native, who loves her job. She’s in charge of the annual Thanksgiving Parade. This year, the mayor has hired a consultant, Henry (Antonio Cupo), in an attempt to try and save money on the parade. Emily and Henry have a very different perspective on the meaning of the Thanksgiving parade, which is wonderfully portraited in the movie. If this is something that sounds interesting, go watch the movie!
We’re Back: A Dinosaur’s Story (1993)
Age appropriateness: 5+
Length: 1h 12min
Where to watch: Starz | Amazon Prime Video | iTunes | Google Play
Is your kid a fan of dinosaurs? If the answer is yes, then don’t miss out on this wonderful dinosaur story that unfolds on Thanksgiving day. Although it’s an animated movie from the 90s, the cute and lovable characters transcend time and continue to be relevant today.
Just like the title suggests, the story is about four fun-loving dinosaurs who find themselves in modern-day New York, after a time-traveling scientist feeds them a magical cereal that increases their intelligence and makes them nonviolent. The scientist wanted the dinosaurs to bring joy and happiness to the lives of a couple of children. However, nothing goes as smoothly as planned, when the scientist’s evil brother finds out about the dinosaurs and makes a plan of his own.
Home Alone (1990)
Age appropriateness: 7+
Length: 1h 43min
Where to watch: Disney+ | iTunes | Amazon Prime Video
We can all agree that Home Alone is an all-time favorite kids’ movie! After all, it has four sequels (five movies in total) and they’re all incredibly popular! The unique story, the abundant funny moments, and the appeal it holds for both, kids and adults, make this movie a must-see!
This is also a holiday movie, although the story unfolds during Christmas. We included it in our list of the best Thanksgiving movies for kids, because like we said, there are five sequels – if you want to watch them all during the holiday season, now is the perfect time to start!
In case you don’t remember the plot, the movie is about an eight-year-old boy (Kevin) who’s left home alone while their parents travel to France. However, what nobody expects is that two thieves are watching the house and plan to rob it while the adults are traveling. What happens next is the reason why this movie is so loved! Seeing how intelligently this boy handles the situation is one of the most creative and genuinely funny things you’ll see on TV!
Annie (2014)
Age appropriateness: 7+
Length: 2h
Where to watch: Youtube | Google Play | iTunes | Amazon Prime Video
Annie (2014) is a musical that falls into the comedy genre. You mighe be familiar with the plot as it’s an adaptation of the 1977 Broadway musical of the same name – both inspired by the comic book strip by Harold Gray titled Little Orphan Annie.
Fun fact: This movie is the last film role of Cameron Diaz, after which she retired from acting. However, the critics had much higher expectations of her, as she was nominated for the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actress.
What to expect from this movie? This is a fun, family movie about a little girl named Annie who lives in foster care under the care of a distant and cruel woman. However, things change dramatically when she’s adopted by the mayoral candidate William Stacks. His intentions are not as pure as he would want people to think, but Annie might be just the right girl to teach him about the true values in life.
The Thanksgiving House (2013)
Age appropriateness: 7+
Length: 1h 30min
Where to watch: DirectTV
We can’t say that this movie is historically accurate, but it is original and does deal with a bunch of historical aspects of Thanksgiving, which is quite interesting. It’s a family and romantic movie that most people praise for its originality and acting. The Thanksgiving House features Emily Rose, Justin Bruening, Lindsay Wagner, Adam Kaufman, and Bruce Boxleitner.
In this movie, you’ll meet Emily, a lawyer who inherits a house. At first, she’s not really interested in the house and has no plans to live there. However, things get complicated and messy when a local historian finds evidence that the house is actually the original site of the first-ever Thanksgiving!
A Family Thanksgiving (2010)
Age appropriateness: 7+
Length: 1h 27min
Where to watch: Hallmark Everywhere | FuboTV | Google Play | iTunes
A Family Thanksgiving movie is one of the most popular Thanksgiving movies for kids. It deals with family relationships and the tolls that hard-working and ambition might have on them. This is a perfect theme for Thanksgiving, as it makes us question our priorities and decisions. You’ll also have an opportunity to see how your kid feels about these things.
A Family Thanksgiving follows the story of a workaholic lawyer (Claudia), who neglects her family. However, with a little bit of magic, an unknown woman makes her see the true value of family and the importance of building strong and close relationships.
The Thanksgiving Treasure (1973)
Age appropriateness: 12+
Length: 1h 17min
Where to watch: Amazon
This one is old but gold! It’s a movie from the 70s that has an 8,1/10 rating on IMDb, but it’s not very popular, which makes it a rare find. It’s based on a book with the same name, also suitable for children. You and your child can even read the book first and then watch the movie. Most people agree that it’s a very important read for kids because it teaches them crucial values about morality, humanity, and empathy. As one mom put it:
“This book will be read to my boys each Thanksgiving and in between if needs be.” – Goodreads.
The movie is just as good as the book. You’ll see the little girl Addie who makes a good deed toward an old man who’s alone for Thanksgiving.
Free Birds (2015)
Age appropriateness: 6+
Length: 1h 40min
Where to watch: Hulu | FuboTV | Philo | AMC Premiere | Hoopla | Youtube Premium
Free birds is an animated comedy movie about two turkeys who go on a mission to save themselves from becoming a meal. How are they going to do that? Well, going back in time to prevent Thanksgiving from happening sounds like a plan. A better plan might be swapping the Thanksgiving menu with something else. Can you imagine celebrating Thanksgiving with pizza instead of turkey?
The movie offers a different perspective on things; one that might help children make the connection between turkeys as animals and turkeys as food (as well as other animals).
Free Birds is not liked by critics due to the concept and its execution, but despite that, the movie was a commercial success and loved by the audience, which is the most important thing, right?
Home for the Holidays (1995)
Age appropriateness: 13+
Length: 1h 45min
Where to watch: Starz | Hulu | Amazon Prime Video | Philo
The best Thanksgiving movies for kids capitalize on the importance of family and togetherness. And that this movie is about exactly that is pretty obvious from the title. The message is loud and clear – whoever you are, wherever you are, you should be home for the holidays – especially Thanksgiving dinner (even if you thought it would be a bad idea at the beginning)!
This is exactly the same situation that our main character (Claudia) finds herself in. Her plans are canceled and she’s forced to go back home and spend Thanksgiving with her family. She’s reluctant and worried that she won’t be able to handle the embarrassing and stressful situations due to the complicated relationships between them, but sometimes that’s exactly what it’s needed! We like and recommend this movie because it shows amazing character development and it teaches the audience a valuable lesson.
Grumpy Old Men (1993)
Age appropriateness: 13+
Length: 1h 45min
Where to watch: HBO Max | iTunes | Google Play
Love can happen at any age and Grumpy Old Men demonstrates this very beautifully. If you’re in the mood for a romantic comedy, but tired of the same old storyline, here’s a unique and incredibly goofy movie that’s also suitable for children coming of age.
Chances are you’ve already seen this movie as it was quite popular back in the days. However, your child hasn’t and it would be a wonderful opportunity to go remind yourself of these lovable characters portrayed by amazing actors.
Grumpy Old Men tells the story of two foes who were once best friends. They live in the same neighborhood and start falling for the same woman who just moves in across the street.
The New World (2005)
Age appropriateness: 13+
Length: 2h 15min
Where to watch: Google Play | iTunes | Amazon Prime Video
Another romantic movie (but definitely not comedy), The New World tells a beautiful story that’s inspired by true historical figures – Captain John Smith, Pocahontas of the Powhatan tribe, and Englishman John Rolfe. This movie is going to be a very big deal to your teenagers if their favorite cartoon growing up was Pocahontas.
Just like the iconic animated movie, The New World tells the story of two people from very different worlds falling in love. Should we choose love or duty toward our community? These are very important things that older kids want to think about.
Dutch (1991)
Age appropriateness: 13+
Length: 1h 47min
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Dutch is a movie about a man with the same name that falls in love with a divorced woman and starts a relationship with her. To show how good he is, he offers to go take her 13-year-old son from his private school in Atlanta and bring him home for Thanksgiving. Of course, the son is overprotective, spoiled, and superficial, which complicates things. But, this wouldn’t be a family Thanksgiving movie for kids, if it didn’t turn things around and thought us a beautiful message at the end. No family is perfect, and even if we’re mad or angry sometimes, we can still get through everything!
The Turkey Bowl (2019)
Age appropriateness: 16+
Length: 2h
Where to watch: Hulu | Epix | Youtube | Amazon Prime Video
This is one of two movies in our Thanksgiving movies for kids list, which appeals to kids at and over the age of 16 years old. But, hey, there’s must be something for everybody. It’s a football drama that suits the Thanksgiving theme and makes you feel good.
The Turkey Bowl tells a predictable and simple, but powerful story. A well-settled man (Patrick) in the city gets shocking and sad news that pulls him back to his hometown for Thanksgiving. To honor the memory of one of his friends, Patrick and his highschool buddies finish an epic football game.
The movie is rated 16+ because of crude sexual content.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)
Age appropriateness: 16+
Length: 1h 33min
Where to watch: Philo | fuboTV | AMC Premiere | Amazon Prime Video
Another iconic movie from back in the day, featuring the legend Steve Martin and John Candy, is Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. Since some of the jokes might be inappropriate for younger children, we make this as a Thanksgiving pick for teenagers who might be bored by typical children’s films.
The story is about Neal, a marketing executive who desperately tries to go back home in time for Thanksgiving dinner. However, his flight gets canceled and he meets a goodhearted but annoying salesman. The two spend three days together filled with many adventures.
The Blind Side (2009)
Age appropriateness: 13+
Length: 2h 09min
Where to watch: Netflix | Youtube | Google Play | Amazon Prime Video
We end the list with a popular sports drama movie that’s based on a book and received huge critical acclaim. The movie tells a touching and inspirational story through amazing actors like Sandra Bulock that deliver a towering performance. It’s a movie that won’t leave you indifferent.
The movie is based on the 2006 biographical book with the same name – The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis. The story is about a homeless African-American teenager (Michael), who’s taken in by a causation family that helps him overcome his learning difficulties and realize his potential as a football player.
Before You Leave
Do you agree with our picks of the best Thanksgiving movies for kids? You’re most likely familiar with some or most of them, as we made sure to include classics that have a bullet-proof rating. However, your kids deserve to see them, too. Plus, seeing old characters and their stories come back to life once again is never a bad idea.
We were also careful about the age-appropriateness and plot of each movie when making the selection, so you can easily make a decision based on this information.
Finally, there are so many more things kids can learn and do for Thanksgiving. In case you missed our previous articles about Thanksgiving, you can easily find them on our blog. And, if you like what you read, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter. We have some nice surprises coming for Christmas, but in the meantime go check out our collection of worksheets, curriculums, and other teaching resources on a wide range of topics.
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