Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, delicious food, and, of course, cherished family gatherings. What better way to round out a day of feasting than by settling in with loved ones for some heartwarming entertainment? Finding the perfect film can elevate your holiday experience, creating lasting memories for everyone.

This carefully curated list of Thanksgiving Movies For Family offers something special for every household. Whether you’re seeking a classic tale, a laugh-out-loud comedy, or a touching animated adventure, we have fantastic options. We’ve gathered some of the best films available to stream or rent, ensuring your holiday viewing is top-notch.

From beloved animated features to live-action gems, this collection highlights movies that capture the spirit of togetherness. You’ll discover films perfect for all ages, from the youngest viewers to the grandparents. Get ready to create a cozy, unforgettable cinematic experience this Thanksgiving.

Here are some of the top Thanksgiving Movies For Family to enjoy:

1. Planes, Trains & Automobiles

This iconic 1987 comedy stars Steve Martin and John Candy as two mismatched travelers desperately trying to get home for Thanksgiving. Their journey is a hilarious series of unfortunate events, showcasing the ultimate test of patience and human connection.

It’s a fantastic choice for adults and older teens, offering plenty of laughs and a surprisingly touching message about friendship and understanding. This film has become a quintessential holiday viewing experience for many families.

The movie explores themes of perseverance and finding common ground, even with the most irritating companions. It’s widely available for digital rental or purchase, making it an accessible option for your holiday lineup. If you want a classic, this is one of the best.

2. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

A timeless animated special from 1973, this Peanuts classic sees Charlie Brown trying to host a Thanksgiving dinner for his friends. Snoopy and Woodstock lend a hand, leading to some charmingly chaotic preparations and a unique menu.

This short, sweet film is perfect for young children and nostalgic adults alike, capturing the innocence and simple joys of the holiday. It’s a staple that truly embodies the spirit of gratitude and friendship.

It’s a wonderful, gentle watch that celebrates the meaning of togetherness, regardless of how unconventional the feast might be. You can often find this special streaming or available for purchase on Amazon, making it an easy addition to your Thanksgiving Movies For Family collection.

3. Free Birds

This animated adventure from 2013 follows two turkeys, Reggie and Jake, who travel back in time to change the course of history and get turkeys off the Thanksgiving menu. It’s a silly, action-packed journey with a unique premise.

It’s a fun, lighthearted option that provides plenty of laughs for kids and adults who enjoy animated comedies. The film offers a humorous take on holiday traditions and unexpected heroism.

The vibrant animation and fast-paced story make it an engaging watch for the whole family. It’s widely available for digital rental or purchase, offering a different kind of Thanksgiving narrative.

4. Miracle on 34th Street (1947 or 1994)

While primarily a Christmas movie, this heartwarming story famously begins with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It sets the stage for a tale about belief, kindness, and the magic of the holiday season.

This film is a beautiful classic that appeals to all ages, teaching valuable lessons about faith and the importance of imagination. Both the original and the remake are beloved choices for family viewing.

It’s perfect for families who love a story with a strong moral compass and a touch of wonder. You can often find both versions available for digital rental or purchase, making it a top choice for starting the holiday season.

5. Home for the Holidays

Directed by Jodie Foster, this 1995 dramedy follows a dysfunctional family gathering for Thanksgiving. Claudia Larson (Holly Hunter) dreads returning home, but finds humor and unexpected moments of connection amidst the chaos.

This film is best for older teens and adults, offering a realistic and often funny portrayal of family dynamics. It perfectly captures the stress and love that often come with holiday reunions.

It’s a poignant and relatable look at the complexities of family bonds during a major holiday. This movie is often available for digital rental or purchase, making it a great, more mature addition to your Thanksgiving Movies For Family.

6. The Blind Side

Based on a true story, this 2009 film tells the inspiring tale of Michael Oher, a homeless teenager taken in by the Tuohy family. Their support helps him achieve his potential both on and off the football field.

This heartwarming drama is excellent for families with older children and teens, emphasizing themes of compassion, family, and overcoming adversity. It’s a powerful story of generosity.

The film showcases how love and opportunity can transform lives, making it a truly uplifting watch. It’s widely available for digital rental or purchase, providing a moving narrative for your holiday viewing.

7. Coco

Disney Pixar’s vibrant 2017 animated film celebrates Mexican culture and the importance of family, memory, and tradition. Young Miguel embarks on a magical journey to the Land of the Dead to uncover his family’s history.

While centered around Día de los Muertos, its themes of ancestral connection and the enduring power of family resonate perfectly with Thanksgiving. It’s a visually stunning and emotionally rich experience for all ages.

The movie is perfect for families who appreciate beautiful animation and deep, meaningful stories about heritage. It’s readily available for streaming or digital purchase, making it one of the best animated options.

8. The Parent Trap (1998)

This charming remake stars Lindsay Lohan in a dual role as twins separated at birth who discover each other at summer camp. They hatch a plan to reunite their parents, leading to a delightful adventure.

It’s a fantastic movie for families with children and pre-teens, filled with humor, clever schemes, and a heartwarming message about family. The film is endlessly rewatchable and full of charm.

The story highlights the desire for family unity and the lengths children will go to for love. This top-rated film is widely available for digital rental or purchase, providing feel-good entertainment.

9. Ratatouille

Another Pixar masterpiece from 2007, this animated film tells the story of Remy, a rat with a dream of becoming a gourmet chef in Paris. He forms an unlikely alliance with a young kitchen worker to achieve his culinary ambitions.

This delightful movie is perfect for all ages, celebrating passion, creativity, and the idea that anyone can achieve greatness. It’s a visually appealing and cleverly written film with a lot of heart.

The themes of pursuing dreams and finding your place in the world make it an inspiring watch. It’s readily available for streaming or digital purchase, making it a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving Movies For Family list.

10. Fantastic Mr. Fox

Wes Anderson’s stop-motion animation from 2009 brings Roald Dahl’s classic story to life. Mr. Fox, a cunning thief, struggles to balance his wild instincts with his responsibilities as a family man.

This visually distinctive film is great for families with older children and those who appreciate unique storytelling. Its witty dialogue and charming characters offer a different kind of animated experience.

It’s a clever and engaging tale about family, community, and embracing who you are. The movie is widely available for digital rental or purchase, offering a stylish and memorable viewing choice.

11. Toy Story 4

The 2019 installment continues the beloved adventures of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the gang. They embark on a road trip with Bonnie and her new toy, Forky, leading to new discoveries and difficult goodbyes.

This film is excellent for all ages, offering humor, adventure, and profound emotional depth about purpose and change. It’s a testament to the enduring power of friendship and finding your path.

It provides a satisfying conclusion to Woody’s journey, making it a truly special experience. This top-tier animated film is widely available for streaming or digital purchase, ensuring a high-quality family watch.

12. When Harry Met Sally…

This iconic 1989 romantic comedy explores the relationship between Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) over many years, questioning if men and women can truly be just friends. It features many memorable fall and holiday scenes.

While not directly about Thanksgiving, its timeless themes of friendship, love, and the passage of time make it a perfect cozy watch for older teens and adults. The film’s autumn New York setting adds to the holiday feel.

It’s a witty and charming film with sharp dialogue that stands the test of time. This movie is widely available for digital rental or purchase, making it a delightful option for a more grown-up family gathering.

13. You’ve Got Mail

Another Nora Ephron classic from 1998, this romantic comedy stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan as rival bookstore owners who fall in love anonymously online. It’s set against the backdrop of a beautiful New York autumn.

This film is a charming choice for older teens and adults, celebrating the magic of connection and the unexpected ways love can blossom. Its gentle humor and heartwarming story are perfect for a relaxed holiday.

The movie captures a nostalgic feeling for classic New York and the early days of the internet. It’s often available for digital rental or purchase, making it a cozy and engaging pick for your Thanksgiving Movies For Family.

14. Dutch

This 1991 John Hughes comedy follows a working-class man, Dutch Dooley (Ed O’Neill), who volunteers to pick up his girlfriend’s snobby son, Doyle, from boarding school for Thanksgiving. Their journey together is anything but smooth.

It’s a hilarious and surprisingly touching film, best suited for families with older kids and teens. The road trip dynamic leads to plenty of comedic situations and some genuine moments of bonding.

The movie explores the challenges of parental figures and the unexpected connections that can form. It’s a less-known but excellent holiday comedy often available for digital rental or purchase.

15. Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971)

This magical musical from 1971 follows young Charlie Bucket as he wins a golden ticket to tour the mysterious candy factory of Willy Wonka. It’s a fantastical journey filled with wonder and moral lessons.

This timeless classic is perfect for all ages, enchanting viewers with its whimsical world and memorable songs. It teaches about honesty, greed, and the value of a good heart.

The imaginative storytelling and vibrant characters make it a captivating watch. It’s widely available for digital rental or purchase, offering a truly sweet and engaging experience for the whole family.

16. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Steven Spielberg’s 1982 masterpiece tells the story of a lonely boy, Elliott, who befriends an alien stranded on Earth. Their secret friendship leads to a thrilling adventure to help E.T. return home.

This iconic film is wonderful for families with children and pre-teens, filled with wonder, emotion, and themes of friendship and acceptance. It remains one of the most beloved science fiction films ever made.

The movie evokes a powerful sense of childlike wonder and empathy. It’s widely available for digital rental or purchase, making it a top choice for a truly classic and heartwarming family film.

17. Paddington 2

This delightful 2017 film follows the adventures of Paddington Bear as he tries to buy a unique pop-up book for his Aunt Lucy’s birthday. When the book is stolen, Paddington finds himself wrongly accused.

It’s an absolutely charming and critically acclaimed movie, perfect for all ages. The film celebrates kindness, community, and finding the good in everyone, even in difficult circumstances.

The beautiful animation and heartwarming story make it a joy to watch for the entire family. This top-rated film is widely available for digital rental or purchase, offering pure, wholesome entertainment.

18. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

This hilarious 2009 animated film tells the story of Flint Lockwood, an aspiring inventor whose latest creation makes food fall from the sky. Initially a success, it soon leads to a delicious disaster.

It’s a wonderfully silly and imaginative movie that will entertain kids and adults alike with its clever humor and vibrant animation. The film celebrates creativity and the importance of family and friendship.

The inventive premise and visual gags make it a highly enjoyable watch. This film is widely available for digital rental or purchase, providing a lighthearted and fun option for your Thanksgiving Movies For Family.

19. Knives Out

This clever 2019 mystery follows a detective investigating the death of a wealthy crime novelist at his eccentric family’s Thanksgiving gathering. It’s a whodunit with plenty of twists and turns.

This film is best for older teens and adults due to its complex plot and mature themes. It offers a fresh, engaging take on the classic murder mystery, set within a family holiday context.

The sharp dialogue and stellar cast make it a thoroughly entertaining watch. It’s widely available for digital rental or purchase, providing an intriguing and unique choice for your holiday viewing.

20. Addams Family Values

This 1993 sequel features the eccentric Addams family dealing with a new baby, a conniving nanny, and a summer camp experience. It famously includes a memorable Thanksgiving play scene where Wednesday Addams rebels against a sanitized version of history.

This darkly comedic film is best for families with older children and teens who appreciate its unique humor. It offers a hilariously subversive take on traditional holiday narratives and family values.

The film’s wit and distinctive characters make it a cult classic. It’s widely available for digital rental or purchase, providing a wonderfully unconventional option for your Thanksgiving Movies For Family.

21. Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving

This charming 1999 compilation features three classic Winnie the Pooh holiday stories, including “A Winnie the Pooh Thanksgiving.” It celebrates friendship, gratitude, and the simple joys of the season.

It’s a perfect choice for younger children and families who love the gentle, heartwarming world of the Hundred Acre Wood. The stories are sweet, comforting, and full of valuable lessons.

The film beautifully captures the spirit of giving and togetherness that defines Thanksgiving. It’s often available for digital purchase, making it a lovely, family-friendly addition to your holiday lineup.

22. The Peanuts Movie

This 2015 animated film brings Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the whole gang to the big screen with modern animation while retaining the classic Peanuts charm. Charlie Brown tries to win the affection of the Little Red-Haired Girl.

It’s a delightful and heartwarming movie for all ages, capturing the timeless appeal of Charles Schulz’s characters. The film celebrates friendship, courage, and the enduring spirit of optimism.

The blend of classic storytelling with beautiful visuals makes it a joy to watch. This top-rated film is widely available for digital rental or purchase, offering a comforting and familiar experience.

Choosing the right film for your holiday gathering can truly enhance the spirit of Thanksgiving. This selection of top Thanksgiving Movies For Family offers a wonderful array of choices, ensuring there’s something to please every member of your household. Each movie brings its own unique charm and message of family, gratitude, or pure joy.

No matter which of these best options you select, you’re set for a memorable viewing experience. Consider what resonates most with your family’s preferences and age groups. Perhaps a nostalgic classic, a modern animated marvel, or a heartwarming story of connection will be the perfect fit.

We encourage you to explore these fantastic films further on Amazon. Check their current availability for streaming, rental, or purchase to complete your holiday plans. Gather your loved ones, grab some leftovers, and enjoy a truly special Thanksgiving movie moment together.