29 Best Thanksgiving Movies & Series on Netflix
29 Best Thanksgiving Movies & Series on Netflix for Kids & Adults
I love watching movies with my kids. They’re still young — preschool and kindergarten. Holidays are super special moments and major milestones in their year.
To me, Thanksgiving is a time to slow down and celebrate family. With the cooler temps in Chicago, I love to snuggle up to a movie.
If you’re like me, finding a movie is hard to find, and with kids, you need to find it fast! That’s why I made this go-to list.
I'm sharing my list of the best Thanksgiving movies on Netflix so you can start enjoying this new Thanksgiving tradition too!
Best Thanksgiving Movies to Watch on Netflix
The following movies may not all be Thanksgiving-themed films, but they represent the spirit of Thanksgiving with themes and characters that bring people together in gratitude. All of these movies are sure to be crowd pleasers for any Thanksgiving movie night!
1. Home Team
With the Thanksgiving Day football game one of the most-loved Thanksgiving traditions, it only makes sense to include a football film! When a famous NFL coach (Kevin James) gets suspended from the league, he learns all about tenacity coaching his son's middle school football team.
2. The Willoughbys
One of the best movies to watch with the entire family on Thanksgiving, everyone will enjoy the heartwarming journey of the Willoughby kids, who learn how important family is. This animated movie tugs on your heartstrings!
3. Fatherhood
In this touching movie inspired by a true story, Kevin Heart plays a single dad trying to figure out how to raise a daughter on his own. As you can image, he finds out just how important community is.
4. Otherhood
So this might be one for after the kids go to bed. Feeling empty nest syndrome a little too much after turkey day? You'll enjoy this cute comedy about three moms surprising their sons in New York for the weekend.
5. Vivo
This animated film will have everyone dancing and singing along with the adventure, all while learning that anything is possible with family!
6. Yes Day
This fun movie with Jennifer Garner and Edgar Ramirez is all about letting go a little and having fun with the family. Maybe it will inspire you to plan your own "Yes Day" with your family members!
7. Holidate
Trust me - this will be your favorite romantic comedy of the season! Older family members will relate to this hilarious film starring Emma Roberts all about the pressure of having it all together at family gatherings.
8. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Based on a popular book, this movie embraces the Thanksgiving spirit with a theme of unexpected friendship formed between a group of strangers. It's a good reminder to be kind to others!
9. A Family Affair
Would it really be a list of Thanksgiving Movies if I didn't include some romantic comedies about a dysfunctional family? This hilarious movie starring Zac Efron and Nicole Kidman hits the nail on the head.
10. Big Daddy
Adam Sandler sB]tars in this funny film about a slacker that gets a lesson in personal responsibility when he suddenly finds himself the guardian of a 5-year old. This funny movie reminds us that family isn't perfect, but that's what makes them so wonderful!
11. Paul Blart, Mall Cop
Black Friday shoppers will appreciate this funny movie starring Kevin James about a mall security guard that gets in over his head when a mastermind tries to rob an entire shopping mall.
12. Eat, Pray, Love
Combine good food with a love story and you've got the perfect Thanksgiving movie! In this film, Julia Roberts stars as a young woman trying to find true love by traveling around the world.
13. The Meyerowitz Stories
A little more edgy than the rest on the list, this Netflix original featuring Ben Stiller dives into estranged family members coming together, which captures the spirit of Thanksgiving!
14. Benji
Who doesn't love a good heartfelt family film with cute dogs? In this movie, a stray dog shows how small acts of kindness are important as he helps to heal a broken family.
15. Tyler Perry's A Madea Homecoming
Making light of the fact that big family gatherings always seem to be a hot mess, Tyler Perry will keep the whole family laughing at the hilarious yet relatable scenes in this movie.
16. The Princess Switch
In this cute family film starring Vanessa Hudgens, a baker and princess-to-be swap lives because they look identical. The switching places theme is perfect for Thanksgiving because the characters usually learn to be grateful for what they have.
17. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Considered one of the best films associated with Thanksgiving, this movie is full of humor and heartfelt moments that really embrace the holiday spirit. John Candy and Steve Martin will have you laughing the whole time!
You can't stream this one on Netflix, but it's available on Amazon Prime.
18. Free Birds
If you're having a traditional Thanksgiving meal, chances are there's a turkey on your dinner table. Laugh along with this animated comedy starring Owen Wilson and Woody Harrelson as turkeys try to change the course of Thanksgiving history. You can also find this one on Amazon Prime.
19. Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
No list of Thanksgiving movies would be complete without Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Follow along with Charlie Brown as he prepares for Thanksgiving dinner with Snoopy, Peppermint Patty, and the rest of the Peanuts.
This classic movie is as much a symbol of Thanksgiving season as the traditional family dinner itself. This is another one you can't find on Netflix, butyou can watch it on Apple TV.
20. The Blind Side
If you're looking for the perfect Thanksgiving film, you can't go wrong with The Blind Side. This uplifting story about generosity and second chances starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, and Quinton Aaron focuses on the themes of family, love, and belonging. The Thanksgiving scene and football games give all the fall vibes and the storyline really emphasizes gratitude for friends, family, and opportunity. The best place to watch The Blind Side is on Amazon Prime.
21. The Family Stone
The Family Stone is centered around a chaotic family gathering and explores complicated family dynamics, which most of us can probably relate to. The themes of love, acceptance, and forgiveness really fit into the Thanksgiving spirit. It also touches on holiday traditions, which are important around Thanksgiving time. This is one of my favorite Thanksgiving films - it will make you laugh and cry with heartfelt moments! You can find this film on Hulu.
22. Jim Henson's Turkey Hollow
If you're looking for Thanksgiving-themed films that are suitable for the whole family, Jim Henson's Turkey Hollow is for you. This kid-friendly movie combines Jim Henson's puppetry with a heartwarming story that focuses on family bonds. While this movie is great for kids, the adults will love the quirky characters too! Watch this movie on Amazon Prime after you watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade!
23. Home Alone
Home Alone usually makes the "Top Christmas Movies " lists, but it's a great Thanksgiving movie too! This film is a funny, kid-friendly movie where the main character, Kevin, learns about the importance of family during the holiday season. We love to watch Home Alone with the whole family - it keeps us all laughing and reminds us how grateful we are for each other! Find it on Disney +.
24. Little Women (2019)
Little Women is a timeless story with themes of family, love, and sacrifice. It may not come to mind first as a Thanksgiving movie, but it's set during the fall and winter, making it perfect for evoking holiday warmth. We love to watch the 2019 version of this movie around Thanksgiving time because it emphasizes gratitude, kindness, and the importance of family support. You can watch it on Hulu.
25. Thanksgiving
Don't let the title fool you, this holiday movie is actually a horror film set in Plymouth, Massachusetts. If you're having a hard time letting go of Halloween, this horror movie was made for you!
Best Thanksgiving Netflix Series
Don't feel like watching a movie after your fill of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving Day? Try these Netflix series that are perfect to start watching at the start of Fall and through the entire holiday season! These heartfelt shows include themes of friendship and acceptance, plus you can binge multiple episodes!
26. Gilmore Girls
If you've never watched Gilmore Girls, you're in for a treat! This sweet show follows a single mom and her teenage daughter as they navigate life in a small town in Connecticut. With many scenes showcasing the beautiful fall foliage in the Northeast, it's often called a "fall comfort show" on TikTok. Warning: you will get sucked into this show!
27. Virgin River
Continuing with the small town theme, Virgin River is about a nurse that moves from the hustle and bustle of the big city to a small town in California where she discovers the importance of friends and a supportive community. This one gives you all the warm and fuzzy feels!
28. Sweet Magnolias
I'm sensing a pattern here... Sweet Magnolias follows a group of lifelong friends living in a small town in Georgia. They navigate heartbreak, divorce, new love, raising kids, and many more relatable events together, reminding us how strong the bond of friendship can be!
29. The Great British Baking Show
If your favorite part about Thanksgiving is the food (or more specifically) the desserts, then The Great British Baking Show is your go-to Thanksgiving Netflix series! This baking show is one of the most-loved on social media.
Taking Time for Gratitude
Watching Thanksgiving movies or TV shows is about more than just entertainment. It's a time to remind us about the importance of family, friends, kindness, and gratitude.
There are a variety of great options for heartwarming movies to cozy up with on Thanksgiving Day.
In fact, there are so many great Thanksgiving movies on Netflix that you might just need to have a movie marathon all weekend long! Grab some leftover pumpkin pie, a blanket, and your closest family and friends for some laughs and probably a few tears.
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Hi, I’m Jen!
Hi, I’m Jen, your perpetually optimistic, fun-loving, witty friend. When I’m not working at The Marketing Greenhouse, you can find me gardening in the sun, playing games with my kids or creating content that inspires people to try new things and be the best version of themselves.
