Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to slow down, enjoy great food, and most importantly, spend quality time with family. After all the excitement of the big meal, what better way to unwind with your kids than with a cozy movie night? While Christmas movies often dominate the holiday season, Thanksgiving-themed films can offer the perfect blend of fun, family, and gratitude.
In this list, we’ve gathered 10 family-friendly Thanksgiving movies that are perfect for kids of all ages. From heartwarming classics to animated adventures, these films will help create the perfect Thanksgiving atmosphere for your family.
1. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
One of the most beloved Thanksgiving specials, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving captures the true spirit of the holiday. When Charlie Brown ends up hosting Thanksgiving for his friends, things don’t go as planned, but he learns that Thanksgiving is about being together and being thankful. Kids will love the familiar Peanuts gang, while parents can enjoy the nostalgia.
Runtime: 25 minutes
Age Recommendation: 3+
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGS0qSHuias
2. An Arthur Thanksgiving (2020)
Arthur and his friends have entertained kids for years, and this special Thanksgiving episode is no different. Arthur has his hands full preparing for the big day, but things take a turn when his dog Pal goes missing. The movie teaches kids about balancing family responsibilities and remembering the importance of gratitude.
Runtime: 56 minutes
Age Recommendation: 4+
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMaTCRTvWhI
3. Dora’s Thanksgiving Parade (2010)
If your child is a fan of Dora the Explorer, this Thanksgiving special is perfect. In Dora’s Thanksgiving Parade, Dora and her friends must save the Thanksgiving float from disaster, teaching kids the value of teamwork and helping others. This short, colorful adventure is great for preschoolers who love interactive and engaging storytelling.
Runtime: 24 minutes
Age Recommendation: 2+
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZx9eGsdLw4
4. Free Birds (2013)
Free Birds is an exciting, family-friendly option for a more modern animated adventure. The movie follows two turkeys who travel back in time to the first Thanksgiving to change history and save their species. Packed with humor and action, this film keeps kids entertained while offering a unique take on the Thanksgiving story.
Runtime: 91 minutes
Age Recommendation: 6+
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxslnpqFwOs
5. Paw Patrol: Pups Save Thanksgiving (2014)
For your littlest viewers, this Paw Patrol Thanksgiving special is perfect. When a bumpy road threatens Adventure Bay’s Thanksgiving feast, Ryder and the pups jump in to save the day. With plenty of action and colorful animation, this special will keep toddlers and preschoolers engaged.
Runtime: 24 minutes
Age Recommendation: 2+
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GkJvp80KFY
6. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
While known as a Christmas movie, Miracle on 34th Street begins on Thanksgiving Day, making it a fitting choice for the holiday. The story of Kris Kringle proving himself as the real Santa Claus is heartwarming and magical, with themes of kindness, belief, and gratitude that resonate with Thanksgiving’s message. It’s perfect for families who want to transition into the Christmas season after Thanksgiving dinner.
Runtime: 96 minutes
Age Recommendation: 6+
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leDD6Y-Nyqg
7. Garfield’s Thanksgiving (1989)
Everyone’s favorite lasagna-loving cat takes the lead in Garfield’s Thanksgiving. In this special, Jon forces Garfield to go on a diet just as Thanksgiving rolls around, which leads to plenty of grumpy, hilarious moments. It’s a short, humorous movie that will keep both kids and adults entertained while introducing them to the joy of Thanksgiving with a Garfield twist.
Runtime: 24 minutes
Age Recommendation: 4+
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhMkrudxLXQ
8. Jim Henson’s Turkey Hollow (2015)
Produced by the legendary Jim Henson Company, Turkey Hollow is a unique blend of live-action and puppetry that’s perfect for older kids who enjoy a bit of adventure. The story follows two children spending Thanksgiving in a small town, where they uncover mysterious creatures in the woods. With a mix of humor, adventure, and a touch of fantasy, this movie offers a fun Thanksgiving escape.
Runtime: 90 minutes
Age Recommendation: 8+
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd0RV49uw1k
9. The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn't (1972)
This animated classic takes kids back to the first Thanksgiving, with a storyline focused on a young Native American boy and a Pilgrim boy who must work together to save the Thanksgiving feast. While the animation is old-school, the movie’s message of friendship and cooperation makes it a charming and educational pick for young viewers.
Runtime: 24 minutes
Age Recommendation: 5+
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yACZbdJrl2c
10. Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving (1999)
This sweet and gentle film is perfect for younger viewers. Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving is a collection of autumn and winter-themed adventures with Pooh and his friends, including a special focus on Thanksgiving. It’s heartwarming and full of lessons about gratitude, friendship, and sharing, making it a perfect watch for families with little ones.
Runtime: 70 minutes
Age Recommendation: 3+
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9CvZau1tdI
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and creating warm memories together. With these 10 family-friendly Thanksgiving movies, you can enjoy cozy, fun-filled evenings that highlight the spirit of the season. Whether you’re looking for a quick, animated adventure for little ones or a heartwarming classic for the whole family, there’s a Thanksgiving movie on this list for everyone.
So, grab some popcorn, cuddle up with your kids, and start a new Thanksgiving movie tradition this year!
