13. Free Birds (2013)
12. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
11. Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving (1999)
10. Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009)
Kevin James stars as a mall security guard who becomes a hero during Black Friday mall chaos. The light-hearted movie mixes humor and action, reminding us that even on the busiest shopping day of the year, there’s room for laughter and stepping up where you’re needed.
9. A Family Thanksgiving (2010)
A successful single attorney (Daphne Zuniga) slips into an alternate reality where she’s a wife and mother of two. Back in the real world, she realizes she… kind of enjoyed it. This spurs her to revisit her roots, reconnect with her family during Thanksgiving and re-evaluate her life. This warm story about the importance of family and finding the joy in life’s simple moments is a great one to watch with older kids as they contemplate what kind of life they’d like to live.
8. We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story (1993)
If you’re a scientist who wants to teach present-day kids about dinosaurs, there’s only one thing to do: Jump in your time machine and fetch some dinos, of course! The time-traveling dinosaurs bring prehistoric fun to modern New York and even do a stint in the Thanksgiving parade. Amidst the mayhem, the dinosaurs have to decide whether to put themselves on the line for new friends. It’s a magical and festive experience perfect for young viewers.
7. Annie (1982)
Annie is a timeless musical that captures the essence through its heartwarming tale. The film highlights the power of kindness especially in a scene where Daddy Warbucks invites Annie to a Thanksgiving dinner, where she experiences the warmth of a loving home for the first time. With its message of hope and transformation and an iconic soundtrack, Annie is a great choice for family viewing during the Thanksgiving season.
6. Jim Henson's Turkey Hollow (2015)
5. Home for the Holidays (1995)
Home for the Holidays, a 1995 comedy-drama directed by Jodie Foster, humorously captures a chaotic family reunion at Thanksgiving. Holly Hunter stars as Claudia Larson, a woman who has resigned herself to spend the holiday with her crazy clan. Full of laughter and quirky characters, Home for the Holidays blends humor with heartfelt family dynamics that might just feel familiar to you and any older kids.
4. The Blind Side (2009)
The 2009 film The Blind Side beautifully blends themes of family, gratitude and inspiration. This true story follows Michael Oher’s transformative journey with the help of Leigh Anne Tuohy’s family, highlighted by Sandra Bullock’s Oscar-winning performance. We’re not just picking this one because of the poignant Thanksgiving scene: This film goes beyond sports drama to explore themes of hope and family, fitting in nicely with the holiday.
3. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
2. Addams Family Values (1993)
1. Ratatouille (2007)
Ratatouille doesn’t explicitly mention Thanksgiving, but we think this Pixar gem’s delicious blend of cooking, dreams and family love make it a perfect companion to the holiday. The movie follows Remy, a talented chef who happens to be a rat, capturing the essence of passion and the joy of a good meal. A delightful treat for families, especially those who cherish dreams… and really good food.
