Watching Thanksgiving movies is a great way to spend the holiday with your loved ones. Various family, comedy, and even romance titles present life lessons that everyone could resonate with. Moreover, nothing beats the satisfaction of watching a good movie after a big Thanksgiving meal—especially if you’re an avid movie watcher.
From the most heartwarming classic films to the best family Thanksgiving movies on Netflix, here is a list of must-watch movies on the holiday of gratitude. These titles will truly inspire you and your loved ones to embody the Thanksgiving spirit all year round.
The Blind Side
The 2009 film, The Blind Side, is one of the best movies on Netflix that you can watch on Thanksgiving. This is a biographical drama movie inspired by Michael Lewis’ novel, The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game. This film has a notable cast which includes Tim McGraw, Sandra Bullock, Lily Collins, and Quinton Aaron, among other talented actors.
The Blind Side follows the story of a high school teenager named Michael Oher (Aaron) as he strives to reach for his dream of playing for the National Football League. As Oher encountered various challenges, he eventually hit rock bottom and lost all hope. However, an angel by the name of Leigh Tuohy (Bullock) takes him under her wings. The iconic Thanksgiving scene in this film will truly move your heart. It will inspire you to take the time to thank real-life people for their kindness and generosity.
More than being a real tear-jerker, The Blind Side also features the value of love and family that anyone could resonate with. It’s definitely one of the best Thanksgiving movies of all time.
Gifted
A list of 2017 family films to watch won’t be complete without this Thanksgiving-worthy movie.
Outside of Marvel, Chris Evans starred in the 2017 Marc Webb-directed film entitled Gifted. Evans was joined by other talented actors such as Lindsay Duncan, McKenna Grace, and Octavia Spencer.
Gifted revolves around the story of a single man named Frank (Evans) who is single-handedly raising his niece, Mary (Grace). Eventually, they discovered that Mary was a genius kid—making her very special. Eventually, Frank’s mother, Evelyn (Duncan), learned of this and tried to get custody of Mary. As the story progresses, more challenges present themselves as Frank fights for Mary’s right to live a happy, normal life.
Gifted is one of the best family movies that feature kinship as its main theme. More than that, it will make you appreciate the value of family—something that the best Thanksgiving movies essentially have.
Ratatouille
The holiday of gratitude is also a great time to feast on good food and indulge in great movies about cooking. Ratatouille is one of Walt Disney’s best cooking movies that you can stream on Disney Plus today. It stars the voices of Patton Oswalt, Lou Romano, Janeane Garofalo, and Brad Bird.
Ratatouille features a lot of witty lines and delectable dishes that could make any Thanksgiving celebration even more enjoyable. Moreover, the film also depicts the importance of expressing appreciation and gratitude to people who made our lives better. You would truly appreciate the heartwarming lessons Ratatouille illustrates in its relatable and noteworthy narrative.
Addams Family Values
Who said Halloween movies can’t be Thanksgiving movies, as well? Addams Family Values is a staple to any list of 1990s family movies that people have come to love. More than that, this is also one of the good movies to watch after getting stuffed on the best Thanksgiving recipes you shared with your loved ones. It stars remarkable actors such as Anjelica Huston, Christina Ricci, and Raul Julia.
This 1993 Thanksgiving horror movie may look quite ghoulish, but it also features important moral values. Indeed, a lot of prominent Addams family quotes center on themes such as kindness, love, and equality that resonate with Thanksgiving’s primary essence.
The Incredibles
If you are looking for the best Thanksgiving movies for kids, look no further. The Incredibles is a great film to watch with the little ones this Thanksgiving season. A 2004 Walt Disney film by Pixar Animation Studios, The Incredibles depicts the story of a former superhero named Mr. Incredible who retired from his hero occupation. To stay safe, Mr. Incredible and his family keep their identities and superhero powers hidden. Little do they know, a twist in their regular lives will occur and their lives will never be the same again.
The Incredibles IMDB cast includes Craig Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel Jackson, Jason Lee, and Sarah Vowell, who all did a great job of giving life to their characters. The family film features action, comedy, and a heartfelt family story—making it one of the greatest movies of all time.
You’ve Got Mail
While you can watch new movies, older films have a certain vintage charm to them. You’ve Got Mail is one of the great movies to watch if you wish to experience just that. It stars Tom Hanks as Joe Fox and Meg Ryan as Kathleen Kelly. While this 1998 film features one of the greatest Thanksgiving scenes of all time, it also presents themes that relate to the holiday. You’ve Got Mail will remind you of the Thanksgiving spirit’s power to bring people — even polar opposites — together.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
For many, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is one of the classic movies to watch on Thanksgiving day. Directed by Bill Melendez and Phil Roman, this 1973 short movie is one of the best animated films that feature the Thanksgiving spirit. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is based on the well-known Peanuts comic strip by Charles Schulz. It features the popular character, Charlie Brown, who was portrayed by Todd Barbee. Barbee also starred alongside other voice actors such as Robin Kohn, Christopher DeFaria, and Stephen Shea.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is one of the must-watch movies about Thanksgiving as it features elements relating to the holiday. Indeed, one can relate to how difficult Thanksgiving feast preparations can be. However, all is well and worth it as loved ones feast and spend time together to acknowledge the things they are thankful for.
If you can’t get enough of the movie, we sure understand! Don’t worry, you can stream the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving 2019 TV series to get more of the endearing characters and their fun adventures.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
The family movie, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, is a 1987 comedy film. Steve Martin stars as Neal Page alongside John Candy who portrayed the role of Del Griffith. It follows the story of a skittish marketing executive named Neal. He has no choice but to travel with a kind but quite annoying salesman named John. Despite their differences in personalities, preferences, and pretty much everything, their mutual goal of getting home in time for Thanksgiving kept them together.
People love to watch this film due to the famous Planes, Trains, and Automobiles quotes that resonate with real-life experiences. They will undoubtedly make you appreciate the good in other people. The film is also a great example of how one can find a friend even with whom you least expect it—making it one of the best family movies to exist.
Up
A family Thanksgiving celebration is a great time to pick up heart-warming moral lessons. By watching Up, you and your loved ones could do this together. This 2009 Pixar film stars the voices of Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, and Pete Docter among many others. Up presents significant themes on unconditional love and fulfilling promises. Indeed, it is one of the good family movies that will truly touch your heart.
Grumpy Old Men
Not all of the best Thanksgiving movies are set in Thanksgiving—Grumpy Old Men is one of the firm examples of this. Among the best classic movies 90s brought for everyone to enjoy, this 1993 romantic comedy movie was directed by Donald Petrie. Its notable cast includes Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon, and Ann-Margaret. Grumpy Old Men depicts how love and life can sometimes be cruel. Still, it highlights the importance of honesty and bonds with loved ones that should conquer any hurdle that life throws your way. The romantic, comical, and moral elements of this film truly delivered in giving a Thanksgiving movie that will be worth your while.
Beethoven
A great addition to the list of family films to watch this Thanksgiving is the classic 1992 film, Beethoven. This family movie has a notable cast that includes Charles Grodin, Nicholle Tom, and Bonnie Hunt among other actors. Nothing beats the classic Thanksgiving scene in which Beethoven, the protagonist St. Bernard dog, indulges in his family’s well-served turkey dish. Aside from this hilarious and iconic scene, Beethoven also offers a lot of moral teachings for the whole family to love. Indeed, you will appreciate the value of love found not only in your family members but also in your furry best friends.
Friendsgiving
Friendsgiving is one of the funniest movies in 2020 and one of the most Thanksgiving-worthy films. This comedy movie was directed and written by Nico Paone. Its distinguished cast includes Kat Dennings, Chelsea Peretti, Malin Akerman, Aisha Taylor, and more. Friendsgiving tells the story of a seemingly normal Thanksgiving dinner that eventually turns into a huge disaster. True enough, this film is one of the cool movies to watch to get a few laughs during the holiday of gratitude.
The Holiday
Sometimes, one just cannot love and stay wise—such is the case of the two lead characters in the 2006 movie, The Holiday. Directed by Nancy Meyers, The Holiday also features famous stars such as Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Graham, and Jack Black. This movie’s witty lines and funny plots will leave your sides aching. Moreover, its unexpected twists of romance will also have you blushing for hours.
More than a romantic comedy, The Holiday also features important values that are great to remember, especially during the Thanksgiving season. It is a good movie to watch when you are tired of your distressing life. The film will also make you appreciate what you’re blessed with and ultimately, learn to love yourself. Most importantly, it evokes a feeling of gratitude for the opportunities to grow and heal that life throws our way. So, try to watch The Holiday full movie this Thanksgiving to appreciate such values this year.
Free Birds
A list of the top movies to watch on Thanksgiving won’t be complete without at least one turkey movie. The 2013 film, Free Birds, is a great addition to this Thanksgiving collection. It stars the voices of Woody Harrelson, Owen Wilson, George Takei, and Amy Poehler.
Free Birds is one of the great family movies you can watch this season of gratitude due to its funny scenes and relevant lessons. It features the story of turkeys going back in time to alter Thanksgiving’s crème de la crème dish which is, of course, turkeys. The film’s comical and Thanksgiving-worthy plot will have you laughing out loud. At the same time, the themes of friendship and unity will make you express gratitude for your peers who never leave your side.
Scent of a Woman
This 1992 drama movie was directed by Martin Brest. It stars an ensemble cast including Al Pacino, Chris O’Donnell, James Rebhorn, and Gabrielle Anwar. Scent of a Woman’s plot tells the story of a kid (O’Donnell) who took a job to look after a blind man (Pacino). As the story unfolds, various adventures and life-changing happenings transpired. Ultimately, this film presents life lessons that could help you change for the better—making it a great film to watch this Thanksgiving season.
Funny People
Comedy films are among the best movies to watch after indulging in a Thanksgiving feast. Laughing is a great way to relieve a belly full of turkey. Notably, Funny People is a great way to achieve this. The 2009 film stars famous actors such as Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, and Jonah Hill. The film’s plot revolves around the story of a comedian named George Simmons (Sandler) who discovered that his days are numbered due to a terminal disease.
Funny People will tickle your funny bone, what with the Sandler-Rogen-Hill comedic talents combined. Moreover, the film features an iconic scene where Simmons leads a Thanksgiving toast that could prompt you to embody the holiday’s spirit all year round. Indeed, Funny People reminds us to be thankful for our lives and make the most out of it.
Home for the Holidays
If you’re wondering what movie you can watch with your family this Thanksgiving, give Home for the Holidays a try. This is a comedy-drama film released in 1995. It stars Holly Hunter as Claudia Larson, the protagonist of the film. Hunter stars alongside other famous celebrities such as Anne Bancroft, Robert Downey Jr., and Claire Danes.
Home for the Holidays tells the story of the unfortunate events on Claudia Larson’s Thanksgiving Day. After she lost her job and her daughter bailed her, she opted to spend the holiday in her hometown. Eventually, things get out of hand as more family members arrive and more personalities clash. Despite this, the importance of honesty and family ties were highlighted in this film. Without a doubt, it is one of the most relatable and funniest movies to watch with family on Thanksgiving day.
The Object of My Affection
The season of gratitude is a great way to reflect on the important values of love. The Object of My Affection is a Thanksgiving movie that allows you to do just that. It stars the well-known Friends actress, Jennifer Aniston, and the famous Ant-Man actor, Paul Rudd. Aside from the important moral lessons, The Object of My Affection also holds a pivotal Thanksgiving dinner that changes two people’s lives. Indeed, it highlights the importance of turning over a new leaf—something that many people need some encouragement with.
Tower Heist
This 2011 American movie stars famous actors such as Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Matthew Broderick, and Alan Alda. Tower Heist depicts the story of hardworking employees who formulated a heist against a businessman who scammed them. Their heist plan is bound to occur during the infamous Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Tower Heist is one of the good films to watch if you wish to have a few good laughs on Thanksgiving. With the cast’s remarkable acting talents and the film’s interesting plot, you would truly be entertained for hours on end.
Little Women
A list of 2019 movies that you must watch won’t be complete without Little Women. This 2019 drama movie is one of the best family films you can watch on Thanksgiving day. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s novel of the same title, this film perfectly depicted the characters’ heartfelt and quirky personalities. Notably, Harry Potter cast member, Emma Watson, stars in this heartfelt film. Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, and Timothée Chamalet also did a remarkable job in portraying their roles well.
Ultimately, Little Women celebrates the simple yet unparalleled joys in moments shared with your family members. It teaches us to be thankful not only during Thanksgiving but also to be grateful for every single day that we spend with our loved ones.
Final Thoughts
The season of gratitude is a great way to learn new Thanksgiving trivia, watch timeless Thanksgiving movies, or simply spend time with the ones you love. The holiday reminds us to appreciate the good in other people, especially in ourselves. Indeed, taking the time to pause and remember the things you’re grateful for can make your life even more worthwhile.
