18 of the Best Thanksgiving Movies for Kids
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Some of the best Thanksgiving movies for kids help them understand the importance of friends, family and treating others well. They are also a perfect way to help them realize the story of Thanksgiving and that the holiday season isn’t just about coming together to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast and pumpkin pie (although that's a great part!).
Keeping that in mind, these are some of the best Thanksgiving movies for kids to watch as we celebrate the holidays with friends and family. Each movie has its own story of giving and celebrating.
Best Thanksgiving Movies for Kids
There are many good Thanksgiving movies out there, and it was tough to narrow it down! I’ve included some of the most popular Thanksgiving movies, along with some funny movies that help kids remember what family is all about, how we should be treating others, and stories of coming together.
Without further ado, here is my list of the best Thanksgiving movies for the entire family. They're available on Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, or Apple TV, which makes them super easy to enjoy with family members as you spend quality time together getting into the holiday spirit.
The Pilgrim’s Progress
Based on one of the most popular books of all time, The Pilgrim’s Progress is a powerful animated movie that helps families understand that the spiritual journey is the most important journey. It also teaches the importance of sticking to the path when the journey gets difficult. Watch it HERE.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
With just two slices of toast, a handful of jellybeans, and some pretzels, the Charlie Brown gang comes together to celebrate friendship even after Peppermint Patty invites herself to Charlie Brown’s house for Thanksgiving dinner. Watch it HERE.
Pocahontas
Pocahontas is a musical that tells the story of a Native American girl, her two friends, and an English soldier. Their journey in life takes them on an adventure and teaches them the importance of appreciating the gifts of life and those around us. Watch it HERE.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Steve Martin stars in this fun movie in which two men (who have very different lives and personalities) are trying to get home for Thanksgiving as a snowstorm strands them together. Trying to get home turns into quite the adventure but their friendship grows, and they both learn about how important friendship and family are. Watch it HERE.
Free Birds
Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson, Amy Poehler, and George Takei star in this funny turkey day comedy for kids of all ages. Free Birds is about two turkeys from different sides of the track to put away their differences so they can team up and get off the Thanksgiving menu and dinner table. Watch it HERE.
A Looney Tunes Thanksgiving
See how the Looney Tunes celebrate Thanksgiving! Kids will laugh as they see Bugs Bunny’s Thanksgiving Diet and Daffy Duck celebrating the holiday of thanks. Watch it HERE.
Turkey Hollow
With no advanced technology in the town of Turkey Hollow, Tim and Annie of the Emmerson family find themselves looking for an elusive monster that many residents have always believed wasn’t real. Watch Jim Henson's Turkey Hollow HERE.
An Arthur Thanksgiving
While Arthur and his family are getting ready for Thanksgiving, Pal disappears to go on his own adventure. Friends, family, and the rest of Elwood City do everything they can to get Pal home to celebrate Thanksgiving. Watch it HERE.
Home Alone
A classic movie that’s set during the holidays, we love enjoying it during Thanksgiving with the family (although, it's one of the best Christmas movies, too!). It’s full of laughs as Kevin McCallister is accidentally left at home and must defend it from some bumbling thieves. Watch it HERE.
Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale
Squanto, a young warrior abducted from his homeland and enslaved, must battle impossible hazards on a desperate journey home. Driven by a passion to be free, he risks everything to escape his captors. Watch it HERE.
Garfield’s Thanksgiving
Food-loving Garfield is faced with starvation on his favorite feast day of the year, Thanksgiving, when he's forcibly placed on a strict diet by his owner. Can Garfield survive or will he sneak his way into not following the diet? Watch Garfield's Thanksgiving HERE.
Grumpy Old Men
A funny story of two neighbors who have nothing better to do than to continue their lifelong feud. It’s a funny story that will have the whole family laughing but also helps teach about the importance of friendship. Watch it HERE.
Dutch
A snobbish rich kid and his mother's new working-class boyfriend find themselves on a road trip from Atlanta to Chicago just before Thanksgiving. Dutch is on a mission to forge a relationship with the snotty Doyle and will do almost anything to make it happen. Watch it HERE.
Curley Sue
Bill and Curly Sue are homeless with hearts of gold, not looking to turn a profit but just get enough to eat. This is a story that will help kids think about others, be thankful for what they have, and encourage giving and helping. Watch it HERE.
The Croods: A New Age
In search of a new home, the Croods encounter the more sophisticated Betterman family. A new threat forces the two families to set aside their differences to avoid extinction. Watch it HERE.
An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving
Set in the late 1880's, a widowed mother of four struggles to keep food on the table. The oldest daughter sends a letter to her estranged and very wealthy grandmother urging her assistance, much to her mother's disapproval. Watch it HERE.
What’s Cooking?
A story that celebrates the Thanksgiving holiday by merging stories of four different American families. Each of the families have a different nationality background, and the stories tell of their ups and downs as we discover the power that unites us all, love. Watch it HERE.
Kindness Matters
A little boy named Lincoln, who is bullied for the way he talks, creates a superhero in his head. A lonely man rescues a puppy who transforms his life and falls in love. This inspiring story illustrates how kindness can truly make a difference. Watch it HERE.
If you're looking for a good holiday movie this Thanksgiving season, I hope this list has given you some great ideas! Any would be perfect for a family movie night or after you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal.
And let me know in the comments below: what makes your list for kid-friendly Thanksgiving movies?
More Thanksgiving Resources
If you're looking for some activities to do with your little kids on Thanksgiving morning, grab this free Thanksgiving Activity Set from Blessed Homeschool.
Your older kids might also enjoy my Thanksgiving Online Unit Study or Thanksgiving Interactive Notebook for Google Slides.
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