After the chaos of Thanksgiving dinner and clean-up has come to a close, it can be perfect to just fall on the couch and get lost in a good movie together. Whether you're laughing out loud at a comedy, or grabbing tissues to dry your tears while watching a poignant film, the time together is priceless. It's a moment in time where you are all enjoying the beauty of the images dancing across the screen. Peruse this list of fun and heartwarming Thanksgiving movies to get you in the spirit of the season.
Thanksgiving Movies to Watch With the Whole Family
Look around at the family surrounding you this holiday. Some have made you laugh this year more times than you can count. Others have you rolling your eyes at their antics. But this is your family. For better or worse, their warm love wraps around you like a comforting blanket. Capture the wonder the Thanksgiving holiday creates by getting lost in a cinematic masterpiece together. Laugh, cry, and just be together as the turkey settles. Just remember some movies are rated PG-13 and not recommended for younger viewers.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Is it really a holiday without Charlie Brown? Gather up your littles and sit around the TV for this timeless classic. From generosity to love to friendship, this beautiful cartoon is sure to pull at your heartstrings and fill you with holiday spirit. Every family has a Peppermint Patty!
Free Birds
The turkeys are flying the coop! Literally. Deciding he doesn't want to be part of the Thanksgiving feast; Reggie tries to warn the flock of the dangers of Thanksgiving. Add in a lot of computer animation, a little time travel, and a bird determined to take turkeys off the menu, and you have a laughing good time for all ages!
Paul Blart: Mall Cop
Need to de-stress from Thanksgiving Day? Who doesn't? Grab your crew and laugh at Paul Blart. You can't help but giggle as you watch Paul Blart try to stop a Black Friday heist. Laughter is the best medicine to bring a family together. This mall cop is rated fun for all ages.
Turkey Hollow
Sometimes made-for-TV movies take the cake. Turkey Hollow is a Lifetime classic that mixes the feels of the holiday with Jim Henson Muppets and the eccentric town of Turkey Hollow. How could you go wrong?
Garfield's Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is the cat's meow. Well, not really, but they are definitely waiting for a little dinner. This is especially true if you are Garfield. Gather around the TV to watch this lasagna-loving cat take on Thanksgiving.
The Thanksgiving Treasure
The spirit of Thanksgiving is bright in this classic. Taking you back to the 1940s, The Thanksgiving Treasure tells the story of Addie, who tries to reunite her father with his enemy and end their feud. Based on the book of the same name, this story gets you straight in the heart and makes you want to hug those around you.
Fantastic Mr. Fox
While Fantastic Mr. Fox might not strictly be a Thanksgiving movie, it's perfect for a holiday with family. Not only do you have family arguments, but you have a huge feast together. If that doesn't say Thanksgiving, what does?
Squanto: A Warrior's Tale
Add a little action to your holiday feasting day. Watch the story of Squanto as he defies odds and battles enemies. This inspirational story ends with the first Thanksgiving feast.
Dutch
If you have an older crowd loitering on your couch, check out the funny Dutch. Rated PG-13, this movie tells the hilarious story of a man who takes a road trip with his girlfriend's son. Less than thrilled, the boy takes Dutch on an adventure the two are not going to forget.
You've Got Mail
Dating apps weren't always a thing. You've Got Mail is one that started the craze. Created in the late 90s, get nostalgic together by walking with Joe and Kathleen back into simpler times. The Thanksgiving scene is definitely reminiscent of your own Thanksgiving adventures.
Home for the Holidays
Holidays are full of mishaps. Getting your whole family together isn't always the dream you expect it to be. Follow Claudia as she spends the holiday at home. This PG-13 adventure is sure to get some laughs.
Tower Heist
What's Thanksgiving without a little adventure? When their boss embezzles their money and loses their pension, a group of unlikely guys take action. Hilarity ensues as they try to steal $20 million. Thanksgiving and the Macy's Day parade were all part of their plan in this PG-13 movie.
What's Cooking?
Thanksgiving doesn't always look the same. That's the premise of this PG-13 movie. See what happens when four diverse families take on Thanksgiving dinner. There's food, mistakes, laughs, and a feast.
Feel Good Movies for Families to Enjoy on Thanksgiving
It's the unplanned moments of Thanksgiving that make it memorable. Rather than the perfect turkey, you might remember when the stove went out or when the dog gobbled down a turkey feast rather than you. These unscripted moments remind you just how much you love each other and the strength you create together. Find that same spirit in these beautifully crafted movies. Your heart instantly fills with warmth as you hold your family a little closer to you.
Definite, Maybe
Gather around for a romantic comedy that won't disappoint. Definite, Maybe tells the story of Will and his daughter Maya. The beautiful chemistry of parental love and the relationships Will has created leave you with a smile. Just remember this is a PG-13 movie, so it might not be appropriate for the younger kids in your family.
Grumpy Old Men
Family and friends are full of strife. It can make the holidays interesting to stay the least. John and Max have a feud dating back to childhood. But when push comes to shove, they realize how important they are to one another. Have a laugh with the family and fall in love with these Grumpy Old Men in this PG-13 film.
Hidden Figures
Enjoy the inspirational story of three brilliant women who faced prejudice to help America launch John Glenn into space. This incredible story helps you see that anything is possible. Get inspired with a little unknown history!
I Am Sam
Families are created by love. And I Am Sam shows the world the importance of love. Sam is a man with a disability fighting desperately to raise his daughter. This movie is rated PG-13 for specific scenes, but is a great one for the family to see.
Little Women
The March sisters are as close as sisters could be. But as they grow up, they grow apart. Watch them come together again when their sister Beth gets ill. This heartwarming story shares the love of family and the importance of finding strength in one another.
Mr. Holland's Opus
Life isn't always what you plan. Mr. Holland took a job as a music teacher to pay the rent. But he didn't put his heart into it. He'd rush out of class rather than put his heart into his work. Soon, however, he finds that sharing music with others is a more beautiful gift than any composition he could create. Put your arms around your loved one and enjoy Mr. Holland's Opus.
Mrs. Doubtfire
You have to do what it takes to be with your family. For the eccentric actor, Daniel, that means becoming Mrs. Doubtfire. Through his antics, Daniel shows his ex-wife Miranda just how much his children mean to him. This unpredictable nanny shows that you that you'll do anything for your family. Though you'll laugh until you cry, this one is made for PG-13 audiences.
Pay It Forward
Teachers make a difference in the world. When Mr. Simonet gives Trevor a chance to change the world, he takes it to heart. Get the tissues ready for this PG-13 piece. Trevor brings a revolution that makes a big change in the world.
Remember the Titans
Coming together despite our differences is what family is all about. Watch as one football team learns this magical lesson. When the teams combine, amazing things can happen. They are the Titans, the mighty mighty Titans.
The Blind Side
Sometimes family isn't the one you were born into. It's the one you choose. Michael found his perfect fit in the Tuohy family. Through their love, devotion, and dedication, Michael Oher was able to live his dreams. This one is rated PG-13 for drug references.
Rudy
Want a heartwarming, feel-good movie to help you end the perfect family day? Rudy is right up your alley. Rudy isn't what you'd think of as a football star, but through hard work and perseverance, he shows the world he can live his dream.
Matilda
Sometimes, it's the family you choose that's the perfect fit. At least that's the way it was for Matilda. Born a genius, Matilda finds her home with Miss Honey. It's a perfect way to fill your heart with love.
Field of Dreams
Sometimes you must build it so they will come. Well that's what Ray Kinsella was told anyway. After a voice he can't ignore comes to him, Ray turns his cornfield into a baseball field. It's then that he gets to learn that dreams do come true.
Lilo and Stitch
Family is the heart of Thanksgiving. Gathering together and giving thanks for what the year has brought. What's a better way to bring everyone together than watching a little bit of Lilo and Stitch? Families come in all shapes and sizes.
Michael
The heart of this movie is the importance of faith and relationships. Michael might not be a perfect angel, but he shows the jaded journalists that miracles do come true. What could be a better family message for Thanksgiving?
Enjoy Thanksgiving Together With the Perfect Movie
Some families like a good football game or a parade. Others enjoy sitting together and watching a good movie. Try out these movies on your family holiday. They are sure to give you just what you need. From a good laugh to turning your heart into mush, find just what you need to make your holiday unforgettable. Who knows, it might even start a new Thanksgiving tradition.
