Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather, share a meal, and enjoy some quality entertainment together. Whether you're looking for heartwarming classics, family comedies, or films that capture the spirit of gratitude, there's no shortage of options to make your Thanksgiving special. In this list, we've rounded up the best 15 family-friendly Thanksgiving movies for 2024. Let's dive into the movies that will make your holiday movie marathon a memorable one!
#1. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
Where to Watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
Runtime: 1h 16min
Rating: 7.9/10
Plot: Charlie Brown attempts to host a Thanksgiving dinner for his friends, resulting in a series of humorous mishaps.
Recommendation: This classic animated special is perfect for all ages and captures the essence of friendship and gratitude.
#2. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Where to Watch: Pluto TV, YouTube, Hulu, Apple TV, and more
Runtime: 93 minutes
Rating: 7.6/10
Plot: A man struggles to get home for Thanksgiving with an obnoxious shower curtain ring salesman as his only companion.
Recommendation: This comedy highlights the chaos of holiday travel and the importance of patience and kindness.
#3. Pieces of April (2003)
Where to Watch: Apple TV, Tubi, Pluto TV, YouTube, The CW, and more
Runtime: 80 minutes
Rating: 7.0/10
Plot: A young woman invites her estranged family to her tiny apartment for Thanksgiving dinner, leading to unexpected tensions.
Recommendation: This film beautifully combines humor and heartfelt moments, making it relatable during family gatherings.
#4. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Where to Watch: Disney+, Apple TV, YouTube, and more
Runtime: 87 minutes
Rating: 7.9/10
Plot: Mr. Fox must outsmart local farmers to provide for his family while navigating the challenges of fatherhood.
Recommendation: Its charming animation and themes of family loyalty make it a delightful choice for Thanksgiving.
#5. Home for the Holidays (1995)
Where to Watch: Apple TV, Pluto TV, YouTube, fubo TV, and more
Runtime: 102 minutes
Rating: 6.6/10
Plot: A single mother faces chaos and drama when she returns home for Thanksgiving with her dysfunctional family.
Recommendation: Directed by Jodie Foster, this film captures the warmth and chaos of family gatherings.
#6. Addams Family Values (1993)
Where to Watch: Apple TV, Pluto TV, Amazon Prime Video, and more
Runtime: 94 minutes
Rating: 6.8/10
Plot: The Addams family faces new challenges when a cunning nanny tries to take their children away.
Recommendation: This dark comedy features memorable Thanksgiving scenes that highlight family bonds in a humorous way.
#7. Friendsgiving (2020)
Where to Watch: Apple TV, Starz, YouTube, Hulu, Sling TV, and more
Runtime: 101 minutes
Rating: 4.4/10
Plot: Two friends host a chaotic Thanksgiving dinner with unexpected guests.
Recommendation: This modern comedy emphasizes the joy of chosen family and the fun chaos of holiday gatherings.
#8. The Ice Storm (1997)
Where to Watch: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and more
Runtime: 112 minutes
Rating: 7.3/10
Plot: Set during Thanksgiving in a wealthy suburb, this film explores themes of family dysfunction amidst a winter storm.
Recommendation: Its dramatic portrayal of family dynamics makes it a thought-provoking choice for older audiences.
#9. Scent of a Woman (1992)
Where to Watch: Apple TV, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and more
Runtime: 157 minutes
Rating: 8.0/10
Plot: A prep school student takes care of a blind army veteran during Thanksgiving weekend, leading to unexpected adventures.
Recommendation: This film combines humor and emotion, making it suitable for older teens and adults.
#10. Garfield's Thanksgiving (1989)
Where to Watch: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video
Runtime: 24 minutes
Rating: 7.6/10
Plot: Garfield must cope with being put on a diet right before Thanksgiving while trying to impress his veterinarian.
Recommendation: This animated short is lighthearted and perfect for younger audiences.
#11. Krisha (2015)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies
Runtime: 83 minutes
Rating: 7.1/10
Plot: Krisha returns home after years away from her family, facing unresolved issues that threaten the holiday gathering.
Recommendation: Its intense exploration of family dynamics makes it suitable for adult viewers looking for depth.
#12. The Oath (2018)
Where to Watch: Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV, Fandango at Home
Runtime: 93 minutes
Rating: 5.6/10
Plot: In a politically divided America, a man struggles to keep peace during a contentious Thanksgiving dinner.
Recommendation: This dark comedy offers sharp social commentary while still being entertaining.
#13. Remember the Titans (2000)
Where to Watch: Apple TV, Disney+, YouTube, and more
Runtime: 113 minutes
Rating: 7.8/10
Plot: A high school football team overcomes racial tensions in their community during the early days of integration.
Recommendation: While not directly about Thanksgiving, its themes of teamwork and unity resonate well during the holiday season.
#14. Instant Family (2018)
Where to Watch: Apple TV, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more
Runtime: 118 minutes
Rating: 7.3/10
Plot: A couple learns about fostering siblings and discovers the joys and challenges that come with it.
Recommendation: This heartwarming comedy is perfect for families looking for uplifting stories about love and belonging.
#15. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Runtime: 96 minutes
Rating: 7.9/10
Plot: A department store Santa claims to be the real Santa Claus, leading to a court case that questions his sanity.
Recommendation: Though primarily a Christmas movie, its opening scenes set during Thanksgiving make it a great transitional film into the holiday season.
Conclusion & Suggestion
For a wider selection of family-friendly Thanksgiving movies, be sure to check out Netflix's curated list of family-friendlt Thanksgiving movies, which features a variety of titles suitable for all ages. With so many excellent options available on both Apple TV and Netflix, you'll have plenty to choose from for your family movie night this Thanksgiving.
If you'd like to watch these movies for free or keep them permanently, consider using ViWizard's two fantastic tools: the ViWizard iTunes M4V Converter and the ViWizard Netflix Video Downloader . These tools allow you to legally decrypt DRM protection from Apple TV and Netflix movies, converting them into various formats like MP4, AVI, MOV, and more without any loss in quality. This way, you can ensure that your favorite Thanksgiving films are always accessible for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
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