🍿 25+ Thanksgiving Films and Cartoons to Watch with Family
After the turkey is carved, the pie is served, and the dishes are done, there’s no better way to relax than by curling up with your loved ones and enjoying a Thanksgiving movie marathon. Whether you’re into heartwarming stories, animated classics, or family-friendly laughs, this list of Thanksgiving films and cartoons has something for everyone.
So grab a cozy blanket, pass the popcorn (or leftover stuffing 👀), and settle in for some screen-time bonding with these festive picks!
🎬 Why Watch Thanksgiving Movies as a Family?
Thanksgiving movies are more than just entertainment—they help spark gratitude, togetherness, and joy during a season built on those very values.
✅ Benefits of a Thanksgiving Movie Night:
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Promotes family bonding
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Creates lasting holiday traditions
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Offers a chance to unwind after a busy day
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Suitable for all age groups—kids, teens, parents, and grandparents!
🦃 Family-Friendly Thanksgiving Films
1. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
📺 Runtime: 25 min
A timeless Peanuts special where Charlie Brown hosts a heartfelt Thanksgiving dinner—with jelly beans and toast. A must-watch classic!
🎯 Best For: All ages
2. Free Birds (2013)
🎬 Runtime: 91 min
Two turkeys travel back in time to prevent turkey from ever becoming a Thanksgiving dish. Funny, fast-paced, and feather-filled fun!
🎯 Best For: Kids 6+
3. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
🎬 Runtime: 93 min
An unforgettable road trip movie about getting home for Thanksgiving—hilarious, heartfelt, and perfectly chaotic.
🎯 Best For: Teens & adults
4. The Blind Side (2009)
🎬 Runtime: 129 min
A powerful story of kindness, family, and football—set against a backdrop of Thanksgiving themes.
🎯 Best For: Ages 12+
5. Garfield’s Thanksgiving (1989)
📺 Runtime: 23 min
Garfield tries to stick to a vet-prescribed diet right before Thanksgiving. Spoiler: it doesn’t go well.
🎯 Best For: Kids & nostalgic adults
🧡 Animated Thanksgiving Cartoons for Kids
| Title | Runtime | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pocahontas (1995) | 81 min | A tale of cultural encounter with historical ties |
| Dora’s Thanksgiving Day Parade | 24 min | Dora saves the day with a bilingual twist |
| The Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings | 25 min | Teaches gratitude and appreciation |
| Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (Various Years) | 2–3 hrs | Great background fun during prep time |
| The Mouse on the Mayflower (1968) | 49 min | Classic cartoon that retells the Thanksgiving story |
🍁 Heartwarming Thanksgiving Movies for Older Audiences
6. Pieces of April (2003)
An indie dramedy about a daughter trying to reconnect with her estranged family over Thanksgiving dinner.
🎯 Best For: Young adults & up
7. Home for the Holidays (1995)
Directed by Jodie Foster, this film perfectly captures the chaos and charm of dysfunctional family get-togethers.
🎯 Best For: Adults
8. The Oath (2018)
Dark comedy meets political satire as a family’s Thanksgiving dinner spirals into chaos.
🎯 Best For: Mature audiences
9. Dutch (1991)
A comedy about a man bonding with his girlfriend’s spoiled son during a road trip home for Thanksgiving.
🎯 Best For: Teens & adults
🧺 Lighthearted Movies with Thanksgiving Vibes
Not every Thanksgiving movie is about Thanksgiving—but these films are perfect for the season thanks to their cozy, family-first themes.
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Little Women (2019) – Family, love, and sisterhood
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You’ve Got Mail (1998) – Fall in New York? Yes, please!
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Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) – Whimsical, warm, and witty
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Frozen (2013) – Let it go… into your winter movie night
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) – Holiday magic begins here
📋 Thanksgiving Movie Night Checklist
| Task | ✅ |
|---|---|
| Pick 2–3 age-appropriate films | |
| Prepare snacks & drinks 🍿🧃 | |
| Set up a cozy viewing area 🛋️ | |
| Turn off phones (or silence them) 🔕 | |
| Invite everyone to share one thing they’re thankful for ❤️ |
🎥 Bonus tip: Create a themed “movie menu” with snacks named after the films!
🎨 Thanksgiving Movie Night Ideas for Kids
Make movie night more interactive with these fun ideas:
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🧩 Bingo Cards with scenes to spot (e.g., “turkey appears,” “someone drops food”)
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🎨 Coloring pages of characters (printables work great)
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🍿 Build-your-own snack bowls with popcorn, pretzels, and candy corn
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🛏️ “Movie fort” challenge with blankets and pillows
🎤 Fun Thanksgiving Movie Quotes to Share
“I can’t cook a Thanksgiving dinner. All I can make is cold cereal and maybe toast.”
— A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
“What if you had the chance to change history?”
— Free Birds
“You’ll never make it on time!”
— Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Share these on your party invites, Instagram captions, or chalkboard walls for added flair!
🎯 Final Thoughts: Give Thanks, Then Press Play
Thanksgiving is about more than just food—it’s about family, memories, and moments that stick with us long after the last slice of pie. With these Thanksgiving films and cartoons, you can bring everyone together for laughs, learning, and a little bit of nostalgia.
So whether you want heartfelt or hilarious, animated or action-packed, this list has you covered.
📝 Need Help Writing Holiday Movie Reviews or Classroom Activities?
Let the creative experts at StudyDoll help you write movie reflection essays, classroom guides, or even personalized movie night games!
