As the leaves turn golden and the scent of pumpkin pie fills the air, Thanksgiving 2025 is the perfect time to gather the family for some cozy movie nights. Whether you’re looking for heartwarming specials that capture the spirit of gratitude or animated adventures that keep the kids giggling, these family-friendly Thanksgiving movies are all about togetherness, laughter, and a touch of holiday magic. We’ve curated this list of the best Thanksgiving family movies to stream in 2025, focusing on G and PG-rated picks that everyone from toddlers to grandparents can enjoy. From classic Peanuts tales to modern animated gems, these films are available on major platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video—no more fighting over the remote!
Grab the popcorn (or turkey leftovers), dim the lights, and dive into our top 25 picks. We’ve included runtime, rating, a quick plot tease, and streaming deets to make planning easy. Let’s give thanks for streaming!
Classic Thanksgiving Specials to Start the Feast
These timeless specials are short, sweet, and packed with holiday cheer—ideal for little ones or as a pre-dinner warm-up.
- A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973) Runtime: 25 min | Rating: G Join Charlie Brown and the gang as they whip up a quirky feast of popcorn, toast, and jellybeans after an unexpected invite. It’s a lesson in friendship and simple joys. Why watch with family? Snoopy’s cooking mishaps will have everyone laughing. Stream on: Apple TV+
- Sesame Street: A Very Sesame Street Thanksgiving (2016) Runtime: 25 min | Rating: TV-Y Elmo, Big Bird, and friends explore diverse Thanksgiving traditions, from parades to family feasts. Why watch with family? Educational fun that sparks gratitude talks. Stream on: Max
- Arthur: An Arthur Thanksgiving (2020) Runtime: 56 min | Rating: TV-Y Arthur’s holiday plans go awry when Pal goes missing—cue a heartfelt adventure to reunite for dinner. Why watch with family? Teaches empathy and the importance of being home. Stream on: PBS Kids app or Prime Video
- Llama Llama: Thanks-For-Giving Day (2018) Runtime: 24 min | Rating: TV-Y Llama Llama plans a community thank-you day, but a lost duck leads to hilarious chaos. Why watch with family? Adorable rhymes and lessons on kindness. Stream on: Netflix
- Blue’s Clues & You: Thankful with Blue (2020) Runtime: 23 min | Rating: TV-Y Josh and Blue create a “Thankful Book” filled with things they’re grateful for—join the clue hunt! Why watch with family? Interactive and perfect for crafting your own thankful lists. Stream on: Paramount+
Animated Adventures for Turkey-Day Laughs
Get animated with these colorful tales featuring feisty animals, time-traveling birds, and dream-world quests—guaranteed kid magnets.
- Free Birds (2013) Runtime: 91 min | Rating: PG Two turkeys time-travel to the first Thanksgiving to swap themselves off the menu in this buddy comedy. Why watch with family? Owen Wilson and Woody Harrelson’s voices add slapstick fun. Stream on: Tubi or YouTube TV
- Jim Henson’s Turkey Hollow (2015) Runtime: 90 min | Rating: TV-PG Kids uncover a mythical creature in a quirky town during a family visit—think Muppets meet folklore. Why watch with family? Whimsical puppets and mystery for all ages. Stream on: Prime Video
- Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) Runtime: 88 min | Rating: PG A clever fox outsmarts farmers in Wes Anderson’s stop-motion gem, full of fall feasts and family antics. Why watch with family? Roald Dahl’s wit shines in vibrant autumn vibes. Stream on: Disney+
- The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021) Runtime: 114 min | Rating: PG A quirky family road trip turns apocalyptic when tech rebels—hilarious bonds save the day. Why watch with family? Relatable parent-kid dynamics with non-stop action. Stream on: Netflix
- Over the Moon (2020) Runtime: 95 min | Rating: PG A girl builds a rocket to meet a moon goddess, blending myth, music, and grief with hope. Why watch with family? Stunning animation and songs about new beginnings. Stream on: Netflix
- Leo (2023) Runtime: 102 min | Rating: PG A wise lizard class pet dishes life advice to kids facing big changes—Adam Sandler voices the star. Why watch with family? Midlife crisis comedy that’s surprisingly touching. Stream on: Netflix
- The Willoughbys (2020) Runtime: 90 min | Rating: PG Siblings plot to ditch neglectful parents and find their perfect family in this inventive tale. Why watch with family? Dark humor meets heart, with a killer voice cast. Stream on: Netflix
- Wish Dragon (2021) Runtime: 99 min | Rating: PG A teen’s magical dragon grants wishes, teaching the true meaning of family and fortune. Why watch with family? Vibrant Shanghai setting and clever twists. Stream on: Netflix
- Ratatouille (2007) Runtime: 111 min | Rating: G A rat with big culinary dreams teams up with a chef in Paris—foodie fun for all. Why watch with family? Inspires creativity and celebrates unlikely friendships. Stream on: Disney+
Heartwarming Live-Action Picks for Cozy Vibes
These films weave in Thanksgiving scenes with stories of growth, romance, and resilience—great for older kids and adults.
- Miracle on 34th Street (1947) Runtime: 96 min | Rating: PG A Macy’s Santa claims he’s the real deal, kicking off with the iconic parade—belief meets magic. Why watch with family? Timeless wonder that bridges Thanksgiving to Christmas. Stream on: Disney+
- The Santa Clause (1994) Runtime: 98 min | Rating: PG A dad’s accidental Santa suit turns him into the jolly guy—burnt turkey included! Why watch with family? Tim Allen’s charm and holiday hijinks. Stream on: Disney+
- Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009) Runtime: 91 min | Rating: PG A security guard foils Black Friday bandits in this over-the-top comedy. Why watch with family? Kevin James’ physical gags keep it light and silly. Stream on: Tubi
- Home Alone (1990) Runtime: 103 min | Rating: PG Kevin defends his house from burglars after being left behind—festive chaos ensues. Why watch with family? Iconic traps and family reunion feels. Stream on: Disney+
- Little Women (2019) Runtime: 135 min | Rating: PG The March sisters navigate love, loss, and sisterhood in Civil War-era America. Why watch with family? Greta Gerwig’s fresh take on gratitude and bonds. Stream on: Prime Video (rent)
- Annie (1982) Runtime: 127 min | Rating: PG An orphan finds hope and a family through song and spunk. Why watch with family? Uplifting tunes about belonging. Stream on: Netflix
- The Prince & Me (2004) Runtime: 110 min | Rating: PG A college girl falls for an undercover prince during a farm Thanksgiving. Why watch with family? Rom-com charm with royal twists. Stream on: Paramount+
- Rudy (1993) Runtime: 114 min | Rating: PG An underdog chases his Notre Dame football dream against all odds. Why watch with family? Inspiring perseverance story. Stream on: Prime Video
- A Family Thanksgiving (2010) Runtime: 84 min | Rating: G A lawyer glimpses an alternate life, learning balance and true thanks. Why watch with family? Hallmark-style warmth without the cheese overload. Stream on: Prime Video
- Benji (2018) Runtime: 87 min | Rating: PG A scrappy dog saves kidnapped kids and mends a family rift. Why watch with family? Hero pup action for animal lovers. Stream on: Netflix
- In Your Dreams (2023) Runtime: 92 min | Rating: PG Siblings enter a dream world to grant wishes and face family challenges. Why watch with family? Imaginative animation on tough topics like loss. Stream on: Netflix
Why These Movies Will Make Your 2025 Thanksgiving Unforgettable
From the buttered-toast feasts of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving to the dream-chasing whimsy of In Your Dreams, these top family Thanksgiving movies for 2025 remind us that the holiday is about more than the meal—it’s about shared stories and creating memories. Whether you’re streaming on the couch post-parade or winding down after pie, this lineup ensures laughs, tears (the happy kind), and plenty of “aww” moments.
Pro tip: Pair your watch with a themed snack bar—think turkey sliders for Free Birds or moon pies for Over the Moon. What’s your family’s go-to flick? Drop it in the comments below, and tag a friend who needs this list! For more holiday inspo, check out our guides to best Christmas movies for kids or easy Thanksgiving crafts. Happy streaming and happier Thanksgiving! 🦃🍁
