Thanksgiving Movies for Kids, With All the Trimmings

Looking for a Thanksgiving movie to watch with your kids during the holiday? From a nostalgic, black-and-white 1947 classic to a romp about animated, time-traveling turkeys, there are plenty of options to choose from. Our writers have picked their favorite Thanksgiving-themed movies and specials that are currently streaming, covering the last 76 years.

One classic pick is ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (1947), which is available for streaming on Disney+ or for rent or purchase on Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu, and YouTube. It’s a heartwarming film that begins at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, where a department store Santa turns out to be the real Kris Kringle.

For a more quirky option, consider ‘Free Birds’, a computer-animated film about two turkeys who time travel to the first Thanksgiving in an attempt to prevent turkey from becoming a traditional holiday dish. Despite mixed reviews and criticism for its treatment of Native American characters, it’s a PETA-approved film with a rebellious message that challenges the tradition of eating turkey on Thanksgiving.

If you’re in the mood for something more offbeat, the gothic ’90s classic ‘Addams Family Values’ offers a darkly funny take on Thanksgiving, with the iconic character Wednesday Addams burning down a Thanksgiving pageant at summer camp. This film is great for fans of unconventional family films.

For a more lighthearted and heartwarming option, consider ‘An American Tail’ (1986), which tells the story of a family of mice who flee persecution in their homeland for a better life in America. It’s an unsentimental yet poignant look at the immigrant experience, even with some darker themes.

Finally, ‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ (1973) offers a nostalgic and slightly melancholic take on the holiday, as the Peanuts gang works together to create their own Thanksgiving feast. This Emmy-winning special is a classic that has entertained families for over fifty years.

This diverse selection of films and specials showcases the range of themes and tones associated with Thanksgiving, offering something for everyone to enjoy during the holiday.