15 Best Thanksgiving Movies for Families (Plus Cozy Fall Favorites)
There’s something about November that makes us want to slow down, pull out the blankets, make a big bowl of popcorn, and watch a good movie together.
And while we love a classic Thanksgiving special, some of our favorite movies for this time of year aren’t about Thanksgiving at all.
They’re the ones filled with cozy autumn scenery, family gatherings, meaningful friendships, and stories that remind us how much goodness there is in life.
From You’ve Got Mail and Little Women to The Wild Robot and The Ultimate Gift, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best Thanksgiving movies for families, including cozy fall favorites that capture the feeling of the season.
Some are wonderful for younger kids, while others are better suited for older children, teenagers, or a movie night after the little ones are asleep.
Whether you’re looking for a Thanksgiving movie to watch after dinner or a cozy fall movie for a chilly November evening, we hope you find something your family will love.
15 Best Thanksgiving and Fall Movies at a Glance
Not sure what to watch? Here’s a quick look at all 15 movies, their ratings, and what makes them perfect for fall or Thanksgiving.
| Movie | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| You’ve Got Mail (1998) | PG | Cozy fall romance |
| Little Women (1994 & 2019) | PG | Sisterhood and family traditions |
| Dan in Real Life (2007) | PG-13 | Family gatherings and humor |
| Anne of Green Gables (1985) | Not rated | Nostalgia and autumn scenery |
| A Little Princess (1995) | G | Kindness and hope |
| Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade (2012) | TV-G | Thanksgiving romance |
| A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973) | Not rated | Thanksgiving with younger kids |
| Miracle on 34th Street (1947) | Not rated | Thanksgiving-to-Christmas tradition |
| The Blind Side (2009) | PG-13 | Football and family |
| Rudy (1993) | PG | Football and perseverance |
| The Wild Robot (2024) | PG | Family, love, and belonging |
| The Good Dinosaur (2015) | PG | Adventure and family |
| Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) | PG | Autumn atmosphere and humor |
| The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) | PG-13 | Gratitude and perseverance |
| The Ultimate Gift (2007) | PG | Generosity and what matters most |
Streaming availability changes frequently. The services listed below are U.S. viewing options from our November 2026 research; check each platform for current subscription, rental, and purchase availability.
Cozy Fall Movies Full of Nostalgia
Not every great Thanksgiving movie has to feature a turkey dinner! Some of our favorite fall movies are simply filled with autumn scenery, cozy homes, meaningful relationships, and stories that make us want to slow down.
1. You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Paramount+; rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV.
Is there a movie that feels more like fall than You’ve Got Mail?
Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks, a charming little bookstore, and New York City in autumn. It’s practically made for a cozy evening with a blanket and something warm to drink.
The story follows two rival bookstore owners who unknowingly fall in love through anonymous emails.
Why we love it for fall: The bookstores, changing leaves, cozy sweaters, and sweet romance make this one of our favorite autumn movies.
2. Little Women (1994 & 2019)
Rating: Both PG
Where to Watch: Both versions are available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Subscription availability varies.
Few movies capture the beauty of family quite like Little Women.
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel, the story follows the four March sisters as they navigate growing up, love, loss, and finding their own paths.
And the best part? There are two beautiful adaptations to choose from!
Little Women (1994) — Starring Winona Ryder, Susan Sarandon, Kirsten Dunst, and Claire Danes, this version has such a warm, nostalgic feeling. Between the cozy family home, homemade traditions, and beautiful New England scenery, it’s practically made for a chilly November evening.
Little Women (2019) — Starring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Eliza Scanlen, Greta Gerwig’s adaptation brings a fresh perspective to the beloved story. With gorgeous cinematography, a beautiful soundtrack, and a heartfelt portrayal of sisterhood, it’s another wonderful choice for a cozy movie night.
Why we love it for November: Both versions are beautiful reminders that a rich life isn’t necessarily about having more, but about loving the people we have. The March sisters’ devotion to one another, their family traditions, and the sacrifices they make for those they love feel especially meaningful this time of year.
Whether you grew up watching the 1994 classic or love the newer 2019 adaptation, you really can’t go wrong with either one.
3. Dan in Real Life (2007)
Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video or Disney+; rental and purchase options may also be available.
If you’ve ever spent a holiday weekend with a big extended family, you’ll probably recognize a little bit of your own family in this movie.
Steve Carell plays a widowed father who brings his three daughters to a family gathering, only to find himself in a rather complicated romantic situation.
It’s funny, heartfelt, awkward, and filled with the kind of family chaos that makes holidays memorable.
Why we love it for fall: Cozy sweaters, a big family house, games, laughter, and the reminder that family life is rarely perfect but still wonderful.
4. Anne of Green Gables (1985)
Rating: Not rated
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on GazeboTV.
There’s something so comforting about returning to Green Gables.
This beloved adaptation follows imaginative Anne Shirley as she finds a home with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert on Prince Edward Island.
It’s filled with beautiful countryside, changing seasons, friendship, family, and Anne’s wonderful ability to find beauty in the world around her.
Why we love it for fall: Anne has a way of reminding us to appreciate the little things, and the autumn scenery is absolutely beautiful.
Note: This is technically a miniseries, so it’s perfect for spreading across a few cozy evenings.
5. A Little Princess (1995)
Rating: G
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Fandango at Home.
Based on the classic children’s novel, A Little Princess tells the story of Sara Crewe, a young girl whose life changes dramatically when she is sent to a boarding school.
Even through hardship, Sara holds onto her imagination, kindness, and belief that every person deserves to be treated with dignity.
It’s a beautiful, emotional story that has stayed with us for years.
Why we love it for Thanksgiving: It’s a reminder that generosity, kindness, and gratitude aren’t dependent on our circumstances.
Thanksgiving Movies & Family Gathering Favorites
If you’re looking for movies that feel especially fitting for Thanksgiving week, these are wonderful choices. From Thanksgiving parades to football and big family gatherings, they capture so many of the traditions we associate with November.
6. Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade (2012)
Rating: TV-G
Where to Watch: Hallmark+, Philo, or free with ads on The Roku Channel and YouTube; rental options may also be available.
Lucy’s sister in law Mia recommended this one! If you love a cozy Hallmark movie, this one is such a fun choice for November!
Emily is a dedicated Thanksgiving parade coordinator whose carefully planned world gets turned upside down when a handsome consultant arrives to evaluate the parade.
Naturally, romance follows.
Why we love it: It’s lighthearted, festive, and full of Thanksgiving charm. Perfect for a quiet evening when you want something sweet and easy to watch.
7. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
Rating: Not rated
Where to Watch: Apple TV.
You can’t have a Thanksgiving movie list without Charlie Brown!
When Peppermint Patty invites herself and her friends to Charlie Brown’s house for Thanksgiving, Charlie Brown and Snoopy do their best to put together a holiday meal.
It might not look like a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, but that’s part of what makes this special so endearing.
Why we love it: It’s a sweet reminder that Thanksgiving isn’t really about the food. It’s about friendship, gratitude, and being together.
8. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Rating: Not rated
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video or Disney+; rental options may also be available.
We know, we know. This is technically a Christmas movie.
But since it begins with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, we think it deserves a spot on this list!
When a kindhearted man named Kris Kringle begins working as a department store Santa Claus, he inspires a little girl and her mother to believe in something wonderful.
Why we love it for Thanksgiving: It’s the perfect movie for that sweet transition between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
9. The Blind Side (2009)
Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Fandango at Home.
Set against the backdrop of football and family life, The Blind Side is a dramatized story inspired by football player Michael Oher’s experiences.
The movie follows a teenager who becomes connected with a family that helps support his education and football career.
Why we included it: Football season, family, and themes of compassion and generosity give it a November feel.
Note for families: This film includes mature themes, and aspects of its portrayal of Michael Oher’s life have been publicly disputed. It’s best approached as a dramatization rather than a factual account.
10. Rudy (1993)
Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Philo, AMC, or free with ads on The Roku Channel; also available to rent or buy.
If your family loves football, Rudy is such a good November movie.
Based on the story of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, the film follows a young man who dreams of playing football for Notre Dame despite seemingly impossible odds.
It’s a classic underdog story about hard work, perseverance, and refusing to give up.
Why we love it for Thanksgiving: It’s an uplifting reminder to appreciate the opportunities we have and the people who help us along the way.
Heartwarming Family Movies About Gratitude & What Matters Most
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to watch movies that remind us to appreciate what we have. These heartfelt family movies explore gratitude, kindness, perseverance, sacrifice, and the people who make life meaningful.
11. The Wild Robot (2024)
Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video; rental and purchase options may also be available.
This is one of those animated movies that feels just as meaningful for adults as it does for kids.
When a robot named Roz finds herself stranded on an uninhabited island, she slowly learns how to survive, connect with the animals around her, and care for an orphaned gosling.
The animation is breathtaking, and the story is full of tenderness, sacrifice, and love.
Why we love it for November: The beautiful seasonal scenery and themes of motherhood, family, and belonging make it such a fitting movie for this time of year.
12. The Good Dinosaur (2015)
Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Disney+; also available to rent or buy.
What if dinosaurs had never become extinct?
In this Pixar adventure, a young dinosaur named Arlo becomes separated from his family and forms an unlikely friendship with a human boy.
Together, they journey through beautiful landscapes while learning about courage, friendship, and finding their way home.
Why we love it for fall: The sweeping autumn-like scenery and heartfelt message about family make this a wonderful fall movie.
Parents of sensitive younger children may want to preview it, as some scenes are intense and emotional.
13. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Disney+; also available to rent or buy.
If autumn could be turned into a movie, it might look a little like Fantastic Mr. Fox.
Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book, this stop-motion film follows Mr. Fox as his mischievous adventures put his family and woodland neighbors in danger.
It’s quirky, clever, funny, and filled with the most beautiful warm autumn colors.
Why we love it for fall: The woodland setting, cozy colors, family relationships, and memorable feast make it a natural addition to a November movie night.
14. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Rating: PG-13
Where to Watch: Angel Studios or free with ads on YouTube; also available to rent or buy.
This is one of those movies that can completely change your perspective.
Inspired by the life of Chris Gardner, the story follows a struggling single father who works tirelessly to create a better future for himself and his young son.
It’s emotional, inspiring, and at times heartbreaking.
Why we love it for Thanksgiving: Few movies remind us quite so powerfully to appreciate the stability, relationships, and everyday blessings we sometimes take for granted.
Best for older children and teens because of its emotional intensity and themes of homelessness and financial hardship.
15. The Ultimate Gift (2007)
Rating: PG
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Hallmark+, or free with ads on Tubi and The Roku Channel; other options may be available.
If you’re looking for a movie that really captures the spirit of gratitude, this might be one of our favorite choices on the list.
After his wealthy grandfather passes away, a young man named Jason learns that receiving his inheritance will require him to complete a series of unexpected challenges.
Along the way, he discovers lessons about work, friendship, generosity, family, and what makes a life truly meaningful.
Why we love it for Thanksgiving: It’s a beautiful reminder that the greatest gifts in life often aren’t things we can buy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Movies
What are the best Thanksgiving movies for kids?
Some of our favorite Thanksgiving movies for kids include A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, The Wild Robot, The Good Dinosaur, and Fantastic Mr. Fox.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is especially good for younger children, while the other three are rated PG and may be better for school-age kids, depending on their sensitivities.
If you’re looking for shorter, gentler shows for little ones, we’ve also rounded up our favorite Thanksgiving shows for toddlers and Thanksgiving episodes for kids.
What movies feel like fall but aren’t about Thanksgiving?
Some of the best cozy fall movies aren’t actually about Thanksgiving at all!
You’ve Got Mail, Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, and Dan in Real Life are wonderful choices if you love autumn scenery, cozy homes, family gatherings, and nostalgic stories.
They’re perfect for a chilly November evening, even if Thanksgiving isn’t part of the plot.
What are some Thanksgiving movies for older kids and teens?
If you’re looking for meaningful movies to watch with older children or teenagers, Rudy, The Blind Side, The Pursuit of Happyness, and The Ultimate Gift are all worth considering.
These movies explore perseverance, family, generosity, and gratitude. Some include heavier themes, so we recommend checking the ratings and content before watching with younger viewers.
Are there Thanksgiving movies on Disney+?
Disney+ is a great place to look for family-friendly movies during Thanksgiving week.
The Good Dinosaur and Fantastic Mr. Fox are two fall favorites associated with Disney+, while Miracle on 34th Street and Dan in Real Life may also be available depending on current licensing.
Because streaming libraries change, it’s always worth checking availability before planning your movie night.
More Thanksgiving Ideas for Families
Looking for more ways to celebrate the season together?
We’ve been gathering some of our favorite Thanksgiving traditions, activities, books, and shows to make November a little more meaningful.
Here are a few more ideas your family might enjoy:
- Thanksgiving Shows for Toddlers — Gentle Thanksgiving-themed shows and episodes for younger children.
- Thanksgiving Episodes for Kids — A collection of Thanksgiving episodes from familiar children’s shows.
- Thanksgiving Books for Kids — Beautiful picture books about gratitude, generosity, family, and the Thanksgiving season.
Make Thanksgiving Movie Night a Family Tradition
One of the things we love about November is finding simple ways to spend more time together.
A family movie night doesn’t have to be elaborate to become a favorite tradition.
Make a big bowl of popcorn, pull out the cozy blankets, let everyone vote on a movie, or pair your movie with a favorite fall treat.
And if you have younger children, choosing one of the gentler options from this list can make for a sweet afternoon activity during Thanksgiving break.
Sometimes the simplest evenings together become the memories we hold onto the longest.
What Will You Watch This Thanksgiving?
Whether you’re looking for a cozy fall romance, a nostalgic family classic, a football movie, or a heartfelt story about gratitude, we hope you find something to love on this list.
Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time to remember how much goodness there is in the ordinary moments of life.
And sometimes, a good movie is just the reminder we need.
Have a favorite fall or Thanksgiving movie we missed? We’d love to hear it in the comments!
XO -The Threads Between
