Thanksgiving is a time for coming together, expressing gratitude, and creating cherished memories with loved ones. One fantastic way to enhance the holiday spirit is by gathering the family around the television and enjoying some heartwarming and entertaining Thanksgiving movies. Whether you’re looking for timeless classics or modern animated gems, we’ve curated a list of 13 must-watch Thanksgiving movies that are perfect for kids and the entire family. From heartwarming tales of gratitude to hilarious turkey escapades, these films are sure to add an extra dose of joy to your Thanksgiving festivities.
Gobble Up the Fun: 14 Thanksgiving Movies Your Kids Will Love
1. Free Birds (2013)
“Free Birds” is an animated comedy film that follows the adventures of two turkeys who travel back in time to the first Thanksgiving to prevent turkeys from being on the menu. With humor and heart, the film explores themes of friendship and the importance of traditions.
View on Amazon Prime: Free Birds
2. Turning Red
In “Turning Red,” a coming-of-age animated film, a thirteen-year-old girl faces the classic struggles of adolescence while grappling with an unusual twist. She’s torn between her role as her mother’s dutiful daughter and the whirlwind changes of teenagehood. However, her life takes an extraordinary turn when she discovers that whenever she becomes overly excited, she undergoes a remarkable transformation into a giant red panda. This unique and humorous premise adds a fantastical element to her already challenging journey of self-discovery, making “Turning Red” a heartfelt and entertaining exploration of identity, family, and the rollercoaster of adolescence.
View on Amazon Prime: Turning Red
3. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)
“Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” is a delightful animated film based on the popular children’s book. It tells the story of a young inventor who creates a machine that turns water into food, leading to hilariously chaotic consequences as food rains from the sky. The movie is filled with imaginative visuals and plenty of laughs.
View on Amazon Prime: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
4. Moana (2016)
“Moana” is a Disney animated masterpiece that follows the journey of a brave and adventurous Polynesian girl named Moana as she sets sail across the ocean to save her people. With stunning animation, memorable songs, and a strong-willed heroine, it’s a captivating and heartwarming tale of self-discovery and courage.
View on Amazon Prime: Moana
5. Ratatouille (2007)
“Ratatouille” is a Pixar gem that tells the story of Remy, a rat with a passion for cooking, who forms an unlikely partnership with a young kitchen worker. Together, they strive to achieve culinary greatness in a world where rats are unwelcome in the kitchen. The film is a celebration of gastronomy and following one’s dreams.
View on Amazon Prime: Ratatouille
6. Encanto
In “Encanto,” the Madrigals reside in the enchanting mountains of Colombia within the magical realm of Encanto. This extraordinary family is gifted with unique abilities, thanks to the enchantment of Encanto. Yet, Mirabel stands out as the sole family member without a special power. However, when she unearths a troubling revelation, she becomes the Madrigals’ last hope. The magic of Encanto, which has protected their family for generations, is in peril. Mirabel’s journey unfolds as she seeks to save her family and their cherished home, showcasing themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of ordinary individuals in extraordinary circumstances.
View on Amazon Prime: Encanto
7. Bee Movie (2007)
“Bee Movie” is a whimsical animated comedy that follows Barry B. Benson, a bee who decides to sue the human race for exploiting bees and stealing their honey. Filled with bee-related puns and humor, the film delivers a lighthearted message about the importance of environmental conservation and individuality.
View on Amazon Prime: Bee Movie
8. Despicable Me (2010)
“Despicable Me” is a heartwarming animated film that tells the story of Gru, a supervillain with a penchant for mischief and a heart that slowly melts when he adopts three young girls. As Gru plans to steal the moon, he finds himself navigating the challenges of fatherhood. The movie is filled with humor, memorable characters like the Minions, and a touching exploration of the power of love and family bonds. With its clever humor and endearing moments, “Despicable Me” is an entertaining family film that’s both funny and heartwarming.
View on Amazon Prime: Despicable Me
9. The Peanuts Movie (2015)
“The Peanuts Movie” brings the beloved characters from Charles M. Schulz’s comic strip to life in a delightful and nostalgic way. The film follows Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and their friends as they embark on various adventures. Charlie Brown, as always, grapples with feelings of self-doubt, while Snoopy takes to the skies in his World War I flying ace persona. The movie beautifully captures the essence of the original Peanuts comics with its timeless humor and themes of friendship, perseverance, and the joys of childhood.
View on Amazon Prime: The Peanuts Movie
10. Klaus (2019)
“Klaus” is a heartwarming animated Christmas film that reimagines the origin of Santa Claus. It tells the story of a young postal worker who is sent to a remote, desolate town and discovers a recluse toymaker named Klaus. Through their friendship, they bring joy and the spirit of giving to the town, creating the legend of Santa Claus.
View on Netflix: Klaus
11. Coco (2017)
“Coco” is a visually stunning Pixar film that explores the Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The story follows Miguel, a young boy who embarks on a journey to the Land of the Dead to uncover his family’s musical heritage. With vibrant visuals and touching themes of family and memory, it’s a cultural and emotional masterpiece.
View on Amazon Prime: Coco
12. The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)
“The Mitchells vs. The Machines” is a hilarious animated adventure that follows the quirky Mitchell family as they become unlikely heroes during a robot apocalypse. Filled with humor, heart, and dazzling animation, the film celebrates the importance of family bonds and embracing one’s uniqueness.
View on Amazon Prime: The Mitchells vs. The Machines
13. Home Alone (1990)
“Home Alone” is a classic holiday comedy that tells the story of Kevin McCallister, a young boy accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation for Christmas. Kevin must defend his home from two bumbling burglars using clever traps. It’s a heartwarming tale of resourcefulness and the importance of family during the holiday season.
View on Amazon Prime: Home Alone
Conclusion
As the Thanksgiving season approaches, there’s no better time to start a new tradition of watching these 13 must-watch Thanksgiving movies with your kids and the whole family. These films capture the essence of the holiday, from the importance of gratitude and togetherness to the hilarity of turkey-themed adventures. So, gather your loved ones, prepare some popcorn, and settle in for a cinematic journey that will warm your hearts and create lasting memories.
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