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Thanksgiving transcends the typical image of a bustling household feasting on turkey; it’s a celebration of gratitude for all aspects of life. Unlike Halloween or Christmas, there’s a scarcity of Thanksgiving-themed movies, especially for children. Given that Netflix is a widely used streaming service for families, it offers a broad selection of content for kids to enjoy during the holiday preparations.
The essence of this list is to assist children in creating enduring holiday memories. Despite the prevalence of quick content on platforms like YouTube, movies still play a significant role in shaping childhood memories. The films in this list are not strictly categorized as “Thanksgiving Films” but are connected thematically, blending fun and whimsy with messages of family, gratitude, and kindness.
While the list explores various themes, it mirrors the holiday itself, which begins as an expression of thanks and transforms into a period of intense consumerism with extended shopping hours, relentless commercials, and the infamous Black Friday shopping spree. Think of this list as a guide for families to avoid the chaos and instead focus on savoring appetizers, cooking turkey, appreciating loved ones, and, of course, enjoying some Netflix.
Update as of November 15, 2023: As Thanksgiving approaches, this article has been refreshed with additional fantastic titles on Netflix for families to watch together before or after the holiday feast.
Sponsered English Shortfilm Playlist
Best Thanksgiving Movies for Kids on Netflix
Chicken Run
The film could be even more fittingly titled “Turkey Trot,” but its current name effectively emphasizes Thanksgiving themes. Chicken Run kicks off with Rocky, the rooster, and Ginger, the hen, who lead a mission to break free from the farm and live life on their own terms. Together, they embark on a journey to embrace freedom and happiness in this beloved stop-motion animated classic.
Why It’s Outstanding: Chicken Run delighted audiences with its humor, endearing characters, and a heartwarming story suitable for all ages. The long-awaited sequel, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, is eagerly anticipated by fans and is scheduled to premiere on Netflix in December. While it won’t be available in time for Thanksgiving, Chicken Run remains a great choice for a holiday watch, building anticipation for the upcoming sequel.
Paddington
The live-action animated adaptation of Michael Bond’s cherished children’s book character, Paddington, tells the heartwarming tale of the lovable anthropomorphic bear’s journey from the Peruvian rainforest to London after an earthquake devastates his original home. In this delightful film, Paddington finds a new family in the Browns, experiencing a profound sense of belonging and happiness that transforms his life.
What Makes It Exceptional: Paddington is a heartwarming and uplifting film, making it an ideal choice for post-Thanksgiving relaxation. The movie’s endearing protagonist and positive message serve as a valuable lesson for children, emphasizing the importance of optimism, tolerance, and the far-reaching impact of kindness. It’s like a comforting embrace, making it a perfect choice for families to enjoy during the holiday season.
Duck Duck Goose
With a title that evokes memories of the classic childhood game, this movie is bound to be enjoyable. With the voice talents of Jim Gaffigan, Zendaya, Greg Proops, Natasha Leggero, Stephen Fry, and Craig Ferguson, Duck Duck Goose follows Peng, a carefree bachelor goose, as he helps two lost ducklings on their journey south to find their flock. Throughout their adventure, the trio forms a heartwarming bond and creates lasting memories.
What Sets It Apart While the film is technically set in China, its overarching themes of unity and bird-related elements emit a strong Thanksgiving atmosphere. Duck Duck Goose delivers a touching message about the strength of perseverance, showcasing Peng’s transformation from a self-centered goose into a more caring and considerate individual, all thanks to the arrival of the young ducklings. The film’s lively animation and playful humor are certain to captivate children seeking a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of their day.
Enola Holmes 2
Millie Bobby Brown, known for her breakout role in Stranger Things, returned to her detective role as Enola Holmes in the sequel, teaming up with her famous big brother Sherlock Holmes (Henry Cavill) to unravel a dangerous conspiracy. The film, featuring Helena Bonham Carter as the siblings’ mother, explores the unique bond between Enola and Sherlock. The thrilling sequel takes them on an adventure through London to solve a mysterious case, offering a delightful and captivating experience. Enola Holmes 2 quickly became a Netflix hit, topping charts in 93 countries, thanks to the young detective’s charm and can-do attitude, likely to inspire young audiences.
Good Sam
“Good Sam,” a Netflix original, wears its morals openly, following the journey of skeptical journalist turned optimist Kate Bradley. She pursues the story of a mysterious Good Samaritan who brings life-saving funds to random doorsteps. As Kate investigates, she not only unravels the stranger’s identity but also finds herself falling in love and discovering the true essence of kindness.
What Sets It Apart Centered around the themes of gratitude and lending a helping hand, “Good Sam” offers a heartwarming and age-appropriate narrative that resonates with audiences of all ages. The film leaves viewers with a warm and fuzzy feeling, inspiring them to engage in their own acts of generosity. It serves as a poignant reminder that kindness is timeless and never goes out of style, making it a delightful and meaningful watch for everyone.
Spirit Riding Free: Spirit of Christmas
As the original movie, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, may not be available on Netflix this holiday season, the various Netflix series it inspired are still accessible. The original film, produced by Dreamworks, is considered a modern interpretation of classics like Black Beauty, set in the American West with decent representation of Native Americans.
One standout is “Spirit Riding Free: Spirit of Christmas,” offering a contemporary twist set in the 1890s. This heartwarming short follows the offspring of the original hero and a spirited group of horse-riding pre-teens. Facing challenges caused by natural disasters, the girls strive to make it home for the holidays. Additionally, after enjoying the holiday special, viewers can delve into entire seasons of “Spirit: Riding Free” to further explore the series.
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The Willoughbys
Fans of Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, also available on Netflix, will be happy to discover an animated alternative for younger audiences in The Willoughbys. Adapted from Lois Lowry’s book of the same name, the movie takes a unique twist by having the children send their parents away. The star-studded cast includes Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Terry Crews, Martin Short, Jane Krakowski, and Ricky Gervais, who also serves as the narrator.
What Sets It Apart The film’s heartwarming message about found family adds a delightful touch. Hopefully, kids who enjoy the movie will be inspired to explore the colorful characters and amusing premise in the book. The Willoughbys’ escapades and their discovery of the importance of sibling bonds promise to both satisfy parents and captivate their children.
Matilda
Matilda, a beloved childhood classic adapted from Roald Dahl’s book, showcased Mara Wilson as the lead character, finding refuge in books from her dysfunctional family, reminiscent of the Dursleys from Harry Potter. The film highlights the significance of the family found, not necessarily the one created. Matilda’s connection with her compassionate teacher, Miss Honey, evolves, leading to a heartwarming conclusion where Miss Honey becomes her adoptive parent. The movie’s greatness lies in this theme, making it a celebrated ’90s classic. For those craving more, Netflix offers “Matilda: The Musical,” featuring captivating songs for a Thanksgiving family sing-along.
Gnome Alone
The title is certainly catchy, and fortunately, the plot of “Gnome Alone” is equally impressive. The story kicks off with Chloe (Becky G), a high school student yearning for an extraordinary high school experience. However, her life takes a turn when she discovers that the garden gnomes in her vicinity require her assistance in a remarkable mission to thwart the threat posed by the relentless and voracious creatures called Troggs.
What sets this movie apart is its emphasis on teamwork despite differences, mirroring the essence of Thanksgiving. The holiday revolves around the notion that diverse personalities must coexist on this special day, and “Gnome Alone” beautifully exemplifies this theme. So, if your family’s dinner table rules include avoiding discussions about politics or religion, this film provides an enjoyable option for the entire family, with its core message centered around collaboration.
Benji
Benji, a Netflix reboot of the beloved ’70s film, is a perfect fit for the Thanksgiving holiday, which is centered around family. This heartwarming family film features a lovable dog who enters the lives of a family when two siblings find themselves in danger. The courageous canine takes on the mission of protecting the young brother and sister at all costs.
What Sets It Apart: Benji offers a wholesome and sweet experience, making it an ideal, relaxing watch before or after a Thanksgiving meal. Parents can confidently choose this endearing movie, as it brings a healthy dose of nostalgia and furry charm in its modern adaptation. The film is a brief and pure cinematic experience, delivering sweet morals and messages that are easily enjoyable for both children and families.
Trolls Holiday
“Trolls Holiday, a delightful 26-minute film, has the potential to become the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer of its generation. Thanksgiving, centered around the concept of giving, is prominently featured in this short film, even though it’s more commonly associated with Christmas. The storyline is simple, swift, and easily digestible: Queen Poppy discovers that some of her friends don’t have a holiday, prompting her to enlist help in creating one for them.
What sets it apart is the warm embrace of inclusivity during the holiday season. For those seeking a condensed version, the “Funsgiving” segment from Season 8, episode 3 of the Trolls: The Beat Goes On! animated series provides a great alternative. This ties in seamlessly with the upcoming release of Trolls Band Together in theaters on November 17, just a week before Thanksgiving. It presents the opportunity for a Trolls-themed Thanksgiving celebration.”
The Mitchells vs. the Machines
“The Mitchells vs. the Machines depicts a spontaneous family road trip disrupted by a global AI takeover. Originally slated for a theatrical release by Sony Pictures Animation, the film was sold to Netflix amid the COVID-19 pandemic and later earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Picture.
One notable aspect is its broad accessibility on Netflix, allowing a diverse audience to enjoy the movie. Despite its classification as a summer road trip film, the compelling narrative of familial unity in the face of challenges is undeniably captivating. With its themes of family bonding and resistance against consumerism, the movie serves as a timely and relevant reminder, particularly as the holiday season approaches.”
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