Thanksgiving can get squeezed between Halloween’s spookiness and Christmas’s sparkle. This year, why not pause the rush to December and let your family enjoy November with some great holiday-themed movie nights? Here are nine kid-friendly Thanksgiving films—complete with ratings, streaming options, and a few words on why they’re perfect for the season of gratitude.
1. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
- Rating: G
- Where to watch: Streaming on Apple TV+ or for purchase on Prime Video
- Why we love it: A sweet, short classic where Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang turn a cereal-and-pretzel “feast” into a story of friends, gratitude, and togetherness.
- Kid-friendly age: Ideal for ages 4+ (very gentle, short runtime).
2. Free Birds (2013)
- Rating: PG
- Where to watch: Netflix & Amazon Prime Video
- Why we love it: Animated turkeys time-travel to try to save their kind from becoming Thanksgiving dinner—a fun adventure with humor and holiday spirit.
- Kid-friendly age: Ages around 6+ (some mild action/plot tension).
3. Jim Henson’s Turkey Hollow (2015)
- Rating: TV-PG
- Where to watch: Available via Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video
- Why we love it: A quirky Thanksgiving tale with puppetry, a monster legend, and family-togetherness at a rustic farm—fun for slightly older kids.
- Kid-friendly age: Ages 8+ (some suspense and mild scary moments).
4. Garfield’s Thanksgiving (1989)
- Rating: G
- Where to watch: Peacock & Amazon Prime Video
- Why we love it: The gluttonous cartoon cat Garfield navigates a Thanksgiving-style mess—simple, funny and perfect for younger kids.
- Kid-friendly age: Ages 3-7 (short and light).
5. Arthur’s Thanksgiving
- Rating: G
- Where to watch: On PBS Kids (or digital/streaming variations) depending on region.
- Why we love it: A wholesome animated special where Arthur faces Thanksgiving play challenges and learns about family and help.
- Kid-friendly age: Ages 4+ (relatable for elementary-age kids).
6. A Winnie the Pooh Thanksgiving
- Rating: G
- Where to watch: Apple TV & Prime Video, possibly Disney +
- Why we love it: Pooh and friends face a Thanksgiving dinner mishap and learn that sharing and togetherness matter more than the menu.
- Kid-friendly age: Ages 2-6 (very gentle, short).
7. The Great Turkey Town Miracle
- Rating: PG
- Where to watch: Mentioned in streaming listings (region-dependent) - looks like it's on Prime Video
- Why we love it: A family-friendly holiday film centered on community, change and gratitude—nice for older kids and tweens.
- Kid-friendly age: Ages 8+.
8. Turkey Party
- Rating: G
- Where to watch: Roku, Apple TV+ & rent or purchase on Prime Video
- Why we love it: Light and fun holiday special aimed at young children—great as a background movie while bustling around on Thanksgiving.
- Kid-friendly age: Ages 0-5.
9. Thanksgiving Dance: Party Like a Turkey
- Rating: G
- Where to watch: Roku & Rent or Purchase on Prime Video
- Why we love it: Short, lively and geared toward very young kids—perfect before dinner or during a younger-cousin activity time.
- Kid-friendly age: Ages 0-4.
Secure your streaming platforms ahead of time (availability can change), and maybe pick one film for each Friday in November—or use one during dinner prep and one post-meal for true movie-night magic. A dash of popcorn, cozy blankets, and a little pre-holiday screen break can make this November special.
If you’re looking for more ways to make the season memorable, check out our article Fun Fall Traditions to Start With Your Family. You’ll find simple ideas like hosting a cozy family chili night (the perfect pairing for your movie marathon!) or creating a family Tree of Thanks to celebrate gratitude all month long.
Happy Thanksgiving movie-night planning! 🦃
| Share the Love... |
When visiting events and local businesses, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID sent you... and don't forget to tell all your friends!
