10 Movies to Watch After Thanksgiving Dinner That the Whole Family Will Actually Enjoy

10 Movies to Watch After Thanksgiving Dinner That the Whole Family Will Actually Enjoy

After the turkey leftovers are packed away and everyone’s finally settling in, there’s nothing better than gathering the whole crew for a relaxed Thanksgiving movie night. The right film adds warmth and comfort to an already special holiday.

Whether you’re craving laughs, heartfelt moments, or a touch of nostalgia, these 10 picks deliver something for every age and taste. No more endless scrolling—just press play and enjoy a cozy evening together.

1. Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

Steve Martin and John Candy deliver comedy gold in this chaotic journey home for the holidays. What starts as a simple business trip turns into a disaster-filled road adventure involving missed flights, burned-out cars, and one unforgettable motel room.

Their mismatched personalities create nonstop laughs. Beneath all the slapstick humor lies a genuinely touching story about kindness, loneliness, and the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Older kids will crack up at the physical comedy, while adults will catch the deeper emotional beats.

It’s one of those rare films that balances hilarity with heart. There’s some mild language, so it’s best suited for families with tweens and teens who can handle a PG-13 vibe.

2. The Blind Side (2009)

Based on a true story, this film follows Michael Oher, a homeless teen taken in by the Tuohy family, who change his life forever. Sandra Bullock shines as Leigh Anne, a fierce and loving mom who refuses to let Michael slip through the cracks.

Their Thanksgiving dinner scene is unforgettable and full of warmth. It’s a story about compassion, second chances, and the power of family—whether by blood or by choice. Older kids and teens will connect with Michael’s journey, while parents will appreciate the film’s uplifting message.

There are some heavy moments, but they’re handled with care and hope. Best enjoyed with middle schoolers and up, this one sparks meaningful conversations long after the credits roll.

3. Instant Family (2018)

Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne star as a couple who suddenly become foster parents to three siblings—and quickly realize they’re in way over their heads. From tantrums to teenage sass, the chaos is real, relatable, and laugh-out-loud funny.

The Thanksgiving scene perfectly captures the beautiful mess of blended family life. What makes this movie special is how it balances comedy with genuine emotion. You’ll laugh at the mishaps, but you’ll also feel the love and effort it takes to build a family from scratch.

It’s heartfelt without being preachy, making it perfect for family viewing. Great for all ages, though younger kids might not catch all the humor about parenting struggles that adults will absolutely recognize.

4. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)

Few things scream nostalgia quite like watching Charlie Brown fumble his way through an accidental Thanksgiving feast. When Peppermint Patty invites herself over for dinner, poor Charlie has no idea what to do—so Snoopy and Woodstock step in with popcorn, toast, and jelly beans. It’s hilariously simple and utterly charming.

This half-hour special has been warming hearts since the ’70s with its gentle humor and timeless animation style. Kids love the quirky menu, while parents appreciate the sweet lesson about gratitude and friendship.

Plus, it’s short enough that even the youngest viewers won’t lose interest. Perfect for kicking off your Thanksgiving evening, this classic sets a warm, lighthearted tone that everyone can enjoy together.

5. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Wes Anderson’s stop-motion masterpiece brings Roald Dahl’s beloved story to life with stunning visuals and witty dialogue. Mr. Fox is a charming rogue who can’t resist one last heist, dragging his family and friends into a wild adventure against three nasty farmers.

Every frame looks like a cozy autumn painting. The humor is clever and layered, appealing to both kids who love the action and adults who appreciate the sharp writing. George Clooney voices Mr. Fox with perfect swagger, while the ensemble cast adds depth to every quirky character.

It’s stylish, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt. Ideal for families who enjoy animation that’s a little different from the usual blockbuster fare—this one’s an absolute treat for the eyes and ears.

6. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

Robin Williams delivers one of his most iconic performances as a devoted dad who disguises himself as a Scottish housekeeper just to spend time with his kids. The makeup, the accent, the improvisations—everything comes together in a film that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt.

You’ll laugh until you cry, then just plain cry. Underneath the comedy is a touching story about divorce, parenting, and unconditional love. Kids enjoy the slapstick humor and silly disguises, while parents connect with the deeper themes of family and sacrifice.

It’s a film that works on multiple levels, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Perfect for families with kids of all ages, though some jokes might fly over younger heads—and that’s totally okay.

7. Free Birds (2013)

What if turkeys could rewrite history? That’s exactly what happens when Reggie and Jake hop into a time machine and head back to the very first Thanksgiving. Their mission: convince the Pilgrims to choose pizza instead of turkey as the holiday meal.

It’s silly, fast-paced, and packed with kid-friendly jokes. The animation is bright and energetic, keeping younger viewers glued to the screen from start to finish. Voice acting from Owen Wilson and Woody Harrelson adds plenty of personality to the feathered heroes.

There’s even a little romance and teamwork thrown in for good measure. If you’ve got elementary-aged kids who need something fun and lighthearted, this one hits the sweet spot without being too babyish.

8. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Will Smith and his real-life son Jaden star in this powerful true story of a father fighting homelessness while chasing his dreams. Older kids and teens will be inspired by Chris Gardner’s determination, and parents will appreciate the honest portrayal of struggle and triumphs.

It’s raw, emotional, and incredibly inspiring, showing what it means to never give up—even when life throws everything at you. Their bond on screen feels authentic and deeply moving.

While it doesn’t focus specifically on Thanksgiving, its themes of hope, perseverance, and gratitude make it a meaningful choice for the holiday. Bring tissues—this one hits hard. Best suited for mature tweens, teens, and adults who can handle heavier emotional content and real-world challenges.

9. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

This timeless black-and-white gem begins during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, making it the perfect bridge between Turkey Day and Christmas.

When a kind old man claims to be the real Santa Claus, a skeptical little girl and her practical mother must decide what—and who—to believe. It’s pure magic. The story is wholesome, heartwarming, and beautifully acted, capturing the wonder of childhood belief.

Even though it’s decades old, the themes of faith, kindness, and hope remain fresh and relevant. Younger kids might need help following the courtroom scenes, but the overall message shines through. A wonderful choice for families who love classic films and want to ease into the holiday season with grace and charm.

10. The Santa Clause (1994)

Tim Allen accidentally becomes Santa Claus after a rooftop mishap on Christmas Eve, and his life is never the same. While technically a Christmas movie, it frequently pops up on Thanksgiving weekend watch lists as families kick off the festive season.

The transformation scenes are hilarious, and the North Pole magic is enchanting. Kids love the humor and fantasy elements, while adults enjoy the clever jokes and surprisingly touching father-son storyline. It’s lighthearted, fun, and full of holiday spirit without being overly sentimental.

Plus, it’s become a nostalgic favorite for millennials who grew up watching it every year. Perfect for families ready to embrace the Christmas countdown while still savoring those cozy Thanksgiving vibes together.