When most people think about thanksgiving kids movies, they picture maybe two or three titles and call it done. There’s actually a lot more to choose from, and the right pick really depends on how old your kids are and how long they’ll sit still. I’ve put together the best options by age group, with runtimes and streaming availability so you’re not hunting around on the night.
Thanksgiving films cover more ground than just the holiday itself. Friendship, gratitude, and family dynamics all show up regularly, and those themes land differently depending on the age of the kids in the room. That’s the real reason to sort by age group before you just hit play on something random.
Best Picks for Ages 3 to 5
For the youngest viewers, shorter and colorful wins every time. Here are a few that hold up:
- A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973) – At just 25 minutes, this is the easiest yes in thanksgiving kids movies. It’s on Apple TV+ and covers gratitude without ever feeling preachy.
- Jack and the Beanstalk (2010) – Not Thanksgiving-themed exactly, but the 45-minute runtime fits the attention span perfectly. Available across several streaming platforms.
- The Thanksgiving Treasure (1973) – A quiet little story about sharing and family, also around 45 minutes. Worth checking DVD availability if streaming isn’t an option.
When I set this up for my own family, I paired “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” with a second short so the evening felt full without anyone melting down by the halfway point. Running two shorter specials back-to-back usually works better than one longer film for this age.
Solid Choices for Ages 6 to 9
Kids in this range can handle a real plot now, and they notice when the humor actually lands. A few options worth your time:
- Free Birds (2013) – Two turkeys trying to rewrite Thanksgiving history. It ran on a $55 million budget, the animation holds up, and the 91-minute runtime doesn’t overstay its welcome. Available on Netflix.
- Pocahontas (1995) – Rated G, 81 minutes, and it gives kids some historical texture alongside the friendship angle. On Disney+, and fine for kids who can handle a bit of emotional weight.
- Home for the Holidays (1995) – More of a family film than a kids film, honestly, but kids who enjoy watching adult characters make a mess of things tend to get a kick out of it. Check streaming availability before you plan around it.
These thanksgiving kids movies all carry something beyond entertainment. Free Birds is the safest crowd-pleaser here; Pocahontas is the one that sparks the most conversation afterward, in my experience.
Longer Films for Tweens
Tweens can sit through something with real stakes and actual character development. The options open up a bit here:
- The Blind Side (2009) – Not a Thanksgiving film in the strict sense, but family and kindness are the whole point, and the 129-minute runtime is fine for ages 10 and up. Available on HBO Max.
- Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) – Skewed toward adults, but older kids tend to find the holiday travel chaos genuinely funny. Runs 93 minutes and is on Paramount+.
- A Thanksgiving Wish (2022) – A newer entry in the thanksgiving kids movies space, aimed squarely at this age group. Check local listings for where it’s streaming.
I’ll admit I’m a little unsure about “A Thanksgiving Wish” compared to the classics, since it hasn’t had years to prove itself. But it seems to connect well with kids who want something current rather than something their parents grew up with.
Building a Thanksgiving Movie Night
Picking the films is only part of it. A few things that actually make the night work:
- Mix up the lengths – Start with “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” for the little ones, then move into “Free Birds” once the younger kids are winding down.
- Set the mood first – Blankets, pillows, Thanksgiving snacks on the coffee table. The setup matters more than people give it credit for.
- Talk during the breaks – Ask the kids what they noticed, not just what they liked. It keeps everyone engaged and honestly makes the whole evening feel less like babysitting and more like something shared.
The point isn’t to get through as many thanksgiving kids movies as possible. It’s to make the evening feel like its own small tradition.
FAQs
What is the most popular Thanksgiving movie for kids?
“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” is generally the top answer, mostly because of its short runtime and characters kids already know from other specials.
Is Free Birds OK for young children?
It’s a comfortable watch for ages 6 and up. The humor and story move quickly enough to hold their attention throughout.
Are there any Thanksgiving movies on Netflix for kids?
As of 2024, “Free Birds” is on Netflix and is a solid pick for kids during the Thanksgiving season.
