While many Thanksgiving traditions revolve around food, others involve ways you spend time with family. For example, some indulge in watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, while others throw around a football or watch a game. If your family tradition is to put on a movie while the turkey cooks or after dessert, you've come to the right place! We've compiled a list of the top Thanksgiving movies on Netflix that your family will love.
Instead of wasting time browsing the various streaming apps for a movie everyone will enjoy, our list offers a bit of everything. From kid-friendly animations and romantic comedies to holiday specials and new releases, our list has something for every family. While not every film on our list revolves around a big turkey dinner, they offer plenty of family drama, love stories and autumn themes.
At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is about spending quality time together, and watching a film offers the perfect setting. Everyone gets to relax after a long day, digest their dinner and perhaps enjoy a few laughs! So, when the family gets together this fall to share what they're all thankful for, allow our list of the top Thanksgiving movies on Netflix to guide you!
'Holidate' (2020)
IMDB/Netflix
Who's in it: Emma Roberts, Kristin Chenoweth, Luke Bracey, Jessica Capshaw
"Holidate" follows the story of two friends who devise the perfect plan to ensure they never spend a holiday alone again. They first pretend to be dating on New Year's Eve and then again after bumping into each other on Valentine's Day.
Things get messy when they sleep together over Halloween, and one of them starts to have feelings. This romantic comedy takes place over a year, offering a glimpse at every holiday you can imagine. While hilariously entertaining, it's rated TV-MA and may not be suitable for every family.
'Home Team' (2022)
Netflix
Who's in it: Kevin James, Taylor Lautner, Gary Valentine, Rob Schneider, Jackie Sandler, Chloe Fineman
If your family prefers sports comedies, consider checking out "Home Team" starring Kevin James. The comedian stars as an NFL coach who gets suspended after being involved in a scandal. In an attempt to reconnect with his estranged son, he attends his football games and ultimately ends up coaching the team.
Watch as the team goes up against its rivals in this hilarious movie suitable for the whole family.
'The Mitchells vs. the Machines' (2021)
2021 SPAI
Who's in it: Danny McBride, Abbi Jacobson, Maya Rudolph, Eric André
After a dispute between Katie and her father, it's decided that a cross-country road trip is exactly what the Mitchell family needs to mend ties in the hilarious animated film "The Mitchells vs. the Machines." During their journey, popular AI virtual assistants begin to revolt after their designer replaces them with advanced robots. In an act of revenge, the AI orders the robots to capture all humans and launch them into space.
Watch the Mitchell family journey across the country and do their best to avoid capture. Voiced by multiple notable comedians, this hilarious film is perfect for the whole family!
'Love in the Villa' (2022)
Riccardo Ghilardi
Who's in it: Kat Graham, Tom Hopper
'Love in the Villa' is a feel-good romance. Graham plays Julie, a teacher who gets dumped right before a planned trip to Verona, Italy. She travels alone and, upon arrival, realizes her villa is double-booked.
Hopper plays Charlie, the wine expert Julie gets stuck sharing the villa with during her vacation. Watch as these two strangers fall for each other in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Rated TV-14, this rom-com is ideal for families made up of older kids and adults.
'We Have A Ghost' (2023)
Netflix
Who's in it: David Harbour, Tig Notaro, Jennifer Coolidge, Anthony Mackie
If your friends and family enjoy spooky season, then Netflix's "We Have A Ghost" is a must-see. This supernatural comedy stars Harbour as Ernest, a friendly ghost with little memory of his life among the living. After the Presleys move and their teenage son Kevin captures the ghost on camera, they become a viral sensation that attracts the media's and the CIA's attention.
Kevin and his neighbor Joy try to investigate Ernest's past but become intercepted by the CIA, whose goal is to capture a ghost for research. Rated PG-13, you'll be laughing the whole way through with a star-studded cast leading the story.
'Your Place Or Mine' (2023)
Netflix/YouTube Screengrab
Who's in it: Reese Witherspoon, Ashton Kutcher
If you're a Tig Notaro fan, then you should check out Netflix's latest romantic comedy, "Your Place Or Mine." The film follows two best friends who switch houses for a week. After her babysitter flakes, Debbie (played by Witherspoon) struggles to find someone to watch her son while she flies from Los Angeles to New York for a major career opportunity.
Peter (played by Kutcher) comes to her rescue and offers to fly to Los Angeles and stay with her son for the week. While there, he realizes how Debbie's overbearing parenting methods have impacted her child, and he does his best to rectify the situation. This PG-13 rom-com is the perfect way to end Thanksgiving evening with the family.
'Always Be My Maybe' (2019)
ED ARAQUEL/NETFLIX
Who's in it: Ali Wong, Randall Park, Keanu Reeves, Daniel Dae Kim
If you're fantasizing about a holiday romance with your high school crush over the Thanksgiving holiday, "Always Be My Maybe" is the movie for you. Ali Wong stars as Sasha Tran, a famous chef who returns to her hometown of San Francisco after a breakup. She reconnects with her childhood friend/love interest, Marcus Kim (Park), and the two hilariously finally figure out their feelings. Come for the breezy romance and laughs, stay for Keanu Reeves, memorably playing himself as Sasha's date.
'The Christmas Chronicles 2' (2020)
Netflix
Who's in it: Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Darby Camp, Judah Lewis, Kimberly Williams-Paisley
For many families, Thanksgiving weekend offers a chance to prepare for Christmas. With the family all together, many choose this time to get a Christmas tree, start putting up holiday decorations and do some shopping. To help get everyone in the holiday spirit, throw on "The Christmas Chronicles 2," starring Kurt Russell as Santa Claus and Goldie Hawn as his Mrs. Claus.
The film takes place two years after the original and follows 13-year-old Kate Pierce, who is upset her family will spend Christmas in Cancún, Mexico. In an attempt to run away, she and her stowaway brother get transported through a wormhole to the North Pole. This feel-good movie is rated PG and is the perfect way to get the kids in the mood for Christmas.
'Leo' (2023)
Netflix
Who's in it: Adam Sandler, Bill Burr, Cecily Strong, Jason Alexander, Rob Schneider
"Leo" is a new animated comedy by Netflix that will be available on the streaming service on Nov. 21. Voiced by Adam Sandler, Leo is an old lizard who has spent his life as a class pet. As he nears the end of his life, he decides to escape his cage in search of a new calling.
Unexpectedly, Leo becomes a therapist for the fifth graders in his classroom, giving his life a new purpose. The entire Sandler family — including his wife, Jackie, and his daughters, Sunny and Sadie — voiced this animated musical.
'The Royal Hibiscus Hotel' (2017)
EbonyLife Films
Who's in it: Zainab Balogun, Kenneth Okolie, Deyemi Okanlawon, Joke Silva
Families interested in watching a romance this Thanksgiving holiday should consider "The Royal Hibiscus Hotel." This Nigerian film premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival and is now available to stream on Netflix.
A London chef, played by Zainab Balogun, visits her family in Nigeria to help restore their rundown hotel. While there, she struggles with her mother's matchmaking ways and finds out that the man she loves is trying to buy her family's business. Rated TV-PG, it's a movie the whole family can enjoy.
'Where the Crawdads Sing' (2022)
Michele K Short
Who's in it: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Taylor John Smith, Harris Dickinson
Based on the 2018 novel by Delia Owens, "Where the Crawdads Sing" offers a bit of suspense and mystery, as well as some romance. The film begins in the early '50s, when Kya lives in a shack in a North Carolina marsh. After her alcoholic father abandons her at just age 7, she survives by selling mussels at a nearby store.
An older Kya, played by Daisy Edgar-Jones, is accused of murdering a local man after she's heard threatening him for trying to assault her. "Where the Crawdads Sing" premiered at the Museum of Modern Art in 2022 and has since become highly successful. Rated PG-13, it's the perfect Thanksgiving film for book lovers and families with older children.
'My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2' (2016)
Universal Pictures
Who's in it: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Elena Kampouris
Before seeing the highly anticipated third installment in the "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" franchise, catch "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2" on Netflix beginning on Sept. 16. This romantic comedy introduces the couple's teenage daughter, Paris (Kampouris). The movie follows the story of the Portokalos family, who've fallen on hard times.
The relationship between Toula and Ian also becomes strained when Paris applies to colleges as far away from her family as possible in a struggle for independence. The couple disagrees over handling the situation, as Toula's obsession with "fixing" everything in her daughter's life becomes overbearing. Rated PG-13, this is a must-see if your family loved the original movie.
'Duck Duck Goose' (2018)
Original Force/GFM Films
Who's in it: Jim Gaffigan, Zendaya, Lance Lim
If you're looking for a kid-friendly movie this Thanksgiving, check out "Duck Duck Goose." This animated film follows a carefree goose named Peng after he gets abandoned by his flock while migrating to China. An injury prevents him from taking flight, so a grounded Peng decides to rejoin his flock on foot.
The goose is joined by two lost ducklings, Chi and Chao, in a series of misadventures as they all try to make their way home. The kids will love this feel-good, PG animation.
'Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey' (2020)
IMDB/Golden Girl, Brillstein Entertainment Partners, Burr Productions, Get Lifted Film Company, 260 Degrees Entertainment
Who's in it Keegan-Michael Key, Madalen Mills, Anika Noni Rose, Forest Whitaker
Another Netflix movie that will get your family into the holiday spirit is "Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey." Toymaker Jeronicus Jangle (Whitaker) experiences financial hardship after his latest invention gets stolen. Decades later, he's running a failing pawnshop that he's on the brink of losing if he doesn't develop a new toy.
An unexpected visit from his granddaughter, Journey, leads to a prototype for a new toy, but it gets stolen by the same person who robbed him years earlier. This film is rated PG and will entertain the whole family.
'A Man Called Otto' (2022)
Artistic Films
Who's in it: Tom Hanks, Mariana Treviño, and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo
"A Man Called Otto" is an incredible, heartfelt drama. After losing his wife and being forced to retire, Otto (played by Hanks) becomes cynical and temperamental. He comes up with a plan to kill himself, which gets interrupted by his new neighbors. Over time, he gains a new sense of purpose as he reconnects with the people living in his small apartment complex.
This tear-jerking story is an English-language adaptation of the 2015 Swedish film "A Man Called Ove." It came to Netflix in May 2023 and has a lasting impression on viewers. Rated PG-13, this is the perfect movie to watch during Friendsgiving or among families with older kids.
'Walk. Ride. Rodeo.' (2019)
Greg Peters/Netflix
Who's in it: Spencer Locke, Missi Pyle, Bailey Chase
An American biopic, "Walk. Ride. Rodeo." tells the story of a nationally ranked rodeo barrel racer, Amberley Snyder. Snyder made headlines when she returned to rodeo after a car accident paralyzed her from the waist down.
This inspiring film shows how Snyder (Locke) pushed herself and learned to ride horses again despite her injuries. Rated TV-PG, this rodeo-themed movie offers all those autumn vibes you may be looking for this Thanksgiving.
'Love Again' (2023)
CTMG
Who's in it: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Sam Heughan, Celine Dion
"Love Again" is Priyanka Chopra Jonas' highly anticipated romantic comedy that arrived Netflix on Sept. 2. The film is an English-language remake of the 2016 German film "SMS für Dich," which is also a novel by Sofie Cramer. In the film, rated PG-13, Jonas plays Mira Ray, a children's book author struggling with losing her fiance.
While grieving, she texts her fiance's old phone, which got reassigned to journalist Rob Burns, played by "Outlander" star Sam Heughan. Rob shows the texts to Celine Dion (played by herself) while interviewing the musician for a feature article. The two team up to find the woman behind the text messages in this adorable rom-com.
'Hustle' (2022)
Scott Yamano/Netflix
Who's in it: Adam Sandler, Queen Latifah
If you're looking for a movie that appeals to adults, consider the sports drama "Hustle." Sandler plays Stanley Sugerman, assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers, who gets demoted after the team's owner passes away. The owner's son doesn't like Stanley and forces him to take back his job as an international basketball scout for the team.
Determined to prove himself and regain his coaching position, he travels to Spain to scout a player. After that falls through, Stanley catches a talented player at a nearby pick-up game who lost his chance at playing in the NBA after getting his girlfriend pregnant as a teenager. Together, the two work to make their dreams come true.
'The Angry Birds Movie' (2016)
Columbia Pictures
Who's in it: Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Maya Rudolph, Sean Penn, Kate McKinnon, Peter Dinklage
Whether or not your kids are fans of the game, they'll certainly enjoy watching "The Angry Birds Movie." This animated film follows Red, an outcast from Bird Island whose home gets damaged by a boat operated by pigs. Red is suspicious of the pigs, who claim to be peaceful explorers and tries to show the other birds that they're lying to everyone.
With the help of angry birds Chuck and Bomb, Red discovers what the pigs are up to and tries to get the others on their side. This film has a star-studded cast and will be perfect for the whole family to enjoy after a big Thanksgiving feast.
Rustin (2023)
Parrish Lewis/Netflix
Who's in it: Colman Domingo, Chris Rock, Glynn Turman, Aml Ameen
Another highly anticipated film for adults is "Rustin," available on Netflix on Nov. 17. Coming from Barack and Michelle Obama's production company Higher Ground Productions, this biographical drama depicts the life of openly gay civil rights activist Bayard Rustin. Based on a screenplay of the same name, Rustin inspired Martin Luther King Jr. and helped him organize the March on Washington in 1963.
Rustin, played by Colman Domingo, is a forgotten hero who is finally having his historical story told. Rated PG-13, Rustin is an educational drama fit for adults and families with older children.
'Slumberland' (2022)
Netflix
Who's in it: Marlow Barkley, Jason Momoa
Jason Momoa stars in the adventure movie "Slumberland," which takes viewers into a fantasy world unlike any other. After her father dies, Nemo (Barkley) leaves behind her exciting life to live with her boring uncle in the city. One night, she wakes up in Slumberland and meets Flip, played by Momoa.
Nemo's father often featured Flip in his bedtime stories, but she always thought he was an imaginary character. When she learns that Flip is searching for a map that will take him through people's dreams and lead him to magical wish-granting pearls, she decides to join in hopes of reuniting with her father. Rated PG, this movie will keep you on the edge of your seat and have you laughing until you cry!
'The Willoughbys' (2020)
Netflix
Who's in it: Maya Rudolph, Terry Crews, Jane Krakowski, Ricky Gervais
Based on the book by Lois Lowry, "The Willoughbys" is an animated comedy narrated by a cat. It tells the story of the Willoughby siblings, whose self-absorbed parents kick them out after a baby they find on their doorstep creates mayhem. Their parents will allow them to come home if they get rid of the baby, but the kids decide to hatch a plan to get rid of their parents instead.
They make a vacation brochure featuring some of the most dangerous attractions in the world in hopes of becoming orphans. After their parents fall for it and leave them at home, they're stuck with a nanny that one of the siblings refuses to trust. "The Willoughbys" is rated PG and is a family-friendly option over the holidays.
'The Out-Laws' (2023)
Scott Yamano/Netflix
Who's in it: Adam DeVine, Nina Dobrev, Ellen Barkin, Pierce Brosnan, Michael Rooker, Richard Kind
Netflix's recent romantic comedy "The Out-Laws" is action-packed and hilarious. DeVine plays bank manager Owen Browning, preparing for his upcoming wedding with Parker McDermott (played by Dobrev). Parker's estranged parents surprise the couple by saying they'll come to the wedding, but their presence proves to cause more trouble than they anticipated.
When the bank he manages gets robbed, Owen begins to suspect Parker's parents. The movie's hilarious plot, demonstrating how crazy some families are, is the perfect way to end Thanksgiving Day. As it's rated R, you may want to watch this one after the kids go to sleep.
'Fatherhood' (2021)
Netflix
Who's in it: Kevin Hart, Alfre Woodard, Lil Rel Howery, DeWanda Wise
"Fatherhood" is another family-focused film that is rated PG-13 and is more appropriate for some younger audiences. After becoming a widower, Matt Logelin (Hart) is determined to raise his daughter as a single father despite concerns from his family. Throughout the movie, Matt struggles with balancing work and fatherhood, gendered expectations, and dating again.
The movie is based on a true story told in the 2011 memoir "Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love" by Matthew Logelin.
'A Boy Called Christmas' (2021)
IMDB/StudioCanal, Blueprint Pictures, Canal +, Cine+
Who's in it: Kristen Wiig, Sally Hawkins, and Stephen Merchant, Henry Lawfull
"A Boy Called Christmas" is a British Christmas fantasy depicting Santa Claus' origin story. Lawfull plays 13-year-old Nikolas, who lives in the woods with his father and comforts himself each night by recollecting a local legend about a mystical place inhabited by elves. After the king promises to reward anyone who finds an object that brings hope to the kingdom, Nikolas' father travels north to search for the elves.
While stuck with his miserable aunt, Nikolas finds a map that shows where to find the elves and takes the journey toward his father. He's joined on his adventure by a talking mouse and a reindeer, which Nikolas names Blitzen. This adorable telling of how Christmas came to be is rated PG and suitable for the whole family.
'Forever My Girl' (2018)
Jacob Yakob/Saved Message LLC
Who's in it: Alex Roe, Jessica Rothe
For those looking for a Netflix movie that offers a bit of country, "Forever My Girl" presents both a scenic backdrop and a catchy soundtrack. After leaving his fiancee at the altar, Liam (played by Alex Roe) follows his dream and becomes a beloved country singer. He returns home to St. Augustine, Louisiana, when his childhood best friend dies in a car accident and runs into his ex-fiancee, Josie, at the funeral.
As he spends more time in town, Liam learns that Josie (played by Jessica Rothe) has a 7-year-old daughter and that he's the father. This romantic drama is based on a novel by Heidi McLaughlin and is rated PG.
'Single All the Way' (2021)
IMDB/Muse Entertainment
Who's in it: Barry Bostwick, Jennifer Coolidge, Jennifer Robertson, Michael Urie, Kathy Najimy, Philemon Chambers, Luke MacFarlane
The romantic comedy "Single All the Way" tells the story of two best friends who pretend to date over the holidays. After Peter (Urie), finds out his boyfriend is married, he begs his friend Nick (Chambers) to spend Christmas with him and his family in New Hampshire. However, before Peter can tell his parents about his faux relationship, his mom (Najimy) reveals that she arranged a date between him and her spinning instructor.
Encouraged by Nick, Peter begins to date James (Macfarlane). As they spend time together over the holidays, Peter's family wonders if there's more to his friendship with Nick. This hilarious movie is rated TV-PG.
'A Perfect Pairing' (2022)
Netflix
Who's in it: Victoria Justice, Adam Demos
When Lola, a Los Angeles connoisseur, is betrayed by a colleague in "A Perfect Pairing," she quits her job and starts her own company. She then flies all the way to Australia to convince a small winery there to work with her, only to get rejected. To have more time to persuade them, she volunteers to work on their farm, which is short-staffed.
Completely out of her element, Lola struggles with the farm work and bonding with the others. Over time, she connects with her boss, Max, who pushes her not to give up on her work. This romantic comedy is rated TV-14.
'A Castle for Christmas' (2021)
IMDB/Netflix
Who's in it: Brooke Shields, Cary Elwes
Brooke Shields stars as best-selling author Sophie Brown in "A Castle for Christmas." When her divorce inspires her to kill off the male lead in her book series, her fans turn on her. A poor television interview turns to scandal, and the writer flees to her father's ancestral village in Scotland.
There, she visits a nearby castle where her grandfather once worked as a groundskeeper, and she falls in love. When she finds out it's for sale, she meets with the owner, an ill-tempered Duke whom Sophie accidentally upset during a castle tour. This romantic comedy is rated TV-G and offers a story the whole family will enjoy.
'Love Hard' (2021)
IMDB/Netflix
Who's in it: Jimmy O. Yang, Nina Dobrev, Darren Barnet
The hilarious Netflix rom-com "Love Hard" stars Nina Dobrev as Los Angeles journalist Natalie Bauer, who writes a column based on her online dating disasters. After expanding her search radius, she matches with Josh Lin and begins chatting with him over the phone regularly. Their connection inspires Natalie to travel to New York and surprise him for Christmas, only to find out he catfished her.
Josh (Yang) convinces her to stay and pretend to be his girlfriend around his family. In exchange, he promises to set her up with the friend whose photos he used in his dating profile. Rated TV-MA, Love Hard is the perfect film to conclude any Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving Day party.
