8 Best Thanksgiving Movies on Netflix

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While Halloween and Christmas get tons of attention in movies, many other holidays are often forgotten. Easter and Valentine’s Day have fewer films, and some, like Arbor Day, barely have any at all! Thanksgiving, a popular holiday for families in the US and Canada centered around food, togetherness, and sometimes football, is surprisingly underrepresented on screen. Beyond a few strange examples like the Thankskilling series or the unusual film Blood Freak, there aren’t many Thanksgiving-themed movies. Even with Netflix’s huge selection, it’s difficult to find films that truly celebrate the holiday.

It’s surprising there aren’t more movies about Thanksgiving! The holiday, though brief, is all about being with family and enjoying time together. After the big meal, many people relax by watching TV or a movie while they digest and unwind. To help you find something perfect for the occasion, we’ve compiled a list of eight films that capture the warm, thankful feeling of Thanksgiving, whether you’re celebrating with your relatives or your chosen family.

Here are the 8 best Thanksgiving movies to check out on Netflix this weekend.

8
‘Always Be My Maybe’ (2019)

Sasha Tran and Marcus Kim were best friends and neighbors growing up, but they lost touch after Marcus’s mother passed away. Years later, Sasha returns home a famous chef, while Marcus is still living in their old neighborhood, trying to make it as a musician. They reconnect, and old feelings resurface. However, Sasha’s thriving career and Marcus’s unresolved grief create obstacles for their potential relationship.

At its core, Always Be My Maybe is a sweet and funny romantic comedy with a well-written story and great acting, making it stand out from similar movies. It’s a perfect choice for couples to watch during the holidays, as it beautifully portrays the power of relationships, the challenges families face, and the way food can bring people together. The film also emphasizes the importance of revisiting your past. For some, family time is a regular occurrence, but for others, Thanksgiving is a special opportunity to reconnect with loved ones they haven’t seen in a while.

7
‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’ (2021)


Sony Pictures Animation

I absolutely loved Sony Pictures Animation’s work even before KPop Demon Hunters blew up! They created so many amazing original films, and The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a perfect example. It’s just so visually captivating! The story centers around Katie Mitchell, a really talented young filmmaker who’s about to start college, and her family’s last road trip before she leaves. Of course, things don’t go as planned! Right as they’re dealing with typical family stuff, this new AI called PAL is launched, and suddenly robots are taking over! It’s a hilarious and heartwarming adventure about how the Mitchells have to come together and save the world.

This animated comedy is genuinely funny and heartwarming, with incredible voice acting from Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Olivia Colman, and even Doug the Pug! What starts as a chaotic family road trip quickly turns into a world-saving mission, and the movie beautifully highlights the importance of family. It’s full of charm and enjoyable for everyone, not just children, making it a great choice for a Thanksgiving viewing.

6
‘Holidate’ (2020)


Netflix

Sloan and Jackson are tired of their families constantly questioning their relationship status, so they make a deal: they’ll pretend to date each other just for the holidays, including Thanksgiving, to avoid the pressure. As they spend more time together posing as a couple, they start to develop real feelings, and their fake holiday romance unexpectedly blossoms into something more.

The movie Holidate uniquely features all the major holidays, and it’s one of the few films to actually show Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving scene is especially funny – there’s a mishap where a character accidentally eats a pie laced with laxatives, turning a chaotic family gathering into a complete mess! While it’s a comedy full of laughs, Holidate also has sweet and touching moments. It presents a charming and romantic view of the holidays, and how much fun it is to share them with someone special, through all the ups and downs.

5
‘Nonna’s’ (2025)


Netflix

Joe Scaravella, deeply affected by the loss of his mother, decides to open a restaurant as a way to remember her and the special bond they shared – especially their time together cooking. His idea? A restaurant staffed entirely by “nonnas” – Italian grandmothers who love to cook. Each grandmother brings her unique regional recipes and personality, creating a family-style dining experience centered around the joy of sharing food.

While Thanksgiving isn’t an Italian holiday, the movie ‘Nonna’s’ is perfect for watching after a big Thanksgiving meal because it centers around food and family. The film beautifully portrays a charming family dynamic, featuring a group of lively grandmothers who will likely remind viewers of their own beloved grandparents. What makes the heartwarming story even more special is that it’s based on real events.

4
‘All Together Now’ (2020)


Netflix

Amber, a talented teenage singer, lives with her mom in a school bus and faces challenges at home. She’s dedicated to helping others and making a difference, often putting her own needs aside. When a potential opportunity for drama school and a taste of fame appear, they’re threatened by new difficulties in her mother’s life and a revealed secret. Through it all, Amber discovers the strength she’s gained from the relationships she’s built within her community.

With so much discussion about reunions with biological families around Thanksgiving, it’s important to remember that not everyone has that experience. But building a close, supportive “found family” can be just as meaningful and loving as the family you’re born into. The movie All Together Now beautifully shows how strong connections can form outside of blood relations, offering support during difficult times. If you sometimes feel lonely during the holidays, this film is a comforting choice, offering a more realistic portrayal of connection than many traditional Thanksgiving stories.

3
‘Yes Day’ (2021)


Netflix

Allison and Carlos Torres, a busy couple, realize they’ve grown distant from their children. They come up with a fun idea to reconnect: “Yes Day.” On this day, they have to say “yes” to whatever their kids want to do, as a family. What begins as a playful attempt to bond quickly spirals into a wild and chaotic adventure. Despite the craziness, the family remains close and supports each other through it all.

“Yes Day” is a fun, family-friendly movie perfect for watching with kids – just be prepared for them to want a ‘Yes Day’ of their own! The actors are fantastic, especially Julia Garner who delivers a hilarious performance. While the movie focuses on a made-up holiday, it captures the spirit of Thanksgiving with themes of family bonding and appreciation. It also honestly shows that spending time together can be challenging, but ultimately rewarding.

2
‘Dumplin’ (2018)


Netflix

As a total movie buff, I always look for films that just feel right for the season, and Dumplin’ is perfect for Thanksgiving. It’s set in this charming little town in Texas, Clover City, and it’s all about the world of beauty pageants. The story centers on Willowdean, or Will, a plus-size teen who’s always lived in the shadow of her mom, Rosie – who used to be a pageant queen herself. When Will’s aunt, who was her biggest supporter, passes away, she decides to enter the competition as a way to rebel against her mom’s ideas about beauty. It’s so much more than that though – she ends up inspiring other people who don’t fit the mold to join her! It’s a really heartwarming story about a mother and daughter, and how Rosie learns to truly appreciate and love Will for who she is.

Dumplin’ is a heartwarming film with a strong message of body positivity and the power of community. It honestly portrays the complexities of mother-daughter relationships and feels like a genuine coming-of-age story. Many of the film’s themes – like reconnecting with loved ones, being together, showing gratitude, and accepting others – fit perfectly with the spirit of Thanksgiving. The film’s Southern setting and focus on hospitality further enhance that feeling, especially since Thanksgiving is an American holiday.

1
‘The Willoughbys’ (2020)


Netflix

Tim, Jane, and the Barnaby twins come from a family known for its quirky, well-groomed mustaches. But despite their interesting heritage, the four children feel overlooked and crave a real family connection. They decide they’d be better off as orphans and cleverly trick their parents into going on a risky journey. However, when a new babysitter enters their lives, the children discover what true family feels like through her care and the exciting adventures they share.

“The Willoughbys” is a charming and heartwarming Netflix animated film that doesn’t get enough attention. Its storybook style animation and structure create a cozy, nostalgic feeling, and the story of building a new family is genuinely uplifting. It’s a perfect movie for families to enjoy together, offering a sweet message about appreciating time spent with loved ones and encouraging parents to reflect on how they connect with their children. It’s great for all ages, making it a wonderful choice for a post-Thanksgiving family movie night.

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2025-11-22 01:20