Thanksgiving is all about coming together, sharing good food, and showing gratitude. It’s also a season that encourages talking with kids about history, kindness, and giving back. For a lot of families (mine included), a movie night becomes part of the tradition. There are some pretty great films that can help teach kids about Thanksgiving in fun and meaningful ways.
Choosing the right Thanksgiving movie can spark curiosity, start important conversations, or simply set the mood for a cozy holiday weekend. Some movies tell the story of the very first Thanksgiving, while others highlight themes like family, togetherness, and gratitude. I’ve pulled together a list of movies I recommend for helping children understand and appreciate Thanksgiving, and I’ve added some tips on how to make your movie time count.
Here’s a list of the best movies for teaching your kids about Thanksgiving, plus ways to help them connect the stories with the real meaning behind the holiday.
Family Stories That Embrace Thanksgiving Values
Movies that focus on family traditions, sharing, and thankfulness can help young viewers see why Thanksgiving is more than just turkey and pie.
- A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. This classic Peanuts cartoon gives a lighthearted look at Thanksgiving through Charlie Brown’s eyes. The gang’s last minute meal of toast and popcorn opens up discussion about sharing and gratitude, showing that the holiday is about who you’re with, not what’s on the table. Kids also see the importance of welcoming others who might not have anywhere else to go.
- Free Birds. Two animated turkeys travel back in time to try and save their flock from becoming a Thanksgiving feast. While the humor keeps kids laughing, the deeper message of friendship and teamwork is super important for this time of year.
- Dora’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. In this special, Dora and friends have to rescue their Thanksgiving parade floats. It’s good for younger kids and highlights working together and showing thanks in simple but clear ways.
These movies don’t just offer fun; they teach kids to appreciate family, friends, and the simple joys of the season.
Learning About Thanksgiving History
Many kids are curious about why we celebrate Thanksgiving, and movies can help bring the history to life in a way that’s easy to understand.
- Plymouth Adventure. While this one is a bit older, it dramatizes the journey of the Mayflower and how the Pilgrims survived to celebrate the first Thanksgiving. Watching with your kids can spark discussions about what life was like back then and why people gave thanks after their challenges.
- Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale. This Disney movie follows the true story of Squanto, the Native American who played a big role in helping the Pilgrims. The film gives a look at Native American perspectives and the idea of helping newcomers in need. Children might have questions afterward, so be ready for a deeper chat about friendship between cultures and the real challenges people faced back then.
- William Bradford: The First Thanksgiving (Animated Hero Classics). With a short runtime and simple storytelling, this animated movie focuses on William Bradford and the Pilgrims. It’s great for younger elementary aged kids who are just starting to learn about the history.
How Much We Owe to Those Who Came in the Mayflower
Many movies about the first Thanksgiving touch on how much courage, teamwork, and trust it took for settlers and Native Americans to cooperate. I find watching these stories together helps kids see that being thankful often comes from facing hard times and working through them together. Asking questions like “What would you have been thankful for after such a tough journey?” can really help kids put themselves in those shoes.
It’s always a good idea to share honest information in an age-appropriate way. Sometimes, adding supportive books about Native American history or finding short documentaries can help round out your children’s understanding of Thanksgiving’s roots. For instance, after watching, you might read an article together, like one from National Geographic Kids, to give context to the traditions and the people who were there at the very beginning.
Movies That Celebrate Gratitude and Kindness
Some Thanksgiving movies highlight gratitude without getting into the history. These choices are good for reminding children (and the rest of us) that saying thank you goes a long way.
- Pooh’s Heffalump Thanksgiving Movie. Winnie the Pooh and friends try to save Thanksgiving after Rabbit loses the feast ingredients. The story reminds viewers that Thanksgiving is really about appreciating the people in your life, and it’s pretty cute for little ones.
- Arthur’s Perfect Thanksgiving. Arthur’s family can’t get everything to go as planned, but the day is still special. Kids learn that being grateful isn’t about having a perfect holiday, but about enjoying what you have and who you’re with.
- The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn’t. This classic animated short follows a young Pilgrim boy and a Native American boy who become friends, showing that kindness and togetherness can help everyone get along.
If your kids enjoy animal stories or television specials, Thanksgiving themed episodes from shows like “Peppa Pig” or “Sesame Street” can also provide gentle, lighthearted lessons about gratitude and giving back. Adding these or rewatching a favorite Thanksgiving episode can make the week feel more festive.
Clever Ways to Talk About Thanksgiving After the Movie
Watching movies with your children is just the start. I really believe in pausing together afterward to talk about the themes you saw. Here’s how I usually keep the conversation going:
- Ask kids to name something they’re grateful for after the film. This helps bring the message of gratitude into your own family’s life.
- Point out acts of kindness or sharing you noticed in the story, then ask your child for ideas on simple ways they could do something similar, like inviting a classmate to join them at lunch or helping out around the house.
- Talk about the real history if the movie glossed over details. Kids are naturally curious, so doing a little extra research together (maybe reading a picture book or looking up articles from places like National Geographic Kids) can help balance out what you learned on screen.
This kind of follow up makes movies into teaching moments and keeps kids thinking about the meaning of Thanksgiving even after the credits roll. Sharing your own stories or family traditions can make the whole holiday feel more personal and memorable for everyone.
More Picks for a Cozy Thanksgiving Movie Night
If you’re looking for even more titles, here are a few others worth checking out:
- Garfield’s Thanksgiving. Garfield tries to sneak out of his Thanksgiving diet, but he learns about self control and gratitude for what he has.
- Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (for older kids and teens). This comedy is all about doing whatever it takes to get home for Thanksgiving. It’s a goofy choice, but the message about valuing family time really shines through.
- Turkey Hollow. A fun family adventure full of Thanksgiving spirit, focusing on acceptance and understanding.
Different families and age groups will enjoy different films, so you might want to check ratings before picking something for younger kids. If you’re searching for even more options, check family movie guides like Common Sense Media for detailed summaries and suggested ages.
You can even make your own Thanksgiving movie night special with homemade popcorn, blankets, and a family vote on which film to watch first. Adding decorations or drawing a turkey together before the movie can also add to the fun for younger children.
Final Thoughts
Spending time with loved ones and talking about gratitude are traditions that matter way more than what’s on the table. Movies can add to those memories and help introduce children to the real meaning behind Thanksgiving. Mixing a cozy film with good conversation makes it easier for kids to understand, and remember, why we celebrate in the first place.
Whether you pick an animated classic or a story based on real events, there’s a Thanksgiving movie out there for just about every family. Paired with a little discussion, your family movie night can turn into a new tradition all its own. Sharing these moments together is a simple way to help your children build lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for gratitude and kindness throughout the entire holiday season.