Top 7 Thanksgiving Movies 2024

 

Thanksgiving is that cherished time of year when we gather with family, often reconnecting with loved ones we seldom see. It brings back the warmth of nostalgic memories—traveling up to Kentucky to stay with my grandparents, the house filled with the comforting aroma of turkey and all the festive trimmings. As the afternoon fades and the football ends, there’s a special magic in settling in together, embracing the cozy quiet of family time. The only question left is…what to watch? With generations gathered, from grandparents to the youngest cousins, finding the perfect movie is key. So, I’ve carefully curated a list of my favorite top 7 films to enjoy together on Thanksgiving, in no particular order.

7. Wonka

"Based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl’s most iconic children's book and one of the best-selling children's books of all time, "Wonka" tells the wondrous story of how the world's greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today."     Rated PG

Wonka is a whimsical fantasy musical about the origins of Willy Wonka. I picked this one because it is a family-friendly cinematic escape from reality. Timothee Chalamet, in my opinion, does the Willy Wonka character justice. And, the songs are fanciful, touching, and entertaining. Visually, the filmmakers pay an appropriate amount of homage to the imaginative swirls of color and exaggerated fantasy elements we associate with Wonka. It is fun for adults and kids alike. A wonderful pick for Thanksgiving with the fam. 

Available on: HBO MAX

  

6. The Wizard of Oz

"When a tornado rips through Kansas, Dorothy (Judy Garland) and her dog, Toto, are whisked away in their house to the magical land of Oz. They follow the Yellow Brick Road toward the Emerald City to meet the Wizard, and en route they meet a Scarecrow (Ray Bolger) that needs a brain, a Tin Man (Jack Haley) missing a heart, and a Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr) who wants courage. The wizard asks the group to bring him the broom of the Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton) to earn his help." Rated G

This legendary classic is perfect for a family movie viewing on Thanksgiving. It's also timely since there's a new Wicked musical movie hitting theaters this Christmas. (Wicked is a Wizard of Oz prequel story that younger ones will probably be familiar with) The original Wizard of Oz might be new viewing for the younger ones in the family, and it's a nostalgic favorite for older ones. It has the fanciful vibes of a Holiday movie without actually citing a specific holiday. Another nice escapism masterpiece with a beautiful reminder that there's no place like home.

Available on: HBO MAX

5. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

"Daredevil archaeologist Indiana Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary dial that can change the course of history. Accompanied by his goddaughter, he soon finds himself squaring off against Jürgen Voller, a former Nazi who works for NASA." Rated: PG-13

Looking for something a bit more action-packed? Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny might just be the perfect pick. It carries the gravitas and nostalgia of a decades-old franchise, but it is modern filmmaking at the highest level. Dial of Destiny incorporates cutting-edge de-aging special effects in some scenes to make Harrison Ford look years younger. And, let's not overlook, it's got plenty of explosions, car chases, and whip cracking action to entertain the family. The whole thing is a fun nod to the originals, while giving Indie one last hoorah.

Available on: Disney+

  

4. Hidden Figures

"Three brilliant African American women at NASA -- Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson -- serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation's confidence, turned around the Space Race and galvanized the world." Rated PG

Hidden Figures has become a modern classic. It checks off all the boxes for a successful Thanksgiving movie to watch with the family: It's entertaining, educational, uplifting, it's a period piece, and family friendly. Taraji P Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae shine in this blockbuster cast of all-stars. The tone is bright, effervescent, and carried along by good-natured fast pace and an energetic soundtrack by Pharrell Williams. And while the message is serious, the drama never gets too heavy for kids. 

Available on: Apple TV and Amazon Prime Rental

3. Young Woman and the Sea 

"Daisy Ridley stars as the accomplished swimmer who was born to immigrant parents in New York City in 1905. Through the steadfast support of her older sister and supportive trainers, she overcame adversity and the animosity of a patriarchal society to rise through the ranks of the Olympic swimming team and complete the staggering achievement -- a 21-mile trek from France to England." Rated: PG

 Continuing the trend of inspirational period pieces, Young Woman and the Sea is a sports drama set in the 1920s. This family-friendly film combines suspense and inspiration, making it an ideal pick for Thanksgiving viewing. Based on Glen Stout’s book and a true story, the movie offers both heart and history. It’s the newest addition to my list, and as of this writing, it’s still showing in select theaters. Daisy Ridley shines in the lead role, delivering a standout performance that adds depth to this remarkable story.

Available on: Disney+

2. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe

 "During the World War II bombings of London, four English siblings are sent to a country house where they will be safe. One day Lucy (Georgie Henley) finds a wardrobe that transports her to a magical world called Narnia. After coming back, she soon returns to Narnia with her brothers, Peter (William Moseley) and Edmund (Skandar Keynes), and her sister, Susan (Anna Popplewell). There they join the magical lion, Aslan (Liam Neeson), in the fight against the evil White Witch, Jadis (Tilda Swinton)." Rated: PG

This film transports viewers back into the whimsical and imaginative world of fantasy cinema. Based on C.S. Lewis’ beloved series, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe explores the timeless battle between good and evil, with the majestic lion Aslan serving as a powerful Christ figure. Its wintry setting, evoking both the chill of winter and the magic of an otherworldly realm, feels especially fitting for the Thanksgiving season. Despite being made in 2005, the special effects still hold up, and the story remains as captivating as ever. Children will undoubtedly be enchanted by the adventure, while adults can appreciate the deeper themes. In keeping with my love for period pieces, The Chronicles of Narnia is grounded in a World War II backdrop, offering a touch of history alongside its fantasy. The movie delivers cinematic escapism at its finest, complete with action, wonder, and a dash of nostalgia.

Available on: Disney+

1. Elf

"Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa's elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn't fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results." Rated: PG

Rounding out my picks is the perennial holiday favorite, Elf. This Will Ferrell classic is a perfect choice for Thanksgiving with the family, as it’s lighthearted, festive, and endlessly hilarious. I never tire of watching Ferrell’s Buddy gleefully slather an absurd amount of syrup on spaghetti—it’s pure comedy gold. Elf is a fun and charming introduction to the Christmas season that never fails to entertain.

Available on: Amazon Prime and Apple TV Rental

What do you think about these picks? What would you add or take away? Do you have any movies you traditionally watch with your family on Thanksgiving? Join the conversation!