Thanksgiving is more than just a cozy, crowded house full of people eating turkey. Frankly, the idea is so much greater than that. Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for everything in one's life. Unlike Halloween or Christmas, there aren't many movies centered around Thanksgiving. Notably, that means there are even fewer Thanksgiving-themed films for kids. Netflix is the subscription service most families are likely to have, and that means the widest option of material for kids to watch while dinner is being prepared.

At its core, what this list seeks to do is to help young people build up their holiday memories. No matter how much YouTube or quick content children watch, the majority of what will shape the memories of youth is still movies. The films on this list are being fun and whimsical but are also filled with themes of family, thankfulness, and kindness. The following movies, while not outright "Thanksgiving Films," are all tied in a greater, thematic sense.

This list goes in many different directions, but if one thinks about it, so does the holiday. What starts as a way to give thanks and show appreciation for the people around us ultimately gives way to rank consumerism in the form of increased shopping hours, endless commercials, and the American shopping experience known only as Black Friday. Think of this list as a companion that will help parents and their families stay clear of all that. Instead, consider this viewer's cue to fire up the hors d'oeuvres, put that turkey in the oven, enjoy the wonderful people around, and of course, watch some Netflix.

Update November 15, 2023: With Thanksgiving right around the corner, this article has been updated with even more great titles on Netflix to watch with the family this year before or after dinner.

12 Chicken Run

This film would work even more perfectly if it was called "Turkey Trot." That said, it more than works to underscore the themes and ideas on Thanksgiving as is. Chicken Run opens with Rocky, the rooster, and Ginger, the hen. Over being on the farm, together they lead a mission to break free and live life on their own terms. They set out together to cherish their freedom and happiness in life in this stop-motion animated classic.

What Makes It Great

Chicken Run was a major treat for audiences and delivered some major laughs and root-worthy characters that entertained viewers of all ages and features a heartwarming story worthy of the cherished holiday. Fans will be excited as the long-awaited sequel, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, is set to premiere on Netflix in December of this year. While it won't arrive in time for Thanksgiving, Chicken Run will make a good Thanksgiving watch to build up excitement for the sequel.

11 Paddington

Based on the beloved Michael Bond children's book character, the live-action animated adaptation Paddington follows the lovable anthropomorphic bear as he leaves the Peruvian rainforest and heads to London in search of a new home after an earthquake destroyed his original one. Paddington is taken in by the kind and loving Brown family, finding a profound sense of belonging and happiness that he felt was unachievable, with the little bear's life being forever changed.

What Make It Great

Paddington is a wholesome, feel-good film that has a charming lead character and uplifting message just perfect for vegging out after a hearty Thanksgiving meal. The universally acclaimed comedy teaches kids the importance of a positive attitude and tolerance and that kindness truly goes a long way, and feels like a warm hug that children are sure to appreciate this holiday season.

10 Duck Duck Goose

With a title that's reminiscent of the classic child's game, this film just has to be fun. Featuring the voice talents of Jim Gaffigan, Zendaya, Greg Proops, Natasha Leggero, Stephen Fry, and Craig Ferguson, Duck Duck Goose follows carefree bachelor (goose) Peng who helps two lost ducklings journey south to find their flock, with the trio developing an endearing bond and making unforgettable memories along the way.

What Makes It Great

While the setting is technically in China, the overall themes of togetherness and the bird-related nature give off major Thanksgiving vibes. Duck Duck Goose touts a sweet message of the power of perseverance and chronicles Peng's transformation from a self-absorbed goose into someone more giving and thoughtful, thanks to the arrival of young ducklings. Its vibrant animation and playful humor is sure to entertain kids looking for a good way to unwind from the chaotic day.

9 Enola Holmes 2

Stranger Things breakout star Millie Bobby Brown was back at her sleuthing ways once again when she reprised her role as the eponymous detective in the mystery Enola Holmes 2, this time joining forces with her world-famous big brother Sherlock Holmes (Henry Cavill) to solve a deadly conspiracy after she opens her own detective agency. The exciting sequel also includes the talented Helena Bonham Carter as the mother of the crime-solving siblings.

What Makes It Great

Enola and Sherlock share a unique relationship that reiterates the importance of sibling bonds, as the dynamic duo go on an exciting adventure through the streets of London in an effort to solve the sinister mystery. It's a fun and wildly entertaining Netflix original that topped the streamer's charts in 93 countries upon its release, with fans loving the charisma and can-do attitude of the young detective that is certain to inspire young viewers.

8 Good Sam

Good Sam is a Netflix original whose morals are written right on its sleeve. This story follows skeptical journalist turned optimist Kate Bradley as she chases the story of a Good Samaritan who graces random doorsteps with life-saving funds, making it her mission to discover the stranger's true identity. During her investigation, Kate finds herself falling in love and discovers the real meaning of kindness.

What Makes It Great

The holidays are about being thankful and lending a helping hand, and Good Sam explores that theme in a wholesome, age-appropriate story that people of all ages will enjoy. The movie will leave viewers feeling warm and fuzzy and inspire them to carry out their own acts of generosity while being reminded that kindness goes a long way and is something that never goes out of style.

7 Spirit Riding Free: Spirit of Christmas

While the original film, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, may no longer be on Netflix come this holiday season, the slew of Netflix series they inspired should be. The original is a Dreamworks special, arguably a modern retelling of films like Black Beauty, but set in the American West. There was a decent representation of Native Americans in this film, something that is keenly lacking in the rest of this list.

What Makes It Great

Spirit Riding Free: Spirit of Christmas is a more modern take on the original series. Set years later, in the 1890s, this uplifting short features the offspring of the original hero alongside a gutsy group of horse-riding pre-teens. In this holiday special, the girls have to make it home in time for the holidays after a series of natural disasters temporarily stunt their plans. And, as an added bonus, once the kids finish, there are still whole seasons of Spirit: Riding Free to catch up on.

6 The Willoughbys

Fans of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (which is also on Netflix) will be pleased to find this animated alternative for their little ones. Based on the book of the same name by Lois Lowry, The Willoughbys turns the tables on the traditional story by having the children send away the parents for a change. Better yet, this movie features voiceover work by Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Terry Crews, Martin Short, Jane Krakowski, and Ricky Gervais (who also serves as the narrator).

What Make It Great

This film's message of found family is delightfully touching. With any luck, the kids will want to turn to the book version next after falling in love with its colorful characters and amusing premise. Watching the many hijinks the Willoughbys find themselves in while discovering the importance of a sibling bond is sure to satisfy parents and endlessly entertain their children.

5 Matilda

Matilda is a childhood classic, and with good reason. The original movie, based on the book by Roald Dahl, featured Mara Wilson as the titular character. Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito star as her abusive and dysfunctional family parents think the original Dursleys from Harry Potter. Matilda finds solace in books, and that is soon nurtured by her caring teacher, Miss Honey (who, spoiler alert, winds up taking her in as her own by the end). As her reading lists grow, so do her innate powers.

What Makes It Great

Sometimes, it's the family found, and not the family made, that makes all the difference, and this film is the perfect example of that. There's a reason Matilda is such a celebrated '90s classic, and if kids are left wanting more, they can tune into Netflix's theatrical release of Matilda: The Musical for some show-stopping songs that will have the whole family singing this Thanksgiving.

4 Gnome Alone

How about that title? Thankfully the story of Gnome Alone is pretty darn amazing too. The film opens with Chloe (Becky G), who just wants to have an amazing high school life. Soon, she discovers that the garden gnomes around her house need her help on an amazing mission to defeat rabid and insatiable little creatures known as Troggs.

What Makes It Great

Working together despite their differences is pretty much the epitome of Thanksgiving. So much of the holiday is predicated on the idea that different personalities have to tolerate one another on this special day, and this movie is a great example of that. So, if dinner table rules include no talk of politics or religion, this is one the whole family can enjoy and with the core of the movie.

3 Benji

Benji is a Netflix reboot of the popular '70s flick of the same name. Considering that Benji is the quintessential family film and Thanksgiving is all about family, it's pretty easy to see why this canine-led film would land on this list. This lovable dog arrives in the life of a family when a boy and his sister get into danger, with the fearless pooch making it his mission to protect the young siblings at any cost.

What Makes It Great

Benji is wholesome, sweet, and the perfect laid-back watch for pre-meal or after a nice dinner. Parents can't go wrong with the endearing flick, with the delightful canine serving up a healthy dose of nostalgia and furry perfection in the remake. It's a quick and pure movie that touts sweet morals and messages and is easy-viewing for both kids and families alike.

2 Trolls Holiday

Trolls Holiday is a 26-minute gem that could very well be the Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer of its generation. Thanksgiving is all about, well, giving... it's literally in the name. The idea that it is better to give than receive is very much on display throughout this short (and, though more associated with Christmas, it still applies here). The plot is simple, quick, and easy to digest. In this story, Queen Poppy discovers that some friends of hers don't have a holiday, so she elicits some help to create one for them.

What Makes It Great

There is a warm appeal to a story that's all about inclusion during the holidays. Even better, those looking for a more short-form version can check out the "Funsgiving" segment from Season 8, episode 3 of Trolls: The Beat Goes On! animated series instead. It will all tie nicely in with the upcoming release of Trolls Band Together, which hits theaters this November 17, a week before Thanksgiving. It could be a Trolls-themed Thanksgiving.

1 The Mitchells vs. the Machines

The Mitchells vs. the Machines follows a last-second family road trip gone awry after what else but the global takeover of an AI bot. The movie is another entry for Sony Pictures Animation and was actually originally intended for theatrical release. Sony Pictures sold the movie to Netflix during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the film later went on to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Picture.

What Makes It Great

Being available on Netflix means the movie is now available to a wide range of families and is easily accessible. While arguably a summer road trip movie, this film's arc of wholesome family bonding through adversity is simply too hard to ignore. Its themes of family bonding and anti-commercialism are a perfect reminder just in time for the impending holiday season.