It feels like Thanksgiving arrives sooner and sooner each year. That feeling of being together with loved ones – you either look forward to it or dread it! One of the many issues that can arise during the Thanksgiving season is choosing the right thing to watch after you’ve just rolled away from the dinner table. Everyone seems to have a conflicting opinion these days – so why not make things easier by choosing something everyone would love?
We’ve chosen 8 films. Not because of their “thanksgiving-ness” or their “family-ness” but simply because we know family members from across different generations love these films. We’ve also chosen films that will put more “Happy” in your Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, Lion King, that means you won’t be included in this round.
So check out the films below and let us know what you’re planning on watching this Thanksgiving!
- One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) – This movie has so many elements that make it a wonderful film – but one thing that works beautifully is that even the villain is a joy to watch. Your whole family will be rooting for the puppies and though there are some scary notes, this film is still a blast from start to finish.
- Mary Poppins (1964) – Though this film isn’t animated through and through – I’m counting it. Mary Poppins is light, insightful, and fun. Something like that is definitely needed after a heavy meal. It also was released in the 1960’s so it’s a film that mostly everyone in your family has probably watched and is most likely adored by all!
- The Aristocats (1970) – The author of this article is very partial to this film for good reason. The music is fantastic, the drama is light and humorous, and in the end, it is a family film. Warning: there are things in this film that have simply not aged well. If you can put those things aside and enjoy the film for what it is and the time for which it was made – it is an excellent pick for your Thanksgiving day.
- Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) – If you’re dealing with an older crowd (older kids with no littles in sight) then maybe Who Framed Roger Rabbit will be perfect for your family! There are some villains here – but what this film is full of is pure nostalgia.
- Aladdin (1992) – If you’re a 90’s kid with their family this year, crack open your clamshell VHS and watch Aladdin. If it’s been a while, watching this blast from the past with your family is sure to bring back some memories. This film is still so much fun and even the scary and sad moments have a triumphant turnaround that will leave you smiling at the end of the film.
- The Emperor’s New Groove (2000) – A LLAMA? HE’S SUPPOSED TO BE DEAD! Absolutely love this film and highly recommend this for a choice for you and yours. The older family members in your group may not have even seen this and it can be a fun memory to show them for the first time.
- Moana (2016) – If you hail from a place that can be cold and frigid this time of year, popping in Moana will give you the much-needed getaway that you’ve been looking for. If you notice I’ve been trying to avoid heavy concepts to not cloud your holiday but have noticed this film, it’s because it has something special to it. Plus, the music is simply top-notch.
- Wish (2023) – New to theaters – and if you’re a family that loves going to movie theaters around the Thanksgiving holidays, Disney has made your decision for you. Out on November 22nd – this film is about Wishing BIG and saving a kingdom – sounds pretty Disney to me!
Images: Disney / D23
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