24+ Must-Watch Thanksgiving Movies on Disney Plus (& Episodes, too!)

With so many options on Disney Plus, it can be a challenge to decide where to start. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with my list of the best Thanksgiving movies on Disney Plus.

Whether you’re looking for a good documentary, a family-friendly animated film, or something more dramatic and adventurous, I’ve got more than 24 suggestions on what to watch this holiday.

And if you’re busy cooking and baking up the storm, keep an eye out for short films you can watch while taking a break.

So grab a pumpkin spice latte and some apple pie to snack on while I share the best Thanksgiving movies in Disney+ to watch this season.

NOTE: This post may contain spoilers to movie or show plots. These movies and shows are available to stream on Disney+ in the US as of publication time, unless otherwise noted. Availability can change at any time.

Set in the culinary city of Paris, Ratatouille tells the story of Remy, a rat who dreams of becoming a chef.

Remy forms a partnership with a kitchen worker at Gusteau’s, a well-respected restaurant, to realize his dreams and change the minds of those who doubt him – especially a notoriously picky and snobby food critic.

It’s very loosely based on a true story – the invasion of the Powhatan by the British happened, but the cutesy ending did not.

Inaccuracies aside, there are some lovely moments in this film, such as Pocahontas’ ode to nature with the song Colors of the Wind.

It’s such an interesting concept and I love the meta-ness of it!

You might be a bit surprised to see this title on the list, especially if you’ve never seen it.

However, part of the movie takes place around Thanksgiving, with a pretty epic scene between Spider-Man and the Green Goblin.

The film follows the story of a young, orphaned girl from Hawaii who lives with her older sister and is a bit of an outcast.

One day they adopt a pet from the local shelter, who turns out to be a rabble-rousing alien, Stitch, who is on the run from scientists in space who were experimenting on him.

It’s a lovely story that is sure to make you appreciate the importance of your loved ones even if they did mess up the turkey again this year.

Turkey Hollow is a heartwarming TV movie that follows the adventures of a family visiting their eccentric Aunt Cly during Thanksgiving.

With nothing much to do, the kids, Annie and Tim, set off to the woods to track down a legendary creature that most people don’t even believe exists. Except it does!

Meanwhile, there’s a turkey thief on the loose and the family teams up with some new friends to solve the mystery.

This feel-good movie is perfect for the whole family and will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside.

This historical drama tells the story of Tisquantum, more commonly known as Squanto, a Native American from the Patuxet people who helped the first wave of Pilgrims settle in the area now known as Massachusetts.

Despite his diplomatic efforts, he’s kidnapped and must fight to escape and make his way home.

This movie is based on a true story, although some parts are fictionalized.

But it does serve as a reminder that the history many of Americans were taught in school about Thanksgiving isn’t as rosy as it was made out to be.

I’m so glad Disney is finally adding more content with positive stories featuring Indigenous characters! I hope this means more is coming down the pipeline.

As the show’s title suggests, the series explores a different US national park in each episode, showing of the most stunning landscapes across the country, from the Yosemite to the Everglades.

This show is a great reminder to be thankful for the beautiful land we’re inhabiting, because one day it may no longer be here.

With themes of perseverance and community, this movie is sure to inspire and uplift – just be prepared with some tissues for your inevitable tears.

For more great football flicks, check out my post about the best football movies and shows on Disney+.

This documentary, directed by Ron Howard, follows the story of World Central Kitchen (WCK), an organization started by famous chef José Andrés.

WCK was originally a small, local organization, but has transformed into a huge aid program that helps feed people after disasters strike.

Coco follows the story of Miguel, a young Mexican boy who dreams of being a musician, despite his family banning music due to a supposed curse.

Except the story he’s always been told is wrong, leading to disaster that might take Miguel away from his family forever.

Will Miguel make it back to his family? Will everyone learn the true story about the curse?

Prepare the tissues because this movie will make you cry unless you have a heart of stone.

But you’ll also be inspired to trade stories with one another after watching with your family, vowing to never hide anything from one another again. And isn’t togetherness a big part of the Thanksgiving holiday?

When the secret comes out on an important day, further driving them apart, and endangering their home, Anna makes it her mission to make things right.

With themes of sisterhood and love, along with some comedic relief from Olaf the walking, talking snowman, this movie is perfect for some sisterly bonding time before things get wild during the holiday season.

This story is a touching reminder about the importance of siblings, even when you don’t always see eye-to-eye or can’t agree on who brings which side dish to Thanksgiving dinner.

This film follows the story of a mother and teenage daughter, Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Anna (Lindsay Lohan) who magically switch bodies just before Tess is set to remarry.

The duo is forced to live the other’s life for a day until they can figure out how to switch back and naturally it leads to some chaos!

This fun and heartwarming movie showcases the importance of acknowledging and understanding others’ perspectives – something that’s especially important during the holiday season.

The 1977 and 2018 versions of this film are also available on Disney+, but I personally think the 2003 version is the best one!

I bet you never even gave a thought as to how this spicy snack came to be, but when you find out a janitor at Frito-Lay, Richard Montañez (Jesse Garcia), created them, you’ll be running to press play on Disney+.

Flamin’ Hot is an interesting film about the American dream that gives hope to those who dream just as big as Richard.

While Thanksgiving is not featured in this short story, it did make me feel so very grateful for all of the beautiful stories Disney has given us over the past 100 years.

Without them, we wouldn’t have such a full list to watch on a holiday about gratitude and family.

So give it a watch – but prepare yourself with tissues because you might tear up like I did!

In this fun Christmas movie, a divorced dad accidentally becomes Santa Claus after the previous one falls off his roof.

He’s given until Thanksgiving of the next year to come to terms with his new job and report to the North Pole, which is where the holiday of thanks comes in.

It’s the right blend of both holidays that makes it a great pick to watch as you’re kicking off the next holiday.

For those who love all things Disney parks, Decorating Disney Holiday Magic is a must-watch.

This fascinating special takes a behind-the-scenes look at how Disney parks and resorts around the world are decorated for the holiday season.

I make it a point to watch this at the beginning of the Christmas season every year, especially if I can’t make it to one of the parks for some holiday fun that year.

In addition to all of the great movies available, here’s a running list of Thanksgiving episodes I’ve found on Disney+:

• High School Musical: The Musical – The Series, Season 1, Episode 7: Thanksgiving
• Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures, Season 1, Episode 7: Mickey’s Thanksgiving Day Fun Race / Happy Thanksgiving Helpers
• Marvel’s Spidey & His Amazing Friends, Season 2, Episode 8: Halted Holiday / Merry Spidey Christmas

From Homer accidentally cooking a poisoned turkey to Bart running away from home, these episodes are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

What are your favorite Thanksgiving movies on Disney Plus?

There are many different types of movies and shows on Disney+ to enjoy this Thanksgiving holiday.

From watching our favorite characters celebrate the holiday themselves to movies with themes of gratitude, family, and community, each of these movies and shows brings something great to the table.

Remember to take breaks from screen time and spend quality time with family and friends, too!

Whether it’s baking cookies, playing games, or going for a walk in nature, it’s important to balance entertainment with real-life connections.

Also, don’t forget to spread joy and kindness to those around you, just like many of the heartwarming messages found in these movies and shows.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

This post was originally published October 22, 2023. It was last updated November 5, 2024.