The 23 Best Thanksgiving Shows And Movies On Netflix

    After dinner viewing is required.

    Amanda Edelman
    by Amanda Edelman

    BuzzFeed Contributor

    Cozy up on the couch with these Thanksgiving-themed movies. From surefire classics to baking competitions to laugh-out-loud comedies, the following movies are sure to please almost everyone in the family.

    1. Best Leftovers Ever (2020)

    (L-R) Jonathan Kim, Alexandra Jones and Melissa Schwimmer in Best Leftovers Ever, Episode 1 (Fast Food to Fancy)
    Netflix

    Best Leftovers Ever is a fun-loving cooking competition that allows contestants to create new dishes out of leftover Thanksgiving food. Sign me up! 

    Watch it here.

    2. Holiday Rush (2019)

    Movie poster for Holiday Rush shows family embracing with title text in center then photo of main dad character on bottom of screen
    Netflix / Alamy

    The perfect way to kick off your post-Thanksgiving downtime, with the added bonus of the holiday spirit. This heartfelt comedy-drama follows a radio DJ and his family as they navigate changing circumstances during the holidays and is a great pick for family movie night. 

    Watch it here. 

    3. Master of None (Season 2, Episode 8: "Thanksgiving")

    Angela Bassett, Lena Waithe, 'Thanksgiving',
    © Netflix / courtesy Everett Collection

    There's one particular Thanksgiving episode on Master of None that stirs up all the feelings. I mean, Lena Waithe won an Emmy for outstanding writing in a comedy series for this episode.

    Watch it here.

    4. Mitchells vs the Machines (2021)

    Rick Mitchell (voice Danny McBride), Katie Mitchell (voice: Abbi Jacobson) running from an explosion
    © Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection

    The Mitchells family road trip gets interrupted when the world's electronics come to life and stage an uprising in Mitchells vs the Machines. The 2021 animated movie is the perfect family comedy that involves robots and, well togetherness. 

    Watch it here. 

    5. Nailed It! (2018)

    Title text for show with melted chocolate on top
    Netflix

    This is the perfect pick, especially if your pumpkin pie didn't turn out the way you wanted! You can totally commiserate with these amateur bakers.

    Watch it here. 

    6. Friendsgiving (2020)

    Movie poster shows close up collage of characters with title text at bottom
    Saban Int'l / Courtesy Everett Collection

    The 2020 comedy Friendsgiving stars Kat Dennings, Wanda Sykes, Chelsea Peretti, and Aisha Tyler and is rated R — so maybe don't watch with the kids.

    Watch it here.

    7. The Big Family Cooking Showdown (2017)

    Scene from the show with white title text on top
    BBC Two

    Funny and charming, this show is pitting families against each other to create the perfect dish. It really does emphasize togetherness during the holiday season. There's nothing better than a show about cooking with family around a holiday meant to 'give thanks' for each other.

    Watch it here. 

    8. Holidate (2020)

    Movie poster for Holidate shows photo of Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey standing in front of a Christmas tree
    Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection

    This movie technically covers all the holidays but this lighthearted rom-com is a great post-meal pick. Starring Emma Roberts, get ready to settle in for a funny, charming love story.

    Watch it here.

    9. Ugly Delicious (2018)

    Photo of a night scene with white title text
    Netflix

    Ugly Delicious dives deep into the history and culture behind classic dishes, with the third episode focusing on Thanksgiving Day meals. 

    Watch it here. 

    10. Beethoven (1992)

    Beethoven movie poster shows close up of dog hiding under a table with family looking on above; title text in red font below
    Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection

    Beethoven is a 1992 classic everyone will love. This heartwarming story follows an unruly St. Bernard and is sure to get you in the holiday spirit as you decompress from your Thanksgiving meal.

    Watch it here.

    11. High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America

    Title image for High on the Hog with ladle in background.
    Netflix

    A fantastic series where viewers can learn about the history of American food and its African influences. It's a great reminder to take some time this Thanksgiving to learn about the history of the holiday.

    Watch it here.

    12. Free Birds (2013)

    Movie poster for Free Birds; shows animated turkeys with tagline "Hang on to your nuggets"
    Relativity Media / Everett Collection / Everett Collection

    This 2013 animated film is sure to entice the entire family — especially the kids. The cute comedy follows two turkeys (voiced by Woody Harrelson and Owen Wilson) as they attempt to change the course of Thanksgiving history.

    Watch it here. 

    13. Basketball or Nothing (2019)

    Basketball or Nothing;
    Netflix

    Actually a six-part series, Basketball or Nothing follows the Chinle High School boys’ rezball team as they compete for the Arizona State Championship. The Navajo basketball team is inspiring, and the series offers a chance to reflect and learn the stories of Ingenious lives.

    Watch it here.

    14. Waffles + Mochi (2021)

    Photo of a mountain with title text in white
    Higher Ground Productions

    This Netflix show centers around two puppet friends as they travel around the world and learn about food and cooking. This show is perfect for the whole family and also features Michelle Obama! 

    Watch it here. 

    15. Turkey Hollow (2015)

    l-r: Reese Alexander, Mary Steenburgen, Squonk, Zorp, Graham Verchere, Thwring, Burble, Jay Harrington, Genevieve Buechner,
    Lifetime Television / Lifetime Television / Courtesy Everett Collection

    This is a quirky family treat. When the Emmerson family ventures to the town of Turkey Hollow, they start tracking the Howling Hoodoo, a monster locals dismiss as a legend.

    Rent it on DVD here.

    16. Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, "Fall" (2016)

    Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection

    The last episode of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, "Fall" (2016) is the perfect choice for a cozy post-Thanksgiving watch party. Catch up on Lorelai, Rory, and the Stars Hollow gang in this four-part series.

    Watch it here.

    17. Indian Horse (2017)

    image of a person looking over at people playing ice hockey
    Devonshire Productions

    This film follows Saul (Ajuawak Kapashesit) as he is taken to a new school and is stripped of his native heritage. When he falls in love with ice hockey, he learns how to reconnect to his heritage in new ways.

    Watch it here.

    18. Anne with an E (2020)

    TV show poster includes title character Anne with flowers in her hair and title text in blue above
    Pelican Ballet Northwood Entertainment / Alamy

    This Netflix series is based on Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery and has become a holiday classic. 

    Watch it here. 

    19. Fuller House: A Fuller Thanksgiving (2016)

    Title screen for Fuller House shown in yellow text with white text under
    Netflix

    Stream the 2016 Thanksgiving episode of Fuller House, A Fuller Thanksgiving for a dash of revived nostalgia. And, if you feel like it, settle in for the whole season. Don't forget about the 2020 Thanksgiving episode Cold Turkey, too.

    Watch it here. 

    20. The BFG: Big Friendly Giant (2016)

    The BFG (2016) directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill and Penelope Wilton. An orphaned girl Sophie and the Big Friendly Giant and Sophie set out on an adventure in Giant Country and stop the bad giants entering our world.
    BFA / Alamy Stock Photo

    This movie centers around a giant who takes an orphan under his wing. The animated movie highlights the beautiful nature of kindness and compassion —  which is a lesson parents want to teach their kids on Thanksgiving.

    Watch it here. 

    21. Dutch (1991)

    Movie poster shows close up shot of two main characters with title text at bottom in red
    20th Century Fox Licensing/Merchandising / Everett Collection

    1991 comedy Dutch centers around a man (Dutch) who offers to drive his girlfriend's 13-year-old son home from boarding school for Thanksgiving. Dutch (played by Ed O'Neill) is basically a big kid in a grownup body, ensuring his hijinks and humor will make the whole family laugh.

    Rent it here.

    22. Gather

    image of animals near water
    IllumineGroup

    Per the film's website, Gather is a 2020 documentary that highlights the growing movement amongst Native Americans to reclaim their "spiritual, political, and cultural identities through food sovereignty while battling the trauma of centuries of genocide.” 

    Watch it here. 

    23. August: Osage County (2013)

    Movie poster shows characters fighting with title text in red and white in bottom left hand corner
    Smokehouse Pictures / Alamy

    Finally, August: Osage County to remind you that there's nothing like a dysfunctional family gathering to make you see just how good your family looks right now. The 2013 film is based on the play by Tracy Letts and stars Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, and Chris Cooper as the family comes together to mourn a death.

    Watch it here.

    What are your favorite Thanksgiving-centric movies and shows?