Once Thanksgiving dinner has been consumed and your aunts have settled their differences over inherited kitchen tables, the rest of your Thanksgiving celebration usually disintegrates into either football or movie viewing – the two options being highly polarizing to each other. But thanks to Disney+, there is now more choice for all family members! Here are 12 holiday-themed movies you should watch this holiday weekend on Disney+ that everyone will find enjoyable.
From Hallmark Channel romances to Disney animated classics, Thanksgiving movies offer something for every viewer to get into the holiday spirit. Be it comedy or drama – these festive flicks on Disney+ will get everyone feeling festive for this Thanksgiving!
12. The Greatest Showman (2017)
Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Musical
Run Time: 1h 45m
Movie Details A captivating, upbeat original musical, The Greatest Showman, tells the tale of legendary showman P. T. Barnum as told through an exciting, family-friendly celebration of ambition and imagination.
Hugh Jackman shines as P.T. Barnum, with strong support from an outstanding ensemble cast and catchy original songs that add great wit to his performance. Unfortunately, though, some dramatic parts don’t hold as much enticingness or impactful storytelling moments.
It is very clear that the music in The Greatest Showman is more than just a way for the film to be memorable. It’s an attempt to reach out to listeners through song, which can serve as a potent means of motivation.
Modern pop beats give the soundtrack a ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ vibe while anachronistically loading the classic 19th-century Victorian era. The musical is a high-octane dream with some very spectacular scenes. The movie has some hollow segments and lacks any real substance. Because of its PG rating, this film is probably not appropriate for viewers younger than 14.
11. Home Alone (1990)
Genres: Comedy, Family
Run Time: 1h 43m
The entire family, young and old, will find themselves laughing out loud at the antics in Home Alone. Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), played by an even younger actor, gets left at home by accident. At the same time, his loved ones are flying to Paris to spend the holiday there. Kevin has to safeguard his home from two clumsy intruders by placing booby traps throughout the property.
Macaulay Culkin is terrific as the courageous and funny main character, a little boy of 8. His comic performances are the film’s saving grace and keep the audience laughing throughout.
The film is a timeless masterpiece that has continued to draw in audiences for decades. It’s an excellent model of a family film that doesn’t try too hard but still manages to impart some valuable lessons to its young viewers. You can count on having a great time laughing throughout this movie.
Despite being billed as a comedy, this film has a lot of warm and fuzzy moments. The film demonstrates that an 8-year-old may be courageous and resourceful in the face of danger.
10. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (2005)
Genres: Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Run Time: 2h 23m
Four children journey through an old wardrobe into Narnia, only to discover they have been prophesied to vanquish a cruel white witch who has oppressed its citizens. With help from good lion king Aslan and kind faun Mr. Tumnus, these four children fulfill their destiny and free Narnia from its slavery.
The story unfolds in London during the bombing of World War II, where the Pevensie family, including sisters Lucy (Georgie Henley) and Susan (Anna Popplewell) and brother Peter (William Moseley), are sent to a country home to escape the city. One day, while playing hide-and-seek in the house, Lucy ducks into a wardrobe and steps out into Narnia. She quickly tells her siblings that she is not home and that she has been traveling for hours.
Meanwhile, a snowy wood has been covered by snow, and the Witch Jadis, who is responsible for the cold spell that has enslaved Narnia for 100 years, has sent her wolves to hunt down the children. But before her wolves can reach the children, Father Christmas appears and presents them with a variety of tools to help them survive.
9. The Parent Trap (1998)
Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Family, Romance
Run Time: 2h 8m
The 1998 The Parent Trap movie stood out from other summer blockbusters by offering audiences an enjoyable, sweet comedy that kept viewers engrossed throughout. Lindsay Lohan made her acting debut, and her dual roles of twin girls became one of her trademark roles – making the movie an immediate classic!
It is also a movie that contains a lot of heart, charm, and themes of forgiveness and second chances. Featuring an endearing cast and a script that resonates with audiences of all ages, The Parent Trap has become a timeless classic. While some elements might stretch the boundaries of realism, its message of love and family is sure to stay with audiences for years to come.
This remake of the 1961 film was directed by Nancy Meyers, who is known for her work on Father of the Bride and Father of the Bride Part II and co-written by Charles Shyer. It stars Lindsay Lohan as twin girls Hallie and Annie, separated at birth, who meet up at summer camp and switch places.
A scene where the twins are reunited with their parents at a hotel when they accidentally bump into each other is one of many well-timed, entertaining moments in this long film.
8. Toy Story 2 (1999)
Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Run Time: 1h 32m
Toy Story 2 stands as an outstanding sequel that delivers on its promise in an age where cinematic family films are few and far between.
Woody saves Wheezy from being sold at a yard sale, only to have him stolen by money-grubbing collector Al and used as part of his set of Roundup toys. There is mild suggestive humor as well as violence and name-calling in this storyline. But even these minor concerns don’t detract from its overall impact.
The story of the Toy Story franchise is based on the idea that toys are goodhearted creatures that have strong character traits and noble qualities that serve as role models for children. It has also incorporated themes of friendship and loyalty, which are emphasized over time.
In order to keep Toy Story on a one-year schedule, John Lasseter, Stanton, Docter, and Joe Ranft spent a weekend in October 1997 at Lasseter’s home. They hosted a “story summit,” where they pitched the story and came up with a complete version of Toy Story 2 in just two days.
7. Frozen (2013)
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Run Time: 1h 42m
Frozen stands as one of the finest Disney princess films and an absolute 21st-century classic. Beautifully animated and cleverly written alike, its songs will leave audiences singing along at every chance! The film also has an interesting subversion of tropes and delivers a heartwarming message of acceptance.
A very emotional story about the bond between two sisters, Frozen tells the tale of Anna, a young girl who is innocent and enthusiastic. She enjoys spending time with her sister, Elsa, who is gifted with a magical power that allows her to conjure up a wonderland of ice and snow for their frolicking. However, when Elsa’s powers get out of hand, she flees her kingdom and builds a snow castle in the mountains.
Queen Elsa unleashes eternal winter on Arendelle with one wave of her magic and retreats into her remote ice palace, leaving Anna (Kristen Bell) in charge of finding and undoing Elsa’s spell, along with Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and Sven. On their journey, Anna encounters a range of interesting characters, such as snowman Olaf, mountain boy Kristoff and his reindeer Sven.
6. Remember The Titans (2000)
Genres: Biography, Drama, Sport
Run Time: 1h 53m
Remember the Titans was released in 2000 as an inspirational film based on true events that transcend traditional sports film formula. While not without flaws, Jerry Bruckheimer’s movie conveys a more sincere and genuine message about race relations than many recent high school sports dramas. Over time, this film has become a part of American history.
It’s a testosterone-pumping, spirit-lifting, heart-thumping story of two football coaches and their team during the first year of integration in a Virginia high school. It’s a film that focuses on Herman Boone (Denzel Washington), an African-American coach who led the T.C. Williams High Titans to victory during this difficult era.
As the Titans prepare for their first game against their white rivals, a local school board member threatens to fire the new coach if they lose any games. The Titans’ racial tensions intensified, but they stayed undefeated throughout the season and eventually won the state championship in 1971.
The film’s racial slant makes for an appealing, if not completely original, storyline, and the social message is more impactful than the typical melodrama found in other sports films.
5. Encanto (2021)
Genres: Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Musical
Run Time: 1h 42m
Lin-Manuel Miranda voices Vivo, an adorable music-loving monkey, in this charming animated movie and also composed its catchy songs.
The Madrigal family is distinguished by an enchanted house that bestows each child with unique powers. But when their home begins to collapse, Mirabel may hold the key to saving it all.
Set in Colombia during the Colombian War, the story centers on a multigenerational Madrigal family who were refugees who came together to build a community named Encanto. Each of the children was gifted with a special gift and used it to help their community.
They also live in a secluded mountain home called a Casita that is protected by magic and has a precarious burning candle that keeps them safe. The house looks amazing and is the perfect setting for the movie, and the characters are all very well-rounded and fun to watch.
The main protagonist of the movie is Mirabel (voiced by Stephanie Beatriz), who is a Disney princess, and she is the newest member to join the family as they travel to Colombia to save their magical house.
4. Mary Poppins (1964)
Genres: Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Musical
Run Time: 2h 19m
Julie Andrews shines in the 1964 Mary Poppins movie as the uptight, prim magical nanny; together with Bert (Dick Van Dyke), they take the children on some thrilling adventures, including a merry-go-round ride, roof touring of London with chimney sweeps and an exciting fox hunt. Then, the family is brought to the Park, where George Banks is able to fix his kids’ kite.
George Banks, the father of the children, is a workaholic banker who has a hard time keeping up with his duties. He and his wife, Winifred, have a tense relationship due to their preoccupation with suffragette rallies. Their children, Jane and Michael, on the other hand, are always getting lost or up to no good.
As the family’s nanny, Jane Poppins is a sweet and gentle soul, but she’s not the stern, no-nonsense nanny that Jane and Michael need. When Mary arrives, she straightens everything up. She helps the family out in a number of magical adventures, including a chalk picture lark, a tea party on the ceiling of Uncle Albert’s house, and an exuberant “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” musical number.
3. Ratatouille (2007)
Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Run Time: 1h 51m
Brad Bird, known for creating 1999’s emotionally profound The Iron Giant and 2004’s superhero family-of-superheroes film The Incredibles, brings his elaborate vision of Paris to life in this highly-rated animated feature about an ornately magical rat who dreams of cooking. It shows audiences that everyone can pursue their goals regardless of appearance. The film also explores the bonds of friendship and loyalty, the battle against family expectations, and the importance of being true to yourself.
The plot follows the story of a young rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a famous chef. He aspires to the culinary skills of his hero, Paris’ legendary chef Auguste Gusteau, who is the world’s greatest gourmet chef and whose motto is “Anybody can cook.” When a mishap robs him of his home, Remy ends up in the sewers of Paris, where he meets Linguini.
In contrast to Pixar’s usual focus on family and awe-inspiring animation, the film does not shy away from hard-core physical comedy or slapstick. As Remy tries to make it as a gourmet chef, he and Linguini (Lou Romano) are challenged by the rigors of the job.
2. The Princess Bride (1987)
Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Romance
Run Time: 1h 38m
No movie has such universal appeal as The Princess Bride, based on William Goldman’s 1973 novel of the same name. Rob Reiner read this classic novel as a child and again when making Spinal Tap. It’s an adventure, a comedy, a romance – it’s all here.
The story follows a young boy who is sick at home and is forced to listen to his grandfather read a book. The man sarcastically tells the boy that the book is “not a kissing book.” Still, soon, the youngster becomes deeply involved with the tale of Buttercup (Robin Wright) and Westley’s (Cary Elwes) adventures, so much so that he wants his grandfather to read it again.
The film is set in a medieval, make-believe land. It features the adventures of farmboy-turned-swashbuckler Westley (Cary Elwes) as he sets out to find Buttercup (Robin Wright), who has been kidnapped by a crafty Sicilian named Count Rugen. Along the way, he encounters pirates, kidnappers, giants, life-or-death duels, screaming eels, fire swamps, rodents of unusual size, and much more. It’s a combination of humor, romance, action, and fantasy that has won fans across generations.
1. Toy Story (1995)
Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Run Time: 1h 21m
Toy Story introduced computer animation to the world and was an instantaneous hit, featuring many well-rounded characters such as cowboy doll Woody and spaceman Buzz Lightyear.
The film begins when Andy Davis brings home some toys that come alive. Woody, Andy’s beloved cowboy doll, is his favorite plaything until Buzz Lightyear appears and threatens Woody’s position as Andy’s favorite toy. After a little while, all of the other toys begin to believe that Buzz is real, leading to a great battle for leadership between Woody and Buzz.
But, a group of green plastic army men soon scout out all the new toys and send them to Andy’s room to introduce themselves. This leads to Woody and Buzz being separated, which is a bad thing for both of them. The Times’ movie critic Kenneth Turan described the movie as a “captivating first step along animation’s most promising new frontier,” and it remains one of the most enjoyable family films ever.
Toy Story is a wonderful film full of fun and excitement. It has a lot of good characterizations and is full of humor that will make the kids laugh. It has a few great moments of suspense and adventure.
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