The warmth of November signals the approach of Thanksgiving, a time traditionally reserved for gathering, gratitude, and, perhaps most importantly, delicious food with a good movie. As the leaves turn gold and the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice fills the air, families begin planning their holiday rituals. This year, the holiday spirit extends beyond the dinner table to the screen, offering a delectable spread of animated films. This list is not just for the youngest members of the family, but for the child in all adults who cherishes the simple, heartwarming magic that classic animation provides during this season of giving.

For those seeking holiday viewing, these animated classics perfectly capture the spirit of thankfulness and tradition.

This classic animated special highlights the true spirit of the holiday through an unconventional dinner. Charlie Brown attempts to host a Thanksgiving feast, but with Peppermint Patty inviting herself and others, the responsibility falls to the ever-loyal Snoopy and Woodstock. They prepare a very unusual meal consisting of toast, popcorn, pretzel sticks, and jelly beans.

The scene where the group gathers around the ping pong table for this strange, but heartfelt, dinner beautifully emphasizes that friendship and togetherness are the most important ingredients. The entire episode is a charming reminder that the spirit of thanksgiving transcends culinary expectations, focusing on earnest connection. This cherished special is primarily available on the Apple TV.

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The transition from the Thanksgiving meal to the shopping frenzy is sometimes represented in the films themselves.

This comedic adventure takes the Thanksgiving narrative in an entirely different direction, focusing on two turkeys who travel back in time to prevent the inclusion of turkeys in the very first Thanksgiving feast. The main characters, Reggie and Jake, must navigate colonial America to change history. A key scene showing the massive, historical turkey-free feast successfully established by the protagonists serves as an amusing parallel to the relief felt after a heavy holiday meal.

Moreover, the film’s premise about changing the future subtly acknowledges the modern transition to Thanksgiving. The animated comedy Free Birds can be streamed on services such as Tubi, Prime Video, and Apple TV.

Beyond the main event, the entire season is captured in these timeless, gentle narratives.

This charming feature combines several stories from the Hundred Acre Wood, creating a delightful anthology that captures the transition from autumn to winter holidays. The segment A Great Thanksgiving sees the beloved characters misunderstanding the meaning of the holiday, believing they must give something great to a relative. This leads to a sweet lesson in the true nature of giving and appreciation. The movie beautifully concludes with a heartfelt moment where the friends realize that the best gift they possess is their shared affection. This warm realization perfectly echoes the gratitude and simple joys that mark the end of the holiday. The animated film can be streamed on Disney+

Sometimes, the simplest pleasure of the holiday is the joy of eating until one is truly satisfied.

The cynical yet lovable orange cat, Garfield, brings his unique brand of humor to the holiday. Jon Arbuckle attempts to cook a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, while Garfield, with his usual gluttony, only thinks of consuming as much food as possible. The special features a memorable scene where Garfield attempts to move after eating an impossibly large amount of food, showcasing the universal experience of post-Thanksgiving inertia. This depiction humorously mirrors the collective national feeling after the large meal. The animated film can be streamed on Apple TV.

The whimsical and meticulous stop-motion animation of next film offers another perfect holiday treat for the family.

This beautifully crafted adaptation of the Roald Dahl book follows the titular Mr. Fox, voiced by George Clooney, who promises his wife, Felicity, that he will give up his wild, thieving ways. Breaking his promise, Mr. Fox organizes one final, spectacular raid on the farms of three villainous and rich farmers: Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. The resulting retaliation forces Mr. Fox and his community of animals underground in a thrilling escape.

The final act features the animals celebrating their survival and ingenuity by enjoying a feast of stolen goods in their new underground home. This scene, where the entire community raises a toast to life and ingenuity, acts as a vibrant celebration mirroring the relief and indulgence experienced after the Thanksgiving holiday. The movie is available on Disney+. These movies are a must-watch for the holiday season. 

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What is the first movie you are going to watch among these animated movies for Thanksgiving? Let us know in the comments below.