Thanksgiving Movies to survive until break

As the leaves start to turn and the mornings take on that crisp fall chill, classrooms across the country enter that familiar stretch: the long road to Thanksgiving break. The days feel a little shorter, the students a little wigglier, and the lesson plans… well, they sometimes need a touch of seasonal magic to keep everyone (including us!) hanging on.

That’s why this time of year is perfect for weaving in cozy, meaningful, curriculum-friendly movies that bring the spirit of fall into the classroom. Whether you’re trying to reinforce themes of gratitude, spark conversations about community, or simply create a calm, reflective moment amid the November chaos, the right film can transform the atmosphere for both younger and older students.

To help lighten your load, I’ve rounded up a thoughtful list of PG-13–and–under movies perfect for elementary through high school classes—each with fall vibes, heartfelt themes, and plenty of opportunities for discussion. So grab a warm drink, take a deep breath, and let’s find the perfect film to carry your class (and you!) through the final countdown to Thanksgiving.

🍁 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (G–PG)

1. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973, G)

Synopsis: When Peppermint Patty invites herself—and several others—to Charlie Brown’s house for Thanksgiving, Charlie Brown scrambles to put together a meal with Snoopy’s help. Though the food is unconventional, the friends learn that gratitude and togetherness matter more than a perfect holiday.

Themes: Gratitude, friendship, kindness.

Why Thanksgiving/Fall: Directly focuses on Thanksgiving traditions and the meaning behind the holiday.

2. Free Birds (2013, PG)

Synopsis: Reggie, an outcast turkey, is chosen as the “pardoned” turkey for Thanksgiving and is taken to safety—until he is pulled into a mission by Jake, a determined turkey who believes they must travel back in time to stop turkeys from ever becoming the holiday meal. Their journey leads to surprising alliances and lessons about bravery.

Themes: Teamwork, courage, problem-solving.

Why Thanksgiving/Fall: Entire story centers around Thanksgiving history and holiday humor.

3. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009, PG)

Synopsis: Mr. Fox, longing for his old wild lifestyle, secretly raids neighboring farmers’ properties, triggering a battle of wits between the animals and the humans. As danger mounts, Mr. Fox must unite his family and community to survive underground.

Themes: Family, community, identity.

Why Thanksgiving/Fall: Features warm autumn colors, harvest imagery, and themes of family togetherness.

4. Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving (1999, G)

Synopsis: This collection of seasonal stories follows Pooh and friends as they navigate autumn and early winter. From preparing for harvest and giving thanks to learning what makes a holiday special, each short highlights the value of caring for others.

Themes: Sharing, caring, friendship.

Why Thanksgiving/Fall: Specifically centers on fall and Thanksgiving themes and teaches gratitude.

5. Because of Winn-Dixie (2005, PG)

Synopsis: Ten-year-old Opal moves to a new town and feels lonely—until she befriends a mischievous stray dog she names Winn-Dixie. Through the dog’s friendly nature, Opal makes new friends and helps bring together the people in her community.

Themes: Friendship, empathy, belonging.

Why Thanksgiving/Fall: Warm, heartfelt tone and emphasis on community connection suit the gratitude season.

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🍂 MIDDLE SCHOOL (PG–PG-13)

1. October Sky (1999, PG)

Synopsis: Inspired by the Soviet satellite Sputnik, Homer Hickam dreams of building rockets despite pressure to follow his father into coal mining. With the help of supportive friends and a devoted teacher, Homer learns to experiment, persevere, and reach beyond what others expect of him.

Themes: Perseverance, following dreams, family.

Why Thanksgiving/Fall: Set during the school year with a cozy fall/winter atmosphere and inspirational message.

2. Remember the Titans (2000, PG)

Synopsis: After a high school football team becomes racially integrated, players face tension both on and off the field. Under the leadership of Coach Boone, the team slowly learns to trust each other, forming bonds that challenge prejudice and bring the community together.

Themes: Unity, respect, teamwork.

Why Thanksgiving/Fall: Football season setting and community-focused storyline match fall themes.

3. Holes (2003, PG)

Synopsis: Wrongfully sent to a desert detention camp, Stanley Yelnats is forced to dig holes daily under the watch of strict counselors. As he grows closer to other campers, Stanley uncovers a mystery involving a long-lost treasure, a family curse, and the town’s history.

Themes: Justice, friendship, resilience.

Why Thanksgiving/Fall: Reflection-driven story fits well with the themes of growth and gratitude during fall.

4. The Mighty Ducks (1992, PG)

Synopsis: After a lawyer is assigned community service, he reluctantly coaches a struggling youth hockey team. Over time, he bonds with the players, helping them develop confidence and teamwork as they grow into a competitive group.

Themes: Growth, teamwork, sportsmanship.

Why Thanksgiving/Fall: Set during fall/winter sports seasons and promotes collaborative values.

5. Akeelah and the Bee (2006, PG)

Synopsis: Akeelah, an 11-year-old from South Los Angeles, discovers her talent for spelling. She works with a demanding but caring coach and receives support from her community as she competes toward the national spelling bee.

Themes: Determination, community, self-belief.

Why Thanksgiving/Fall: Strong focus on gratitude, mentorship, and community support.

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🍁🍂 HIGH SCHOOL (PG–PG-13)

1. Dead Poets Society (1989, PG-13)

Synopsis: At a conservative boarding school, an unconventional English teacher, Mr. Keating, encourages his students to think for themselves, appreciate poetry, and “seize the day.” His influence pushes students to question expectations and take ownership of their lives.

Themes: Individuality, courage, education.

Why Thanksgiving/Fall: Autumn school setting and reflective themes pair well with seasonal introspection.

2. Hidden Figures (2016, PG)

Synopsis: Based on the true story of three Black female mathematicians at NASA, the film follows Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan as they tackle challenging work, fight for equal treatment, and play critical roles in the success of early space missions.

Themes: Equality, perseverance, excellence.

Why Thanksgiving/Fall: Emphasizes appreciation for unsung heroes and working together—ideal for gratitude season.

3. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006, PG-13)

Synopsis: Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman and devoted father, faces homelessness while trying to secure a better future for his son. Despite setbacks, he perseveres through an unpaid internship, emotional challenges, and financial hardship to rebuild his life.

Themes: Hope, resilience, sacrifice.

Why Thanksgiving/Fall: Encourages gratitude and empathy; powerful reflection for students during the holiday season.

4. Remember the Titans (2000, PG)

Synopsis: When a high school’s football program becomes racially integrated, the new head coach, Herman Boone, must unite players divided by prejudice and mistrust. Through perseverance, honest conversations, and the shared pursuit of a winning season, the team learns to respect and rely on each other.

Themes: Unity, teamwork, respect, courage, overcoming prejudice.

Why Thanksgiving/Fall: The fall football setting, themes of community, and focus on reconciliation make it an excellent seasonal classroom choice.

5. Julie & Julia (2009, PG-13)

Synopsis: The film interweaves the story of Julia Child learning to cook in 1950s Paris with modern blogger Julie Powell attempting to cook every recipe in Child’s cookbook. Both women find purpose, creativity, and resilience in their culinary journeys.

Themes: Passion, creativity, perseverance.

Why Thanksgiving/Fall: Strong food focus connects beautifully to Thanksgiving cooking and seasonal traditions.

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As we settle into the heart of fall—where the days get shorter, schedules get busier, and everyone is eagerly eyeing the Thanksgiving break—it’s worth remembering that this season isn’t just about pumpkins and cozy sweaters. It’s a time rooted in gratitude, perseverance, empathy, and compassion. The films we choose to share with students don’t just fill time; they create space for reflection, connection, and meaningful conversations. Whether you’re showing a lighthearted animated story to little ones or an inspiring true account to older students, the right movie can gently reinforce the values that make this season so special.

So as you navigate the final stretch before the holiday, give yourself permission to slow down, breathe, and let a thoughtful film do some of the emotional and educational lifting. You’re not just “surviving until Thanksgiving”—you’re guiding students through a season rich with opportunities to grow, reflect, and deepen their understanding of themselves and others.

Possible Extension Assignments

Elementary

Activity: “Character Thank-You Notes”After watching the film, students write a simple thank-you note from one character to another, expressing appreciation for something that happened in the story.

Purpose:

• Encourages empathy by helping students understand characters’ feelings.

• Reinforces gratitude in a concrete, kid-friendly way.

Example prompts:

• “What is one kind thing someone did in the movie?”

• “How would a character say thank you for that?”

• “Draw a picture to go with your note.”

Middle School

Activity: “Gratitude & Growth Reflection”Students choose one character and write a short paragraph explaining:

1. A challenge the character faced,

2. How they showed perseverance, and

3. What the student personally appreciates or admires about that character’s actions.

Extension option:Students create a small poster or Google Slide linking gratitude + character growth using quotes from the film.

High School

Activity: “Film Analysis: Gratitude, Empathy, and Human Themes”Students select a major theme (gratitude, perseverance, empathy, or compassion) and write a brief analytical response discussing how the film communicates that theme through:

• character choices

• key scenes

• dialogue

• conflicts and resolutions

Optional deeper layer:Connect the film’s theme to a real-world situation, historical event, or personal experience relevant to the student’s life or community.