Watch, Read & Listen

The Best New Movies to Watch as a Family This Thanksgiving Weekend

written by BRETT NICOLE HAYDEN

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There’s something nostalgic about going to the movies, spending way too much on popcorn and drinks, and disconnecting from the world for a couple of hours. And with Thanksgiving being a big opening weekend for movies, watching a flick with the family is a fun way to spend some quality time together. 

When you’re filled to the brim with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and turkey, you’re in the perfect position to kick back and relax. The best way to do just that is to catch one of the newest movie releases either on your own couch or in the comfort of your local movie theater (seriously, have you sat in one of those recliners recently?!). Whatever your viewing preference may be, we’ve got a list of the best new movies to watch as a family this Thanksgiving weekend.  

In Theaters

The Marvels

Rating: PG-13
Release date: 
November 10

If your family couldn’t get enough of the Captain Marvel movie that came out in 2019, you’re in for a treat this year. Watch as Captain Marvel, who has reclaimed her identity, deals with the consequences of taking revenge on the Supreme Intelligence. In doing so, a wormhole entangles her with both Ms. Marvel and Captain Monica Rambeau. The trio form The Marvels and work together to save the universe.

Trolls Band Together

Rating: PG
Release date: November 17

See your kiddos’ favorite trolls get together again in their third feature film. This time, Poppy couldn’t be more excited to learn that Branch was once part of a boy band with his four brothers. When one of his brothers, Floyd, gets kidnapped, Poppy and Branch set out to bring him home and reunite their family.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

Rating: PG-13
Release date: November 17

If your kids (or you!) have found yourself thinking it’s been far too long since you’ve ventured into the world of Panem (from the safety of a movie theater, of course), then you’re in luck. In the new Hunger Games film, take a step back in time to when tyrannical president Coriolanus Snow was just 18 years old and the last hope for his lineage. When he’s shockingly assigned to mentor District 12’s female tribute in the 10th annual Hunger Games, he sees an opportunity to turn the odds in his favor with the defiant girl.

Next Goal Wins

Rating: PG-13
Release date: November 17

In this heartwarming tale, a motivated but struggling coach vows to turn the notoriously terrible American Samoa soccer team into champions.

Wish

Rating: PG
Release date: November 22

Learn how powerful wishes can be by watching Asha wish for something so strongly that it’s answered by a cosmic force named Star. Together, the two join forces to save the kingdom from King Magnifico. This is sure to be one of your kiddo’s new favorite animated films, so be prepared for plenty of rewatches!

Stream at Home

Dashing Through the Snow

Rating: PG
Release date: November 17
Where to stream: Disney+

Just in time for the holidays is a new Christmas film from Disney+ starring Ludacris as a social worker and estranged father who has all but lost his Christmas spirit. Spending Christmas Eve with his daughter, the two are tasked with helping Santa save Christmas.

Leo

Rating: PG
Release date: November 21
Where to stream: Netflix

See Adam Sandler like you’ve never seen before in this sweet coming-of-age film. Leo is a lizard and the class pet at school. Watch as he plans a great escape to live a life outside of the classroom before becoming an unlikely companion and teacher to all of his students.

The Naughty Nine

Rating: G
Release date: November 23
Where to stream:
Disney+

Andy is a typical mischievous fifth grader who finds himself without presents on Christmas morning. Thinking he must have made it on the naughty list, he bands together a group of other “naughty listers.” Together they plan the ultimate heist: get to the North Pole and find the presents they deserve, learning some valuable lessons along the way.

Family Switch

Rating: PG
Release date: November 30
Where to stream:  Netflix

Because you may still be feasting on Thanksgiving leftovers into the next week, we wanted to include this release coming to Netflix at the end of November that has all of the Freaky Friday vibes. Days before Christmas, a family finds themselves in chaos when a cosmic event causes the parents to swap bodies with their teenage children.