Thanksgiving is the one time of year when we all gather around the table, share a hearty meal, and take a moment to appreciate the people and things that make life special. But let’s be honest. After the turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, sometimes the best part of the day is kicking back on the couch and pressing play on something that keeps the good vibes going.
Netflix has quickly become our go-to for holiday streaming. From heartwarming family stories to laugh-out-loud comedies and even a few surprises, there’s something for everyone. But with so many options, it can feel overwhelming to decide what’s worth your precious post-Thanksgiving downtime. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you and put together a list of some of the best Netflix movies to watch this Thanksgiving 2025.
Always Be My Maybe
Always Be My Maybe is easily one of the best romantic comedies ever made. It’s a full-on delight that hits you right in the heart and keeps you laughing the entire time. But this film isn’t all laughs. It’s also brutally honest about life, love, and growing up. It explores what happens when childhood friendships collide with adult ambitions, missed opportunities, and messy, complicated feelings.
Sasha Tran and Marcus Kim were once inseparable childhood friends, but as the years went by, life pulled them in different directions. Sasha leaves their hometown and becomes a successful celebrity chef, while Marcus stays rooted in San Francisco, trying to find his place in the world.
When they unexpectedly reconnect as adults, the awkwardness, nostalgia, and lingering “what ifs” collide in the most hilarious, heart-melting, and painfully relatable way. Ali Wong stars as Sasha, while Randall Park plays Marcus.
Carry-On
This Thanksgiving, we also recommend watching other Netflix movies besides your usual cozy, predictable holiday films. Carry-On is exactly the kind of heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat thriller you need to break the monotony. It stars Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek, a TSA agent who suddenly finds himself thrust into a high-stakes nightmare on Christmas Eve.
When a mysterious traveler, played by Jason Bateman, blackmails Ethan into letting a dangerous carry-on case slip past airport security, every second becomes a race against time. Add to that the stakes of protecting his pregnant girlfriend, played by Sofia Carson, and the tension skyrockets to a nearly unbearable level.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is the ultimate cinematic thrill ride that will keep you hooked from start to finish. It’s a sequel to Knives Out and serves as the second movie in the film series. Daniel Craig returns as the brilliant and enigmatic detective Benoit Blanc, who finds himself unraveling a twisted murder among a crew of rich, entitled, and utterly ridiculous friends on a private Greek island.
Joining Craig in the cast are Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessica Henwick, Madelyn Cline, Kate Hudson, and Dave Bautista. A third film, Wake Up Dead Man, is set to be released on Netflix on Dec. 12.
In Your Dreams
If you’re looking for a fun, imaginative, and visually stunning animated movie to watch with the entire family this Thanksgiving, In Your Dreams is the perfect pick. The film follows siblings Stevie and Elliot as they enter a wild, colorful dream world to find the Sandman and wish their struggling family back together. With Elliot’s stuffed giraffe Baloney Tony magically coming to life, the kids face hilarious creatures, twisting landscapes, and the menacing Queen of Nightmares.
Jolie Hoang-Rappaport voices the role of Stevie, and Elias Janssen as Elliot. Also in the voice cast are Craig Robinson, Simu Liu, Cristin Milioti, Gia Carides, Omid Djalili, SungWon Cho, and others.
Love Hard
You need to watch Love Hard this Thanksgiving. No excuses! This lighthearted movie is basically a holiday cheat code for laughs, chaos, and all the warm, fuzzy feelings you secretly love about rom-coms. The story follows Natalie, a young woman seeking love in the modern world, who flies across the country to meet her online crush, only to discover she’s been catfished.
What could have been a complete disaster turns into a hilarious and heartfelt adventure as Natalie navigates awkward family encounters, chaotic holiday moments, and unexpected romantic sparks, learning along the way that love often shows up when you least expect it. Nina Dobrev takes on the lead role of Natalie, with Jimmy O. Yang playing the role of Josh, the catfisher.
