5 Netflix movies to put on in the background during Thanksgiving festivities

Once the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is all said and done, there’s always an awkward space to fill where you’re not sure what should go on television next. Do you want to find something playing on cable? Skip the television altogether? Check out a new streaming offering? We’re here to help!

There is a huge catalog of Netflix movies to choose from that would make for the perfect background noise to your Thanksgiving Day, especially for those who like to eat later and have something on while they’re busy cooking the turkey and all the other tasty side dishes so many of us love so much. Or maybe you just have a lot going on and would like to have something on TV to entertain your guests, or to entertain yourself if your day is more low-key!

Here are a couple of great Netflix movies to have on in the background during your Thanksgiving Day festivities.

Chicken Run

You can’t really go wrong with anything from Aardman Animations and Chicken Run is one of the most beloved films in their repertoire for a good reason. Plus, Netflix is releasing a sequel to the movie this December called Chicken Run: Dawn of the Chicken Nugget, so now is the perfect time to rewatch the film. Your kids will love it and so will adults!

Not to mention the beautiful stop-motion clay animation that Aardman has become so famous for. Chicken Run follows a group of chickens stuck at a farm destined to a life of egg-laying until a new rooster arrives and encourages all of the chickens to break free from the farm.

The Christmas Chronicles

Get into the holiday spirit with this delightful Netflix Original Christmas movie starring Kurt Russell as Saint Nick. The film follows a pair of siblings who intend on capturing Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. As you might expect, things quickly go awry. If you enjoy The Christmas Chronicles, there’s even a sequel to check out right after and should keep you and your guests busy for a while!

Matilda

Matilda is a classic family film and coming-of-age story based on the Roald Dahl work of the same name. In addition to the 1996 movie, Netflix also has the Matilda musical movie starring Emma Thompson streaming. Both are great watches for the whole family. But if you do plan on watching the 1996 film, make sure to do it quickly as the movie will be leaving Netflix on November 30.

Best. Christmas. Ever!

Want to watch something brand new to Netflix? Look no further than the sweet new Christmas movie Best. Christmas. Ever! co-starring Brandy Norwood and Heather Graham. Jackie (Norwood) appears to have the perfect life, something she can’t help but flaunt year after year in her annual Christmas newsletter.

Charlotte (Graham) has been quietly seething with jealousy for sometime and when fate brings Charlotte to her old friend’s doorstep, she gets the chance to find out if Jackie’s life is really as picture-perfect as she makes it seem. Jason Biggs also stars.

Holidate

Holidate is a lighthearted rom-com starring Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey as two strangers who agree to be each other’s plus-one for a year’s worth of seasonal festivities. As these things usually go, the pair end up catching real feelings. If you want something a little more on the adult side, Holidate is a great choice and it has the bonus of featuring basically every holiday you could think of, including Thanksgiving!