10 Cozy Disney+ Movies & TV Shows To Watch Over The Thanksgiving Weekend
- Joao Nsita
- Oct 7
- 17 min read
It’s a Sunday evening in late September, and a new, more intimate mood is beginning to settle over London. The sun is dipping below the skyline earlier each day, and the crisp, cool air is a definitive sign that the cozy season is upon us. As we look ahead on the calendar, past the spooky delights of Halloween, our minds begin to turn to the warm, comforting, and often chaotic embrace of the late autumn holidays. For many, the Thanksgiving weekend is the official start of the festive season—a time for family, for gratitude, and for the simple, profound pleasure of gathering together on the sofa for a truly great movie or TV show.
In the world of streaming, Disney+ has become a true powerhouse of cozy, comforting, and family-friendly entertainment. And in 2025, the appetite for this kind of content is stronger than ever. On platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, the "cozy movie night" aesthetic is a dominant trend. We see a celebration of all things warm and nostalgic, with users creating watchlists, sharing their favourite "comfort characters," and curating the perfect atmosphere with blankets, fairy lights, and an abundance of festive snacks. This is not just about watching a movie; it’s about creating a feeling—a feeling of warmth, of connection, and of a safe, magical escape from the pressures of the outside world.
This is your definitive, in-depth guide to the ultimate cozy Disney+ watchlist for the Thanksgiving weekend. We have curated a list of ten of the most heartwarming, beloved, and utterly binge-worthy movies and TV shows on the platform, presented in descending order. This is more than just a list of titles; it is a deep dive into the stories that have captured the hearts of generations. We will explore not just their plots, but the specific, magical ingredients that make each one the perfect, soul-soothing companion for a long, lazy holiday weekend.
From the vibrant, musical worlds of Pixar to the charming, real-life adventures of beloved animals, these are the ten titles that are guaranteed to bring a little extra warmth and magic to your Thanksgiving celebration. So, get the fire going, prepare the hot chocolate, and let’s dive into a world of cozy, cinematic comfort.
Enjoyed what you read? If you find this article insightful and it helps you plan your perfect holiday weekend watchlist, please consider supporting our work. Your generosity allows us to continue creating and sharing in-depth cultural commentary. You can make a donation by moving your cursor to the top of the article or scrolling down to the bottom. Every little bit helps us spread the love, one article at a time!
10. Togo (2019)
The Vibe: A thrilling, breathtaking, and incredibly moving true story of heroism, adventure, and the unbreakable bond between a man and his dog.
The Premise: This underrated Disney+ original film tells the incredible, untold true story of the 1925 serum run to Nome, Alaska. While the story is often famously attributed to the dog Balto, this film shines a much-needed light on the true hero of the event: a musher named Leonhard Seppala and his lead sled dog, Togo. The film follows their perilous, 260-mile journey across the treacherous, frozen Alaskan wilderness to transport a vital antitoxin to the remote town of Nome during a deadly diphtheria outbreak.
Why It’s a Perfect Cozy Watch: Togo is the perfect blend of a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat adventure and a deeply heartwarming and emotional story. The cinematography is absolutely breathtaking, capturing both the stunning beauty and the terrifying danger of the Alaskan landscape. Willem Dafoe gives a brilliant, beautifully understated performance as Seppala. But the true heart of the film is the incredible, lifelong bond between Seppala and his undersized but fiercely determined lead dog, Togo. The film uses a series of beautiful flashbacks to chronicle their relationship, from Togo’s mischievous puppyhood to his heroic, life-saving journey.
What Makes It a Classic: It is a powerful and inspiring story of courage, resilience, and the profound, non-verbal communication that exists between humans and animals. It’s the kind of film that will have you on the edge of your seat one moment and reaching for the tissues the next. For more on the real history of this incredible event, the National Park Service website has a fantastic overview. The show’s complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Favorite Movie Anti-Heroes of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Togo exclusively on Disney+.
9. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
The Vibe: A hilarious, heartwarming, and surprisingly faithful musical retelling of a timeless classic. This is, without a doubt, one of the greatest and coziest Christmas movies of all time.
The Premise: This beloved film retells Charles Dickens' classic story, A Christmas Carol, with the iconic Muppets taking on the supporting roles. The legendary Sir Michael Caine stars as the miserly, cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge. He is joined by Kermit the Frog as his gentle, long-suffering clerk, Bob Cratchit, and a cast of other beloved Muppets, including Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and the Great Gonzo, who serves as the film's narrator, Charles Dickens himself. The story follows Scrooge's journey as he is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve, who show him the error of his ways and teach him the true meaning of Christmas.
Why It’s a Perfect Cozy Watch: The Muppet Christmas Carol is a perfect, multi-generational holiday classic. It is a film that is bursting with the signature humour, warmth, and chaotic energy of the Muppets, but it is also a surprisingly faithful and emotionally resonant adaptation of Dickens's novel. Michael Caine delivers a phenomenal and completely committed performance as Scrooge, playing the role with a straight-faced seriousness that makes the comedic moments even funnier. The original songs, by the brilliant Paul Williams, are incredibly catchy and full of festive cheer. For more on the incredible legacy of Jim Henson, the Jim Henson Foundation website is a wonderful resource.
What Makes It a Classic: The film is a masterpiece of puppetry, production design, and heartfelt storytelling. It is a film that perfectly balances its silly, comedic moments with a deep, genuine, and often very moving emotional core. It is a joyful, funny, and profoundly heartwarming film that has become an essential and beloved part of the holiday season for millions. The show’s focus on a powerful redemption arc is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Movies with an Origin Story.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream The Muppet Christmas Carol on Disney+.
8. High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
The Vibe: A meta, mockumentary-style series that is a funny, heartfelt, and wonderfully inclusive love letter to the original High School Musical films and the world of high school theatre.
The Premise: The series is set at the real-life East High, the school where the original High School Musical movies were filmed. It follows a new generation of theatre kids as they navigate the drama of high school, first loves, and the intense, exhilarating world of putting on a school musical. Each season sees the students tackling a new production, from High School Musical and Beauty and the Beast to Frozen and, in its final season, a meta production of High School Musical 3.
Why It’s a Perfect Cozy Watch: HSMTMTS is a pure, joyful, and incredibly easy show to binge-watch. It is a show with a massive, beating heart that is full of catchy original songs, impressive musical performances, and a cast of incredibly talented and charismatic young actors (including global superstars Olivia Rodrigo and Joshua Bassett). The show is celebrated for its progressive and inclusive storytelling, its witty, self-aware humour, and its powerful themes of friendship and finding your voice.
What Makes It a Classic: The show, which has now concluded its four-season run, is the perfect show for a long weekend binge. You can experience the entire journey of the East High Wildcats from start to finish. It is a show that is both a wonderful, nostalgic trip for fans of the original movies and a fresh, modern, and genuinely brilliant series in its own right. The show’s focus on a powerful ensemble is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movies With An Ensemble Cast.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream the complete series of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+.
7. While You Were Sleeping (1995)
The Vibe: An underrated, charming, and deeply heartwarming 90s romantic comedy that is the very definition of a "comfort movie."
The Premise: Sandra Bullock stars as Lucy, a lonely Chicago transit worker who has a secret, long-distance crush on a handsome commuter named Peter. On Christmas Day, she rescues him after he is mugged and falls onto the train tracks, and he ends up in a coma. In a moment of confusion at the hospital, a nurse mistakenly tells Peter's large, chaotic, and incredibly loving family that Lucy is his fiancée. Swept up in the warmth and affection of the family she has always dreamed of, Lucy is unable to correct the mistake. The situation is further complicated when she finds herself falling for Peter's handsome and suspicious brother, Jack.
Why It’s a Perfect Cozy Watch: This is one of the coziest and most genuinely heartwarming films ever made. The film is set during a snowy Chicago Christmas season, and it is filled with scenes of cozy, domestic bliss. The Callaghan family is the warm, loving, and slightly bonkers family that everyone wishes they had. The film is a beautiful and funny exploration of loneliness and the deep, human need for connection. Sandra Bullock is at her most charming and relatable, and her slow-burn romance with Bill Pullman's character, Jack, is incredibly sweet and believable.
What Makes It a Classic: The film is a perfect, nostalgic 90s comfort watch. It’s a film that is so full of warmth, charm, and genuine, feel-good energy that it is almost impossible to dislike. It has become a beloved holiday classic for its sweet, romantic, and deeply comforting story. The show’s focus on a powerful romance is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Romantic Movies of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream While You Were Sleeping on Disney+.
6. Ratatouille (2007)
The Vibe: A visually stunning, incredibly charming, and deeply inspiring animated masterpiece that is a love letter to food, art, and the pursuit of passion.
The Premise: The film follows the story of Remy, a rat with a highly developed sense of taste and smell, who dreams of becoming a great chef, much to the dismay of his garbage-loving rat family. He finds himself in Paris, the culinary capital of the world, and forms an unlikely partnership with a clumsy, down-on-his-luck garbage boy named Linguini. The two team up, with Remy secretly controlling Linguini's cooking from under his chef's hat, and together they take the Parisian culinary scene by storm.
Why It’s a Perfect Cozy Watch: Ratatouille is one of Pixar’s greatest and most beautiful films. It is a feast for the senses, a stunningly animated and incredibly detailed love letter to the city of Paris and the art of cooking. The film is a powerful and inspiring story about creativity, passion, and the importance of not letting anyone tell you what you are capable of. The film’s famous motto, "Anyone can cook," is a beautiful and democratic message about the nature of artistry.
What Makes It a Classic: The film was a massive critical and commercial success, winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It is a film that is beloved by both foodies and families alike. It’s a warm, funny, and deeply moving story that will leave you feeling inspired and very, very hungry. For more on the magic of Pixar, the official Pixar website is a fantastic resource. The show’s focus on a powerful friendship is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of 5 Must-Watch Movies About Unlikely Friendships.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Ratatouille on Disney+.
5. Remember the Titans (2000)
The Vibe: An incredibly inspiring, powerful, and deeply moving sports drama based on a remarkable true story.
The Premise: The film chronicles the true story of the then-controversial racial integration of a high school American football team in Virginia in 1971. Denzel Washington gives a phenomenal performance as Herman Boone, the tough but fair Black coach who is hired to lead the newly integrated T.C. Williams High School Titans. He must bring the team of resentful, angry, black and white players together, not just to win football games, but to become a symbol of unity for their divided community.
Why It’s a Perfect Cozy Watch: While the film deals with serious and important themes, it is, at its heart, an incredibly uplifting and heartwarming story. It is a powerful testament to the ability of sports to break down barriers and to bring people together. The film is packed with rousing, inspirational speeches, thrilling football sequences, and a fantastic, soulful 70s soundtrack. But the true heart of the film is the powerful, evolving bond between the players as they move from being enemies to becoming a true, integrated family. For more on the history of the Civil Rights Movement, the National Civil Rights Museum website is an invaluable resource.
What Makes It a Classic: The film was a massive box office hit and has become a beloved modern classic. It is a film that is both a fantastic, crowd-pleasing sports movie and a powerful, important social drama. It’s the kind of film that will leave you feeling inspired, hopeful, and ready to take on the world. The show’s focus on a powerful team is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movies About Teamwork.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Remember the Titans on Disney+.
4. The Parent Trap (1998)
The Vibe: A charming, funny, and wonderfully nostalgic family comedy that is a perfect, sun-drenched escape.
The Premise: This beloved remake of the 1961 classic stars a young Lindsay Lohan in a brilliant, dual-role performance. The film follows Hallie Parker, a cool, laid-back girl from California, and Annie James, a proper and polite girl from London. The two meet by chance at a summer camp and are shocked to discover that they are identical twin sisters who were separated at birth after their parents' divorce. They hatch a brilliant and elaborate plan to switch places, in an attempt to get to know the parent they've never met and, ultimately, to bring their family back together.
Why It’s a Perfect Cozy Watch: The Parent Trap, from the queen of the modern comfort movie, Nancy Meyers, is a pure, joyful delight. It is a film that is brimming with a warm, aspirational, and incredibly cozy energy. The film is a visual feast, from the beautiful, rustic summer camp to the glamorous, sophisticated world of London and the sun-drenched beauty of a Napa Valley vineyard. The film is a charming, funny, and deeply heartwarming story about the power of family and sisterhood.
What Makes It a Classic: The film was a massive critical and commercial success and has become a beloved classic for an entire generation. It is a perfect, nostalgic comfort watch that has stood the test of time. For more on the film's iconic director, The New York Times has some fantastic articles on Nancy Meyers's filmography. The show’s focus on a powerful family is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Family Movies of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream The Parent Trap on Disney+.
3. The Princess Bride (1987)
The Vibe: A witty, charming, and endlessly quotable fairytale adventure that is a perfect, hilarious, and deeply romantic cult classic.
The Premise: This beloved film, directed by Rob Reiner, is a brilliant and loving deconstruction of the classic fairytale. The story is framed as a grandfather reading a book to his sick grandson. The book tells the epic story of the beautiful farm girl, Buttercup, and her devoted true love, the farm boy Westley. After Westley is presumed dead, Buttercup is unwillingly betrothed to the vile Prince Humperdinck. What follows is a swashbuckling adventure filled with sword fights, giants, pirates, and a cast of some of the most memorable and hilarious characters in movie history.
Why It’s a Perfect Cozy Watch: The Princess Bride is one of the most beloved and universally adored films of all time. It is a film that is bursting with a unique, witty, and incredibly charming energy. The script is a masterpiece of comedic writing, and the film is packed with some of the most iconic and quotable lines in cinema history ("Inconceivable!", "As you wish."). It is a film that is both a hilarious, satirical take on the fairytale genre and a genuinely sweeping, epic, and deeply romantic love story.
What Makes It a Classic: While it was not a huge box office hit on its initial release, the film has since become a massive cult phenomenon, a film that is passed down and cherished from generation to generation. It is a perfect, timeless, and endlessly re-watchable classic. The show’s focus on a powerful romance is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Romantic Movies of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream The Princess Bride on Disney+.
2. Up (2009)
The Vibe: A breathtakingly beautiful, incredibly funny, and profoundly moving animated masterpiece that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the power of adventure at any age.
The Premise: This Oscar-winning Pixar classic tells the story of Carl Fredricksen, a grumpy, 78-year-old retired balloon salesman. After the death of his beloved wife, Ellie, and facing the prospect of being moved into a retirement home, Carl decides to make good on a lifelong promise he made to his wife. He ties thousands of balloons to his small, colourful house and flies away on an epic adventure to the lost world of Paradise Falls in South America. His solitary journey is unexpectedly complicated by the arrival of an accidental stowaway: an overly enthusiastic and incredibly talkative 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell.
Why It’s a Perfect Cozy Watch: Up is one of the most emotional and beautiful films in the entire Pixar canon. The film’s famous, wordless opening montage, which chronicles the entire, beautiful, and heartbreaking love story of Carl and Ellie, is a masterpiece of emotional storytelling. The film is a thrilling adventure, a hilarious buddy comedy (the dynamic between the grumpy Carl and the cheerful Russell is a delight), and a profound and moving meditation on grief, love, and the importance of finding a new purpose in life.
What Makes It a Classic: The film is a masterpiece of animation and storytelling, a film that is beloved by both children and adults alike. It is a film that is full of a beautiful, life-affirming wisdom. It is a powerful reminder that adventure is out there, and that it is never too late to start a new chapter in your life. The film's beautiful and heartbreaking love story is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movies About Love. For more on the art of Pixar, the official Pixar website is a fantastic resource.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Up on Disney+.
1. Mary Poppins (1964)
The Vibe: The ultimate, timeless, and purely magical Disney classic. It is a film that is so full of wonder, joy, and unforgettable music that it is, in every sense of the word, "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious."
The Premise: This legendary film tells the story of the Banks family, who live at Number 17 Cherry Tree Lane in Edwardian London. The family is in a state of quiet disarray. The father is a cold and distant banker, the mother is a flighty suffragette, and the two children, Jane and Michael, are a mischievous and unruly pair who have just scared off their latest nanny. Into their lives flies the mysterious and magical Mary Poppins, a nanny who is "practically perfect in every way." With the help of her charming, jack-of-all-trades friend, Bert, Mary Poppins uses her unique brand of magic and music to bring a sense of wonder, joy, and much-needed healing to the Banks family.
Why It’s at the Top: Mary Poppins is number one on this list because it is the quintessential, perfect, family comfort movie. It is a masterpiece of filmmaking, a brilliant and groundbreaking blend of live-action and animation. The songs, by the legendary Sherman Brothers, are some of the most iconic and beloved in cinematic history. And the performance from Dame Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins is a true tour de force, a perfect, Oscar-winning embodiment of a character who is both stern and kind, magical and deeply human.
What Makes It a Classic: The film is a timeless and powerful story about the importance of family, the magic of childhood, and the need to find the joy and wonder in the everyday. It is a film that has been a cherished part of family life for generations, a movie that is passed down from parents to children as a rite of passage. It is a film that is so full of warmth, so full of magic, and so full of heart that it is, quite simply, the perfect film for a cozy family gathering. The show’s complex family dynamics are central to its appeal, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Family Movies of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Mary Poppins on Disney+.
Conclusion
In a world that often feels fast-paced and overwhelming, the simple, profound act of gathering together for a cozy movie night is a powerful and unifying ritual. The twelve titles on this list are a testament to the incredible, enduring power of a great family film. They are a diverse and beautiful collection of stories that have entertained us, moved us, and brought us closer together for generations.
From the animated magic of Pixar and Disney to the heartfelt, real-world dramas and the thrilling, epic adventures, these are the films that have become a part of our own family histories. They are the stories we share with our children, the quotes we repeat, and the characters who feel like old friends. As the cozy season of autumn and winter truly begins, we encourage you to revisit these timeless classics, or to discover them for the very first time. The magic of a great family movie is a gift that keeps on giving.
Enjoyed what you read? If you found this article insightful and it helps you plan your next family movie night, please consider supporting our work. Your generosity allows us to continue creating and sharing in-depth cultural commentary. You can make a donation by moving your cursor to the top of the article or scrolling down to the bottom. Every little bit helps us spread the love, one article at a time!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes a movie a "family movie"? A family movie is a film that is suitable and enjoyable for a wide range of ages, from children to adults. They typically have a G or PG rating and focus on themes that are universally relatable, such as family, friendship, and adventure.
2. Why are so many of the movies on this list from the 90s and 2000s? The 90s and 2000s are often considered a golden age for the live-action family film, with many of the movies from that era becoming beloved, nostalgic classics for the millennial generation who are now sharing them with their own children.
3. Are all these movies "kids' movies"? No. This list is designed to include films that have a true, four-quadrant appeal, meaning they are genuinely enjoyable for kids, teens, parents, and grandparents alike. Many of the films, like Remember the Titans, deal with complex and mature themes in an accessible way.
4. Where can I watch these movies in the UK? The streaming availability for these films can vary. This list includes the current primary streaming homes for each film in the UK on Disney+. A service like JustWatch can help you find where a specific film is available to stream, rent, or buy on other platforms.
5. What is a "found family"? A "found family" is a popular storytelling trope where a group of unrelated people come together to form their own deep, family-like bonds. This is a key theme in films like The Muppet Christmas Carol.
6. Are any of these movies based on books? Yes, a huge number of them are! The Chronicles of Narnia, The Polar Express, and Mary Poppins are all based on beloved and classic books.
7. What is the difference between a "remake" and a "reimagining"? A "remake," like The Parent Trap, typically follows the same basic plot and characters as the original film. A "reimagining," like Enchanted or The Muppet Christmas Carol, takes the core concepts of a classic story but tells it in a completely new and different way.
8. What is the "Marvel Cinematic Universe"? The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is the shared fictional universe where most of the films and TV shows produced by Marvel Studios, such as Shang-Chi, are set, allowing for crossovers and interconnected storylines.
9. What is "Pixar"? Pixar is a legendary American computer animation studio, famous for creating some of the most beautiful and critically acclaimed animated films of all time, including Ratatouille and Up. It is a subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios.
10. What is the best way to plan a family movie night? The key is to make it an event! Let the whole family have a say in choosing the movie. Get some special snacks, like popcorn and sweets. Put your phones away to create a distraction-free environment, and get cozy with plenty of blankets and pillows.
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