10 Cozy Netflix Movies & TV Shows To Watch Over The Thanksgiving Weekend
- Joao Nsita
- Sep 28
- 13 min read
There’s a unique and wonderful rhythm to the Thanksgiving long weekend. After the joyful chaos of the main event—the cooking, the gathering, the feasting—a quiet, contented calm settles in. This is the sacred time of the post-turkey marathon, a period dedicated to leftovers, comfortable sweatpants, and the cherished ritual of gathering on the sofa with loved ones to get lost in a good story. In the modern era, curating the perfect viewing queue for this weekend has become as much a part of the tradition as the cranberry sauce. The trends on platforms like TikTok and Pinterest for the 2025 holiday season tell a clear story about what we're craving: we want the ultimate "cozy" and "hygge" viewing experience.
This is not a weekend for high-stress thrillers or emotionally draining dramas. It’s a time for "low-stakes" entertainment, for stories that feel like a warm, enveloping hug. The desire for generational nostalgia is huge, with families looking for movies and shows they can enjoy together, bridging the gap between parents and kids. And above all, we are drawn to the powerful "found family" trope, a theme that resonates deeply with the spirit of Thanksgiving, which is all about celebrating the people, both biological and chosen, that we are most grateful for. This list is your definitive guide to the ten coziest, most comforting, and most binge-worthy movies and TV shows currently on Netflix, presented in descending order, that are perfect for your Thanksgiving weekend marathon.
We hope you find this article a cozy and helpful guide for your holiday weekend! If you enjoy our content, please consider supporting our work with a small donation or by sharing our articles with your friends and family. Your support helps us continue to create joyful and informative content.
10. The Adam Project (2022)
The Vibe: A high-concept, nostalgic sci-fi adventure with a massive, beating heart.
Synopsis: This blockbuster film stars Ryan Reynolds as Adam Reed, a cynical time-jet pilot from a dystopian future who travels back in time and accidentally crash-lands in 2022. There, he is forced to team up with his own smart-mouthed, 12-year-old self (Walker Scobell) to save the future. The heart of the film, however, is not the sci-fi action, but Adam's mission to make peace with his late father (Mark Ruffalo) and the profound, emotional journey of confronting his own past.
Why It's the Perfect Thanksgiving Binge: The Adam Project is a perfect "four-quadrant" movie—a film that genuinely appeals to kids, teens, parents, and grandparents alike, making it an ideal choice for a multi-generational family gathering. It masterfully blends thrilling action sequences and hilarious, witty banter (it is a Ryan Reynolds movie, after all) with a surprisingly powerful and moving story about family, grief, and reconciliation. The film is steeped in a warm, Amblin-era nostalgia, feeling like a modern tribute to classics like E.T. and Back to the Future. It’s a film that is exciting enough to keep everyone engaged, but its core message about the importance of family and making peace with the past makes it a thematically perfect and deeply comforting watch for the Thanksgiving weekend. The film's 80s-inspired soundtrack is also fantastic, a quality shared by some of the best songs from Oasis.
9. Enola Holmes (1 & 2)
The Vibe: A witty, energetic, and wonderfully charming "cozy mystery" adventure.
Synopsis: Starring Millie Bobby Brown as the brilliant and spirited younger sister of the famous Sherlock Holmes, the Enola Holmes films are a pure delight. Raised to be a fierce independent thinker by her eccentric mother (Helena Bonham Carter), Enola wakes up on her 16th birthday to find her mother has disappeared. Defying the wishes of her stuffy older brothers, Sherlock and Mycroft, she runs away to London to solve the mystery herself, becoming a formidable "super-sleuth" in her own right.
Why It's the Perfect Thanksgiving Binge: These films are the definition of "low-stakes" fun. The mysteries are clever and engaging, but the tone is always light, optimistic, and full of charm. Millie Bobby Brown is fantastic as Enola, constantly breaking the fourth wall to talk directly to the audience, making us her co-conspirators. The films are set in a beautiful, slightly romanticized version of Victorian England, giving them a cozy, historical aesthetic. They are fast-paced, funny, and have a powerful message of female empowerment. They are the perfect choice for a family with older kids and teens, a thrilling adventure that is never too dark or scary. The films' triumphant, energetic feel is as infectious as the beat in some of the best songs from AC/DC.
External Link: The official IMDb page for Enola Holmes is a great place to explore the incredible ensemble cast of the films.
8. Holidate (2020)
The Vibe: A hilarious, slightly raunchy, and refreshingly modern holiday rom-com.
Synopsis: This Netflix Original follows Sloane (Emma Roberts) and Jackson (Luke Bracey), two strangers who are completely fed up with being single during the holidays. After a particularly disastrous Christmas, they make a pact to be each other's platonic "holidate" for every festive occasion for an entire year, from New Year's Eve to, of course, Thanksgiving. Their no-strings-attached arrangement is designed to get their meddling families off their backs, but as they navigate a year of holidays together, they start to develop surprisingly real feelings for each other.
Why It's the Perfect Thanksgiving Binge: While it spans all the holidays, Holidate has a fantastic and chaotic Thanksgiving sequence that is hilariously relatable. The film is a perfect "grown-ups" watch for after the kids have gone to bed. It’s a sharp, witty, and genuinely funny rom-com that puts a modern, slightly cynical spin on the genre. The chemistry between Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey is fantastic, and their banter is sharp and realistic. It’s a film that acknowledges the pressure and absurdity of the holiday season while still delivering a genuinely sweet and satisfying love story. It's a fun, escapist watch that will have you laughing out loud.
7. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018)
The Vibe: A breathtakingly beautiful, deeply moving, and incredibly cozy historical drama.
Synopsis: Based on the beloved novel, this film is set in the aftermath of World War II and follows Juliet Ashton (Lily James), a successful writer in London. She begins a correspondence with a charming pig farmer from the island of Guernsey, who is a member of a quirky and secretive literary society that was formed during the German occupation of the island. Intrigued by their story, Juliet travels to the beautiful island, where she uncovers a story of resilience, friendship, and a heartbreaking secret.
Why It's the Perfect Thanksgiving Binge: This film is the ultimate "found family" story. The members of the literary society, brought together by a shared love of books and a need for connection during a dark time, have formed a bond that is deeper than blood. The film is a beautiful and powerful celebration of the healing power of community and storytelling. The setting is absolutely stunning, with the windswept cliffs and cozy cottages of Guernsey providing a breathtaking, autumnal backdrop. It is a film that is full of warmth, charm, and deep, profound emotion. It’s a perfect, gentle, and incredibly rewarding watch for a quiet afternoon over the long weekend. The story’s focus on the power of the written word is a theme shared by some of the greatest songs ever written.
6. Matilda the Musical (2022)
The Vibe: A joyous, energetic, and visually stunning musical extravaganza for the whole family.
Synopsis: This film is a brilliant and wildly inventive adaptation of the hit stage musical, which itself is based on Roald Dahl's classic children's book. The story follows Matilda Wormwood, an extraordinary and brilliant little girl with a vivid imagination and neglectful, cruel parents. When she is sent to the oppressive Crunchem Hall school, run by the terrifying tyrant Miss Trunchbull, she discovers she has telekinetic powers and finds the courage to stand up for herself and her classmates, leading a glorious, triumphant rebellion.
Why It's the Perfect Thanksgiving Binge: This movie is a pure, unadulterated shot of joy. The musical numbers are spectacular, with brilliant choreography and incredibly catchy songs by Tim Minchin. The performances are phenomenal across the board, particularly from Alisha Weir as the fierce and wonderful Matilda, and a completely transformed, Oscar-worthy Emma Thompson as the villainous Miss Trunchbull. The film is a visual feast, with a vibrant, storybook aesthetic. It is a powerful and inspiring story about the magic of found family, the power of reading, and the importance of standing up to bullies. It’s a film that the whole family can watch together, a joyous and exhilarating experience that will have you cheering.
External Link: The official Netflix page for Matilda the Musical is a great place to see trailers and behind-the-scenes content.
5. Wednesday (2022)
The Vibe: A spooky, kooky, and brilliantly deadpan gothic mystery.
Synopsis: While it’s not a traditional "cozy" show, the first season of Wednesday is a perfect watch for the late-autumn, post-Halloween, pre-Christmas vibe of the Thanksgiving weekend. The series follows Wednesday Addams (a perfect Jenna Ortega) as she is sent to Nevermore Academy, a boarding school for supernatural outcasts. There, she finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery involving a monstrous creature, a secret society, and her own family's dark past.
Why It's the Perfect Thanksgiving Binge: The show is a perfect blend of a clever, "whodunnit" mystery and a hilarious, dark comedy. The "found family" that Wednesday reluctantly assembles around herself—including her bubbly, werewolf roommate, Enid—is the secret, heartwarming core of the show. The series has a beautiful, gothic, autumnal aesthetic that makes it a visually stunning watch for the season. It’s a show that is thrilling enough to keep teens and adults engaged, but not so scary that it will put you off your turkey leftovers. It’s a fun, stylish, and incredibly binge-worthy series that is perfect for a family with a slightly spooky sensibility. The show’s brilliant writing is a quality it shares with the best TV comedies of the 2010s.
4. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
The Vibe: A clever, hilarious, and star-studded "cozy mystery" that is perfect for a crowd.
Synopsis: The brilliant and flamboyant detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) returns for another intricate, puzzle-box of a mystery. This time, he finds himself on a private Greek island, the guest of a tech billionaire, Miles Bron (Edward Norton), who has gathered his group of wealthy, narcissistic friends for a murder mystery party. When a real murder occurs, Blanc must peel back the layers of lies and betrayals to uncover the killer among them.
Why It's the Perfect Thanksgiving Binge: This film is pure, unadulterated fun, a perfect post-dinner watch for the whole family. It is the ultimate "low-stakes" thriller, a whodunnit that is thrilling and clever without being dark or violent. The ensemble cast is a dream, and the script is whip-smart, packed with hilarious social satire and genuinely surprising twists. It’s a film that is designed to be watched with a group, with everyone shouting their own theories at the screen. It is an intellectually stimulating but incredibly fun and lighthearted movie, a perfect, crowd-pleasing choice for the holiday weekend. The film’s brilliant plot is as satisfying as any of the greatest detective shows of the 90s.
External Link: The official Rotten Tomatoes page for Glass Onion is a great place to see the film's incredible critical and audience scores.
3. Paddington (1 & 2)
The Vibe: The ultimate cinematic warm hug, a perfect, kind-hearted film for all ages.
Synopsis: The Paddington films are, without exaggeration, two of the most perfect and universally beloved family films ever made. The story follows a young, incredibly polite, and marmalade-loving bear from "darkest Peru" who travels to London in search of a new home. He is taken in by the kind but slightly chaotic Brown family, and what follows are a series of charming, hilarious, and heartwarming adventures.
Why It's the Perfect Thanksgiving Binge: These films are the very definition of "hygge" cinema. They are a powerful and sincere celebration of kindness, empathy, and the importance of looking after one another. The films are hysterically funny, with brilliant physical comedy and a wonderfully witty script. The world of the films is a beautiful, slightly idealized version of London that feels incredibly warm and inviting. At their core, these are powerful "found family" stories, and Paddington’s motto, "If we are kind and polite, the world will be right," is a beautiful and necessary message for the holiday season. These are films that the entire family, from the youngest child to the oldest grandparent, can watch together and adore. They are, simply put, perfect.
Call to Action: You can find a wide variety of comforting, family-friendly movies, and cozy merchandise on platforms like Disney+ and the official Disney Store.
2. The Great British Baking Show (Netflix)
The Vibe: The ultimate "low-stakes," comforting, and deeply kind reality competition show.
Synopsis: In a tent in the middle of the beautiful English countryside, a group of amateur bakers gather to compete in a series of incredibly difficult but charmingly twee baking challenges. That’s it. That’s the entire premise of The Great British Baking Show (or Bake Off, as it's known in the UK). There are no villains, no backstabbing, no manufactured drama. It is simply a show about nice people trying their best to make beautiful and delicious things.
Why It's the Perfect Thanksgiving Binge: This is the ultimate Thanksgiving weekend show. It is the definition of "low-stakes" entertainment, a show that is so gentle, so kind, and so deeply comforting that it can actually lower your blood pressure. The "hygge" and "cozy aesthetic" are off the charts. It is the perfect background show to have on while you're cooking, wrapping presents, or just relaxing on the sofa. The camaraderie between the bakers is beautiful to watch; they genuinely help and support each other. It’s a show that celebrates creativity, passion, and the simple, profound joy of a perfectly baked cake. It is a true cultural phenomenon and the most relaxing show on television. The show's comforting, pastoral setting is an escape, a quality we also look for in a good fall romance novel.
1. Gilmore Girls (Series & Revival)
The Vibe: The undisputed queen of "comfort shows" and the ultimate "fall aesthetic" binge-watch.
Synopsis: Taking the top spot on our list is the show that has become synonymous with the autumn and holiday season. Gilmore Girls follows the lives of the fast-talking, coffee-guzzling, and fiercely loving mother-daughter duo, Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, in the charming, quirky, and fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. The series is a beautiful, funny, and heartfelt exploration of family, friendship, and love in all its messy, complicated glory.
Why It's the Perfect Thanksgiving Binge: Gilmore Girls is the ultimate Thanksgiving weekend show for a reason. It is the very definition of a "comfort show," a series that feels like returning to a beloved, familiar home. The show is famous for its cozy, autumnal aesthetic—the falling leaves, the chunky knit sweaters, the endless cups of coffee from Luke’s Diner. It is also packed with incredible holiday episodes, including the iconic "A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving." But the true reason it’s so perfect for this weekend is that it is a show that is, at its core, about the power and the complexity of family—both the one you are born into and the one you find along the way. It is a warm, witty, and deeply human show that is perfect for a multi-generational binge-watch. The show’s brilliant, fast-paced dialogue is legendary, a quality that is celebrated in our ranking of the show's best episodes.
Conclusion
The Thanksgiving weekend is a precious, restorative time—a chance to slow down, to connect with loved ones, and to find comfort in the simple pleasure of a shared story. The ten movies and shows on this list are the perfect companions for that journey. They are a collection of funny, heartwarming, and deeply comforting stories that celebrate the very themes that make the holiday so special: family, friendship, gratitude, and the joy of coming home. So, as you settle onto the sofa, surrounded by leftovers and the people you love most, let Netflix provide the perfect, cozy backdrop to a weekend of well-deserved rest and relaxation.
We hope you found this article a cozy and helpful guide! If you enjoy our content, please consider supporting our work with a small donation or by sharing our articles with your friends and family. Your support helps us continue to create joyful and informative content.
For more on finding the perfect show or movie to watch, check out these other articles from That Love Podcast:
FAQs
Where can I stream these shows and movies? All ten of the titles on this list are available to stream on Netflix as of Thanksgiving 2025. Streaming libraries can change, but these are all either Netflix Originals or have long-term licensing deals, making them reliable choices.
What does "hygge" mean? Hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah") is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of cozy, comfortable conviviality and a feeling of contentment and well-being. The Great British Baking Show is a perfect example of a "hygge" show.
Are all these titles family-friendly? It's a mix. Paddington, Matilda the Musical, The Adam Project, and Enola Holmes are all fantastic choices for the whole family. Gilmore Girls and The Great British Baking Show are great for teens and up. Holidate and Glass Onion are intended for a more mature audience.
I don't have a lot of time. Which of these are movies instead of TV shows? The Adam Project, Enola Holmes, Holidate, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Matilda the Musical, Glass Onion, and Paddington are all movies.
What is a "comfort show"? A "comfort show" is a term popularized on social media for a television series that you can rewatch again and again for its familiar, soothing, and often nostalgic feeling. Gilmore Girls and The Great British Baking Show are prime examples.
I love a good mystery. Which titles are for me? Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is a perfect choice for a fun, clever whodunnit. The Enola Holmes films are also great mystery-adventures. Wednesday has a central supernatural mystery plot.
What does the "found family" trope mean? The "found family" is a popular storytelling trope where a group of unrelated people come together to form their own deep, supportive, family-like bonds. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and Paddington are beautiful examples of this.
Why is Gilmore Girls considered a Thanksgiving show? While it's most famous as a fall show, Gilmore Girls has one of the most beloved and iconic Thanksgiving episodes in television history ("A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving"), and its overall cozy, family-focused vibe makes it a perfect binge-watch for the holiday weekend.
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