Kids Movies About Being Thankful

From George Lucas, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope is a 1977 epic space-opera film written and directed by George Lucas. It is the first film in the original Star Wars trilogy and the beginning of the Star Wars franchise. The plot follows a group of freedom fighters who come together to battle an evil empire led by the Sith Lord Darth Vader. The story focuses on the journey of Luke Skywalker, a farm boy from Tatooine, as he joins forces with a motley crew of rebels, including his mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, a pair of droids, and the iconic Han Solo and Chewbacca. Together, they embark on a mission to rescue the rebellious Princess Leia from the clutches of the Empire and destroy the Death Star, a powerful weapon of destruction. Along the way, Luke discovers that he is a powerful Jedi and must confront the evil Darth Vader in a thrilling lightsaber duel. In the end, the rebels defeat the Empire and restore freedom to the galaxy.

From James Cameron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick
Rated R

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a 1991 science fiction action film directed by James Cameron and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The film is a sequel to The Terminator (1984). It follows Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), John Connor (Edward Furlong), and the Terminator (Schwarzenegger) as they attempt to prevent Judgment Day, the day when Skynet and its machines become self-aware and initiate a nuclear holocaust against the human race. The Terminator, a cyborg assassin sent from the future to kill Sarah Connor, must now protect her and John from a new, more advanced Terminator, the T-1000. With the help of a reprogrammed T-800, they must find a way to stop the computer network Skynet from becoming self-aware and initiating the nuclear apocalypse. Along the way, they uncover a horrifying secret about the future of humanity and the ultimate fate of the Terminator.

From Richard Marquand, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams
Rated PG

Set one year after the events of The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi sees the Rebel Alliance intensifying their attacks against the Galactic Empire. Luke Skywalker embarks on a mission to rescue his friend Han Solo from the clutches of the monstrous Jabba the Hutt. Meanwhile, the Rebel Alliance plans an attack on the new, bigger Death Star in order to put an end to the Galactic Empire once and for all. The final battle pits the Rebel forces against the monstrous Imperial forces in a laser-filled space battle. Ultimately, with the help of the Rebellion, Luke is able to destroy the Death Star, thus saving the galaxy from the tyranny of the Empire.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Ken Watanabe, Liam Neeson
Rated PG-13

Batman Begins is a 2005 American superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan and written by Nolan and David S. Goyer. The film stars Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne, who after the death of his parents is driven to avenge crime and corruption in Gotham City. He is aided by Alfred Pennyworth, Lucius Fox, and a mysterious mentor known as Ducard. The film follows Bruce as he is trained by Ducard and the League of Shadows and then returns to Gotham to wage a one-man war against the city's criminal underworld. Along the way, he teams up with Rachel Dawes, Jim Gordon, and Lucius Fox to restore order in Gotham and defeat the League of Shadows' leader Ra's al Ghul. Ultimately, Bruce manages to stop Ra's and save Gotham from destruction.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough
Rated PG-13

Jurassic Park is a 1993 American science fiction adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the 1990 novel of the same name by Michael Crichton. The film centers around a wealthy entrepreneur named John Hammond, who has created a theme park filled with cloned dinosaurs. Hammond invites a group of scientists, including paleontologist Alan Grant and paleobotanist Ellie Sattler, to preview the park before its grand opening. However, the park is soon terrorized by cloned predators, when a disgruntled employee sabotages the security systems. In a desperate attempt to contain the chaos, Hammond and his guests must find a way to survive the dinosaurs and escape the island. With the assistance of a chaotic mathematician and Hammond’s two grandchildren, they attempt to survive the onslaught of dinosaurs and escape the island. Ultimately, the group is successful in their attempt to escape the island, but not without learning valuable lessons about the power and fragility of life.

From Directors: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam
Rated PG

Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a 1975 British comedy classic directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones. The movie follows King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on a quest to find the holy grail. Along the way, they encounter a series of absurd and hilarious characters including a Black Knight, a Three-Headed Giant, and the infamous Knights Who Say Ni. Throughout their journey, their search leads them on a series of wild and zany adventures that are sure to have you laughing out loud. With plenty of irreverent humor, Monty Python and the Holy Grail continues to be a beloved classic.

From Guillermo del Toro, starring Ivana Baquero, Ariadna Gil, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú
Rated R

Pan's Labyrinth is a 2006 dark fantasy film directed by Guillermo del Toro. Set against the backdrop of the Falangist Spain of 1944, the story follows Ofelia, a young girl who moves to a rural military post with her pregnant mother. When Ofelia discovers an ancient labyrinth, she embarks on a magical journey in which she meets an otherworldly faun who sets her a task to complete if she is to reclaim her rightful place in a mysterious kingdom. Ofelia must face her fears and ultimately confront the evils of the real world - represented by her tyrannical stepfather, the captain. Along the way, she encounters a variety of mythical creatures and characters, many of whom help her on her journey. The film is a powerful mix of folklore and realism, and ultimately, a story of hope in the face of despair.

From Ridley Scott, starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos
Rated R

Blade Runner is a science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott and released in 1982. Set in a dystopian future in Los Angeles, the story follows a blade runner, Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), who is tasked with hunting down and eliminating a group of escaped replicants, a genetically engineered human-like species. The replicants, led by Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer), are searching for a way to extend their limited lifespans. As Deckard pursues the replicants, he begins to develop a sympathy that leads him to question his mission and his own identity. Along his journey, Deckard discovers dark secrets about the world he lives in and the society he serves. Blade Runner is a powerful exploration of themes such as mortality, free will, and the relationship between man and machine.

From James Cameron, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn, Paul Winfield
Rated R

The Terminator is an action sci-fi classic directed by James Cameron and released in 1984. It stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as an unstoppable cyborg assassin sent from the future to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), the mother of the future leader of the human resistance against machines. Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), a soldier from the future, is sent back in time to protect Sarah and her son John from the Terminator. The movie follows the relentless pursuit of the Terminator as he tracks Sarah and Kyle through Los Angeles, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. The movie culminates in an explosive finale with Sarah and Kyle trying to destroy the Terminator before it can complete its mission. The Terminator is a groundbreaking movie that put a new spin on the sci-fi genre and launched the career of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

From Joss Whedon, starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner
Rated PG-13

The Avengers is a 2012 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name. Directed by Joss Whedon, it is the sixth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film stars Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark / Iron Man, Chris Evans as Steve Rogers / Captain America, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner / Hulk, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow, Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton / Hawkeye, and Tom Hiddleston as Loki. When an unexpected enemy threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., assembles a team of superheroes to form The Avengers. As the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance, the team is put to the ultimate test as they battle to save the planet from destruction. The Avengers must work together and use their individual skills to defeat the powerful enemy and save the world.

From Directors: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise, starring Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Jesse Corti, Rex Everhart
Rated G

Beauty and the Beast is a beloved Disney animated film directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise. It tells the story of Belle, a young woman who discovers true love in an unlikely place—the Beast’s enchanted castle. After her father is taken prisoner by the Beast, Belle learns to look beyond the Beast’s gruff exterior and sees the kind heart of the cursed prince within. In the end, with the help of the castle’s enchanted objects, Belle and the Beast discover that true beauty is found within, and they fall in love. With unforgettable music, vibrant characters, and a timeless story, Beauty and the Beast is an enchanting classic that continues to captivate viewers of all ages.

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas, Dave Bautista
Rated R

Blade Runner 2049 is a 2017 science fiction neo-noir film directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford. The film is a sequel to the 1982 film Blade Runner, and is set thirty years after the original. It follows K (Gosling), a replicant blade runner who uncovers a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos. His discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Ford), a former blade runner who has been missing for 30 years. The story follows K's investigation and his confrontation with powerful forces who will do anything to stop him from revealing the truth. Along his journey, K is faced with difficult moral choices that ultimately determine the fate of humanity.

From Tim Miller, starring Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller, Ed Skrein
Rated R

Deadpool is a 2016 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Directed by Tim Miller, it stars Ryan Reynolds as the titular character alongside Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T. J. Miller, Gina Carano, Leslie Uggams, Brianna Hildebrand, and Stefan Kapičić. The film follows Wade Wilson, an ex-special forces operative who is subjected to an experiment which leaves him with accelerated healing powers. With his new abilities, Wade adopts the alter ego Deadpool and seeks revenge against the man who nearly ruined his life. Deadpool was a commercial and critical success, and was praised for its action sequences, irreverent humor, and the performance of Reynolds. The film grossed over $783 million worldwide, becoming the ninth-highest-grossing film of 2016, the highest-grossing R-rated film of all-time, and setting numerous records. It received two sequels, Deadpool 2 in 2018, and Deadpool 3 in 2021.

From Alan Parker, starring Bob Geldof, Christine Hargreaves, James Laurenson, Eleanor David
Rated R

Pink Floyd: The Wall is a 1982 British musical drama film directed by Alan Parker, based on the 1979 Pink Floyd album of the same name. The film follows a rock star named Pink, who, after his father's death in World War II, becomes an eccentric recluse, destroying relationships with everyone he knows. Pink's mental state deteriorates, causing him to build a metaphorical wall around himself. The film uses surrealistic imagery and animation to explore themes of isolation, abandonment, and personal identity. The film culminates with Pink reclaiming his life and coming to terms with his feelings of abandonment and isolation.

From Neill Blomkamp, starring Sharlto Copley, David James, Jason Cope, Nathalie Boltt
Rated R

District 9 is a science fiction action film directed by Neill Blomkamp and produced by Peter Jackson. It follows Wikus Van De Merwe, a bureaucrat, who is tasked with relocating an extraterrestrial race known as the 'prawns' from a slum in Johannesburg, South Africa to a new camp. Through a series of events, Wikus is exposed to a mysterious fluid and begins to transform into one of the aliens. Now he must fight for his survival, as well as that of the aliens, against a ruthless multi-national corporation. As the struggle escalates, Wikus finds himself leading the prawns in an uprising that could prove to be the biggest threat to human existence.

From Rob Reiner, starring Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Kimberly Stringer
Rated R

This Is Spinal Tap is a 1984 American mockumentary directed by Rob Reiner that tells the story of the fictional heavy metal band, Spinal Tap. The film follows the group as they embark on a series of concerts across the US and UK, and chronicles their struggles with a series of personal and professional issues. Through interviews, concert scenes, and behind-the-scenes footage, the film satirizes the behavior and musical pretensions of bands and the hollowness of rock stardom. Despite the band's struggles, the film culminates in a triumphant performance of their hit single, "Big Bottom". The film is widely considered to be one of the greatest comedies of all time, and it has enjoyed a cult following since its release.

From Edgar Wright, starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield, Lucy Davis
Rated R

Shaun of the Dead is a 2004 horror comedy by director, Edgar Wright. The film follows Shaun (Simon Pegg), an electronics salesman whose mundane life is disrupted when a zombie apocalypse takes over London. Along with his best friend Ed (Nick Frost), Shaun embarks on a mission to rescue his mother, stepfather, and ex-girlfriend, Liz (Kate Ashfield). Shaun, Ed, and Liz must fight their way through hordes of zombies as they attempt to make their way to the Winchester pub for safety. Along the way, Shaun finds out what being a hero and a friend really means. In the end, Shaun and his friends come to terms with the apocalypse and learn to accept it, while also learning the importance of life.

From Directors: Don Hall, Chris Williams, starring Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Jamie Chung, T.J. Miller
Rated PG

Big Hero 6 is a 2014 computer-animated superhero film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams, the film tells the story of a young robotics prodigy, Hiro Hamada, who finds himself wrapped up in a dangerous plot involving a criminal organization and a giant, healthcare-providing robot named Baymax. With the help of his friends, Hiro forms a superhero team called Big Hero 6 to protect the city and stop the criminal organization. Along the way, Hiro learns valuable lessons about friendship, teamwork, and heroism. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

From James Whale, starring Colin Clive, Mae Clarke, Boris Karloff, John Boles
Rated Passed

Frankenstein (1931) is a classic horror film directed by James Whale and based on Mary Shelley’s novel of the same name. The film follows the story of Dr. Henry Frankenstein, a scientist obsessed with finding a way to create life from inanimate objects. He succeeds when he builds a creature from the stolen body parts of deceased criminals. Unfortunately, the creature is frightening to look at and rejected by society. In his loneliness, the creature seeks revenge and terrorizes the villagers, leading to a thrilling climax in which Dr. Frankenstein must confront his creation. In the end, the creature is destroyed, but Dr. Frankenstein’s obsession with playing God has dire consequences for him.

From George A. Romero, starring Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman
Rated Not Rated

Night of the Living Dead is a 1968 horror film written and directed by George A. Romero. It stars Duane Jones as Ben, Judith O'Dea as Barbra, and Karl Hardman as Harry Cooper. The film follows a group of people who barricade themselves in a farmhouse in an attempt to survive the night as hordes of flesh-eating zombies roam the countryside. As the night wears on, the group struggles to maintain their sanity and safety, while the zombies become increasingly aggressive. Ultimately, the group is almost completely decimated, with only Ben surviving. The film is considered to be the progenitor of the modern zombie film, and has spawned numerous sequels and remakes.

From Edgar Wright, starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman, Bill Nighy
Rated R

Hot Fuzz is a 2007 action comedy film directed by Edgar Wright. The movie stars Simon Pegg as Nicholas Angel, a highly skilled London cop who is transferred to a small rural town in the West Country. He joins forces with Danny Butterman, an oafish but well-meaning police officer, and the two soon find themselves up against a sinister conspiracy involving the town’s leading citizens. With its trademark blend of fast-paced action and witty dialogue, Hot Fuzz is a riotously funny satire of Hollywood action films.

From David Leitch, starring Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Julian Dennison
Rated R

Deadpool 2 is a 2018 superhero action-comedy film directed by David Leitch. It is based on the Marvel Comics character Deadpool and is the eleventh installment in the X-Men film series. The film follows Wade Wilson, the titular Deadpool, who forms the superhero team X-Force to protect a young mutant from the time-traveling cyborg Cable. Along the way, Deadpool must battle new enemies, including the powerful Juggernaut. The film features an all-star cast, including Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Julian Dennison, Zazie Beetz, T.J. Miller, Brianna Hildebrand, and Jack Kesy. It was released to critical and commercial acclaim and is the highest grossing X-Men film to date.

From Jordan Peele, starring Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, Catherine Keener
Rated R

Get Out is a horror-thriller film directed by Jordan Peele, released in 2017. It follows the story of African-American photographer Chris Washington as he visits the family of his Caucasian girlfriend, Rose Armitage. Initially, Chris is welcomed by the family, but as the weekend progresses, he slowly starts to uncover a horrifying truth – the Armitages are part of a powerful and manipulative cult that has been kidnapping and brainwashing African-Americans to serve their own needs. With the help of his friend Rod and his family, Chris must escape the Armitage’s dark plan and save himself from becoming the next victim. Get Out is a commentary on racism and the complexities of race relations in contemporary America.

From David Yates, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Bill Nighy
Rated PG-13

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is the seventh installment of the Harry Potter film series based on J.K. Rowling's novel of the same name. Directed by David Yates, the film follows Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger on their quest to find and destroy the Horcruxes, powerful magical objects that contain pieces of Lord Voldemort's soul. As Voldemort tightens his grip on the wizarding world, Harry, Ron and Hermione face dangerous obstacles as they search for the Horcruxes. Along the way, Harry discovers a powerful and mysterious object called a Deathly Hallow, which may be the key to defeating Voldemort. With the help of their friends, the trio must battle dark forces and stay one step ahead of Voldemort in order to save the world from his evil plans.

From Directors: Constance Marks, Philip Shane, starring Kevin Clash, Whoopi Goldberg, Frank Oz, Bill Barretta
Rated PG

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey is a 2011 documentary film about the career of puppeteer Kevin Clash, who is best known for his portrayal of the beloved Sesame Street character Elmo. The film chronicles Clash's story from his early childhood in Baltimore, where he began experimenting with puppet-making and performing, to his rise to fame, and his ultimate goal of bringing joy to children around the world. Throughout the film, viewers are given an inside look into the creative processes behind the art of puppetry, as well as a revealing portrait of the man behind Elmo. As Clash continues to perform and inspire others, he finds his ultimate success in being able to share his passion with generations of children.