Mai no Mahou to Katei no Hi (Mai's Day of Magic and Family)
MAL Rated 6.08, Ranked #6014 | Aired Feb 20, 2011 | Produced by P.A. Works
This single episode OVA is the perfect tidbit to start off your Thanksgiving with! Follow Mai's adventures as she uses her magic powers to discover what family's all about.
Fruits Basket
MAL Rated 7.83, Ranked #763 | Aired Summer 2001 | Produced by Studio Deen
Families aren't always harmonious. In this surprisingly deep anime, the dysfunctional Souma family is set on the right track by cheerful ditz Tohru Honda.
Uchouten Kazoku (The Eccentric Family)
MAL Rated 8.00, Ranked #516 | Aired Summer 2013 | Produced by P.A. Works
Families don't have to be human, either. This underrated title showcases a large tanuki family as they deal with supernatural and mundane issues both within and without their family!
Hotaru no Haka (Grave of the Fireflies)
MAL Rated 8.60, Ranked #63 | Premiered Apr 15, 1988 | Produced by Studio Ghibli
Okay, okay, Grave of the Fireflies probably isn't perfect for Thanksgiving. In fact, you definitely shouldn't watch this unless you want to just be sad forever. But it's undeniable that the love between these siblings is stronger than any hardship they face.
Uchuu Kyoudai (Space Brothers)
MAL Rated 8.62, Ranked #59 | Aired Spring 2012 | Produced by A-1 Pictures
Here's a more lighthearted look at siblings. It's touching to see Hibito cheer his older brother Mutta on as he finally chases after his childhood dream of going to space.
Chi's Sweet Home
MAL Rated 7.85, Ranked #736 | Aired Spring 2008 | Produced by Madhouse
Pets are family too! While Chi is a handful at times, she's full of love for her funny looking, over-sized family members.
Usagi Drop (Bunny Drop)
MAL Rated 8.59, Ranked #68 | Aired Summer 2011 | Produced by Production I.G
Sometimes families are more complicated. In a fresh twist to the single-man-adopts-cute-kid genre, Rin is Daikichi's much, much younger aunt. While the manga's ending is rather contentious, anyone can enjoy watching grumpy bachelor Daikichi try to deal with the strange, quiet Rin.
Tonari no Totoro (My Neighbor Totoro)
MAL Rated 8.50, Ranked #101 | Premiered Apr 16, 1988 | Produced by Studio Ghibli
While the most memorable characters from My Neighbor Totoro may be the cute fuzzy creatures, make no mistake: like most Sudio Ghibli works, this movie is all about family.
Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki (Wolf Children Ame and Yuki)
MAL Rated 8.87, Ranked #17 | Premiered Jul 21, 2012 | Produced by Studio Chizu, Madhouse
Part adorable puppy hijinks and part coming-of-age story, Wolf Children Ame and Yuki will leave you thankful for everything your parents did for you! Fans will also enjoy Director Mamoru Hosoda's other works.
Clannad: After Story
MAL Rated 9.11, Ranked #7 | Aired Fall 2008 | Produced by Kyoto Animation
Few anime will make you feel warm and fuzzy, only to rip your heart to shreds quite like Clannad and its sequel. Watch as main character Tomoya Okazaki learns the meaning of family, sometimes the hard way.