45 Movies to Watch with Tweens & Young Teens

Vanessa M. said:  The Netflix original movie Yes Day is the perfect film for your next family movie night. Starring Jennifer Garner as the mom who always says no, she and her husband are challenged to give their children a yes day - a whole day where kids are in charge! This movie received thumbs up from parents and kids alike, and also inspired us to have our own yes day!

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Beth Wood said:  Big is the heartwarming story of a 12 year old boy who is turned into a 35 year old man when he makes a wish at a carnival wishing machine. This is one of our family favorites and always gets a good laugh!

Kelly R. said:  A time traveler on a mission to save the future teams up with his 12-year-old self. We really loved it...plenty of humor and also quite heartfelt. It's overall a good Netflix pick for families, but best for older kids because of some adult content. Check it out for movie night with tweens or teens.

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Kelly R. said:  The younger sister of Sherlock Holmes has her own mysteries to solve in this charming and funny family movie on Netflix, perfect for tweens and older kids who are able to keep up with the plot twists and clues. We loved Millie Bobby Brown (from Stranger Things) as Enola Holmes, and the sequel is great, too!

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Kristy Pepping said:  This Freaky Friday is a remake of the 1976 movie. Basically the storyline is a mother and daughter both think their lives are harder than the other. So they wish to switch bodies and they do. Each realizes the struggles the other person has to endure in day to day life and come to appreciate one another more in the end.

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Alexandra F. said:  Boy, did this movie ever take us by surprise. Made for TV, it is now one of our family's favorite Disney movies ever! The children of all our beloved Disney characters are now in high school, and four “villain kids” get invited to the prep school where the kids of heroes & princes, heroines & princesses attend. Hilarity, and great musical numbers, ensue. This is a trilogy your tweens won’t want to miss (and really, you probably don’t want to miss either).

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Alexandra F. said:  This sweet and funny film about a 13-year-old girl who finds herself fast-forwarded 17 years into the future is a perfect movie for tweens that gives perspective about the things that matter most in life - friendship, kindness, and being true to yourself.

Kim Dick Fuller said:  We showed our kids Napoleon Dynamite last night. Our kids thought it was funny. High School!

Alexandra F. said:  This space adventure is another story from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with a more humorous spin than most other MCU films, and a seriously awesome 70s inspired soundtrack. This is a good movie for tweens that offers exciting action that is not too intense, funny jokes and banter, and an introduction to a pretty great era of music.

Sarah C. said:  The show was released to video in 2020. It is a play that talks about the rise and fall of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. It focuses on his immigrant roots, his quest to earn status on the battlefield, and later, helping to form the United States government. It's told from the perspective of Hamilton's lifelong rival, Aaron Burr.

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Kelly R. said:  Set in 1970s London, Cruella explores how ambitious and fashionable Estella became notorious villain Cruella de Vil. The adults in our group loved the movie just as much (or maybe more?) than the kids did. The rating seems mostly due to the darkness of the theming and some violence, but overall I found there to be very little objectionable content for older kids.

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Alexandra F. said:  I'll never forget when I first watched this movie with my then 9- and 11-year-olds, and seeing their faces mirror Fred Savage's exactly as they began to hear the love story unfold - wary and more than a little skeptical. Never fear! Though it is indeed a story about true love, it is also filled with adventure, sword fights, giants and pirates. Oh. And R.O.U.S. (Rodents of Unusual Size). This movie is hilarious - your tweens & teens will love it.

Alexandra F. said:  You can't miss with either the classic or the newer version of The Karate Kid. A great tween movie about perseverance and standing up to bullies, with some awesome martial arts scenes to top it all off.

Alexandra F. said:  This is a truly enjoyable movies for tweens, teens, young kids and adults alike, with music you will be humming long after the film is over. A unique spin on the classic fairy tale throws a soon-to-be princess into the "real world" in NYC, where her upbeat and optimistic worldview both clashes with and inspires those around her. Tweens will especially enjoy the tongue-in-cheek humor that intentionally flips the traditional princess story on its head.

Alexandra F. said:  Based on the wildly popular children's fantasy books, the Harry Potter films are perhaps best suited as movies for tweens and older kids, as the story grows darker in its later chapters and can be scary for younger viewers. Harry's adventures upon discovering that he is a wizard, and his central role in saving the world from the evil wizard Voldemort, is one beloved by kids and parents alike.

Amy S. said:  An inspiring movie about an amazing animal! Togo tells the true story of a champion dogsled trainer and his lead sled dog, Togo. Together, they lead a team of sled dogs across Alaska to deliver medicine to a small town that is suffering from a diphtheria outbreak. Compelling story, stunning visuals, and a dog who will win your heart—just be ready for a few tears!

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Kristy Pepping said:  This Parent Trap starring Lindsay Lohan is a remake of the 1961 classic. She plays twins in the movie that meet at summer camp. They were separated at birth, both going to live with one of the divorced parents. The kids decide to switch places once their parents pick them up from camp to experience what life is like with the opposite parent.

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Alexandra F. said:  Be ready to laugh and cry when you watch this film adaptation of the book by W. Bruce Cameron, which follows a dog through four lifetimes of joy and hardship with various human companions. Touching for viewers of all ages, but perhaps an especially meaningful movie for tweens and up.

Alexandra F. said:  Incredible animation and creative storytelling set this film apart, making it one of the best movies for tweens even if they are not otherwise familiar with the Spider-Man universe. The feel is like watching a comic book come to life, with a stand-alone superhero story that features multiple incarnations of the webbed crusader from different realities.

Kelly R. said:  A Pixar coming-of-age story about a girl dealing with adolescence, an overbearing mother, and the ability to poof into a giant red panda when her emotions take over. It's not one that we'll watch over and over again, but it was a fun new kids movie for family movie night and I appreciate Pixar tackling the awkward adolescent years!

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Alexandra F. said:  This is the movie my tweens watch over and over and over again, and I am usually right there with them! We all love the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but this is everyone's favorite MCU movie, hands down. No need to watch the first two Thor movies either - you will be able to follow along with this action-packed, yet lighthearted and hilarious, superhero film about Thor trying to save his home planet from his evil half sister without the back story. As in many PG13 movies, watch out for a handful of references to adult situations, but these are pretty minimal.

Alexandra F. said:  A family favorite for many, the saga of Luke Skywalker now spans nine films, though opinions vary on whether Star Wars fans should start with the original Episode 4 or the more recent Episode 1. Whatever you choose, these are good movies for tweens who are old enough to appreciate the classic depiction of good vs. evil and enjoy the action-packed fighting scenes without feeling scared or overwhelmed.

Alexandra F. said:  Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart are hilarious in this adaptation of Jumanji, where four teens get sucked into the video game world and need to figure out how to get through its dangerous challenges in order to escape.

Alexandra F. said:  Our family loved this addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with absolutely riveting martial arts scenes, a great cast of characters, and beautiful, fantastical settings that were all the cooler for taking place alongside more relatable urban ones. Shang-Chi's father has conquered nations and lived many lifetimes of incredible violence with his legendary rings of power. Shang-Chi tries to escape this legacy, but is inevitably drawn back in, having to face his father and protect the world from some epic, mystical monsters while he's at it.

Alexandra F. said:  Johnny Depp is absolutely incredible as the quirky and hilarious Captain Jack Sparrow in this live action movie based on the iconic ride at the Disney parks. An epic adventure story featuring pirates, magic curses, and plenty of sword fights, this is a super fun and well-done film, and a favorite movie for my 13-year-old. There are a fair amount of violent and other gruesome scenes (think rotting, animated skeletons) that would probably make it too scary for many younger kids, but perfect for tweens and up. Though a bunch of sequels have been made, this first one is far and away the best.

Kelly R. said:  My Harry Potter loving kids were old enough to enjoy the Fantastic Beasts spinoff movies at age 9 and 12, and we binged all three in pretty quick succession. We found them to be entertaining and actually quite funny at times! The plots tend to be more complicated than the Harry Potter movies, so wait until your kids are a little older.

Amy S. said:  For the musical-loving tween, this film follows the rise of P.T. Barnum of Barnum & Bailey Circus. The musical numbers feature super catchy songs and dazzling dance and acrobatic sequences. But beyond the spectacle, the film tackles more serious issues like ambition, prejudice, and fidelity—to others and to oneself—in ways that feel appropriate for a tween audience.

Alexandra F. said:  This is an epic adventure story that spans four action-packed movies. A team of superheroes including Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and the Hulk comes together to save the world - and the universe - from destruction again and again. Though there are plenty of intense battle scenes, the violence is not overly gory or graphic and the adult language and references fairly minimal.

Lisa Brislane said:  Ferris Bueller's Day Off was a huge hit!

Kelly R. said:  My 12-year-old loved this one about a bank teller who figures out he's a secondary character in a video game. I'd recommend it for older tweens, because there is quite a bit of language.

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Alexandra F. said:  We loved this new family movie based on the enormously popular role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons. And, we were totally able to follow along, even though none of us have ever played D&D. It was funny, light-hearted and had a great story and cast of characters. It's a fantasy adventure film so it features plenty of magical battles, sword fights, and a few surprises that might be bit scary for young kids (like a dead body suddenly popping up out of a grave), but overall I thought it was quite family friendly. Highly recommend, especially for tweens and up!

Jaclyn Keifer said:  Hachi: A Dog's Tale is the story of great love and respect between a college professor and the puppy he rescues on a snowy night. It's a very gentle film that quickly engages the audience as it introduces a heroic dog, a man with a loving heart, and an idyllic setting. That engagement intensifies emotions, which later carry the story through the years to its bittersweet conclusion. The movie is based the story of a dog who lived in Japan in the 1930s; a statue of the real Hachi remains in the Shibuya train station there. Our older two still enjoy watching this with us!

Alexandra F. said:  Kids were obsessed with this animated movie when it first came out in 2013, and that obsession has carried over to make it (and its sequel) beloved movies for tweens and teens today. A story of self-acceptance and sisterly love, the film is also well known for its awesome songs. As good a movie for 14-year-olds as for 5-year-olds!

Alexandra F. said:  This has been one of our tweens' favorite 80s movies that we've shared with them yet. Based on the classic murder-mystery board game, it is a clever, quick-moving farce that follows the Clue characters (Mr. Green, Mrs. White, Col. Mustard, etc) over a hilarious evening as they try to uncover the murderer among them. Watch out for lots of sexual innuendos and double entendres, but enjoy the witty dialogue and spectacular cast.

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Alexandra F. said:  This iconic Tom Cruise action thriller was a huge hit when we watched it for family movie night with our 12 & 15-year-olds, and we soon made our way through all of the sequels. (The second was the only one that fell flat, the rest were all winners.) The action can be pretty intense, with explosions, knife fights, gunfire and the like, but the camera usually cuts away before the violence gets graphic, and the stunts are incredible. It'd be worth previewing with your kid in mind, but it's an awesome action movie for tweens and teens that parents will enjoy watching just as much.

Alexandra F. said:  Leonardo DiCaprio is a professional thief who steals valuable secrets by entering the subconscious of his subjects while they are dreaming. The plot for this movie is complex (and SO good!), but even my teen who is notorious for missing simple plot lines was able to follow along once we told her to pay close attention. It's such an original story, with riveting action scenes and cool stunts that don't really cross the line into being overly violent or graphic, and it was a great movie to watch with our 12 and 15-year-olds.

Kelly R. said:  This was my 13-year-old's first R-rated movie, and I personally think it feels more PG-13 compared to many of the movies we watch now. The fight scenes are still captivating and were very memorable for my son, and while there's quite a bit of action (and gun) violence, it's not too bad in terms of language and other adult content. I think the most important thing is to wait until your kids are old enough to follow the pretty confusing plot.

Alexandra F. said:  Disney's story about a lion cub's struggle to accept his place as king continues to resonate with viewers of all ages as much as it did when it was first released in 1994. The outstanding music and moving coming-of-age story make it an especially great movie for tweens, and a perfect family movie night choice for mixed ages.

Kelly R. said:  We loved National Treasure as a family movie night pick with our 11 year old and 8 year old! In his quest to find and protect a lost treasure, a historian has to steal the Declaration of Independence and decode its hidden map. It's a totally fun ride as each in a series of clues is solved, and has plenty of fun action that makes this a great movie for tweens...especially those who are interested in American history!

Alexandra F. said:  This murder mystery is phenomenal, and just so smart. We watched the movie with my 11-year-old and 13-year-old, and all of us really enjoyed it. It is a murder mystery, so beware of a scene where the victim's bloody body is found, and another where the camera cuts away as someone is about to slit their own throat. These scenes aside, it is not a violent movie, and is really about the mystery, showcasing clever writing and humor. There is a lot of cursing throughout, though if this is not a dealbreaker for your family, it is a great movie to watch with tweens and teens. The sequel is also phenomenal!

Alexandra F. said:  This Disney animated classic has been a household favorite for almost three decades, and is as great a movie for 12-year-olds as it is for younger kids! The colorful animation, award-winning music, and beloved characters make the story of Aladdin's quest to win Princess Jasmine's heart - with the help of his adorable monkey sidekick and a hilarious genie - one that kids of all ages will enjoy.

Kristy Pepping said:  While tweens are often beyond Disney movies, this remake of the classic Cinderella will be a hit with this crowd. It follows the same general storyline of a princess held captive by an evil stepmother. She is then helped by a fairy godmother and meets her prince charming. Since this movie is not a cartoon, tweens will be swept along with the magical scenes and memorable characters.

Alexandra F. said:  An intriguing, funny and clever film inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous literary detective, Sherlock Holmes, who has to use his incredible powers of deduction to stop a dangerous group of black magic practitioners from killing again. Our 11- and 13-year olds were just old enough to mostly follow the complex plot and storyline, and appreciate the understated humor that makes the movie so much fun to watch. Tweens and teens who appreciate a good mystery will especially enjoy this film, and perhaps be inspired to read the short stories the characters are modeled after!

Shila said:  That Thing You Do! is about a small town "Beatles-like" pop band who make it big in the 60s. It's a nice story and the band's music is catchy. Watch all the glory to be had, as well as the challenges of stardom that unfold to this young band while the "Oneders" realize their dream.