52 Movies to Watch with Tweens & Young Teens

Alexandra F.:  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.:  My teen and I loved this movie! It was so clever, colorful and fun, and had us both laughing out loud throughout the whole movie. Definitely great for all ages, but perhaps particularly relevant for older kids and teens, given the familiar relationship challenges between the teen protagonist and her father that are at the heart of the story.

Vanessa M.:  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!

Beth Wood:  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:  I haven't laughed this much at a movie in years. We went with a group of middle schoolers and parents and had the best time.

Katie G.:  Although my kids like to make fun of the 80s style in this movie, it's still a family favorite. You can't help but root for Daniel throughout the entire movie. Also this is definitely a must-watch if you are ready to delve into the popular Netflix series Cobra Kai.

Kelly R:  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!

Kelly R:  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.

Alexandra F.:  This is a truly enjoyable movie 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.:  There is really nothing like watching this show live, but after having seen the musical my teens and I were really happy to be able to watch it over (and over) again whenever the bug would hit us without having to wait for a live performance!

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

Kelly R:  A family movie musical inspired by P.T. Barnum's life, with fun dance numbers and a soundtrack that makes it worthy of repeat viewings for my kids.

Alexandra F.:  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.

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.

Kristy Pepping:  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.