12-year-olds · tween movies · PG-13 movies · parent guide
Best Movies for a 12-Year-Old
Airo Opar ·
Inspiring PG true stories and carefully chosen PG-13 films offer the best movie options for most 12-year-olds.
The best movies for a 12-year-old often blend inspiring real-life stories with themes of perseverance and courage. From sports dramas like Invincible to historical accounts like Hidden Figures, these films provide powerful examples of overcoming adversity. This list gathers the top PG and select PG-13 movies that will resonate with this age group.
Our guide begins with strong PG-rated films that are generally safe bets for any 12-year-old. We then move to PG-13 movies that require more parental guidance; we recommend you preview these films first to decide if they are a good fit for your child and your family.
Choose tonight’s movie
Quick Picks
- Invincible — An inspiring true story about never giving up.
- Hidden Figures — Real-life inspiration about breaking barriers with brilliance.
- 42 — A powerful, important story about courage and history.
- Ender's Game — A thoughtful sci-fi pick about leadership and choices.
Movie Knight guide
The Full List
No. 1
Invincible
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Underdog sports story
Invincible
The 2006 film Invincible dramatizes the true story of Vince Papale, a fan who earns an unlikely spot on his favorite pro football team, the Philadelphia Eagles. Parents should know the movie features some intense, bone-crunching football hits and a few instances of mild language. Built on a theme of overcoming struggle, Invincible works best for kids 8 and up.
This against-the-odds story is a great pick for young athletes and anyone who appreciates a tale built on persistence rather than raw talent. It celebrates the power of self-belief and the value of hard work.
No. 2
October Sky
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Reach for the stars
October Sky
October Sky is a 1999 film based on the true story of a coal miner's son who is inspired by the Sputnik launch to build his own rockets. For parents, it's worth noting the movie includes some intense arguments between the boy and his disapproving father, a tragic mining accident, and brief scenes of teens smoking. This ambitious story is best for ages 10 and up.
The movie is a powerful testament to following your dreams, no matter the obstacles. It's a great conversation starter about the importance of education, finding good mentors, and earning family support.
No. 3
Remember the Titans
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A lesson in unity
Remember the Titans
Remember the Titans tells the 2000 story of a newly integrated high school football team in 1971 Virginia, led by a Black head coach and a white assistant coach. Parents should be prepared for the film's direct depiction of historical racial prejudice, including the use of slurs, as well as some fistfights and a serious car accident. The film's hopeful message works best for kids 9 and up.
While it deals with heavy subject matter, the movie frames its story of overcoming prejudice with an uplifting focus on teamwork and respect. It serves as an excellent starting point for discussing a difficult period in American history.
No. 4
Akeelah and the Bee
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Find your voice
Akeelah and the Bee
The 2006 movie Akeelah and the Bee follows an 11-year-old girl from South Los Angeles who discovers her gift for spelling and strives to compete in the National Spelling Bee. Parents should know the film touches on the past death of a parent, includes some parental conflict, and shows brief moments of teasing from peers. This inspiring film is fine for ages 8 and up.
Akeelah's journey of self-discovery and confidence will resonate with any child learning to embrace their own unique talents. The movie is a warm celebration of community, mentorship, and the rewards of hard work.
No. 5
Hidden Figures
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History's heroes
Hidden Figures
Hidden Figures from 2016 is the inspiring true story of three brilliant African-American women whose mathematical work at NASA was essential to the first American orbital spaceflights. The film plainly depicts the historical realities of racial segregation and workplace sexism in the 1960s. With its important historical themes, Hidden Figures works best for kids 9 and up.
This film is a fantastic watch for kids interested in science, history, or stories about fighting for equality. It's a powerful reminder that determination and collaboration can overcome systemic barriers.
No. 6
McFarland, USA
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Community and grit
McFarland, USA
The 2015 film McFarland, USA is based on the true story of a coach who creates a championship cross-country team in a predominantly Latino farming town. Parents should know the movie depicts the realities of poverty and the hard labor its characters endure, though these themes are handled with a hopeful tone. This heartwarming story is fine for ages 8 and up.
This is an uplifting film about the power of community, cultural appreciation, and teamwork. It shines a light on the rewards of pushing through adversity and learning from people whose lives are different from our own.
No. 7
Angel GuildMiracle
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Historic team victory
Miracle
The 2004 sports drama Miracle recounts the incredible true story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team and their journey to challenge the seemingly unbeatable Soviet team. Parents should be aware of the intense on-ice action and some scenes of coaches yelling in frustration, as well as some casual drinking by adult characters. This story of teamwork and perseverance works best for kids 8 and up.
This film is a thrilling tale of what a team can accomplish when they sacrifice for a common goal. It captures a moment of national pride and is perfect for families who enjoy stories about sportsmanship and defying expectations.
Watch Miracle on Angel →No. 8
Angel GuildDavid
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Animated biblical epic
David
The animated film David, planned for 2025, retells the classic biblical story of the young shepherd who confronts the giant Goliath to protect his people. Parents should know the movie features a tense confrontation with a giant and some mild peril during battle sequences. This story of courage and faith works best for kids 7 and up.
With its focus on weighty themes of leadership and destiny, this dramatized biblical account offers a compelling adventure. It's a great choice for families looking for stories about overcoming great odds through faith and bravery.
Watch David on Angel →No. 9
Angel GuildThe Blind Side
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PG-13 family drama
The Blind Side
The Blind Side, a 2009 film based on a true story, follows a homeless teenager who is welcomed into a new family and discovers his potential on the football field. This PG-13 movie contains some brief scenes depicting poverty, references to past trauma, and mild thematic elements of prejudice that parents should be aware of. Given the emotional weight, the film is best for ages 10 and up.
This is a powerful story about compassion, belonging, and the impact a supportive family can have. It provides an opportunity to talk about overcoming adversity and the importance of empathy.
Watch The Blind Side on Angel →No. 10
42
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PG-13 historical courage
42
The 2013 biographical drama 42 tells the true story of Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. This PG-13 film does not shy away from the intense racism of the era, and parents must know it contains frequent use of racial slurs and depicts disturbing scenes of prejudice. Because of this, 42 is best for ages 11 and up with a parent nearby.
This unflinching look at history is an essential story of courage in the face of injustice. It's an ideal film to watch with your child to spark important conversations about history, integrity, and social progress.
No. 11
Angel GuildEnder's Game
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PG-13 sci-fi choice
Ender's Game
The 2013 science fiction film Ender's Game is about a brilliant young boy recruited for an elite space-based military academy to prepare for a war against an alien species. Parents should know this PG-13 movie contains intense, realistic battle simulations, scenes with children in peril, and themes of emotional manipulation with serious consequences. This thought-provoking film works best for kids 12 and up.
Beneath the sci-fi action, the story explores complex ideas about leadership, empathy, and responsibility. It’s a good pick for mature kids who are ready to think about the moral costs of difficult decisions.
Watch Ender's Game on Angel →No. 12
We Bought a Zoo
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Healing and hope
We Bought a Zoo
The 2011 film We Bought a Zoo tells the heartfelt story of a grieving father who buys a run-down zoo to give his family a fresh start. Parents should know the movie centers on the emotional aftermath of a parent's death and includes some conversations about grief, as well as a brief scene of an adult character drinking. This story of resilience is fine for ages 8 and up.
This is a sweet and hopeful movie about family healing and the importance of community. It's a gentle pick for families who enjoy stories about new beginnings and caring for animals.
No. 13
Secretariat
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Inspirational horse story
Secretariat
Secretariat is a 2010 movie based on the inspiring true story of Penny Chenery, a woman who takes over her family's stables and guides a legendary racehorse to a Triple Crown victory. Parents should be aware that the off-screen euthanasia of a horse is discussed, some characters smoke, and there are mild moments of peril during races. This uplifting drama works best for kids 8 and up.
This film is a classic underdog story that celebrates determination and defying expectations in a male-dominated field. It’s a great choice for animal lovers and anyone who roots for a champion.
No. 14
The Greatest Game Ever Played
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Classic underdog tale
The Greatest Game Ever Played
The Greatest Game Ever Played, from 2005, is a biographical drama about Francis Ouimet, a young amateur who won the 1913 U.S. Open in a stunning upset. Parents should know the movie includes themes of class prejudice and competitive pressure, though they are handled gently, and some characters smoke cigars. This story of perseverance works best for kids 8 and up.
This film is a wonderful story about good sportsmanship and overcoming societal barriers. It will appeal to young athletes and anyone who enjoys a heartwarming tale about an underdog triumphing against the odds.
Before you press play
A note for parents
Choosing movies for a 12-year-old can be tricky, as they are often ready for more complex stories but may not be prepared for mature content. This is a great age to start introducing select PG-13 films, especially those based on true stories that can lead to meaningful conversations. We always recommend you preview a PG-13 movie first, then consider watching it with your child to discuss any challenging themes that come up, like the historical racism in 42 or the complex choices in Ender's Game.
Questions parents ask
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