tweens · family movies · parent guide
25 Best Movies for Tweens
Jean Baptiste Kwitonda ·
Great movies for tweens tell meaningful stories about growing up, like 'Wonder,' 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,' and 'Hidden Figures,' with manageable intensity.
Good movies for kids ages 9 to 12 feature relatable characters, meaningful stories, and just the right amount of action or emotional depth for this age group. From animated comedies about family connection to inspiring dramas about overcoming challenges, these films provide entertainment that both parents and tweens can appreciate together.
This list of movies for tweens offers a wide range of genres and themes to help you find the perfect fit for your family movie night. Each entry explains what the film is about, highlights what parents should know regarding content, and provides a specific age recommendation to help you make a confident choice.
Choose tonight’s movie
Quick Picks
- The Mitchells vs. the Machines — A fast, funny, and sincere story about family connection.
- Wonder — A powerful and heartwarming lesson in kindness and empathy.
- Hidden Figures — An inspiring true story about perseverance and American history.
- Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse — Visually stunning superhero action with a relatable young hero.
Movie Knight guide
The Full List
No. 1
The Mitchells vs. the Machines
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Animated family comedy
The Mitchells vs. the Machines
The Mitchells vs. the Machines is an animated action-comedy where a quirky family's road trip is interrupted by a robot apocalypse. Parents should know that the robot action includes some intense chase scenes and destruction, but the tone is kept light by the robots' silly and incompetent nature. The film celebrates family bonding and works best for kids 7 and up.
This movie is perfect for families who love fast-paced humor and a sincere story about accepting your family's, and your own, imperfections. It opens up conversations about creativity and our relationship with technology.
No. 2
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
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Superhero origin story
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
The animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse introduces Miles Morales, a teen who becomes Spider-Man and meets others from different dimensions. Parents should know the movie has intense, stylized action sequences and some emotional moments related to loss. With its focus on finding your own path, it works best for kids 7 and up.
Fans of comic books and superhero stories will love the film's unique visual style and its message about teamwork. It's a great starting point for talking about responsibility and what it means to be a hero.
No. 3
Wonder
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A lesson in kindness
Wonder
Wonder is a heartwarming drama about August Pullman, a boy with facial differences, as he attends mainstream school for the first time. Parents should know the story includes moments of bullying and exclusion, which are handled with compassion. The film's powerful messages about kindness and courage make it work best for kids 8 and up.
This movie is an excellent choice for families looking for a story that builds empathy and celebrates self-acceptance. After watching, you can discuss the importance of looking past appearances and supporting friends through tough times.
No. 4
Akeelah and the Bee
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Inspiring competition
Akeelah and the Bee
The uplifting drama Akeelah and the Bee follows an 11-year-old girl from South Los Angeles who discovers her talent for spelling and aims for the national bee. Parents should know the film handles themes of past grief, family conflict, and some social teasing in an age-appropriate way. With its focus on perseverance, this movie works best for kids 8 and up.
This film will resonate with kids who enjoy stories about working hard to achieve a goal. It provides a great opportunity to talk about mentorship and the power of community support.
No. 5
Hidden Figures
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True life heroes
Hidden Figures
Hidden Figures tells the inspiring true story of three brilliant African-American women who were essential to NASA's early space missions. Parents should know the film depicts historical racial segregation and workplace sexism as obstacles the women must overcome. This powerful historical drama works best for kids 9 and up.
This is an excellent movie for introducing tweens to an important part of American history and the fight for equality. It celebrates determination and collaboration, making it a great pick for aspiring scientists and history buffs.
No. 6
Race to Witch Mountain
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Sci-fi adventure
Race to Witch Mountain
In the sci-fi adventure Race to Witch Mountain, a taxi driver helps two alien siblings with special powers evade government agents and an alien assassin. Parents should know the movie is filled with chase scenes, explosions, and laser battles. This action-packed story about helping others works best for kids 8 and up.
Families who enjoy light science fiction and chase movies will find this a fun and exciting watch. It's a simple adventure about teamwork and protecting your family, whether they're from Earth or another planet.
No. 7
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
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Modern mythology
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief is a fantasy adventure where a teen discovers he is the demigod son of Poseidon. Parents should know that the movie contains some intense fantasy creatures and perilous situations, plus a theme of implied parental abandonment. This introduction to Greek mythology works best for kids 10 and up.
This film is a great fit for tweens who love fantasy books and stories about discovering a secret identity. It's a fun way to spark interest in mythology and discuss themes of loyalty and courage.
No. 8
The School of Rock
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Rock and roll comedy
The School of Rock
The School of Rock is a musical comedy about an out-of-work musician who poses as a substitute teacher and forms a rock band with his fifth-grade students. Parents should know the movie is rated PG-13 for its rebellious attitudes and some rude humor, and the main character's deception is central to the plot. This high-energy film works best for kids 9 and up with a parent nearby.
Anyone who loves music and a good laugh will enjoy this film's celebration of passion and individuality. It can open up conversations about finding your unique talents and the power of creative expression.
No. 9
The Karate Kid
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Classic underdog story
The Karate Kid
The Karate Kid is a classic 1980s drama about a bullied teen who learns karate and life lessons from his apartment's handyman, Mr. Miyagi. Parents should know the film has some intense fighting scenes, a scene with teens drinking at a party, and some mild language. This story of mentorship and discipline works best for kids 9 and up.
This movie is a great choice for families who appreciate stories about perseverance and standing up for yourself. It’s a timeless film that offers a chance to discuss healthy ways to deal with bullying and the value of a good mentor.
No. 10
Freaky Friday
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Body-swap comedy
Freaky Friday
The family comedy Freaky Friday shows what happens when a mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies for a day. Parents should know the movie includes mild teenage rebellion and family arguments, but the core theme is about learning to understand each other. This fun lesson in empathy works best for kids 7 and up.
Families dealing with the push-and-pull of the teen years will find this movie both funny and relatable. It's a great way to talk about seeing things from another person's perspective.
No. 11
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
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Middle school misadventures
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
The live-action comedy Diary of a Wimpy Kid follows Greg Heffley's awkward and hilarious journey through his first year of middle school. Parents should know the film contains some mild bullying, social exclusion, and gross-out humor common to the book series. This relatable story works best for kids 7 and up.
Fans of the books will love seeing the characters come to life, and any kid nervous about middle school will relate to Greg's struggles. It can be a humorous entry point for conversations about friendship and peer pressure.
No. 12
A Wrinkle in Time
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Cosmic fantasy
A Wrinkle in Time
A Wrinkle in Time is a visually imaginative fantasy film where a young girl named Meg Murry travels through space to rescue her missing scientist father. Parents should know the film contains some moments of peril and deals with themes of bullying and self-doubt. This adventure about finding inner strength works best for kids 8 and up.
This movie is a good fit for families who enjoy epic fantasy and stories about overcoming personal fears. It’s a visually rich film that can lead to discussions about the power of love and embracing what makes you unique.
No. 13
Holes
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Desert mystery
Holes
Holes is a unique adventure-mystery about a boy wrongfully sent to a juvenile detention camp where he's forced to dig holes in the desert. Parents should know the film depicts children in harsh conditions, some peril from wild animals, and a cruel antagonist, with brief flashbacks showing historical injustice. This layered story works best for kids 8 and up.
Tweens who enjoy a good mystery with interconnected storylines will be captivated by this film. It's an excellent movie for talking about friendship, resilience, and the way history can affect the present.
No. 14
October Sky
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Inspiring true story
October Sky
Based on a true story, October Sky follows a coal miner's son in the 1950s who dreams of building rockets after the Sputnik launch. Parents should know the film includes intense arguments between a father and son, a tragic mining accident, and brief scenes of smoking. This story of pursuing one's dreams works best for kids 10 and up.
This is a perfect film for any kid with a passion for science or a big dream that feels out of reach. It's a grounded, inspiring story about the importance of education, mentorship, and believing in yourself.
No. 15
The Man Who Knew Infinity
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Best for older kids
The Man Who Knew Infinity
The Man Who Knew Infinity is a historical drama about the life of Indian mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan and his time at Cambridge University. Parents should know this PG-13 film deals with mature themes, including racial prejudice, serious illness, and death. It is best suited for mature teens aged 13 and up.
Curious older tweens and teens with an interest in history or mathematics will find this story of perseverance deeply inspiring. The film highlights the challenges of cross-cultural collaboration and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.
No. 16
Angel GuildEnder's Game
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Sci-fi strategy
Ender's Game
The science-fiction film Ender's Game follows a gifted young strategist recruited for an advanced military academy to lead humanity against an alien race. Parents should know this PG-13 movie features intense battle simulations, puts child characters in peril, and explores the heavy moral consequences of command decisions. It works best for kids 12 and up.
This film will appeal to fans of strategic science fiction who are ready for more complex themes. It provides a great opportunity to discuss leadership, empathy, and the ethics of war.
Watch Ender's Game on Angel →No. 17
The Sandlot
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A summer classic
The Sandlot
The Sandlot is a nostalgic comedy about a group of neighborhood boys who bond over baseball during the summer of 1962. Parents should know the film contains some mild peril involving a large dog, name-calling, and a scene where the pre-teen boys try chewing tobacco. This tribute to childhood friendship works best for kids 7 and up.
This is the perfect movie for a family looking for a funny, heartwarming story about friendship and summer adventures. Its classic status comes from its relatable characters and timeless message about fitting in.
No. 18
Matilda
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A magical rebellion
Matilda
Matilda is a fantasy comedy about a brilliant and neglected girl who discovers she has telekinetic powers. Parents should know that the film features cruel and neglectful adults, but their mistreatment is cartoonish, and Matilda ultimately uses her gifts to fight back. This empowering story works best for kids 7 and up.
Kids who feel misunderstood will cheer for Matilda as she stands up to bullies and finds her own chosen family. The movie is a wonderful celebration of intelligence, kindness, and the power of a good book.
No. 19
Night at the Museum
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History comes alive
Night at the Museum
The fantasy-comedy Night at the Museum follows a new night guard who discovers that all the exhibits come to life after the sun sets. Parents should know the film has some jump scares from the reanimated displays and slapstick action, but the tone remains light and adventurous. This fun romp through history works best for kids 7 and up.
This movie is a fantastic pick for families who enjoy action-comedy and might spark a new interest in history. It’s an imaginative adventure that’s all about learning to embrace responsibility.
No. 20
Big Hero 6
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Superhero science
Big Hero 6
The animated adventure Big Hero 6 centers on robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who teams up with a friendly healthcare robot named Baymax to solve a mystery. Parents should know that an important character's death occurs early in the film and is a central part of the story's emotional core. This story of healing and heroism works best for kids 7 and up.
Families who love both superhero action and heartfelt stories will find a perfect match in this film. It's a great movie for talking about how to cope with grief in a healthy way and using your talents to help others.
No. 21
Ramona and Beezus
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The gentlest pick
Ramona and Beezus
Ramona and Beezus is a gentle family comedy based on the beloved books about a spirited, imaginative girl and her patient older sister. Parents should know the story addresses a parent losing a job and the temporary family stress it causes, but the focus remains on family resilience. This G-rated film is fine for all ages, but works best for kids 6 and up.
This is an excellent choice for a family's first "big kid" movie, with relatable sibling dynamics and a sweet story. It beautifully illustrates the power of imagination and the importance of supporting each other through changes.
No. 22
The Princess Bride
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A fairy tale classic
The Princess Bride
The beloved fantasy adventure The Princess Bride tells the story of Westley and Princess Buttercup's quest to reunite, filled with sword fights, giants, and witty dialogue. Parents should know the film includes comical fantasy violence and a brief, though famous, scene discussing a torture machine. This iconic fairy tale works best for kids 8 and up.
This film's clever humor and timeless romance appeal to both kids and adults, making it a perfect family movie night choice. It's a story that celebrates true love, loyalty, and the fun of a good adventure.
No. 23
Journey to the Center of the Earth
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Action-packed adventure
Journey to the Center of the Earth
Journey to the Center of the Earth is a sci-fi adventure where a scientist, his nephew, and a guide discover a lost world deep inside the planet. Parents should know the movie is filled with perilous situations, including chases with prehistoric creatures and intense natural disasters. This thrilling quest works best for kids 7 and up.
This movie is a great pick for families who love nonstop action and adventure stories. Its focus on exploration and teamwork makes for an exciting watch that feels like a theme park ride.
No. 24
Charlotte's Web
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A timeless friendship
Charlotte's Web
The live-action film Charlotte's Web tells the classic story of a wise spider who saves her piglet friend Wilbur from becoming bacon. Parents should know that the movie gently deals with the cycle of life and death, which includes some sad moments of loss. This G-rated story of friendship is fine for all ages, but the themes make it work best for kids 5 and up.
This heartwarming tale is a wonderful introduction to deeper themes for younger children. It provides a perfect opportunity to talk about the power of friendship, empathy for animals, and the beauty of nature's cycles.
No. 25
The Book Thief
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For mature tweens
The Book Thief
The Book Thief is a poignant PG-13 drama set in Nazi Germany about a young girl who finds solace in books while her family hides a Jewish refugee. Parents should know the film contains serious themes of war, loss of loved ones, and persecution that can be intense. This powerful film is best suited for mature children and pre-teens ages 11 and up.
This is a valuable film for older tweens who are ready to engage with history on a more emotional level. It beautifully illustrates the power of words and human compassion in the face of terrible adversity.
Before you press play
A note for parents
Choosing movies for tweens means finding a balance between their growing independence and what you feel is appropriate. The films on this list tackle more complex themes than kids' movies, like social pressure in Diary of a Wimpy Kid or historical injustice in Hidden Figures. Use these movies as a bridge for important conversations, watching together when possible to provide context and answer questions about more mature topics.
Questions parents ask
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