9-year-olds · girls · coming-of-age · fantasy
Top 5 Movies for 9-Year-Old Girls
Movie Knight Editorial Team ·
At nine, girls are ready for more complex stories. This list features heroines who mend family bonds, defy tradition, and discover their own power in fun, magical, and empowering adventures.
Finding the right movie for a 9-year-old girl means looking for stories with relatable heroines and engaging plots, and these five films deliver. They feature characters who are brave, smart, and learning to navigate their world with newfound independence.
This selection offers a mix of fantasy, comedy, and adventure, with protagonists who tackle everything from family expectations to ancient curses, all while discovering their own inner strength.
Choose tonight’s movie
Quick picks
- Encanto
- Brave
- The Parent Trap
- Tangled
- Ella Enchanted
Movie Knight guide
The full list
No. 1
Encanto
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MAGICAL FAMILY
Encanto
Mirabel, the only non-magical member of the extraordinary Madrigal family, must discover why their magic is fading to save their home. The film contains some peril as the family's magical house cracks and characters experience anxiety. This vibrant musical about self-worth works best for kids 6 and up.
No. 2
Brave
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HIGHLAND HEROINE
Brave
Scottish princess Merida defies an age-old custom, accidentally unleashing a curse that transforms her mother into a bear, forcing her to mend their bond. Parents should note some intense scenes with the bear and moments of emotional tension. This story of mother-daughter relationships works best for kids 7 and up.
No. 3
The Parent Trap
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TWIN SWITCH
The Parent Trap
Identical twin sisters, separated at birth, meet at summer camp and hatch a plan to switch places to reunite their divorced parents. The movie's plot revolves around elaborate pranks and features a character portrayed as a "gold digger." This fun family comedy works best for kids 7 and up.
No. 4
Tangled
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TOWER ESCAPE
Tangled
Princess Rapunzel, locked away in a tower by a manipulative mother figure, escapes with a charming thief to see the floating lanterns that appear on her birthday. The film has some fantasy violence and intense scenes with the villain, who emotionally manipulates the heroine. This adventure works best for kids 6 and up.
No. 5
Ella Enchanted
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CURSE OF OBEDIENCE
Ella Enchanted
Cursed with obedience, Ella must do anything she is told, so she embarks on a quest to find her fairy godmother and break the spell. Due to her curse, Ella is often forced into uncomfortable or dangerous situations, and some fantasy creatures may be briefly intimidating. This empowering fairy tale works best for kids 7 and up.
Before you press play
A note for parents
At this age, girls are developing a stronger sense of self, and these movies reflect that journey. The heroines in these stories learn to question expectations, stand up for themselves, and value their unique qualities, making them excellent role models for 9-year-olds.
Questions parents ask
Parent FAQ
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