13-year-old · teen movies · PG-13 · action movies · coming of age
Top 5 Movies to Watch With Your 13-Year-Old
Movie Knight Editorial Team ·
Explore epic adventures, inspiring true stories, and superhero tales with your teen. Our list for 13-year-olds balances thrilling action with powerful themes of courage, responsibility, and perseverance.
What are the best movies to watch with your 13-year-old? At this age, many teens are ready for more complex themes and action, including some PG-13 films that spark great conversations about heroism, responsibility, and perseverance.
Navigating the transition from kid-friendly fare to more mature movies can be tricky. This list offers a mix of PG and PG-13 titles that feature inspiring protagonists and thought-provoking challenges, making them a great starting point for watching more grown-up films together as a family.
Choose tonight’s movie
Quick picks
- Best for epic fantasy: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
- Best for thrilling action: Top Gun: Maverick
- Best for relatable heroes: Spider-Man: Homecoming
- Best for problem-solving: The Martian
- Best for inspiration: October Sky
Movie Knight guide
The full list
No. 1
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
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An Epic Quest Begins
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
In this PG-13 fantasy epic, a young hobbit must journey to destroy a powerful, evil ring. Be prepared for fantasy violence with swords, some scary creatures, and characters who smoke pipes and drink ale. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring works best for kids 11 and up.
No. 2
Top Gun: Maverick
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Return to the Danger Zone
Top Gun: Maverick
Legendary pilot Maverick returns to train a new generation for a perilous mission in this thrilling PG-13 action film. The movie features intense aerial combat sequences, emotional moments related to loss, and some mild language. Top Gun: Maverick works best for kids 13 and up.
No. 3
Spider-Man: Homecoming
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A Hero in Training
Spider-Man: Homecoming
This PG-13 film finds Peter Parker balancing high school life with his superhero duties under the mentorship of Tony Stark. It contains standard superhero action violence and brief mild language. Spider-Man: Homecoming works best for kids 10 and up.
No. 4
The Martian
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Survival on Mars
The Martian
An astronaut must use his scientific ingenuity to survive after being left for dead on Mars in this PG-13 sci-fi drama. The film includes moments of intense peril, implied serious injuries, and some brief instances of strong language. The Martian works best for kids 13 and up.
No. 5
October Sky
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Reaching for the Stars
October Sky
Based on a true story, this inspirational PG-rated film follows a coal miner's son who dreams of building rockets. The story includes intense arguments between a father and son, a tragic mining accident, and brief scenes of teen smoking. October Sky works best for kids 10 and up.
Before you press play
A note for parents
The PG-13 rating stands for "Parents Strongly Cautioned," and it signals a shift in content. These films are a good starting point for that transition, as their mature themes are grounded in positive messages of courage, teamwork, and responsibility. Ultimately, you know your teen best, so use the heads-up details to decide what's right for your family.
Questions parents ask
Parent FAQ
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