53 Movies to Watch with Tweens & Young Teens

The Karate Kid is an inspiring 80s movie about a teenager who, with the guidance of a wise mentor, learns resilience, respect, and confidence through karate.

Katie G. said:  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.

Meeting at summer camp, two girls discover they have more in common than just looks...they're twins that have been separated! The girls set a sneaky and hilarious plan in motion to bring their parents back together.

Kristy Pepping said:  Great movie! We just showed this to our girls and they loved it.

Be ready to laugh and cry when you watch this film adaptation of the book by W. Bruce Cameron, which follows a dog through four lifetimes of joy and hardship with various human companions. Touching for viewers of all ages, but perhaps an especially meaningful movie for tweens and up.

A charming teenager fakes sick to cut a day from high school and goes on a whirlwind adventure throughout Chicago.

Alexandra F. said:  My teens really liked this one! I had forgotten how much language it has, so glad we waited until they were a little older.

Jaclyn Keifer said:  Hachi: A Dog's Tale is the story of great love and respect between a college professor and the puppy he rescues on a snowy night. It's a very gentle film that quickly engages the audience as it introduces a heroic dog, a man with a loving heart, and an idyllic setting. That engagement intensifies emotions, which later carry the story through the years to its bittersweet conclusion. The movie is based the story of a dog who lived in Japan in the 1930s; a statue of the real Hachi remains in the Shibuya train station there. Our older two still enjoy watching this with us!

Alexandra F. said:  My teens and I were completely intrigued and entertained by this fun thriller about a group of magicians who pull off an impossible heist. It was super fun to watch, with lots of incredible magic tricks and a twisty, turny plot.

Alexandra F. said:  An intriguing, funny and clever film inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous literary detective, Sherlock Holmes, who has to use his incredible powers of deduction to stop a dangerous group of black magic practitioners from killing again. Our 11- and 13-year olds were just old enough to mostly follow the complex plot and storyline, and appreciate the understated humor that makes the movie so much fun to watch. Tweens and teens who appreciate a good mystery will especially enjoy this film, and perhaps be inspired to read the short stories the characters are modeled after!

Shila said:  That Thing You Do! is about a small town "Beatles-like" pop band who make it big in the 60s. It's a nice story and the band's music is catchy. Watch all the glory to be had, as well as the challenges of stardom that unfold to this young band while the "Oneders" realize their dream.