53 Movies to Watch with Tweens & Young Teens

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!

Kelly R said:  We loved National Treasure as a family movie night pick with our 11 year old and 8 year old! In his quest to find and protect a lost treasure, a historian has to steal the Declaration of Independence and decode its hidden map. It's a totally fun ride as each in a series of clues is solved, and has plenty of fun action that makes this a great movie for tweens...especially those who are interested in American history!

The colorful animation, award-winning music, and beloved characters make the story of Aladdin's quest to win Princess Jasmine's heart - with the help of his adorable monkey sidekick and a hilarious genie - one that kids of all ages will enjoy.

Alexandra F. said:  This Disney animated classic has been a household favorite for three decades, and is as great a movie for 12-year-olds as it is for younger kids!

A struggling rock musician, fired from his band, poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school and turns his class of gifted students into a rock band.

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.

Kristy Pepping said:  While tweens are often beyond Disney movies, this remake of the classic Cinderella will be a hit with this crowd. It follows the same general storyline of a princess held captive by an evil stepmother. She is then helped by a fairy godmother and meets her prince charming. Since this movie is not a cartoon, tweens will be swept along with the magical scenes and memorable characters.

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.