Get Ready for Movie Night!
60 Tween Movies for the Next Time Your Preteen Claims There’s Nothing to Watch
Or, 60 Responses to “I’m bored.”
By Emily Weaver
Updated: Feb. 20, 2024
Originally Published: April 15, 2022
Forget the so-called terrible twos; the tween years can be even more challenging for parents! By age twelve, everything shifts as puberty starts to take hold. Your child might begin expressing curiosity about relationships, throw out random expletives, and likely want nothing to do with you. Welcome to the age of twelve! It’s time to buckle up; it’s bound to be a wild ride. With the mood swings (oh, the joy!) and emerging independence, finding ways to connect with your tween can feel nearly impossible. Luckily, there are plenty of movies suitable for tweens that you can watch together.
Child psychologist Emily W. King, Ph.D., suggests that watching movies serves as a safe, shared activity that doesn’t require direct interaction with parents. “Tweens are in a phase of identity formation, making family time more challenging,” King explains. “They’re drawn to friends and outside interests, yet they still crave their family’s love and support—even if they don’t show it!” Thus, movie nights can be one of the few ways your budding teen might be willing to bond.
But remember, movie night is as much about you as it is about them. Licensed therapist Heidi Headding, LMFT, emphasizes that it offers parents a valuable opportunity to understand what their child is experiencing as they navigate their world. “Tweens are more likely to trust and open up if they feel that movie night is a safe space for discussions rather than judgment.”
Now, how do you convince your tween to join you for a movie? Timing and delivery are key. Headding recommends letting your tween choose the film or making it an exciting surprise: “How about a movie night? We can order pizza and popcorn!” If you have younger kids, consider giving your tween a later bedtime or letting them watch something a bit more mature, as King advises.
While it may seem like an uphill battle at times, remember that you’re not alone (in the wise words of Kris Jenner, “You’re doing amazing, sweetie.”). So, who’s ready for a successful tween movie night?
Best Tween Movies
- Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019)
If your tween rolls their eyes at the thought of watching a “baby” movie, remind them that this live-action adaptation has been tailored for older kids. Isabela Moner stars as a teenage Dora, embarking on adventurous rescue missions wrapped in a comedic fish-out-of-water storyline. - Troop Zero (2020)
Set in 1977 Georgia, this quirky comedy follows Christmas Flint, a space-obsessed girl dealing with her mother’s death. She dreams of having her voice featured on a Voyager spacecraft, recruiting a band of lovable misfits to help her achieve her goal. While it has some mild language, its heartwarming message makes it a must-see. - The Kid Who Would Be King (2019)
Think Goonies meets Lord of the Rings! This modern twist on the Arthurian legend features a relatable boy who finds Excalibur and teams up with friends and Merlin to face challenges. A perfect blend of adventure and humor. - Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
If your kids have brushed off the original Ghostbusters, this new installment, featuring stars like Finn Wolfhard and Mckenna Grace, is a cool way to engage them. Plus, it pays homage to the original cast, keeping nostalgia alive. - Little Women (2019)
Perfect for those with tween daughters, this adaptation of the classic novel showcases the lives of the March sisters, each with their own dreams and aspirations. - Diary of a Wimpy Kid Trilogy (2010-2012)
Follow the hilarious escapades of Greg Heffley as he navigates the trials of middle school, complete with a bully of an older brother and a best friend who’s a little quirky. - Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse (2018)
This animated film introduces 14-year-old Miles Morales as the new Spider-Man, featuring a fantastic soundtrack and a plethora of cameos from different Spider-People! - Yes Day (2021)
In this fun family comedy, parents agree to let their kids make the rules for one day, leading to a series of wild adventures. A guaranteed laugh for the whole family! - The Greatest Showman (2017)
Perfect for any tweens with a passion for music and theater, this musical biopic about P.T. Barnum is sure to have everyone singing the catchy tunes for weeks. - Shazam! (2019)
A mix of humor and superhero action, this film features a teenage boy who gains the ability to transform into an adult superhero with just one word—perfect for a laugh! - Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
Expect some swearing, action, and positive themes like teamwork and friendship in this fun adventure film that pays homage to the original. - Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (2014)
Jennifer Garner shines in this family comedy about an 11-year-old who experiences a series of unfortunate events, making it easy for tweens to relate. - Cinderella (2021)
A fresh take on the classic fairytale, this musical features Camila Cabello and a charmingly sassy Fairy Godmother, making it an enjoyable watch for tweens. - Sandlot (1993)
This nostalgic baseball movie captures the antics of a group of boys who play at the Sandlot, making it a delightful watch for parents and tweens alike. - The Parent Trap (1998)
Twin sisters, played by Lindsay Lohan, meet at camp and devise a plan to reunite their divorced parents, filled with humor and heartwarming moments. - Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)
A great time to introduce your tween to the magical world of Harry Potter, especially if they’ve read the books or visited the Wizarding World. - School of Rock (2003)
Jack Black stars in this comedic classic about a wannabe rock star who teaches kids the power of music in a prep school setting. - Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
This Marvel film packed with action and kung fu follows Shang-Chi as he confronts his mysterious past, making it thrilling for tweens. - Tall Girl (2019)
Jodi, a high school girl who is 6’2″, faces challenges of her height until she meets someone who understands her struggles, teaching her self-acceptance. - James and the Giant Peach (1996)
Follow the adventure of a boy who escapes his aunts to embark on a journey filled with friendship and family.
Additional Tween-Friendly Movies
- Hamilton (2020)
- Are We There Yet? (2005)
- Turning Red (2022)
- Whale Rider (2002)
- Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019)
- Queen of Katwe (2016)
- Tall Girl 2 (2022)
- Holes (2003)
- Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
- Finding Ohana (2021)
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
- Wonder (2017)
- The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)
- Enola Holmes (2020)
- The BFG (2016)
- Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
- A Cinderella Story (2004)
- Big Fish (2003)
- Cheaper By the Dozen (2003)
- Enchanted (2007)
- Hugo (2011)
- Togo (2019)
- Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
- The Chronicles of Narnia series (2005-2010)
- Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
- Cool Runnings (1993)
- Aladdin (2019)
- Tooth Fairy (2010)
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Summary
Finding engaging movies for tweens can be a challenge, but plenty of options exist that can also spark conversations and bonding moments. From adventurous tales like Dora and the Lost City of Gold to heartwarming films like Little Women, these movies provide a perfect opportunity for parents and tweens to share quality time.
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