Best Movies of the Last 15 Years

In honor of Common Sense Media's 15th anniversary, we picked the 15 greatest movies for kids, tweens, and teens that were released between 2003 (when we were founded) and today. These iconic, memorable films delighted and defined a generation of kids and teens. It wasn't easy to come up with this list of the top movies. Many of our favorites just missed the cut. But you voted and helped us decide on the best of the best, with Finding Nemo as No. 1. Be sure to check out our other best-of-the-best lists: Best Books and Best TV Shows of the Last 15 Years.

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Finding Nemo Poster Image
MOVIE

Finding Nemo

age 5+

Sweet father-son tale has some very scary moments.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2003)
The Incredibles Poster Image
MOVIE

The Incredibles

age 7+

Top-notch, action-packed fun for the entire family.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2004)
Frozen Poster Image
MOVIE

Frozen

age 5+

Wintry Disney musical is fabulous celebration of sisterhood.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Poster Image
MOVIE

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

age 10+

Fantastic, but kids are older, themes are darker.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2004)
Black Panther Poster Image
MOVIE

Black Panther

age 12+

Masterful Marvel film has depth, diversity -- and violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
Elf Poster Image
MOVIE

Elf

age 7+

Peppy holiday favorite for both kids and parents.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2003)
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Poster Image
MOVIE

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

age 12+

Outstanding, but much violence and scariness.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2003)
Wonder Woman Poster Image
MOVIE

Wonder Woman

age 12+

Engaging, entertaining, empowering superhero adventure.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)
Ponyo Poster Image
MOVIE

Ponyo

age 5+

Miyazaki's stunning adventure is geared to younger kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)
Mean Girls Poster Image
MOVIE

Mean Girls

age 14+

Mature but often hilarious teen comedy.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2004)
The Hunger Games Poster Image
MOVIE

The Hunger Games

age 14+

Strong female lead in violent, thought-provoking adaptation.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2012)
How to Train Your Dragon Poster Image
MOVIE

How to Train Your Dragon

age 7+

Thrilling adventure sends brains-over-brawn message.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2010)
Slumdog Millionaire Poster Image
MOVIE

Slumdog Millionaire

age 16+

Epic romance-drama is brilliant but too mature for kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2008)
Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens Poster Image
MOVIE

Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens

age 10+

Epic Star Wars sequel delivers great performances, action.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
Moonlight Poster Image
MOVIE

Moonlight

age 15+

Heartbreaking, mature, unforgettable coming-of-age drama.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)