Best Tween Movies

Last updated: March 11, 2026

Looking for a five-star film for your next family movie night with your tween? We've got you covered with some must-see movies that older kids and grown-ups alike will love. Check out some of our top-rated favorites, from inspiring sports dramas such as Hoosiers to a fast-paced Harry Potter fantasy, from Indiana Jones action to classic comedies such as Some Like It Hot. No matter what kinds of movies your tween likes, you're sure to find something great here. For even more movie night inspiration, check out our 50 Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12 or try our Best Tween TV Shows.

Filter by:

Sort by:

Anne of Green Gables Poster Image

MOVIE

Anne of Green Gables

age 7+

Faithful, sensitive take on classic novel is great for kids.

1986 NR (199 minutes)

See full review

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial Poster Image

MOVIE

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial

age 7+

Spielberg's family classic is still one of the best.

1982 PG (115 minutes)

See full review

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Poster Image

MOVIE

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

age 7+

First Potter movie is a magical ride but also intense.

2001 PG (152 minutes)

See full review

The Nightmare Before Christmas Movie Poster: Jack Skellington stands atop a curly cliff in front of a full moon, with jack o' lanterns below

MOVIE

The Nightmare Before Christmas

age 7+

Tim Burton holiday magic, with a touch of scariness.

1993 PG (76 minutes)

See full review

A Christmas Story Poster Image

MOVIE

A Christmas Story

age 8+

Wonderful antidote to cutesy holiday tales; some swearing.

1983 PG (98 minutes)

See full review

A Hard Day's Night Poster Image

MOVIE

A Hard Day's Night

age 8+

Beatles classic is Fab-ulous, but expect lots of smoking.

1964 G (87 minutes)

See full review

Beauty and the Beast Poster Image

MOVIE

Beauty and the Beast

age 8+

Fantastic but scarier remake of the "tale as old as time."

2017 PG (129 minutes)

See full review

Bringing Up Baby Poster Image

MOVIE

Bringing Up Baby

age 8+

Classic screwball comedy with loads of tame laughs.

1938 NR (102 minutes)

See full review

Close Encounters of the Third Kind Poster Image

MOVIE

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

age 8+

Suspenseful, thoughtful alien-encounter classic.

1977 PG (132 minutes)

See full review

Fly Away Home Poster Image

MOVIE

Fly Away Home

age 8+

Thrilling, touching adventure for animal lovers.

1998 PG (107 minutes)

See full review

High School Musical movie poster: Teens jump happily on a stage in front of red curtains

MOVIE

High School Musical

age 8+

Feel-good musical has positive messages for tweens.

2006 PG (98 minutes)

See full review

Howl's Moving Castle Poster Image

MOVIE

Howl's Moving Castle

age 8+

Charming Miyazaki fairy tale with surreal villains.

2005 PG (119 minutes)

See full review

Hugo Poster Image

MOVIE

Hugo

age 8+

Spectacular book adaptation is great for tweens and up.

2011 PG (127 minutes)

See full review

Long Way North Poster Image

MOVIE

Long Way North

age 8+

Thrilling tale about a girl's search for her grandfather.

2016 PG (81 minutes)

See full review

Mad Hot Ballroom Poster Image

MOVIE

Mad Hot Ballroom

age 8+

Enchanting dance documentary hits all the right beats.

2005 PG (105 minutes)

See full review

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On Movie Poster

MOVIE

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On

age 8+

Sweet, poignant mockumentary goes small to make big points.

2022 PG (89 minutes)

See full review

Old Yeller Poster Image

MOVIE

Old Yeller

age 8+

Tearjerker is one of the best early Disney dramas.

1957 G (84 minutes)

See full review

Raya and the Last Dragon Poster Image

MOVIE

Raya and the Last Dragon

age 8+

Charming, epic adventure mixes monsters, humor, heart.

2021 PG (114 minutes)

See full review

Sonic the Hedgehog Poster Image

MOVIE

Sonic the Hedgehog

age 8+

Carrey lights up video game movie; peril, drinking.

2020 PG (100 minutes)

See full review

Spellbound Poster Image

MOVIE

Spellbound

age 8+

Families should see this m-a-r-v-e-l-o-u-s film.

2003 G (96 minutes)

See full review

About the Author

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.