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.

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Anne of Green Gables Poster Image

MOVIE

Anne of Green Gables

age 7+

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

January 10, 1986 1986 NR (199 minutes)

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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.

June 11, 1982 1982 PG (115 minutes)

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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.

November 16, 2001 2001 PG (152 minutes)

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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.

October 29, 1993 1993 PG (76 minutes)

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A Christmas Story Poster Image

MOVIE

A Christmas Story

age 8+

Wonderful antidote to cutesy holiday tales; some swearing.

November 18, 1983 1983 PG (98 minutes)

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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.

August 11, 1964 1964 G (87 minutes)

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Beauty and the Beast Poster Image

MOVIE

Beauty and the Beast

age 8+

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

March 17, 2017 2017 PG (129 minutes)

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Bringing Up Baby Poster Image

MOVIE

Bringing Up Baby

age 8+

Classic screwball comedy with loads of tame laughs.

February 18, 1938 1938 NR (102 minutes)

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Close Encounters of the Third Kind Poster Image

MOVIE

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

age 8+

Suspenseful, thoughtful alien-encounter classic.

November 16, 1977 1977 PG (132 minutes)

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Fly Away Home Poster Image

MOVIE

Fly Away Home

age 8+

Thrilling, touching adventure for animal lovers.

May 1, 1998 1998 PG (107 minutes)

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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.

January 20, 2006 2006 PG (98 minutes)

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Howl's Moving Castle Poster Image

MOVIE

Howl's Moving Castle

age 8+

Charming Miyazaki fairy tale with surreal villains.

June 10, 2005 2005 PG (119 minutes)

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Hugo Poster Image

MOVIE

Hugo

age 8+

Spectacular book adaptation is great for tweens and up.

November 23, 2011 2011 PG (127 minutes)

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Long Way North Poster Image

MOVIE

Long Way North

age 8+

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

September 30, 2016 2016 PG (81 minutes)

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Mad Hot Ballroom Poster Image

MOVIE

Mad Hot Ballroom

age 8+

Enchanting dance documentary hits all the right beats.

May 13, 2005 2005 PG (105 minutes)

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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.

June 24, 2022 2022 PG (89 minutes)

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Old Yeller Poster Image

MOVIE

Old Yeller

age 8+

Tearjerker is one of the best early Disney dramas.

December 25, 1957 1957 G (84 minutes)

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Raya and the Last Dragon Poster Image

MOVIE

Raya and the Last Dragon

age 8+

Charming, epic adventure mixes monsters, humor, heart.

March 5, 2021 2021 PG (114 minutes)

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Sonic the Hedgehog Poster Image

MOVIE

Sonic the Hedgehog

age 8+

Carrey lights up video game movie; peril, drinking.

February 14, 2020 2020 PG (100 minutes)

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Spellbound Poster Image

MOVIE

Spellbound

age 8+

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

May 16, 2003 2003 G (96 minutes)

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