Top 15 Best Movies for 12 Year Olds – Family Friendly Films

Are you struggling to a find great movie for your 12-year-old that the whole family can enjoy? Look no further! In this post, we’ll be sharing the best movies for 12 year olds that are sure to entertain everyone on family movie night. From classic fairy tales to action-packed adventures, we’ve got you covered.

Whether your child is into animated films or prefers live-action, our list includes something for everyone. From the beloved Star Wars franchise to heartwarming stories like Robin Williams’ “Jumanji,” we’ve hand-picked the best movies for 12 year olds that are perfect for a cozy night in with the entire family.

If you’re looking for movies with strong female characters, we’ve got you covered with Lindsay Lohan’s “Mean Girls” and Academy Award-winning “Brave,” featuring a young girl on a quest to change her fate. For older kids, we’ve included parallel universe stories like “The Spiderwick Chronicles” and TV shows turned movies like “The Inbetweeners.”

From true love to high school dramas, this list has it all. So, whether it’s your child’s first time watching a movie or they’re a seasoned moviegoer, our top picks for the best family movies for 12-year-olds are sure to delight and entertain. Let’s get started!”

Factors to consider when choosing movies for 12-year-olds

When choosing best movies for 12 year olds, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure that the content is appropriate and enjoyable for younger viewers. Here are some factors to consider:

• Age appropriateness: Make sure that the movie is suitable for 12-year-olds. Consider the movie’s rating, content warnings, and the age of the characters. It’s also important to consider the emotional maturity of your child.
• Genre: 12-year-olds have a wide range of interests and may enjoy different genres. Some popular genres for this age group include animated films, action-adventure, martial arts, romantic comedies, and fairy tales. Consider what your child enjoys and what might be appropriate for your family.
• Storyline: Consider the movie’s storyline and whether it’s appropriate for your child. Some movies may have darker themes, such as bad guys or true stories that may not be appropriate for younger viewers. However, some movies may have positive messages, such as a Cinderella story or The Lion King, which can teach valuable lessons to children.
• Characters: Young viewers may connect with certain characters, such as a fairy godmother or a young woman on a quest. Consider whether the characters are relatable and whether your child may be interested in their story.
• Quality: Look for movies with great production value, such as original movies that are well-made and have a theatrical release. Movies like Toy Story and Finding Nemo are great examples of high-quality movies that are also appropriate for 12-year-olds.
• Availability: Consider the availability of the movie. Some movies may only be available on streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video or on DVD. For example, the Harry Potter series is a great choice for 12-year-olds, but you may need to purchase or rent the DVDs.
• Enjoyment for the whole family: Finally, look for movies that are enjoyable for the whole family. Movies like Mary Poppins, The Princess Bride, and Kung Fu Panda are great examples of movies that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.

Top 15 Best Movies for 12 Year Olds

By considering these factors, you can find a great kids movie that is appropriate and enjoyable for your 12-year-old.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

This is an awesome animated movie that features a diverse cast of Spider-People from different dimensions coming together to save the multiverse. It’s a great pick for 12-year-olds who love superheroes, action, and adventure. The movie is rated PG for frenetic sequences of animated action violence, thematic elements, and mild language.

The Lion King (1994)

This classic Disney film is a coming-of-age story about a young lion named Simba who must learn to embrace his responsibilities as king. It’s a timeless tale with beautiful animation, iconic songs, and memorable characters. The movie is rated G and is a great family-friendly film.

Harry Potter series (2001-2011)

The Harry Potter series follows the story of a young boy who discovers he is a wizard and attends a magical school. These movies are perfect for kids who love fantasy, adventure, and magic. The movies are rated PG and PG-13 for some scary moments and fantasy violence. This is one of the best movies for 12 year olds

Kung Fu Panda (2008)

This is a fun and heartwarming movie about a clumsy panda named Po who dreams of becoming a kung fu master. It’s a great pick for kids who love martial arts, action, and comedy. The movie is rated PG for some martial arts action and mild language.

The Greatest Showman (2017)

This musical movie is inspired by the life of P.T. Barnum and tells the story of a visionary who creates a circus spectacle that becomes a worldwide sensation. It’s an inspiring movie with great songs, choreography, and performances, starring Hugh Jackman. The movie is rated PG for thematic elements including a brawl.

Frozen (2013)

This Disney movie is a fairy tale about two sisters, Elsa and Anna, who learn the true meaning of sisterhood and love. It’s a visually stunning movie with catchy songs and lovable characters. The movie is rated PG for some action and mild rude humor.

The Secret Life of Pets (2016)

This is a hilarious movie that explores what pets do when their owners are away. It’s a great pick for kids who love animals, comedy, and adventure. The movie is rated PG for action and some rude humor.

Mary Poppins (1964)

This classic Disney movie is about a magical nanny who brings joy and order to a family in London. It’s a timeless musical with great songs, memorable characters, and an unforgettable performance by Julie Andrews. The movie is rated G and is a great family-friendly film.

Toy Story (1995)

This is an amazing movie that tells the story of a group of toys who come to life when their owner is not around. It’s a great pick for kids who love adventure, comedy, and heartwarming stories. The movie is rated G and is a great family-friendly film.

The Princess Bride (1987)

This movie is a fairy tale adventure about a young woman named Buttercup and her true love, Westley. It’s a classic movie that’s filled with humor, romance, and adventure. The movie is rated PG and is a great family-friendly film.

Elf (2003)

This is a Christmas movie about a young orphan boy named Buddy who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Raised by elves, Buddy grows up thinking he is one of them, until he learns the truth about his past and travels to New York City to find his real father. Played by Will Ferrell, Buddy is a lovable and hilarious character who brings joy to everyone he meets. This family-friendly Christmas movie is perfect for the whole family, and captures the magic and wonder of the holiday season.

Frozen (2013)

This Disney animated film has become a modern classic, telling the story of two sisters, Anna and Elsa, as they navigate a strange and magical world. With catchy songs and stunning animation, Frozen is an awesome movie for both kids and adults.

The Greatest Showman (2017)

This musical film stars Hugh Jackman as P.T. Barnum, the famous circus owner and showman. The movie tells the story of Barnum’s rise to fame and features incredible musical numbers that will have the whole family tapping their feet.

Cinderella (2015)

This live-action retelling of the classic fairy tale stars Lily James as Cinderella and features stunning costumes and sets. With a great cast and a heartwarming story, Cinderella is one of the best family-friendly films of recent years.

These movies are all great choices for 12-year-olds and are sure to provide hours of family time and entertainment. From awesome animated features to strange and magical worlds, from classic tales to modern musicals, these movies offer something for everyone. So gather the family, grab some snacks, and settle in for some of the best movies for 12-year-olds out there!

Conclusion

Finding the best movies for 12 year olds can be a challenge, but with so many great options out there, it’s easier than ever to find something that will entertain and delight the whole family. From classic animated features to modern blockbusters, from heartwarming family dramas to thrilling adventures in strange and magical worlds, there’s something for everyone on this list.

By considering factors like age-appropriateness, content warnings, and ratings, you can make informed decisions about what to watch with your 12-year-old. Whether you’re looking for a movie to watch on a lazy afternoon, a family movie night, or a special occasion, these films are sure to provide hours of entertainment and create lasting memories. So pop some popcorn, grab some blankets, and settle in for some of the best movies for 12 year olds out there!

15 Kid Friendly Movies for Your Next Amazing Family Night

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I would stay connected and keep you updated with parenting tips, pregnancy guides, creative ideas, easy crafts, and Free Printables. Subscribe to Colossalumbrella to get new ideas delivered to your inbox. Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram.

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I would appreciate you support to help me run this blog. I run a small affiliate shop, which means that if you click on the link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.