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It’s REALLY hard to find movies for kids these days. It’s almost like..there are so many choices that it’s TOO many choices.
At this age, children are developing their tastes and interests, and it’s crucial to provide them with movies that not only entertain but also offer valuable lessons or inspire creativity.
In this specific selection of films, I’ve handpicked the best ones that strike a balance between entertainment and age-appropriate content – in my humble opinion!
From heartwarming adventures to captivating tales of friendship and self-discovery, these movies are tailored to engage young minds while ensuring parents can feel confident in their choices. I also think these are movies that the whole family can enjoy together on family movie night.
Join me in exploring these cinematic gems that promise hours of wholesome entertainment for 12-year-olds.
86 Best Movies For 12 Year Olds
Toy Story: This heartwarming animation brings toys to life and teaches important lessons about friendship and teamwork, making it a timeless choice for 12-year-olds.
Finding Nemo: With stunning underwater adventures and memorable characters, “Finding Nemo” offers an entertaining journey that also explores the theme of family bonds and perseverance.
Shrek: “Shrek” combines humor and fairy tale elements to deliver a fun and witty story that appeals to both kids and adults, offering a lesson in embracing one’s uniqueness.
The Lion King: This classic tale of Simba’s journey to adulthood is not only visually stunning but also carries themes of responsibility and leadership that resonate with young viewers.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: The magical world of Harry Potter is a captivating adventure filled with friendship, courage, and the battle between good and evil, making it an excellent choice for 12-year-old fantasy enthusiasts.
Frozen: With its empowering story of two sisters and unforgettable songs, “Frozen” celebrates the importance of love and self-acceptance while captivating young audiences.
Moana: “Moana” takes viewers on a thrilling voyage across the ocean, highlighting themes of bravery, determination, and the connection to one’s heritage.
Matilda: Roald Dahl’s beloved character, Matilda, inspires young viewers with her intelligence and resilience as she overcomes challenges in this heartwarming tale.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece explores the friendship between a young boy and an alien, emphasizing the value of empathy and understanding.
Despicable Me: The misadventures of supervillain Gru and his minions offer humor and a heartwarming message about the power of love and family bonds.
The Incredibles: This superhero family’s story combines action-packed sequences with themes of teamwork and family unity, making it suitable for older kids.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory: A whimsical journey through a candy-filled wonderland teaches lessons about honesty and the consequences of greed.
Zootopia: In the bustling city of Zootopia, young viewers learn about the importance of inclusivity, diversity, and never giving up on one’s dreams.
Kung Fu Panda: Po’s quest to become a kung fu master is both humorous and inspiring, encouraging kids to embrace their unique talents and work hard to achieve their goals.
Home Alone: This classic family comedy combines humor with lessons in resourcefulness and the importance of family during the holiday season.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: A visually stunning and action-packed adventure that explores themes of responsibility, heroism, and the idea that anyone can be a hero.
The Princess Diaries: A charming coming-of-age story about a teenager discovering her royal heritage, offering themes of self-discovery, friendship, and responsibility.
The Parent Trap: Twins Annie and Hallie’s mischievous antics as they reunite their long-lost parents provide both humor and a heartfelt message about family bonds.
The Karate Kid: A classic tale of mentorship and self-discipline as a young boy learns martial arts and life lessons from his wise karate instructor.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl: This swashbuckling adventure blends humor, action, and a touch of supernatural intrigue while portraying themes of bravery and teamwork.
How to Train Your Dragon: A heartwarming story of a young Viking and his dragon friend, emphasizing the importance of understanding and friendship.
Coco: With its vibrant visuals and themes of family, tradition, and following one’s passion, “Coco” celebrates Mexican culture while captivating young audiences.
Paddington: The lovable bear from Peru embarks on delightful adventures in London, promoting themes of kindness, acceptance, and the joy of discovery.
The Polar Express: A magical journey on the Polar Express teaches the importance of belief, friendship, and the holiday spirit.
The Lego Movie: This imaginative film encourages creativity and teamwork while delivering a hilarious and action-packed story that resonates with young viewers.
Shazam!: A lighthearted superhero adventure that combines humor, family dynamics, and the idea that anyone can be a hero when they embrace their inner strengths.
Wonder: A touching story about a boy with facial differences navigating his first year of school, promoting empathy, kindness, and acceptance.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle: This action-packed comedy features an exciting jungle adventure and a lesson in teamwork and self-discovery.
The BFG: Roald Dahl’s tale of friendship between a young girl and a big friendly giant is both heartwarming and magical, emphasizing the importance of dreams.
The Croods: A prehistoric family’s journey through a changing world teaches lessons about adaptation, family bonds, and courage.
Charlotte’s Web: The classic tale of friendship between a pig and a spider explores themes of loyalty, compassion, and the circle of life.
Wreck-It Ralph: This animated adventure set in the world of video games offers a fun and heartwarming story about self-acceptance and the importance of being true to oneself.
The Goonies: A group of adventurous kids embarks on a thrilling quest, emphasizing the power of friendship, teamwork, and determination.
Hook: A modern take on Peter Pan’s story, exploring themes of rediscovering one’s inner child and the importance of imagination.
The Secret Garden: A captivating tale of a young girl’s discovery of a hidden garden and the healing power of nature.
The Sandlot: This nostalgic coming-of-age story captures the essence of childhood friendships and the love of baseball.
Little Women: Louisa May Alcott’s classic story follows the lives of four sisters, offering valuable lessons about family, individuality, and pursuing one’s dreams.
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: A humorous adventure that explores the challenges and delights of miniaturized life while promoting resourcefulness and teamwork.
The Little Rascals: The misadventures of a group of neighborhood kids are both humorous and heartwarming, emphasizing the value of friendship and loyalty.
Holes: Based on Louis Sachar’s novel, this story follows a young boy’s experiences at a camp for troubled kids, teaching themes of perseverance and justice.
The Spiderwick Chronicles: A thrilling fantasy adventure that explores a hidden world of magical creatures while highlighting themes of family bonds and bravery.
The Sound of Music: A timeless musical that celebrates the power of music, family, and love in the face of adversity.
The Princess Bride: A beloved fairy tale adventure that combines humor, romance, and swashbuckling action, offering timeless entertainment for all ages.
Babe: The heartwarming story of a pig who aspires to be a sheepdog teaches kids about perseverance and the importance of believing in oneself.
Ponyo: This enchanting animated film explores an underwater world and the friendship between a young boy and a magical fish, emphasizing environmental themes and the power of love.
Nanny McPhee: A magical nanny teaches valuable life lessons to a group of unruly children, promoting themes of responsibility and kindness.
The NeverEnding Story: A young boy’s adventures within a mystical book unfold themes of imagination, courage, and the power of storytelling.
Spy Kids: This action-packed family adventure features young spies on a mission, promoting themes of teamwork, resourcefulness, and family bonds.
Zathura: A Space Adventure: A thrilling space adventure that emphasizes the importance of sibling cooperation and creativity.
The Iron Giant: A heartwarming tale of friendship between a boy and a giant robot, with themes of empathy and understanding.
Mulan: The story of Mulan’s bravery and determination as she impersonates a male soldier in ancient China provides powerful messages about courage and equality.
Alice in Wonderland: A visually stunning adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale that celebrates curiosity and imagination.
The Jungle Book: This live-action adaptation explores themes of identity and belonging as Mowgli navigates the jungle with his animal friends.
Bridge to Terabithia: A touching story of friendship and imagination that explores themes of loss and resilience.
Stuart Little: The adventures of a little mouse in a human world deliver themes of family, acceptance, and the power of love.
The Princess and the Frog: This Disney film combines elements of fairy tales and jazz music while promoting themes of determination and following one’s dreams.
The Cat in the Hat: Dr. Seuss’s classic character brings humor and whimsy to this entertaining story about fun and creativity.
The Parent Trap: The tale of twins separated at birth reuniting their parents is heartwarming and emphasizes the power of family bonds.
Beethoven: The misadventures of a lovable St. Bernard bring humor and lessons about responsibility and the love of pets.
Jumanji: A classic adventure that explores the consequences of a magical board game, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and bravery.
The Indian in the Cupboard: A young boy discovers the magic of bringing toys to life and learns about responsibility and friendship.
Night at the Museum: A family-friendly adventure featuring exhibits that come to life, highlighting themes of curiosity and the wonder of history.
The Little Mermaid: Join Ariel, a young mermaid, on her underwater adventure as she pursues her dreams and discovers the importance of self-expression.
Star Wars: Embark on an epic journey through a galaxy far, far away in this timeless space saga filled with heroes, villains, and incredible special effects.
Enchanted: A young woman from an animated world finds herself in real-world New York City, creating a delightful blend of fantasy and reality.
Mary Poppins: Join the Banks family on magical adventures with their extraordinary nanny, Mary Poppins, in this classic family film filled with catchy songs and whimsical adventures.
Harry Potter Series: Follow the adventures of a young wizard, Harry Potter, as he attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in this beloved book-to-film series.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: Join the Potts family on a whimsical road trip with their magical car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, in this family-friendly classic.
High School Musical: Experience the drama and fun of high school as Troy and Gabriella discover their passion for singing and dancing in this feel-good musical series.
Cinderella Story: Enjoy a modern take on the classic fairy tale, “Cinderella,” as a high school student’s life takes an unexpected turn when she meets her prince charming.
Forrest Gump: Follow the extraordinary life journey of Forrest Gump, portrayed by Tom Hanks, in this heartwarming and thought-provoking film.
Mean Girls: Explore the humorous and relatable challenges of high school life as a new student navigates the world of cliques and friendships.
Coraline: Venture into a parallel universe with Coraline, a young girl who discovers a secret life that is both enchanting and eerie.
Pan’s Labyrinth: Directed by Guillermo del Toro, this dark fantasy film tells the story of a young girl who escapes into a mystical world during post-Civil War Spain.
National Treasure: Join a historian and his team on a thrilling quest to uncover hidden treasures and secrets in this action-packed adventure.
The Princess and the Frog: Experience a unique twist on the classic fairy tale as Tiana, a young woman, embarks on a journey of self-discovery in the heart of New Orleans.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty: Follow the adventures of Walter Mitty, played by Ben Stiller, as he embarks on a real-life journey inspired by his own daydreams.
The Muppet Movie: Join Kermit the Frog and his friends on a whimsical adventure filled with humor, music, and the iconic “Rainbow Connection.”
The Wizard of Oz: Follow Dorothy and her friends down the yellow brick road in this classic tale of adventure, friendship, and self-discovery.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: Meet Miles Morales, a young Spider-Man, in this visually stunning animated film that explores the multiverse and the power of being a hero.
Home Alone: Join Kevin McCallister as he uses his wit and creativity to outsmart a pair of burglars in this fun and festive holiday film.
Matilda: Delve into the magical world of Matilda, a young girl with extraordinary abilities, as she stands up to the bad guys and learns the power of knowledge.
The School of Rock: Follow the hilarious adventures of a substitute teacher (Jack Black) turned rock band leader as he inspires his young students to embrace their musical talents.
The Sound of Music: Set against the backdrop of the Austrian Alps, this beloved musical tells the heartwarming story of a young governess who brings joy and music to a family’s life.
Sherlock Holmes: Join the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend, Dr. John Watson, in this thrilling and clever adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic stories.
Robin Hood: Experience the classic tale of the heroic outlaw, Robin Hood, as he steals from the rich to give to the poor in this timeless adventure.
Why It’s Important For 12 Year Old’s To Consume Wholesome Content
In today’s digital age, 12-year-olds are exposed to a vast array of media and entertainment options, ranging from television shows and movies to video games and social media. While technology has undoubtedly enriched their lives, it has also raised concerns about the quality and appropriateness of the content they consume. This is where the importance of wholesome content comes into play.
Wholesome content refers to media that is not only age-appropriate but also enriching, positive, and devoid of harmful influences. Here are several compelling reasons why it’s crucial for 12-year-olds to consume wholesome content:
- Healthy Development of Values: At the age of 12, children are beginning to form their own set of values and beliefs. Wholesome content can play a significant role in shaping these values in a positive way. It can introduce them to important concepts like empathy, kindness, and respect for others.
- Positive Role Models: Wholesome content often features characters who embody positive traits and qualities. Watching characters who demonstrate integrity, perseverance, and honesty can inspire 12-year-olds to emulate these characteristics in their own lives.
- Educational Value: Many forms of wholesome content are educational in nature. They can introduce children to new ideas, cultures, and historical events, fostering a love for learning. Educational content can be both engaging and informative, making learning an enjoyable experience.
- Emotional Well-Being: Wholesome content can have a positive impact on a child’s emotional well-being. It can offer a sense of comfort, reassurance, and emotional stability. Stories with happy endings and relatable challenges can help 12-year-olds navigate their own emotions and difficulties.
- Improved Critical Thinking: Exposure to wholesome content can encourage critical thinking and discernment. By engaging with well-crafted narratives and complex characters, children can learn to analyze situations, make informed judgments, and differentiate between right and wrong.
- Enhanced Creativity: Wholesome content often sparks creativity and imagination. It can inspire young minds to explore their own creativity, whether through storytelling, art, or other creative outlets.
- Family Bonding: Wholesome content can serve as a source of family bonding. When parents and children watch or read content together, it provides opportunities for discussions, sharing of perspectives, and strengthening family relationships.
- Reduced Negative Influences: Unfortunately, not all media is suitable for young audiences. Exposure to inappropriate or violent content can have harmful effects on a child’s behavior and emotional well-being. Wholesome content serves as a protective shield against such negative influences.
- Community and Friendship Building: Wholesome content can often highlight the value of community, friendship, and cooperation. It can teach 12-year-olds the importance of working together and being a positive force in their own communities.
- Preparation for Real-Life Challenges: Wholesome content can present characters and situations that mirror real-life challenges, allowing children to learn valuable life lessons in a safe and controlled environment. This can better prepare them for the complexities of the real world.
- Fostering Inclusivity: Many forms of wholesome content emphasize inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance. These themes are essential for teaching 12-year-olds about respecting differences and promoting a more inclusive society.
- Building Resilience: Wholesome content often portrays characters facing adversity and overcoming obstacles. These stories can inspire resilience and a positive attitude in children, encouraging them to persevere when faced with challenges in their own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 12 year old’s watch horror films?
The appropriateness of 12-year-olds watching horror films largely depends on individual sensitivities, maturity levels, and parental discretion. While some 12-year-olds may handle mild horror elements, others may find them distressing. Parents should consider the content, rating, and their child’s emotional readiness. It’s advisable to opt for age-appropriate horror films with lower intensity and minimal violence. Open communication between parents and children about their comfort levels and understanding of fictional scares is key to making informed decisions regarding horror film viewing. Always prioritize the emotional well-being and comfort of the child when making such choices.
Is PG-13 appropriate?
PG-13 rated films can be appropriate for some 12-year-olds, but it depends on the specific content of the movie and the maturity level of the child. The PG-13 rating suggests that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13, including scenes of violence, mild profanity, or thematic elements. Parents should review the movie’s content, read reviews, and consider their child’s sensitivity and maturity before allowing them to watch a PG-13 film. It’s essential to make informed decisions and possibly watch the movie together to discuss any potentially challenging or mature themes. Ultimately, parental discretion is crucial in determining whether a PG-13 movie is suitable for a 12-year-old.
Is there anything R rated on Netflix?
Yes, Netflix does offer R-rated movies and TV shows as part of its content library. R-rated content is intended for mature audiences due to its potentially explicit or intense material, such as strong language, violence, sexual content, or adult themes. However, Netflix provides parental controls that allow account holders to set restrictions on content based on its rating. Parents can use these controls to limit access to R-rated content for younger viewers and ensure a more age-appropriate viewing experience.
Is Stranger Things PG 13?
“Stranger Things” is rated TV-14, which means it may not be suitable for children under 14 years of age without parental guidance. It contains some material that parents or guardians may find unsuitable for children under 14, such as mild violence and frightening scenes. While it doesn’t have a PG-13 rating (which is typically applied to movies), the TV-14 rating serves as an advisory for parents to exercise discretion when allowing younger viewers to watch the series. Parents should consider their child’s maturity level and sensitivity to potentially scary or intense content before permitting them to watch “Stranger Things.”
