Looking for the perfect movie for your 12 year old? Check out our list of the top 10 best movies that are both entertaining and age-appropriate! From Harry Potter’s magical world to heartwarming classics like The Lion King, we’ve got you covered. Keep your kids engaged and entertained with these must-see films.
Movies can be a fantastic way to engage and entertain 12 year olds. With so many options out there, it can be challenging to find the perfect movie that’s both appropriate and enjoyable for this age group. Whether it’s a rainy day, a sleepover with friends, or just some quality family time, a good movie can set the tone for a memorable experience. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best movies for 12 year olds that are sure to keep them entertained and engaged. From magical adventures to heartwarming coming-of-age tales, these movies are the perfect choices for your tween’s next movie night.
Best movies for 12 year olds
Harry Potter series
It’s hard to go wrong with the magical world of Harry Potter. Based on the bestselling novels by J.K. Rowling, this series of seven movies follows young wizard Harry Potter and his friends as they attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. With spellbinding special effects and unforgettable characters, Harry Potter is a surefire way to captivate any 12 year old.
The Lion King
“Hakuna matata!” The Lion King is a classic animated Disney movie that tells the story of young lion Simba as he navigates the dangers and joys of the African savanna. With a cast of memorable characters and unforgettable songs, this heartwarming tale is a must-see for any 12 year old.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
If you’re looking for a timeless classic that still holds up today, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is the way to go. This Steven Spielberg film tells the story of a young boy named Elliott who befriends an alien stranded on Earth. With themes of friendship and belonging, E.T. is a touching and entertaining movie that’s perfect for 12 year olds.
The Karate Kid
“Wax on, wax off!” The Karate Kid is a classic 80s movie that tells the story of teenager Daniel LaRusso as he learns martial arts from his mentor, Mr. Miyagi. With inspiring themes of perseverance and friendship, The Karate Kid is a fun and uplifting movie that’s perfect for 12 year olds.
Coco
This Pixar movie is a beautiful celebration of Mexican culture and the power of family. Coco follows young Miguel as he journeys to the Land of the Dead to uncover the truth about his family’s past. With stunning visuals and a heartwarming story, Coco is a fantastic movie for 12 year olds.
The Goonies
“Goonies never say die!” This 80s classic tells the story of a group of friends who embark on a treasure hunt to save their neighborhood from being destroyed by developers. With a memorable cast of characters and plenty of thrills and laughs, The Goonies is a fun and entertaining movie that’s perfect for 12 year olds.
Spider-Man
Into the Spider-Verse – If your 12 year old is a fan of superheroes, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a must-see. This animated movie follows teenager Miles Morales as he becomes Spider-Man and teams up with other versions of the hero from different dimensions to save the world. With stunning animation and a great soundtrack, this movie is sure to be a hit with your tween.
The Princess Bride
“As you wish.” The Princess Bride is a beloved classic that tells the story of Princess Buttercup and her true love, Westley, as they navigate a dangerous journey to be together. With swashbuckling action, hilarious comedy, and a sweet romance, The Princess Bride is a movie that appeals to all ages and is perfect for family movie night.
Inside Out
This Pixar movie takes viewers inside the mind of an 11-year-old girl named Riley and explores the emotions that control her actions. With a clever premise and great voice acting, Inside Out is a fun and insightful movie that can help 12 year olds understand their own emotions a little better.
The Sandlot
“You’re killing me, Smalls!” The Sandlot is a coming-of-age story about a group of boys who bond over their love of baseball during the summer of 1962. With themes of friendship, teamwork, and growing up, The Sandlot is a timeless classic that’s perfect for 12 year olds (and adults, too!).
Matilda
Based on the beloved Roald Dahl novel, Matilda is a movie about a young girl with extraordinary abilities who uses them to stand up to her cruel parents and the mean principal of her school. With great performances and a fun story, Matilda is a movie that will inspire and entertain 12 year olds.
Jumanji
The original Jumanji movie from 1995 is a thrilling adventure about a magical board game that unleashes dangerous animals and challenges on its players. With great special effects and a fun story, Jumanji is a movie that will keep 12 year olds on the edge of their seats.
The Parent Trap
This classic Disney movie tells the story of twin sisters who meet for the first time at summer camp and hatch a plan to reunite their divorced parents. With great performances by Lindsay Lohan and a fun story, The Parent Trap is a movie that will make 12 year olds laugh and feel good.
Wonder
Wonder is a heartwarming movie about a boy named Auggie with a facial deformity who starts attending public school for the first time in fifth grade. With great performances and an uplifting message about acceptance and kindness, Wonder is a movie that will make 12 year olds feel inspired and empowered.
The Sound of Music
This classic movie musical tells the story of a woman named Maria who becomes a governess for the von Trapp family in Austria just before World War II. With great music and a timeless story about the power of family and love, The Sound of Music is a movie that 12 year olds will enjoy just as much as their parents and grandparents did.
So there you have it, even more movies for 12 year olds to enjoy! From heartwarming tales to thrilling adventures, these movies offer something for every tween. Hope you enjoy this list – if you have anything to add in the list, do share in comments below.
While these movies offer fantastic entertainment for 12-year-olds, it’s also beneficial to introduce them to educational and inspirational content. Much like the moral lessons embedded in ‘Short stories for teenagers with moral lessons,’ these stories can provide valuable life insights while entertaining your young audience.
