Parents know those tween years can be hard to navigate. Your child is getting more independent but still needs your protection and guidance. Striking that balance isn’t always easy. This shows up on family movie nights.
You want a flick that’s entertaining and maybe even a little educational but not too risky or violent. The ten films on this list are just that and are all available to stream on Netflix. As an added bonus, there will be no eye rolling — well at least for the movie pick.
'Wonder'
The 2017 film Wonder tells the story of 10-year-old August "Auggie" Pullman, played by Jacob Tremblay. He was born with mandibulofacial dysostosis, a facial deformity and wears an astronaut helmet out in public to hide. For many years, he was homeschooled but for fifth grade his parents decided to send him to a private prep school. He has to learn how to navigate friendships with other kids while looking different than them, which isn’t easy. Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson play Auggie’s parents. This movie teaches important lessons about bullying, kindness, and forgiveness.
'The Mitchells vs. the Machines'
This animated comedy is great for fans of science fiction. The Mitchell family is all that stands between the evil AI virtual assistant robots and humanity. Can college age daughter Katie, her younger brother Aaron, Dad Rick, and Mom Linda save the world? You will have to watch to find out. You might recognize the voices of Maya Rudolph, Olivia Colman, Fred Armisen, John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, and Doug the Pug when you do.
'Yes Day'
Yes Day stars Jennifer Garner, Édgar Ramírez, and Jenna Ortega. It is based on the book of the same name by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, so maybe you can convince your kids to read it as well. It tells the story of the Torres family. Kids Katie, Nando, and Ellie think their mom Allison is too strict and acts like a dictator. This frustrates Allison, who wishes Carlos, her husband, would help her enforce the rules with their kids. Mr. Deacon suggests a day where parents can’t say no to help the situation. Sometimes starting with a yes can lead to a whole lot of adventure. Watch this movie to see what exactly unfolds.
'Jumanji'
If your tweens have never seen this the original 1995 film Jumanji, now is the time. This is the movie that started it all. It stars the late Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst, David Alan Grier, Bonnie Hunt, Jonathan Hyde, and Bebe Neuwirth. A simple board game can lead to amazing and sometimes scary adventures.
'Family Switch'
The 2023 film Family Switch is like Freaky Friday on steroids. Everyone in the Walker family switches. Dad Bill and son Wyatt swap bodies as do mom Jess and daughter CC. Toddler Miles and the family dog Pickles also get in on the action. When trying to pass for each other while they figure out how to make everything right again, hilarity ensues. Jennifer Garner and Ed Helms star in this family film.
'The Sleepover'
This 2020 film is a great family-friendly action film. During a sleepover, two siblings discover their mom was once a thief and is in the witness protection program. When mom and dad get kidnapped, Clancy and Kevin have to save the day. Malin Åkerman and Ken Marino star as Margot and Ron.
'Matilda the Musical'
This one's for the musical theater fans out there. Matilda the Musical is based on the stage play of the same name, which in turn was based on a Roald Dahl novel. Young Matilda Wormwood, played by Alisha Weir, is the outcast of her family because she loves to read. She develops supernatural powers when bullied at school by the mean headmistress Miss Trunchbull, played by Emma Thompson. This film will have you singing and dancing.
'True Spirit'
This 2023 Sarah Spillane biopic tells the remarkable true story of Jessica Watson, an Australian teen who tried to sail around the world by herself. She was awarded the Order of Australia Medal and was inducted into the Australian Sailing Hall of Fame for her brave efforts. Actor Teagan Croft plays the adventurous teen.
'The Adam Project'
The Adam Project was directed by Shawn Levy and deals with themes of time travel. Fighter pilot Adam Reed, played by Ryan Reynolds meets his 12-year-old self, played by Walker Scobell, when he crashes into the year 2022. It's a great way to talk to your kids about future goals. You can ask them where they see themselves in 20 years. Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Garner, Catherine Keener, and Zoe Saldaña also star in the film.
'Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood'
This animated coming-of-age story by Richard Linklater will take you out of this world. It's a combines a 10-year-old's imagination with the real life events of the 1969 Moon landing. You might recognize the voices of Jack Black, Glen Powell, and Zachary Levi as you travel in space.
