TL;DR: Transitioning from "baby" cartoons to high-octane action is a rite of passage, but the jump from Despicable Me to John Wick is a canyon, not a step. For 2026, we’re looking at a mix of stylized animation like Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse and the high-stakes world of the Minecraft Movie. The goal isn't to avoid all violence—it's to find movies where the action serves the story rather than just filling a body count.
Quick Picks by Age:
- Ages 5-7: The Bad Guys — High energy, low trauma.
- Ages 8-10: The Wild Robot — Emotional depth with intense survival sequences.
- Ages 11-13: Avatar: The Way of Water — Stunning visuals, heavy themes, manageable violence.
- Ages 14+: Top Gun: Maverick — Pure adrenaline, zero "brain rot."
Ask our chatbot for a custom movie list based on your kid's specific triggers
We’ve all been there: your kid finishes a LEGO set or a round of Brawl Stars and suddenly Bluey feels "for babies." They want the explosions. They want the capes. They want the "cool" stuff they see on YouTube.
But "Action" is a massive umbrella. It covers everything from a slapstick minion falling off a roof to a gritty superhero deconstruction where the protagonist is questioning their entire existence. As parents, we’re trying to navigate that middle ground where the movie is exciting enough to keep them off their phones, but not so intense that we’re dealing with "nightmare fallout" at 2 AM.
It’s not just about things blowing up. For kids, action movies are about agency. In these worlds, characters make big choices with big consequences. It’s a safe way for them to process fear, bravery, and the concept of "good vs. evil" without the stakes being their actual lives. Plus, let’s be real: after a week of math homework and chores, watching a giant robot fight a sea monster is just a top-tier vibe.
A Minecraft Movie (Ages 7+)
Look, the trailer had some of us scratching our heads (Jack Black as Steve is... a choice), but for kids who live in Minecraft, this is their Super Bowl. Expect "game logic" action—creepers exploding, crafting-table shenanigans, and stylized combat. It’s likely to be very safe for the elementary crowd, focusing more on slapstick and adventure than anything truly grim.
Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse (Ages 9+)
If this finally hits theaters in 2025, it’s the gold standard. The Spider-Verse series is the rare "action" franchise that is actually high art. It’s fast-paced—sometimes too fast for younger kids to follow—and deals with heavy themes of destiny and loss. The action is kinetic and colorful, but the emotional stakes are what make it "big kid" territory.
Superman (2025) (Ages 10+)
James Gunn is taking the reins here. While he’s known for the more irreverent Guardians of the Galaxy, this is expected to be a more "hopeful" take. It’s a great chance to introduce your kids to the "hero’s journey" without the Snyder-era gloom. Expect some sci-fi violence, but nothing a 10-year-old hasn't seen in Fortnite.
Check out our guide on the evolution of superhero movies for parents
This is the hardest age group to cast for. They’re too old for the Paw Patrol Movie but maybe not ready for the existential dread of The Batman.
- Puss in Boots: The Last Wish: Don't let the "Shrek" association fool you. This is a legitimate action masterpiece. It deals with the fear of death (personified by a very creepy wolf), but it does so with incredible style and humor.
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3: With the introduction of Shadow, the stakes are getting a bit "edgier," but it remains firmly in the family-friendly camp. It’s basically a gateway to the "cool" action of the 90s.
- The Princess Bride: If you haven't shown them the classics, start here. It’s got swordplay, giants, and "fire swamps," but it’s all wrapped in a story that values wit over gore.
The PG-13 rating is the "Wild West" of cinema. Some movies are "soft" PG-13 (basically PG with one swear word), while others are "hard" PG-13 (intense violence, disturbing imagery).
- Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves: This is a perfect "first PG-13" movie. It’s funny, the action is creative rather than cruel, and it rewards kids who are into Roblox or D&D.
- Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire: Pure spectacle. If your kid wants to see giant monsters punching each other, this is the one. It’s loud, it’s silly, and there’s almost zero "real world" trauma.
Ratings are a blunt instrument. A movie might be PG but have a scene that is terrifying for a sensitive kid (looking at you, Coraline). When assessing an action movie, look for these three things:
- Consequence of Violence: Is the violence "cartoonish" (people bounce back) or "realistic" (characters get hurt and stay hurt)? Realistic violence is often harder for younger kids to process.
- The "Scary Factor" vs. "Cool Factor": Action is cool. Horror is scary. Sometimes movies blur the lines (like the Orcs in The Lord of the Rings). Know your kid's "creature" tolerance.
- Emotional Intensity: Sometimes it’s not the fighting that’s the problem—it’s the stakes. If a parent dies or a pet is in danger, that can be way more upsetting than a thousand laser blasts.
Learn more about how to evaluate movie violence for your specific child
After the credits roll, don't just ask "Did you like it?" Try a few of these:
- "That stunt with the plane was wild—do you think that’s actually possible in real life?" (Great for sparking an interest in physics or filmmaking).
- "The 'villain' actually had a point about [X], didn't they? Why do you think they chose to be a bad guy instead of helping?"
- "Was there any part that felt a little too much for you? I thought the scene with the spiders was pretty intense." (Normalizes the idea that it’s okay to be bothered by media).
Action movies are a fantastic way to bond with your kids, especially as they enter those "I'm too cool for cartoons" years. The key is to stay one step ahead of the "brain rot" by choosing films that have actual soul, great writing, and stakes that matter. 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for the "cinema-as-an-experience" crowd—so grab the popcorn, dim the lights, and maybe keep a pillow nearby for the jump scares.
- Check the Wise Score: Before you head to the theater, look up the movie on Screenwise to see how our community of intentional parents rated it.
- The "Pre-Watch" Hack: If you’re unsure, watch the first 10 minutes and the "final battle" on your own. Usually, that’s where the most intense stuff lives.
- Balance the Diet: If they watch a high-octane movie, maybe follow it up with a few chapters of a great book like The Wild Robot by Peter Brown or a round of a strategy game like Catan to engage the "thinking" brain.