TL;DR: Your 10-year-old is officially in the "tween void." They’re too old for the gentle lessons of Bluey but not quite ready for the gritty intensity of Stranger Things. To keep them from falling down a YouTube rabbit hole of "Skibidi Toilet" remixes or brain-rotting "Ohio" memes, you need shows that offer real stakes, complex friendships, and a bit of edge.
The Top Picks:
- Best for Book Lovers: Percy Jackson and the Olympians
- Best for Sci-Fi Fans: Star Wars: Skeleton Crew
- Best for Brave Kids: Goosebumps
- Best for Action/Identity: American Born Chinese
- Best for Family Movie Night: The Mandalorian
At 10, kids are undergoing a massive cognitive shift. They’re starting to value peer opinions over yours (sorry), they’re developing a dry sense of humor, and they’re beginning to understand moral ambiguity. They don’t want to be lectured; they want to see characters who have the same autonomy they crave but don't actually have in real life.
This is the age where "kid stuff" starts to feel "cringe." If a show feels like it’s trying too hard to teach a lesson, a 10-year-old will sniff it out and pivot immediately to Roblox. Disney+ has historically struggled with this middle ground, often leaning too far into the "Disney Channel" sitcom trope (laugh tracks, over-the-top acting, parents who are total idiots). But lately, they’ve actually started producing high-quality, cinematic content that respects a 10-year-old’s intelligence.
Ask our chatbot about managing the jump from G to PG-13 content
If your kid hasn't read the Percy Jackson books yet, this show is the perfect gateway. Unlike the mediocre movies from a decade ago, this series actually captures the "voice" of a middle-schooler.
Why it works: It deals with heavy themes—feeling like an outsider, learning your parents are flawed, and the burden of expectations—but wraps it in Greek mythology and sword fights. It’s the gold standard for 10-year-olds right now. Parental Note: There’s some fantasy violence and scary monsters (the Minotaur is legit), but it’s nothing a 4th or 5th grader can't handle.
Think The Goonies but in space. This show follows a group of kids who get lost in the galaxy and have to find their way home. It’s specifically designed to capture that 80s Amblin vibe where kids are the protagonists of their own dangerous adventure.
Why it works: It leans into the "kids in over their heads" trope that 10-year-olds love. It’s less about the grand politics of the Empire and more about friendship and survival. Parental Note: It’s Star Wars, so expect blasters and some "creepy" aliens, but it’s much more accessible than the slower-paced Andor.
The 2023 reboot is a departure from the 90s anthology style. It’s one continuous story that’s actually... kind of dark? It follows a group of five high schoolers (though it’s very watchable for mature 10-year-olds) who unearth secrets about their parents' past.
Why it works: It feels "adult" to a tween. It has a modern mystery vibe similar to Stranger Things but stays within the Disney+ safety rails. Parental Note: This is the "scariest" thing on this list. If your kid is sensitive to horror or jump scares, maybe skip it. But if they’re asking for "scary" stuff, this is a much better choice than letting them watch Five Nights at Freddy's alone.
This show is a sleeper hit that more parents need to know about. It blends high school awkwardness with ancient Chinese mythology.
Why it works: It’s funny, the fight choreography is top-tier (it stars Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan), and it handles the "identity" struggle of being a tween beautifully. It’s about trying to fit in while realizing you’re actually meant to stand out. Parental Note: Very safe, very smart, and a great conversation starter about culture and family.
If they’ve finished Bluey and want something "epic," this is it. Warning: the first season is a bit "kiddy," but by season three, it becomes some of the best storytelling in the Star Wars universe.
Why it works: It’s an anthology, so the stakes change constantly. It introduces characters like Ahsoka Tano who are arguably more interesting than the movie leads. Parental Note: The later seasons get surprisingly political and dark (war is hell, even in Legos). It’s a great way to gauge if your kid is ready for more mature themes.
Most Marvel shows feel like homework these days, but Ms. Marvel is different. Kamala Khan is a 16-year-old fangirl who gets powers, and the show uses cool visual effects (like graffiti coming to life) to show her internal world.
Why it works: Kamala feels like a real person, not a corporate mascot. Her relationship with her Pakistani-American family is the heart of the show. Parental Note: There’s some mild teen romance/crushing, but it’s very wholesome. It’s the perfect "first Marvel show" for a 10-year-old.
Check out our guide on the best Marvel movies for tweens
According to our community data, 10 is the age where "passive" consumption (watching a show) starts to lose out to "active" consumption (scrolling TikTok or playing Fortnite).
When kids say they’re "bored" of TV, what they usually mean is they’re bored of being talked down to. If you can provide a show that has high production value and real stakes, you’re not just "giving them screen time"—you’re giving them a narrative to chew on. This is the age where they start to develop a "taste."
If they spend all their time on YouTube Shorts, their attention span for a 45-minute episode of The Mandalorian might be thin. Sitting down to watch a series together is a low-key way to rebuild that focus.
At 10, most kids are ready for PG-13 "lite" content, but Disney+ labels can be confusing. Here’s a quick No-BS guide:
- Language: You’ll start hearing "hell," "damn," and the occasional "sucks." If that’s a dealbreaker, stick to the animated stuff.
- Violence: It moves from "slapstick" to "consequence." Characters actually get hurt, and sometimes they don't come back.
- Themes: Expect more focus on "crushes" and social hierarchy. It’s not Euphoria, but it’s also not Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
Learn more about setting up Disney Plus parental controls
You might hear your 10-year-old using words like "Rizz," "Sigma," or calling things "Ohio." It’s easy to dismiss this as brain rot (and let’s be honest, a lot of it is), but it’s actually just the 2026 version of slang.
When you watch a show like Percy Jackson with them, you’re giving them a different cultural vocabulary. You’re moving them from 15-second clips of a toilet with a head in it to a story about heroism and sacrifice. It sounds dramatic, but in a world of algorithmic garbage, a well-written TV show is a revolutionary act of digital wellness.
Don't panic that your kid is outgrowing the "cute" stuff. This is actually a really fun era of parenting where you can finally stop pretending to enjoy Cocomelon and actually watch something you’ll like, too.
Start with Percy Jackson. It’s the safest bet for a 10-year-old and the highest quality production currently on the platform. If they want something "cooler," go with The Mandalorian.
- Audit their profile: Make sure their Disney+ profile is set to "Junior" or "Teen" so they can actually see these titles.
- The "One Episode" Rule: Tell them you’ll watch the first episode of a new show with them. If they hate it, you’ll stop. (They usually won't stop).
- Check the Community: Use the Screenwise survey to see what other 5th graders in your district are watching—it’s the best way to know what’s actually "cool" at school pickup.