At 13, kids are developing their own taste in media. They're watching what their friends watch, what TikTok tells them is good, and they're forming opinions about what's "cringe" vs. what's actually worth their time. They want stories that feel real, characters who aren't one-dimensional, and plots that don't treat them like babies.

But they're still 13. Their brains are still developing impulse control and emotional regulation. Graphic violence, intense sexual content, and super-dark themes can hit differently than they will in a few years. The goal here is challenge without overwhelm.

Why it works: Visually stunning, emotionally intelligent, and funny without being juvenile. Miles Morales is dealing with imposter syndrome, family expectations, and figuring out who he wants to be—all themes that resonate hard at 13. Plus, the animation style is legitimately cool enough that your teen won't feel like they're watching "a kids movie."

Watch out for: Some intense action sequences and the death of a beloved character early on (handled well, but emotional).

Why it works: If they haven't seen it yet, 13 is the perfect age. The extended editions clock in at nearly 4 hours each, so this is a commitment, but it's an epic that rewards attention. Themes of friendship, sacrifice, and good vs. evil without being preachy. And if they're into gaming, this is basically the blueprint for every fantasy RPG they're playing.

Watch out for: Battle violence (not gory, but intense), and some scary creatures that might be too much for sensitive kids.

Why it works: A whodunit that's actually clever, with humor that doesn't rely on bathroom jokes. Ana de Armas is a fantastic lead, and the ensemble cast keeps things moving. It's a great introduction to the mystery genre that isn't Agatha Christie (though those are worth checking out too).

Watch out for: Some language (a few F-bombs), and themes around immigration that might spark questions.

Why it works: Chaotic, weird, and surprisingly emotional. It's about family, generational trauma, and finding meaning in a confusing world—all wrapped in a multiverse action-comedy. If your kid is into Marvel movies or Rick and Morty, this is a step up in complexity.

Watch out for: Rated R for language and some crude humor. There's a scene with adult toys used as weapons (played for laughs, not sexual). Preview it first if you're on the fence.

Why it works: Wes Anderson's aesthetic is like nothing else in cinema, and this is his most accessible film. It's funny, fast-paced, and introduces themes of war, fascism, and loyalty through a quirky heist story. Great for kids who like things that feel a little artsy without being pretentious.

Watch out for: Some violence (a character's fingers are cut off, shown briefly) and mild sexual references.

Why it works: Captures the anxiety and beauty of high school in a way that feels honest. Charlie's journey through mental health struggles, friendship, and first love is handled with care. If your 13-year-old is introspective or dealing with social anxiety, this might resonate deeply.

Watch out for: Themes of sexual abuse (revealed but not shown), drug use, and suicide. This one requires a conversation afterward. Not for all 13-year-olds, but for some, it's exactly what they need.

Why it works: Smart, complex, and rewards multiple viewings. If your kid likes puzzles or games with intricate plots, they'll love trying to figure out the dream layers. It's also just a visually spectacular action movie.

Watch out for: Some violence and intense sequences. The plot can be confusing (honestly, even adults need a rewatch), so be ready to pause and explain.

Why it works: The mother-daughter relationship at the center of this film is painfully real. It's about wanting to leave your hometown, figuring out who you are, and realizing your parents are human. Great for kids navigating their own identity and relationships with parents.

Watch out for: Some sexual content (a teen losing her virginity, handled tastefully), language, and underage drinking.

Why it works: True story of Black women mathematicians at NASA during the Space Race. It's inspiring without being cheesy, and it's a great entry point for conversations about racism, sexism, and perseverance. Plus, the math and science are actually cool.

Watch out for: Depictions of racism (segregation, discrimination) that might be upsetting but are historically accurate and important.

Why it works: Hear me out—this movie is legitimately perfect. It's funny, heartwarming, and beautifully made. Even if your 13-year-old thinks they're too cool for a "kids movie," this one transcends age. Hugh Grant is delightfully villainous, and the message about kindness isn't preachy.

Watch out for: Honestly, nothing. This is one of the safest picks on the list.

Why it works: Feels incredibly relevant in the age of social media and reality TV. Truman's realization that his life is being watched and controlled is a great metaphor for surveillance, authenticity, and breaking free from expectations. Jim Carrey is great in a more dramatic role.

Watch out for: Some existential themes that might be heavy for sensitive kids, but nothing graphic.

Why it works: Pixar at its best. Gorgeous animation, a story about family and memory that'll make you cry (in a good way), and an introduction to Día de los Muertos that's culturally respectful. Even if they've seen it before, it holds up on rewatch.

Watch out for: Themes of death (handled beautifully, but might be sad for kids who've lost someone recently).

Why it works: Science, problem-solving, and humor. Matt Damon's character uses actual science to survive on Mars, and the movie makes it entertaining. Great for kids interested in STEM or space. Also, it's just a fun survival story.

Watch out for: Some language (edited versions are available), and a brief scene where the character performs self-surgery (not graphic).

Why it works: A quirky New Zealand adventure about a foster kid and his grumpy foster uncle who go on the run in the bush. It's funny, heartfelt, and features a kid protagonist who's not a stereotype. Great for kids who like offbeat humor.

Watch out for: Some mild language and themes of foster care/abandonment.

Why it works: If they're into Fortnite or Minecraft, they'll appreciate the strategic battle sequences. It's about a kid genius trained to fight an alien threat, with themes about manipulation, leadership, and the cost of war. The book is even better, so this could be a gateway to reading.

Watch out for: Violence (battle simulations), and the ending twist involves child soldiers unknowingly committing genocide (handled thoughtfully, but heavy).

PG-13 doesn't mean "fine for all 13-year-olds": Some kids at 13 can handle intense themes and language; others need a slower ramp-up. You know your kid best. If they're sensitive to violence, skip Everything Everywhere All at Once. If they're mature and you've had conversations about mental health, The Perks of Being a Wallflower might be perfect.

Co-viewing is your friend: You don't have to sit through every movie with them, but for the heavier ones (Perks, Lady Bird, Hidden Figures), watching together gives you a chance to talk through themes afterward.

Check Common Sense Media: For any movie you're unsure about, Common Sense Media has detailed breakdowns of content (violence, language, sexual content, etc.) and reviews from both parents and kids.

They're going to watch stuff you don't approve of anyway: At 13, they have friends with less restrictive parents, access to streaming services, and the ability to search for anything on YouTube. Your goal isn't to control every piece of media they consume—it's to help them develop critical thinking skills and know they can talk to you about what they're watching.

Use movies as conversation starters: After watching Hidden Figures, talk about racism and sexism. After Inception, talk about dreams and reality. After The Perks of Being a Wallflower, talk about mental health. These movies are tools for deeper conversations.

Let them have opinions: If they think The Lord of the Rings is boring or Paddington 2 is "mid," that's fine. Taste is subjective, and part of being 13 is figuring out what they like. Don't take it personally if they hate your favorite movie.

The best movies for 13-year-olds aren't dumbed-down or sanitized—they're films that respect their intelligence and growing emotional complexity while still being age-appropriate. This list has something for every mood: epic adventures, smart comedies, tearjerkers, and mind-benders.

If you're looking for more recommendations, check out our guides on the best shows for tweens, age-appropriate anime, or how to talk to your teen about media literacy.

And if your kid finishes this list and wants more, congrats—you've raised a cinephile. Time to introduce them to the Criterion Collection.