Here's the thing about PG-13 movies: they were literally invented for families like yours. When your teen rolls their eyes at "kid stuff" but you're not ready to dive into R-rated territory, PG-13 is that sweet spot where everyone can actually enjoy movie night together.
But let's be real—not all PG-13 movies are created equal. Some are just watered-down action flicks with nothing to say. Others nail that balance of respecting your teen's growing maturity while still being something you'd actually want to watch. The best ones? They spark real conversations afterward, the kind where your kid doesn't immediately retreat to their room.
The movies on this list aren't just "acceptable for teens." They're genuinely good films that adults love too. Think smart storytelling, actual character development, and themes worth discussing—without the graphic violence, sexual content, or language that makes you wish you'd checked Common Sense Media first.
Around ages 12-14, something shifts. Your kid is done with Encanto (even though it's objectively perfect), but you're not ready to hand them the remote for Euphoria. PG-13 movies acknowledge that teens are processing complex ideas—identity, justice, relationships, loss—without exposing them to content they're not ready for.
Plus, shared media experiences actually matter. When you watch something together that you both genuinely enjoy, you're building common ground. You're seeing how they react to moral dilemmas, what makes them laugh, what they find moving. It's low-key parenting intel.
The Princess Bride (1987) - Yes, it's old. Yes, your teen might groan at the suggestion. But this movie has never aged poorly because it's essentially perfect. It's funny, romantic, adventurous, and quotable. The frame story about a grandfather reading to his sick grandson? That's doing some meta work about storytelling itself. Ages 11+.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) - The ultimate "seize the day" movie that somehow doesn't feel preachy. Your teen will love Ferris's rebellion; you'll appreciate the craft of the filmmaking. Fair warning: they might try to recreate the day off. Ages 12+.
Back to the Future (1985) - Time travel, comedy, heart, and one of the most satisfying plots ever written. The whole trilogy works, honestly, but start with the first one. Ages 10+.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) - Not just a superhero movie—it's a visual masterpiece with genuine emotional depth. The animation style alone makes it worth watching, but the story about finding your own path and the multiverse concept? Chef's kiss. Ages 10+.
The Hunger Games (2012) - Yes, it's about kids killing kids, but it's handled thoughtfully and raises real questions about media, authoritarianism, and resistance. If your teen has read the books, they'll have opinions about the adaptation. Ages 13+.
Knives Out (2019) - A whodunit that's actually fun to figure out, with a cast that's clearly having a blast. Smart, funny, and the twist is genuinely satisfying. Great for teens who like puzzles or mystery. Ages 12+.
Hidden Figures (2016) - The true story of Black women mathematicians at NASA who were essential to the space race. It's inspiring without being saccharine, and it handles racism and sexism in ways that spark important conversations. Ages 10+.
The Truman Show (1998) - In our current era of constant surveillance and social media, this movie hits different than it did in 1998. Your teen will get the parallels to Instagram and reality TV immediately. Ages 12+.
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) - Technically R-rated, but the rating is mostly for language and some suggestive content—many parents find it appropriate for mature 14+. It's chaotic, weird, and deeply moving. Fair warning: it's A LOT. But if your teen can handle the sensory overload, the themes about parent-child relationships and finding meaning are incredible.
The Martian (2015) - Problem-solving, science, humor, and Matt Damon being charming while trying not to die on Mars. It's basically a love letter to human ingenuity. Ages 12+.
A Quiet Place (2018) - Tense, scary, but ultimately about family protection and sacrifice. The lack of dialogue makes it a masterclass in visual storytelling. Not for easily frightened kids, but for teens who like horror-adjacent stuff, it's thoughtful and well-crafted. Ages 13+.
Coco (2017) - Technically a kids movie, but it deals with death, memory, and family legacy in ways that resonate deeply with teens and adults. If your family has experienced loss, have tissues ready. Ages 8+.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) - High school, mental health, friendship, first love, and trauma—all handled with care and authenticity. This one requires some maturity and potentially a conversation afterward about the heavier themes. Ages 14+.
Not every PG-13 movie deserves your time. Some are just loud, empty spectacle. Others push the rating boundaries in ways that feel gratuitous. And some are just... not good.
The later Transformers movies? Technically PG-13, practically unwatchable, and weirdly objectifying for a "family" franchise. Many generic superhero sequels are forgettable cash grabs. And some PG-13 comedies lean heavily on sexual innuendo that's more uncomfortable than funny when you're watching with your teen.
Let them have input. If you're dictating every choice, they'll disengage. Alternate picks, or create a shortlist together.
Set the vibe. Phones away (yes, yours too), decent snacks, comfortable setup. You're competing with the instant gratification of TikTok and YouTube, so make it appealing.
Don't force discussion. Some movies will naturally lead to conversation. Others won't. That's fine. The shared experience is the point.
Check ratings, but trust your kid. You know your teen's maturity level better than any rating system. Some 12-year-olds can handle The Hunger Games; some 15-year-olds would find it disturbing. Common Sense Media
has detailed content breakdowns if you want specifics.
The best PG-13 movies respect that your teen is growing up while acknowledging they're not grown yet. They're smart enough to engage everyone, clean enough that you're not cringing, and meaningful enough to be worth the two hours you're spending together.
Movie night isn't going to solve everything—your teen is still going to want to watch Stranger Things alone in their room sometimes. But finding films you both genuinely enjoy? That's a small win in the larger project of staying connected during these years.
Start with one from this list. Make some popcorn. See what happens. And if they actually stay for the whole thing without checking their phone? Count it as a parenting victory.