Ages 13+ | Musical, Comedy | Paramount+

The musical adaptation of the musical adaptation of the original movie. Yes, it's meta. Yes, it's surprisingly good. Reneé Rapp as Regina George is chef's kiss, and the social commentary has been updated for the TikTok generation without feeling preachy. Fair warning: your teen will be singing "World Burn" for weeks.

What parents should know: It's PG-13 for a reason—there's sexual content, substance use, and the same mean-girl dynamics that made the original work. But it's also a genuinely smart movie about social hierarchies and the cost of popularity.

Ages 15+ | Comedy | Prime Video

Two unpopular queer girls start a fight club to meet cheerleaders. It's absurd, it's hilarious, and it's one of the smartest teen comedies in years. Think Booksmart meets Fight Club, but make it gay and even more chaotic.

Parent note: This is a hard R—violence (comedic but graphic), sexual content, and constant profanity. But if your older teen can handle it, it's genuinely subversive and funny.

Ages 13+ | Sci-Fi Epic | In theaters/streaming soon

If your teen loved the first Dune, this one's even better. Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya deliver performances that'll have your teen thinking about power, destiny, and colonialism for days. It's also just visually stunning—this is one to see on the biggest screen possible.

Worth knowing: It's long (2 hours 46 minutes) and intense, with battle sequences and religious imagery. But it's also one of those rare blockbusters that trusts its audience to think.

Ages 10+ | Animation, Superhero | Netflix

Somehow even better than the first one. The animation is groundbreaking, the story is genuinely complex (multiverse stuff that actually makes sense), and Miles Morales remains one of the best protagonists in any superhero franchise. Plus, it's a movie about being a teen trying to figure out who you are while everyone else has opinions about who you should be. Relatable much?

Parent perspective: It's PG for mild violence and some intense sequences. Younger teens will love it, older teens will appreciate the deeper themes about identity and choice.

Ages 13+ | Dystopian Drama | Streaming on demand

A prequel that's actually good? Yes. It's a slow burn that explores how President Snow became the villain we love to hate. If your teen read the book, they'll appreciate how faithful the adaptation is. If they didn't, it's still a compelling story about power, privilege, and moral compromise.

Content heads-up: PG-13 for violence (it's the Hunger Games, after all), some disturbing images, and thematic material. The violence is less graphic than the original trilogy but still present.

Ages 14+ | Romance | Prime Video

Anne Hathaway falls for a Harry Styles-esque boy band member. It's ridiculous, it's fun, and it's surprisingly well-done. Your teen will watch it for the romance; you might actually enjoy the commentary on ageism and female desire. (Yes, really.)

Parent note: PG-13 for some sexual content and brief strong language. It's tame compared to most rom-coms but addresses adult relationships.

Ages 14+ | LGBTQ+ Romance | Prime Video

The son of the U.S. President falls for the Prince of England. It's a fairy tale, but it's also a genuinely sweet love story that treats its queer characters with respect and joy. If your teen loved Heartstopper, this is a natural next step.

What to expect: R rating for sexual content and language, but it's more romantic than explicit. Still, preview it first if you're on the fence.

Ages 15+ | Drama, Romance | Paramount+

Two childhood friends reconnect as adults after being separated for decades. It's quiet, it's devastating, and it's one of the most beautiful movies about first love and the roads not taken. Your older teen who's thinking about college, relationships, and the future? This will wreck them in the best way.

Why it matters: PG-13 for some strong language. But honestly, this is more emotionally mature content—it's slow, contemplative, and requires patience. Not every teen will love it, but the right teen will never forget it.

Ages 13+ | Horror, Sci-Fi | Peacock

A killer AI doll that became a cultural phenomenon. It's campy, it's fun, and it's actually a pretty smart commentary on technology, parenting, and emotional development. Plus, the dance scene is iconic.

Parent perspective: PG-13 for violent content, terror, some strong language, and a suggestive reference. It's more fun-scary than truly terrifying.

Ages 16+ | Horror | Streaming on demand

Australian horror that's actually scary and emotionally resonant. Teens use an embalmed hand to contact the dead (as one does), and things go very wrong. It's about grief, peer pressure, and the desperation to feel something—anything.

Content warning: R for strong/bloody violent content, drug use, and language throughout. This is real horror, not jump-scare garbage. Preview first.

Ages 15+ | Historical Drama | Peacock

Yes, it's three hours. Yes, your teen might complain. But this is the kind of movie that'll have them googling quantum physics and asking questions about moral responsibility at dinner. Cillian Murphy is mesmerizing, and Christopher Nolan made a biopic that actually feels urgent.

Be aware: R for sexuality, nudity, and language. The content isn't gratuitous, but it's there. Also, the subject matter—nuclear weapons, moral ambiguity, McCarthyism—is heavy.

Ages 11+ | Comedy, Fantasy | Max

You've probably already seen it (everyone has), but if your teen somehow missed it, now's the time. It's funny, it's weird, and it's a surprisingly thoughtful exploration of gender, identity, and what it means to be human. Plus, the soundtrack slaps.

What to know: PG-13 for suggestive references and brief language. The humor is sophisticated enough that younger teens might miss some jokes, but older teens will get everything.

Ages 10+ | Coming-of-age | Starz

Finally, a faithful adaptation of the Judy Blume classic. It's gentle, it's honest about puberty and periods and religion and friendship, and it treats its young protagonist with real respect. Perfect for younger teens navigating similar territory.

Parent take: PG-13 for thematic material and some suggestive comments. It's incredibly tame and age-appropriate for its target audience.

Ages 12+ | Animation, Fantasy | Max

Hayao Miyazaki's latest masterpiece. It's weird, it's beautiful, and it's about grief, imagination, and finding yourself in impossible worlds. If your teen loved Spirited Away, this is essential viewing.

Note: PG-13 for violent content, bloody images, and smoking. It's Studio Ghibli, so it's thoughtful violence, but still present.

Ages 10+ | Animation, Action | Paramount+

The best TMNT movie in decades. The animation style is fresh, the voice cast (actual teens!) is perfect, and it genuinely understands what it's like to be a teenager who doesn't quite fit in. Plus, it's just really fun.

Parent perspective: PG for action/violence, language, and impolite material. It's accessible for younger teens but entertaining enough for older ones too.

Ages 17+ | Psychological Thriller | Prime Video

Barry Keoghan is obsessed with a wealthy classmate and gets invited to his family's estate for the summer. What follows is dark, twisted, and absolutely bonkers. This is not for every teen—it's disturbing and sexually explicit—but for the right 17-year-old who's into psychological thrillers, it's unforgettable.

Serious content warning: R for strong sexual content, graphic nudity, language, some disturbing violent content, and drug use. Preview this yourself first. It's a lot.

Ages 14+ | Biographical Drama | Streaming on demand

Sofia Coppola's take on Priscilla Presley's relationship with Elvis. It's quiet, it's devastating, and it's a masterclass in showing power imbalance and grooming without being exploitative. Your teen who thinks they want to date someone older? Show them this.

Why it matters: R for drug use and some language. But the real content is the emotional manipulation and control. It's a movie that'll spark important conversations.

Ages 13+ | Comedy-Drama | Peacock

A cranky teacher, a troubled student, and a grieving cook spend Christmas break together at a boarding school in 1970. It's funny, it's heartbreaking, and Paul Giamatti is phenomenal. If your teen loved Dead Poets Society, this is in the same vein.

Content note: R for language throughout, some drug use, and brief sexual references. It's more about the language than anything else.

Ages 13+ | Action, Thriller | Paramount+

Tom Cruise continues to risk his life for our entertainment, and honestly? We're here for it. The stunts are insane, the plot is surprisingly coherent (for a Mission: Impossible movie), and it's just really well-made action cinema.

Parent take: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some suggestive material, and brief strong language. Standard action movie fare.

Ages 16+ | Action | Starz

Keanu Reeves continues his revenge saga with even more elaborate fight choreography and even more creative kills. It's long (nearly 3 hours), it's violent, but it's also beautifully made action filmmaking. For the teen who appreciates martial arts and stunt work.

Be clear: R for pervasive strong violence and some language. This is serious action movie violence—stylized but graphic.

Ages 15+ | Documentary | PBS/streaming

Ukrainian journalists document the siege of Mariupol. It's devastating, it's important, and it's a reminder that real journalism matters. For the teen who wants to understand what's happening in the world, this is essential viewing.

Content warning: R for disturbing wartime images. This is real footage of real violence and suffering. Watch it with your teen and be prepared to talk afterward.

Ages 12+ | Documentary | Apple TV+

Michael J. Fox's story about living with Parkinson's disease. It's honest, it's funny, and it's incredibly moving. Your teen might not know who he is, but they'll understand resilience and grace under pressure.

Why watch: PG-13 for some strong language and thematic elements. It's accessible and inspiring without being saccharine.

For younger teens (13-14): Stick with Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, Barbie, The Boy and the Heron, and TMNT: Mutant Mayhem. These offer substance without overwhelming content.

For mid-teens (15-16): You can add Oppenheimer, Past Lives, Bottoms, Talk to Me, and Priscilla to the mix. These require more emotional maturity and can handle heavier themes.

For older teens (17+): Saltburn and similar R-rated content become options, but know your teen. Some 17-year-olds are ready for complex, disturbing content; others aren't. Trust your judgment.

The ratings system is imperfect. Some PG-13 movies have more mature themes than some R-rated films. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is technically less graphic than Saltburn, but both require different kinds of maturity.

Watch trailers together. Not to censor, but to gauge interest and set expectations. Your teen might think they want to watch Talk to Me because their friends did, but if they're actually scared of horror, save everyone the stress.

Co-viewing is underrated. Not for every movie (your teen doesn't need you watching Bottoms with them), but for films like Oppenheimer or Past Lives, watching together can spark real conversations.

Trust their taste. If your teen wants to watch The Boy and the Heron three times, that's actually great. If they think Mean Girls is overrated, that's fine too. Developing their own taste is part of growing up.

There's genuinely excellent content for teens right now—movies that respect their intelligence, challenge their assumptions, and don't talk down to them. But you still need to be intentional about what lands in your house.

The goal isn't to create a perfectly curated watchlist. It's to help your teen develop their own taste, understand different kinds of storytelling, and learn to think critically about what they're watching. Some of these movies will become favorites they'll rewatch for years. Others they'll forget immediately. Both outcomes are fine.

Next steps: Pick two or three from this list that match your teen's interests and your family's values. Watch trailers together. Start a conversation about what makes a movie good versus what makes it entertaining. And remember—you can always ask questions if you're unsure about specific content.

For more recommendations, check out our guides on best shows for teens and age-appropriate streaming content.