The best PG action movies thread a tricky needle. They need:

Actual stakes and tension - Not just characters running around with zero consequences. Your kids can tell when danger feels fake.

Smart action sequences - Chase scenes, fights, and escapes that rely on creativity and problem-solving, not just punching.

Humor that lands - Action without comedy gets exhausting. The best movies know when to break tension.

Characters worth caring about - If we don't care who wins, the action doesn't matter.

Violence that doesn't traumatize - This is the big one. Peril? Yes. Graphic injury or death? No thanks.

Ages 6+ | 2004

This is the gold standard for PG action. Brad Bird understood that animation lets you show incredible action sequences—explosions, plane crashes, robot attacks—without the graphic consequences that would push it into PG-13 territory.

The family dynamic is genuinely compelling (the marriage stuff actually works), the villain's motivation makes sense, and the action set pieces are legitimately thrilling. Dash's forest chase scene and the finale on the island hold up against any live-action blockbuster.

Parent note: There's real peril here. Characters get hurt, the plane scene is intense, and Syndrome is a legitimately threatening villain. But it's handled in a way that feels exciting rather than traumatizing.

Ages 7+ | 2018

This movie proved that superhero movies could be visually innovative and emotionally resonant while staying firmly in PG territory. The action is kinetic and creative, the humor works for all ages, and the story about Miles finding his confidence actually means something.

The multiverse concept could have been confusing, but the movie handles it brilliantly. Plus, it's one of the few superhero films where the emotional beats land as hard as the action sequences.

What to know: There's one character death early on (handled off-screen), and the Kingpin is genuinely menacing. Some younger kids find the glitching effects overwhelming.

Ages 6+ | 2010

The entire trilogy is worth watching, but the first film is a masterclass in building an action-adventure story around character growth. Hiccup's journey from outcast to hero feels earned, and the flying sequences are absolutely gorgeous.

The action comes from dragon battles, aerial chases, and the climactic fight against the massive dragon queen. It's exciting without being violent, and the emotional core (Hiccup's relationship with his dad and with Toothless) gives all the action real weight.

Heads up: The ending has a significant consequence for Hiccup that some kids find upsetting, but it's handled maturely and becomes central to his character in the sequels.

Ages 7+ | 2014

Disney's superhero team movie nails the balance between action, humor, and heart. The tech-based action sequences are creative (the microbots are genuinely cool), and Baymax is one of the best sidekick characters in recent animation.

The villain reveal is actually surprising, and the climax involves real sacrifice and loss without becoming too heavy. Plus, it's one of the few movies that shows grief and processing loss in a way that feels honest.

Ages 8+ | 1989

Of the original trilogy, Last Crusade is the most family-friendly while still delivering peak Indy adventure. The father-son dynamic between Harrison Ford and Sean Connery adds humor and heart to the action, and the set pieces (the tank chase, the temple trials) are iconic.

The violence is old-school action movie stuff—punches, falls, explosions—without blood or graphic injury. The Nazis are clear bad guys, and the supernatural elements are exciting rather than scary.

Skip Raiders and Temple of Doom for younger kids—both have significantly more intense violence and disturbing content.

Ages 8+ | 1985

This is the blueprint for kid-led adventure movies. The treasure hunt structure keeps things moving, the Fratelli family provides genuine (but not too scary) threat, and the kids feel like actual kids—not miniature adults or annoying caricatures.

The action comes from chases, traps, and narrow escapes rather than fights. It's exciting and fun, and the sense of adventure is infectious. Every generation of kids seems to connect with this one.

Language note: This has more mild language than most modern PG movies. Nothing terrible, but a few "shits" and "damns" that might surprise you if you haven't seen it in a while.

Ages 9+ | 2017

This reboot had no business being as good as it is. The video game structure is clever, the body-swap comedy works, and the action sequences are genuinely exciting. The cast clearly had fun with their roles, especially Jack Black playing a teenage girl.

The action includes jungle chases, vehicle sequences, and fights with various creatures and bad guys. The video game framing means characters can "die" and respawn, which actually helps keep the stakes manageable for younger viewers.

What works: The characters learn actual lessons about confidence, teamwork, and friendship. It's not just empty action.

Ages 9+ | 2021

This is hands-down the best PG-13 Marvel movie for families (yes, it's PG-13, but it's on the lighter end). The martial arts sequences are absolutely stunning—some of the best fight choreography in any superhero movie—and the family drama at the center actually works.

The action is martial arts-focused rather than gun violence, which makes it feel less intense despite being incredibly well-executed. The creature battles in the third act are exciting without being too scary.

Why it works: The fighting style is almost dance-like, emphasizing skill and artistry over brutality. Plus, the father-son relationship gives emotional weight to every confrontation.

Ages 6+ | 2018

The long-awaited sequel delivers more of what made the first one great: family dynamics, creative action, and real stakes. The role reversal (Elastigirl as the hero, Mr. Incredible as the stay-at-home parent) feels fresh, and Jack-Jack's powers provide constant entertainment.

Seizure warning: The strobe effects with the Screenslaver villain are intense and have triggered seizures in some viewers. Disney added a warning, but it's worth knowing before you start.

Ages 8+ | 2015

The most family-friendly of the Marvel movies, Ant-Man leans into humor and heist-movie structure rather than world-ending stakes. The shrinking/growing action sequences are creative and fun, and Paul Rudd's everyman charm makes Scott Lang easy to root for.

The action is mostly punches, shrinking/growing gags, and the climactic fight in a little girl's bedroom (which is hilarious). There's no blood, minimal language, and the villain is threatening without being terrifying.

Ages 10+ | 2022

This Netflix time-travel adventure is basically a love letter to 80s Spielberg movies, and it works. Ryan Reynolds plays a time-traveling pilot who teams up with his 12-year-old self, and the dynamic between them drives the whole movie.

The action includes shootouts (with sci-fi weapons, no blood), chase sequences, and hand-to-hand combat. The emotional core about processing grief and father-son relationships gives the action real purpose.

Language heads-up: More mild language than most PG-13 movies, but still present. Think Marvel movie level.

Ages 8+ | 2021

Disney's attempt to turn another theme park ride into a movie franchise actually succeeds. The chemistry between Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt carries the film, and the adventure-movie structure (think Pirates of the Caribbean meets Indiana Jones) keeps things moving.

The action includes jungle chases, fights with conquistador zombies (not scary), and various river-based perils. It's all very theme-park-ride energy—exciting but not intense.

Some PG-13 movies are barely over the line and work well for older elementary/middle school kids:

Spider-Man: Homecoming (Ages 10+) - The most teen-focused Spider-Man, with school dynamics and coming-of-age themes that resonate with that age group.

Paddington 2 (Ages 5+) - Technically PG, but worth mentioning because the prison break sequence is legitimately thrilling while being totally appropriate for young kids.

National Treasure (Ages 9+) - The treasure hunt structure and historical mystery make this feel like a smarter action movie. Plus, it might actually teach your kids something about American history.

Ages 5-7: Stick with animated options like The Incredibles, How to Train Your Dragon, and Big Hero 6. Animation provides a natural buffer that makes action feel less intense.

Ages 8-10: You can add in the classic adventure movies like The Goonies and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, plus lighter superhero fare like Ant-Man.

Ages 11+: Most of these movies are fair game, including the lighter PG-13 options. At this age, it's less about what they can handle and more about what interests them.

Every kid is different. Some 7-year-olds can handle intense action, while some 10-year-olds get overwhelmed by peril. You know your kid better than any rating system.

Even in PG movies, there are things that might surprise you:

Peril vs. Violence - These movies have real danger and characters in jeopardy, but they avoid graphic violence. Still, "people in danger" can be intense for sensitive kids.

Death and Loss - Several of these movies deal with character deaths or loss (Big Hero 6, The Adam Project, Spider-Verse). They handle it maturely, but it's worth knowing.

Scary Villains - Syndrome, Kingpin, the Screenslaver—these are legitimately threatening antagonists. That's part of what makes the movies work, but it might be too much for younger or more sensitive viewers.

Mild Language - PG movies can include mild language. The Goonies has more than you might remember, and some of the newer PG-13 options have scattered mild profanity.

The best PG action movies prove that you don't need graphic violence, constant swearing, or mature content to create genuinely thrilling cinema. These films respect both kids' ability to handle exciting content and parents' desire to avoid traumatizing their children.

Start with the animated options if you're unsure—they're the safest bets for younger kids and still entertaining for adults. Work your way up to the live-action adventures as your kids get older and you get a better sense of what they can handle.

And remember: the rating is a starting point, not a finish line. A PG movie that's perfect for one 8-year-old might be too intense for another. Watch trailers together, read reviews, and don't be afraid to turn something off if it's not working for your family.

Want more recommendations? Check out adventure movies for kids, best animated movies for family movie night, or superhero movies for younger kids.