The Princess Bride – If your 10-year-old hasn't seen this yet, stop what you're doing. It's funny, quotable, and works on multiple levels. The sword fighting, the humor, the romance (that even kids can appreciate), the ROUSes—it's all there. Plus, it's genuinely one of those rare movies that parents and kids enjoy equally.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone – Obviously. Ten is the perfect age to start the Harry Potter journey. The first couple of movies are lighter and more whimsical before things get darker later in the series. Fair warning: once you start, you're committing to a full franchise.

The Goonies – A classic for a reason. Kids on an adventure without adults, treasure maps, booby traps, and that perfect 80s vibe. Yes, there's some language and scary moments, but it's the kind of movie that makes kids feel like anything is possible if you're brave and stick with your friends.

Jumanji (1995) – The original, not the remakes (though those are fun too). Robin Williams at his best, genuinely thrilling moments, and a story about facing your fears. It can be intense in parts, so know your kid's tolerance for suspense.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse – Visually stunning, emotionally resonant, and proof that superhero movies can be art. The "anyone can wear the mask" message is powerful, and the animation style is unlike anything else. Even kids who aren't superhero fans tend to love this one.

The Incredibles – Pixar firing on all cylinders. It's about family dynamics, finding your purpose, and yes, superhero action. The themes about feeling ordinary when you want to be special really resonate at this age.

Spirited Away – If your family hasn't explored Studio Ghibli yet, this is your gateway. It's weird, beautiful, and deeply imaginative. Some kids find it a bit slow or strange at first, but most get swept up in the world. It's also a great conversation starter about bravery and growing up.

Coco – Gorgeous, moving, and handles death in a way that's honest but not traumatizing. The music is incredible, and it's one of those movies that teaches kids about family, memory, and cultural traditions without feeling like a lesson.

Matilda – For the bookish kids, the weird kids, the kids who feel like they don't quite fit. Danny DeVito's adaptation of Roald Dahl's book is dark in that perfect Dahl way—Miss Trunchbull is genuinely terrifying—but ultimately empowering.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial – Still holds up after all these years. It's Spielberg at his most heartfelt, and the story of friendship and saying goodbye hits differently at ten than it does when you're younger.

The Karate Kid (1984) – The original. It's about mentorship, discipline, and standing up to bullies. "Wax on, wax off" is still relevant. Plus, it's a good entry point for talking about how to handle conflict and bullying.

The Lego Movie – Smarter than it has any right to be. It's visually creative, genuinely funny for both kids and adults, and has themes about creativity, conformity, and father-son relationships that sneak up on you.

Night at the Museum – Pure fun. History comes alive (literally), Robin Williams as Teddy Roosevelt is delightful, and it might even inspire a trip to an actual museum.

Paddington & Paddington 2 – These movies are shockingly good. Warm, funny, beautifully made, and with a message about kindness and belonging that never feels preachy. Paddington 2 is legitimately one of the best family films of the past decade.

Not every movie will land with every kid. Some 10-year-olds are ready for more intense content, while others still prefer lighter fare. That's totally normal. If your kid loves Bluey and isn't ready for The Goonies, that's fine. Don't force it.

Older movies have older attitudes. Films from the 80s and 90s sometimes have casual sexism, outdated language, or jokes that haven't aged well. This doesn't mean you can't watch them, but it's worth a quick conversation: "You know how they just said [thing]? We don't talk like that anymore because..."

Use ratings as a guide, not gospel. PG can mean anything from "totally fine" to "maybe wait another year." Common Sense Media is your friend here, but also trust your gut about what your specific kid can handle. Learn more about how movie ratings actually work.

Watch together when you can. Ten-year-olds are old enough to watch movies independently, but there's real value in shared viewing. You catch things they miss, they ask questions, and you get to see their reactions. Plus, these become the movies they'll remember watching with you.

The best movies for 10-year-olds aren't just babysitters—they're conversation starters, imagination fuel, and sometimes the beginning of lifelong favorites. Whether your kid gravitates toward adventure, animation, or stories about ordinary kids doing extraordinary things, there's something on this list that'll click.

And here's the thing: if you try one of these and your kid hates it? That's data. You're learning about their taste, what resonates with them, and what kind of stories they connect with. That's valuable information as you navigate the next few years of increasingly complex media choices.

Start with one or two that sound right for your family, make some popcorn, and see what happens. The worst case? You spend 90 minutes together. The best case? You create a memory and maybe even a new family tradition.

Want more personalized recommendations? Check out our guide to age-appropriate streaming content or ask our chatbot about specific movies you're considering.