Inspiring Tween Picks — a Screenwise List | Screenwise
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Inspiring Tween Picks

A list by Nora

These uplifting films celebrate the power of hard work, empathy, and standing up for what is right. They are perfect for 10-year-olds learning to navigate the world with kindness and determination.

  1. 1
    Invisible Sister

    Invisible Sister

    Movie · 2015

    WISE score 55

    “Science nerd makes her popular sister invisible in this utterly forgettable 2015 Disney Channel movie that checks all the safe boxes and none of the memorable ones.”

  2. 2
    The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

    “True story of a Malawian teen who built a windmill from scraps to save his starving village—STEM meets heart in the best way.”

    IMDb 7.6RT 86%
  3. 3
    Young Woman and the Sea

    “True story of the first woman to swim the English Channel—inspiring, well-made, and refreshingly earnest without being cheesy.”

    IMDb 7.5RT 88%
  4. 4
    Skater Girl

    Skater Girl

    Movie · 2021

    WISE score 78

    “A rural Indian teen discovers skateboarding and fights cultural barriers to compete—think inspirational sports drama meets coming-of-age.”

    IMDb 6.7RT 88%
  5. 5
    Flipped

    Flipped

    Movie · 2010

    WISE score 78

    “A sweet, dual-perspective rom-com about first love, growing up, and learning that everyone's story is more complicated than it looks.”

  6. 6
    Temple Grandin

    Temple Grandin

    Movie · 2010

    WISE score 82

    “Claire Danes shines as Temple Grandin in this moving, visually creative biopic about an autistic woman who revolutionized livestock handling.”

    IMDb 8.2RT 100%
  7. 7
    Queen of Katwe

    Queen of Katwe

    Movie · 2016

    WISE score 87

    “A Ugandan girl discovers chess and her own potential in this deeply moving true story that'll have the whole family rooting for her.”

    IMDb 7.4RT 94%

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More Lists to Explore

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The Boxcar Children (Animated Movie)
WISE score 84
The Color of Friendship
WISE score 78
Flipped
WISE score 78
Ramona and Beezus
WISE score 76
The Parent Trap
WISE score 78

Preteen girls' picks

by Nora · 50 picks

Heartwarming movies and shows perfect for 9-10 year olds who love stories about school, family, and finding their place in the world. These gentle picks focus on positive connections and personal discovery.

LEGO Education
WISE score 96
PBS Kids Games
WISE score 94
Minecraft for Education
WISE score 94

Engaging Early Education Learning Games and Resources

by Learning Games · 3 picks

These interactive games, apps, and hands-on resources help young children build foundational skills through play. Each pick is selected for its educational value and kid-friendly design.

The Untamed
WISE score 90
The Story of Ming Lan
WISE score 89
Love Between Fairy and Devil
WISE score 85
Ever Night
WISE score 84
A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality
WISE score 82

Epic Fantasy Chinese Dramas with Strong Characters

by Serena · 26 picks· 1

Immersive Chinese fantasy series featuring complex characters, intricate world-building, and compelling storytelling perfect for adult viewers seeking high-stakes adventures and emotional depth.

Story of Yanxi Palace
WISE score 80
The Story of Ming Lan
WISE score 89
The Rebel Princess
WISE score 80
Legend of Fuyao
WISE score 70
The Legend of Qin
WISE score 66

Strategic Historical Chinese Dramas

by Serena · 8 picks· 1

Engaging period dramas featuring clever characters, intricate political maneuvering, and business-minded protagonists. These selections offer rich storytelling perfect for families who enjoy thoughtful, high-stakes narratives.

Halloweentown
WISE score 68
The Nightmare Before Christmas
WISE score 75
Scary Godmother: Halloween Spooktacular
WISE score 80
Little Vampire
WISE score 80
Double, Double Toil and Trouble
WISE score 63

Halloween for tweens

by Nora · 20 picks

These spooky-but-gentle Halloween movies are perfect for a 9-year-old who wants to get into the holiday spirit without any scary violence or intense frights.

codeSpark
WISE score 93
DragonBox Math
WISE score 95
Swift Playgrounds
WISE score 93
Math Tango
WISE score 93
Tinybop
WISE score 91

Engaging STEM Apps for Curious Ten Year Olds

by Hab · 8 picks

These highly-rated apps provide fun, hands-on ways for ten-year-olds to explore coding, engineering, math, and science concepts through interactive play and creative problem-solving.