The Best PG-13 Movies to Watch With Your Kids
My oldest son and I have a tradition every Sunday afternoon where we watch a movie that his little brother isn’t old enough to see. We started with the Toho Godzilla series and moved on to full-length Disney films free of language and brutal violence.
As someone who still bears the scars of watching Poltergeist at a very young age, I was very aware of the impact the films can have on young children. But when he was six years old, I knew my dinosaur-obsessed son was ready to watch Jurassic Park. His mother and I told him that there were certain words that if he repeated them, he might get in trouble at school, and if at any point things got too scary, he should tell us and we would turn off the movie. Two hours later, a wide smile appeared on his face.
While I don’t necessarily look for PG-13 movies, my son and I watch them from time to time and they are always preceded by the same message about language and intensity (as well as a lot of my research on IMDb and Common Sense Media ). If you have curious kids ready to enter the world of blockbuster movies, here is a list to get you started, many of which have been tested by my son.
Men in Black (1997)
Will Smith joins a secret government agency protecting Earth from alien criminals. He collaborates with Tommy Lee Jones. Fun ensues.
Why it might be good: One of the main themes of the film is looking at the world from a different angle. Much of the violence is cartoonish in nature, with aliens turning from pixels to goo when the trigger is pulled on exaggerated guns.
Why you should wait: There’s some salty language, innuendo, and a few jump scares from the alien cockroach.
Where to stream: Roku, digital rental.
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
The serum transforms squeaky clean weakling Steve Rogers into the titular superhuman, attempting to stop Nazi scientists from world domination.
Why It Might Be OK: When my seven-year-old wanted to watch a Marvel movie, this was the first thing I thought of. Our hero is practically incapable of doing anything wrong, including uttering a curse word.
Why it’s worth the wait: There’s some comic book violence and kissing. You may also have to teach a short lesson about the Nazis and World War II.
Where to watch: Disney+.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003)
This trilogy of films follows a pair of hobbits who journey through their land to destroy a powerful ring created by a dark sorcerer.
Why it might be good: Kids will latch on to the story’s theme of how the smallest and meekest among us can be a force for good. Teamwork, perseverance, anti-industrialism, and author JRR Tolkien’s infusion of Christian values are why this long-running trilogy has resonated with fans for so long.
Why it’s worth the wait : Hobbits love to smoke pipes. Plus, Peter Jackson was better known as a horror director before he took on this long-running adaptation, so if watching orcs meet their demise in a variety of brutal and creative ways doesn’t give you pause, then perhaps you might worry about anxiety about screen time.
Where to stream: Max
Jurassic Park (1993)
Science and commerce come together with devastating results in Steven Spielberg’s tense adaptation of Michael Crichton’s bestselling novel about dinosaurs resurrected through genetics.
Why It Might Be Good: Dinosaur-obsessed kids will find a kinship with Lex and Tim, the grandchildren of millionaire John Hammond, but they’ll likely be the first to point out that the movie isn’t the most scientifically accurate. However, it does offer an interesting overview of what life was like on the planet 65 million years ago.
Why it’s worth the wait: Children are often in danger as they are hunted by realistic-looking prehistoric predators, but much of the violence is left to the imagination. Dr. Malcolm, played by Jeff Goldblum, flirts with Dr. Sattler (Laura Dern). The language isn’t too harsh, and the word “shit” actually refers to a pile of dinosaur dung.
Where to watch: Prime Video
Spider-Man (2002)
Tobey Maguire plays Peter Parker, a teenager who discovers that with great power comes great responsibility when he is bitten by a radioactive spider.
Why It Might Be Okay: While many fans of the beloved web-slinger took issue with the fact that Tobey Maguire’s version of the character didn’t make his own web, he still embodies a hero whose true strength lies in his ingenuity.
Why you might want to wait: There are dead relatives, impaled bad guys, an upside-down kiss in a wet T-shirt, mild language and a rude father who shouldn’t be given relationship advice.
Where to watch: Netflix, Disney+.
UHF (1989)
“Weird Al” Yankovic is turning a faltering TV station into a powerhouse with quirky yet original shows like “Fish Wheel” and “Conan the Librarian.”
Why It Might Be Good: At its silly core, this throwback 1980s film is about the power of imagination.
Why it’s worth the wait: The climax uses dated stereotypes, including a talk show like “Geraldo” with guests that may require some explaining. There’s also some cartoon violence and implied animal cruelty, but if your kids have ever read a Captain Underpants book or listened to a Weird Al record, they won’t have much reason to worry.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Pluto TV, Tubi, Roku.
Real Steel (2011)
It’s Rocky with Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, but it’s also about the love between father and son.
Why It Might Be Good: This is a great men’s rallying movie that proves that sometimes the underdog wins.
Why it’s worth the wait: Sex between two characters is implied but not shown. There is also violence between robots and some language that is not appropriate for the ring.
Where to stream: Amazon
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
The phantom crew of a cursed pirate ship has kidnapped the daughter of the island’s governor. Her boyfriend enlists the help of the perpetually drunken captain to come to her aid.
Why it might be good: It’s based on a Disney theme park attraction, so it should be fun, right?
Why you should wait: There’s a lot of cleavage (Keira Knightley’s corset is a recurring plot point), ancient terms for the world’s oldest profession, the aforementioned drunkenness and some scary skeletons. There’s also Johnny Depp, which may require some explaining depending on how often your family watches Entertainment Tonight.
Where to watch: digital rental.
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (2023)
You may have heard about this concert film, which chronicles one of the most popular concert tours of all time, headlined by Taylor Swift, the world’s biggest pop star.
Why this might be good: It’s cheaper than dealing with Ticketmaster.
Why you should wait: There is no empty space here. The show features scantily clad dancers, profanity and lyrics that talk about drugs and sex.
Where to watch: in cinemas.
Avatar (2009)
A Marine’s loyalty is tested when he must choose between following his orders and protecting the Na’vi, inhabitants of a distant moon called Pandora.
Why It Might Be Good: This three-hour epic has an environmental message.
Why you should wait: You can avoid the language if you watch the “family friendly” version on Disney+, but there’s still a lot of violence, smoking, alien nudity and scenes suggesting sex.
Where to watch: Max, Disney+.
Little Soldiers (1998)
The toy company is using defense technology for its new line of action figures, forcing them to fight their opponents in real life.
Why it might be good: The film has a good anti-war message.
Why you might want to wait: There is some violence involving power tools, but most of the action is CGI toys. One of the toys slips sleeping pills into the parents’ drink. There is also mild language and a scene where soldiers flirt with Barbie-like dolls.
Where to stream: Max
Star Wars. Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015)
The story takes place several decades after Return of the Jedi . A new weapon threatens a galaxy far, far away, forcing history to repeat itself once again.
Why This Could Be Good: There are some important themes here: Anyone can be a hero, and it’s never too late to be a force for good.
Why it’s worth the wait: Expect cosmic violence, including an intense death scene and a nasty run-in with the creature known as Rathtar. It’s also worth introducing your child to a trilogy of films that spawned a toxic fan culture, but if they never make it online, they’ll be fine.
Where to watch: Disney+.
Twister (1996)
Storm chasers hit the road during violent tornadoes to test their new research equipment.
Why this can be good: You’ll learn a lot about the weather.
Why you should wait: There’s some innuendo, poignancy, and weather-related violence. The main couple is about to get a divorce, which may require some explanation.
Where to watch: Hulu
The Addams Family (1991)
Based on the TV show and comic books, this film follows an unusual family who are targeted by scammers trying to rob them of the wealth hidden in their home.
Why It Might Be Good: The film’s central theme is that family sticks together no matter what, even when it’s dysfunctional.
Why you should wait: There’s some innuendo and cartoonishly creepy violence, as well as mild language.
Where to watch: Netflix
Bumblebee (2018)
This film, a spin-off of the live-action film series, follows the exploits of the lead yellow Autobot as he finds a new base for his team.
Why this can be good: The characters learn teamwork and togetherness. It’s also the best live-action Transformers movie yet, free of the vulgar, racist robot caricatures that plagued previous installments.
Why you should wait: Necessary violence and language, as well as robot torture.
Where to watch: Paramount+