Best Movies for 12-Year-Olds
We read the screenplay for every film on this list, so these aren't guesses based on a rating board's summary. Each pick below is recommended for ages 12 and up, with a note on exactly why it suits this age. Tap any title for the full scene-by-scene breakdown.
20 script-verified picks
- 1Project Hail Mary2026 · PG-1312+
Only mild scares, very mild peril — our age 12+ pick
- 2Ford v Ferrari2019 · PG-1312+
Barely a scary moment, mild peril only — our age 12+ pick
- 3Captain America: Civil War2016 · PG-1312+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 12+ pick
- 4Rogue One: A Star Wars Story2016 · PG-1312+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 12+ pick
- 5Captain America: The Winter Soldier2014 · PG-1312+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 12+ pick
- 6Bridge of Spies2015 · PG-1312+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 12+ pick
- 7Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol2011 · PG-1312+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 12+ pick
- 8Black Panther2018 · PG-1312+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 12+ pick
- 9Wonder Woman2017 · PG-1312+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 12+ pick
- 10Cabrini2024 · PG-1312+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 12+ pick
- 11Free Guy2021 · PG-1312+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 12+ pick
- 12Iron Man 32013 · PG-1312+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 12+ pick
- 13Transformers2007 · PG-1312+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 12+ pick
- 14Man of Steel2013 · PG-1312+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 12+ pick
- 15Thelma2024 · PG-1312+
Barely a scary moment, very mild peril — our age 12+ pick
- 16Greyhound2020 · PG-1312+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 12+ pick
- 17Ip Man 4: The Finale2019 · NR12+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 12+ pick
- 18Aquaman2018 · PG-1312+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 12+ pick
- 19Thor: The Dark World2013 · PG-1312+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 12+ pick
- 20Ender's Game2013 · PG-1312+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 12+ pick
