Best Movies for 9-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 9 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
- 1Wolfwalkers2020 · PG9+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 9+ pick
- 2Little Women2019 · PG9+
Barely a scary moment, very mild peril — our age 9+ pick
- 3Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets2002 · PG9+
Only mild scares, very mild peril — our age 9+ pick
- 4Nimona2023 · PG9+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 9+ pick
- 5Ordinary Angels2024 · PG9+
Barely a scary moment, very mild peril — our age 9+ pick
- 6Galaxy Quest1999 · PG9+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 9+ pick
- 7Clue1985 · PG9+
Barely a scary moment, very mild peril — our age 9+ pick
- 8Ghostbusters: Afterlife2021 · PG-139+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 9+ pick
- 9The Hill2023 · PG9+
Barely a scary moment, very mild peril — our age 9+ pick
- 10Star Wars: A New Hope1977 · PG8+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 8+ pick
- 11Its a Wonderful Life1946 · PG8+
Only mild scares, very mild peril — our age 8+ pick
- 12Spirited Away2001 · PG8+
Only mild scares, very mild peril — our age 8+ pick
- 13Maleficent: Mistress of Evil2019 · PG9+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 9+ pick
- 14Jungle Cruise2021 · PG-139+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 9+ pick
- 15Godzilla vs. Kong2021 · PG-139+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 9+ pick
- 16Castle in the Sky1986 · PG8+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 8+ pick
- 17Wonder2017 · PG8+
Barely a scary moment, very mild peril — our age 8+ pick
- 18Puss in Boots The Last Wish2022 · PG8+
Only mild scares, very mild peril — our age 8+ pick
- 19Ghostbusters1984 · PG8+
Barely a scary moment, very mild peril — our age 8+ pick
- 20Hidden Figures2016 · PG8+
Only mild scares, very mild peril — our age 8+ pick
