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+
Some intense frightening scenes, strong action violence — our age 9+ pick
- 2Little Women2019 · PG9+
Some intense frightening scenes, mild peril only — our age 9+ pick
- 3The Goonies1985 · PG9+
A few genuinely tense scenes, moderate action violence — our age 9+ pick
- 4Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets2002 · PG9+
Some intense frightening scenes, moderate action violence — our age 9+ pick
- 5Nimona2023 · PG9+
Some intense frightening scenes, moderate action violence — our age 9+ pick
- 6Ordinary Angels2024 · PG9+
Some intense frightening scenes, moderate action violence — our age 9+ pick
- 7Galaxy Quest1999 · PG9+
A few genuinely tense scenes, moderate action violence — our age 9+ pick
- 8The Karate Kid1984 · PG9+
A few genuinely tense scenes, mild peril only — our age 9+ pick
- 9Clue1985 · PG9+
Only mild scares, very mild peril — our age 9+ pick
- 10Ghostbusters: Afterlife2021 · PG-139+
Some intense frightening scenes, moderate action violence — our age 9+ pick
- 11The Hill2023 · PG9+
Only mild scares, moderate action violence — our age 9+ pick
- 12Star Wars: A New Hope1977 · PG8+
Some intense frightening scenes, mild peril only — our age 8+ pick
- 13Its a Wonderful Life1946 · PG8+
Some intense frightening scenes, moderate action violence — our age 8+ pick
- 14Spirited Away2001 · PG8+
Some intense frightening scenes, moderate action violence — our age 8+ pick
- 15Maleficent: Mistress of Evil2019 · PG9+
Some intense frightening scenes, moderate action violence — our age 9+ pick
- 16Jungle Cruise2021 · PG-139+
Some intense frightening scenes, strong action violence — our age 9+ pick
- 17Return of the Jedi1983 · PG8+
Some intense frightening scenes, strong action violence — our age 8+ pick
- 18Godzilla vs. Kong2021 · PG-139+
A few genuinely tense scenes, strong action violence — our age 9+ pick
- 19Castle in the Sky1986 · PG8+
Some intense frightening scenes, strong action violence — our age 8+ pick
- 20Wonder2017 · PG8+
Only mild scares, mild peril only — our age 8+ pick
