Top Six Movies to Enjoy with Tweens Time flies, especially when you have tweens around! Are you parenting a tween? Ensure they’ve experienced these fantastic films before turning 11.
Few things are as delightful as sitting down together as a family and enjoying a great movie.
Yet, beyond the entertainment factor, movies can impart valuable life lessons to children, transforming them into more than mere leisure activities – of course, if you pick the right ones.
Presenting six of the finest films to view with tweens before they hit their teenage years and family movie nights become a thing of the past!
- “Annie” (1982) The enduring charm of this tale about a spirited orphan and her loyal four-legged companion has led to numerous adaptations, including a musical rendition. This heartwarming story imparts lessons in hope, optimism, kindness, and ambition. It reminds kids that money can’t buy happiness and a smile is the best accessory. Available on Amazon Prime.
- “Free Willy” (1993) Another tale of an orphan, this time featuring Jesse, a youngster who forms an unbreakable bond with an Orca named Willy, fighting to rescue the whale from a life confined to an aquarium. The movie teaches kids the value of perseverance and not giving up, highlighting the importance of that final push. Streaming on Netflix.
- “ET” (1982) Arguably one of the greatest movies ever made – a bold statement, we know. The deep friendship between Elliott and the extraterrestrial ET is at the core of this masterpiece. When the government detains ET, Elliott embarks on a mission to free his friend and help him return home. The film beautifully portrays the sacrifices one makes for those they care about, a quintessential part of growing up. Watch on Netflix.
- “Nanny McPhee” (2005) Nanny McPhee arrives to aid a busy young mother managing her family’s farm while her husband is away at war. Through magical interventions, she imparts five crucial lessons to the children and their spoiled cousins: cease fighting, share, help each other, be brave, and hold faith. These are all invaluable takeaways for our tweens. Available on Netflix.
- “Oliver” (1968) Derived from Charles Dickens’s 1838 novel “Oliver Twist,” this film might not be the easiest watch, but its heartwarming essence and positive outcome make it worthwhile. Amidst incredible songs, “Oliver” demonstrates that under the right circumstances and with opportunities, children can learn right from wrong and flourish. Stream it on Amazon Prime.
- “Swallows and Amazons” (2016) Based on Arthur Ransome’s 1930 children’s novel, this film follows the Swallows – four children on vacation in the Lake District – as they venture to an island and engage in a rivalry with another group, the Amazons. The movie showcases the freedoms and independence children once had and encourages reflection on our present-day dynamics. Enjoy it on Amazon Prime.
And a Special Mention:
“The Lion King” (1994) The epic journey of Simba, a lion prince whose uncle seeks the throne, delivers timeless wisdom. The song “Hakuna Matata” (“no worries, for the rest of your days”) teaches kids that happiness is a choice, but the film goes beyond that. It imparts lessons on responsibility, facing challenges, valuing true friendships, and placing trust judiciously. Available on Amazon Prime.
So, before your tweens outgrow family movie nights, ensure they absorb these memorable life lessons from these captivating films!
