25+ Movies to Watch With Your Teens

From Chaplin to the Avengers, Hitchcock to Frodo

Love to watch movies with your kids? Me too. But I don’t really ascribe to a “must watch” list because there are a lot of factors that should go into your movie choices. Consider their maturity, sensitivities, and uniqueness and always use parental discretion before showing them any movie on any list. I also don’t overthink movie choices or go into every movie-watching experience expecting philosophical discussions. Enjoying a laugh or bad movie together can be as valuable as those deep meaningful conversations. I try to expose my teens to different genres and eras, key historical Hollywood figures, and my very favorite films! There will always be more I could add so without further ado, let’s go to the movies!

25+ Movie Recommendations to Watch with Your Teens

1. Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001, 2002, 2003)

   It’s a fabulous movie trilogy and (ahem) you don’t need to have read the books to fully enjoy them. I read the books right before The Fellowship of the Ring came out in theaters but it is not at all a requirement. (Don’t come at me!) Look at each film as a standalone as well as part of a whole.

2. 42 (2013)

   This biopic of Jackie Robinson is absolutely wonderful. Its full of the harsh realties of the Civil Rights era along with heart and humor. This quickly became a favorite of my oldest as well as being highly quoted by him. I highly recommend your baseball fans take it one step further and watch Ken Burns’ Baseball documentary. And possibly find interviews on youtube with Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays, and others from that time in baseball to hear from them directly.

3. The Magnificent 7 (1960)

   While it is more slow paced and slow building than your teen might be used to, it’s 100% worth it. It’s a really fantastic film for young men as many of the themes include what a man is and there’s even mention of the importance of fathers. Plus, it’s got Yul Brenner and Steve McQueen who are the epitome of cool.

4. BBC’s Pride and Prejudice (1995)

   No, this movie isn’t just for girls. No you don’t have to read the book first. Yes, I got pushback from my teen boys but made them watch anyway. I listened to their gripes about how 18th center society is stupid and insipid. And how arranged marriages are an awful idea. To which I replied, “Excellent observation. Be quiet, listen carefully, and pay attention to what she’s saying.” He ended up loving the entire miniseries and didn’t want it to end. Push pause and be sure everyone is following what’s happening, allow for questions, or sum up important plot points. The language is an adjustment but worth it.

5. Seabiscuit (2003)

   Oh my word, this story is classic underdog brilliance. Based on a true story (the book is wonderful) and full of opportunities to discuss character, the Depression, grief, joy, and rising to your full potential. Pair it with Secretariat for a phenomenal horse racing weekend. (Why yes, I did just sneak in an extra movie!)

   

6. Silent Film Comedy (1920s)

   I think everyone should see at least one silent film comedy by Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd. Chaplin is the most famous and his movies The Kid, City Lights, and The Gold Rush are all masterpieces. But don’t discount Buster Keaton’s The General or Harold Lloyd’s Safety Last! Remember they created, built, and performed their own stunts often with little regard for their own safety, much like Lloyd’s title implies. These guys are champions of clever brilliant slapstick that doesn’t go for the cheap joke. The biopic, Chaplin, starring Iron Man aka Robert Downey Jr. is absolutely brilliant (warning: nudity and mature themes) and he was robbed of an Oscar. (I did it again and slipped in another movie.)

7. Marvel’s The Avengers series (2008-2019)

   I’m totally cheating here by saying this Marvel series because there are at least 20 films to watch. But the discussions that can come out of them are worth it. Pay attention as you watch and you won’t have to look far to see the possibilities.

8. The Marx Brothers (1930s)

   You guys…this is witty comedy at its best and most hilarious. Groucho Marx is one of the smartest, cleverest, funniest comedians you’ll ever see in film (or anywhere else.) Start with Night at the Opera or Duck Soup

9. Easter Parade (1948) Singin’ in the Rain (1952) and The Sound of Music (1965)

   Three musicals everyone should see because the music is glorious and musical greats like Julie Andrews, Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O’Conner, Fred Astaire, and Judy Garland shine. I could go on and on about musicals but I’ll save the for another post. These three are a must.

10. Casablanca (1942)

    It’s a classic for a reason. Superb acting, the tensions of WWII, a love triangle, incredible script, gorgeous cinematography and themes that are relevant even today. The chemistry between Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman is palpable. Trust me, go watch it.

    

11. Hitchcock (1930s-1060s)

    Gotta watch some Hitchcock and there are plenty of options to choose from even if you’re squeamish and would rather not watch Janet Leigh’s blood splatter across the shower floor. Start with The 39 Steps and The Lady Vanishes along with later films like North by Northwest or To Catch a Thief. But if you’re ready for more, Psycho and The Birds are quintessential Hitchcock, master of suspense. And don’t forget Rear Window.

12. Ben Hur (1959)

    Ben Hur is on my mind as it’s a recent watch for us but you could choose any great epic and have great conversations: Gone with the Wind (1939) Lawrence of Arabia (1962) Patton (1970) or Dances with Wolves (1990) to name just a few. I highly recommend you watch these through the lens of the time in which they were made, the advancements in technology of the day, and then ask the question if and why they stand the test of time. These are long films and go in depth into a time period with lavish sets so enjoy the grandeur and pause as needed.

13. Band of Brothers (2001)

    This one is not for the faint of heart and is for a much more mature audience. There are incredibly violent moments, the themes are intense, lots of (well done) gore, and some nudity (which I fast forwarded through.) However I think it’s a WWII must watch. It tells the story of the brave men of the 101st Airborne and is just so well done. I’ve only watched this with one of my sons; he love it and enjoys rewatching it.

14. Jumanji (2017)

    Don’t underestimate the value of a silly movie. Jumanji is a remake of a film adaptation of a children’s book by the same name by author, Chris Van Allsburg. At first glance, going from Band of Brothers to Jumanji seems a bit irreverent and ridiculous but sometimes you need a palate cleanser and this one comes with loads of possibilities for conversations and laughs. Stereotypes, cooperation, misconceptions, and ideas of character and societal values are easy to tease out in between the ridiculous scenarios & slapstick.

15. Any movie with Jimmy Stewart

    Ok, Jimmy Stewart is not a movie but he made a variety of amazing movies and you should just have a summer of Jimmy Stewart. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, It’s a Wonderful Life, Rear Window (he worked with Hitchcock many times,) The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (do you picture him as a cowboy?) Harvey, The Shop Around the Corner, and The Philadelphia Story are all worth watching. His range was incredible and his movies are delightful.

    

16. 12 Angry Men (1957)

    This is a must see though my teens haven’t seen it yet. Henry Fonda stars as a member of a jury that’s deliberating on the acquittal or conviction of a teenager charged with murder. This is a brilliant movie about the judicial system and civic duty with lots of openings for conversation on justice, character, and truth.

17. Jurassic Park (1993)

    I love this movie; it’s fun, its early impressive CGI still packs a punch, and it’s got dinosaurs! Need I say more? YES! The discussions that come out of this happen so naturally and get kids thinking about some big real life topics. Also? So many quotable lines.

18. Life is Beautiful (1997)

    Only one of my teens has seen this film and he immediately told me it was perfect. “How can something be so tragic and filled with so much humor at the same time?” This film won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film and deserved it. My son would be disappointed if I told you more about it, so I’ll just say its set in Italy during WWII.

19. Glory (1989)

    The opening scene is not for the faint of heart or easily squeamish. The rest of the movie can be really hard to watch, too. Set during the Civil War, Glory tells the story of the first All-Black volunteer company and the prejudices it faces in both the Union Army and the Confederate. The cast is phenomenal; the script and cinematography are superb. Definitely has mature themes and visuals.

20. Secondhand Lions (2003)

    Oh my heart, I love this film. It’s a family friendly, swashbuckling, wholesome story with plenty of heart. Michael Caine (a personal favorite) and Robert Duvall are two brothers who have had lives full of adventure and are now grumpy old recluses. When their great-nephew is dumped on them, they find a love they didn’t even know they needed while providing a home for the young boy. It’s a feel good movies. And there’s a lion.

    

21. Apollo 13 (1995)

    “Houston, we have a problem” is the famous line that evokes images of life or death in space. The remarkable true story of the crew in the Apollo 13 spacecraft along with those on the ground is one of perseverance, thinking outside the box, and teamwork to bring three NASA astronauts safely home. It’s just so well done. My favorite line, “We gotta find a way to make this (holds ups a plastic square container) fit into the hole for this (holds up a smaller cylinder) using nothing but that (points to the table with a mess of random materials.)” Failure wasn’t an option.

22. The Searchers (1956)

    Everyone should see at least one John Wayne movie and this a good one with themes such as redemption, survival, and restoration. The scenery is as much a character in this western as John Wayne’s character, Ethan Edwards. This is a movie where film nerds can really geek out over analyzing the mis-en-scene (composition of the shot) and the color alongside its universal themes. It is the quintessential epic western directed by the auteur, John Ford. Ford and Wayne are a power combo and made many movies together but none exemplifies their successful partnership more than The Searchers. And for funsies, a bonus: Shanghai Noon (2000.) This is a parody of westerns lovingly done with Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson. It’s much funnier after you’ve seen a lot of westerns and know the main actors in them. It can be crude and has a mile bedroom scene, but it’s also laugh out loud hilarious. And after the seriousness of The Searchers, you might need a laugh.

23. Miracle (2004)

    Another feel good family movie, Miracle tells the story of the 1980 Olympic hockey team’s improbable journey to the podium. My whole family loves this film and we usually watch it every winter. These hockey players turned actors are lovable and portray the grit and hardwork of the college boys (back when the Olympics were all amateur athletes) who stole the hearts of America and did the impossible in the midst of the tension of The Cold War. You gotta make sure to watch this one!

24. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

    If ever there was an adaptation that is as beloved as the book, it’s To Kill A Mockingbird. It preserves the spirit of the book with such conviction and stars the phenomenal Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch. Themes of tolerance, justice, fatherhood, and the beauty of children’s innocence are as important to discuss today as they were when the film was made. You can have so many good discussions with this one.

25. The Muppets (1979)

    I adore Jim Henson’s The Muppets and the very first Muppet movie is a must. One of my teens watched this kicking and screaming but ended up laughing over the hilarious smart comedy on display. Pay attention (both visually and auditorily) if you really want to catch all of the jokes as well as it’s a who’s who of Hollywood greats, some who have passed on and some who are still with us. And please understand, without The Muppets there would be no Yoda in Star Wars and possibly no E.T. Let that sink in.

I didn’t even mention Indiana Jones or Ocean’s Eleven (want to see a great heist movie?) or the remake of True Grit or My Man Godfrey or The Princess Bride or…I could go on and on. What would you add?