50 Movies Every Kid Should Watch Before They Turn 12
'Toy Story'
Introduce them to Buzz and Woody now, then sucker punch them with Toy Story 3 when they turn 13.
'The Muppet Movie'
All hail the OG Jim Hensen production. (There won’t be a dry eye in the room after Kermit’s “Rainbow Connection” ballad.)
'Charlotte's Web'
Speaking of dry eyes, your kids will never forget the film version of this classic by E.B. White.
'My Neighbor Totoro'
Two sisters move to the country and befriend the nearby forest spirits (notably, the cute and cuddly Totoro). Tons of fun-filled adventures ensue. You can’t go wrong.
'The Sandlot'
This quintessential summer film will have your kid picking up a baseball mitt before the credits start rolling.
'A League of Their Own'
Ditto on this one. (We love you, Tom Hanks.)
'The Sound of Music'
Two words: Julie Andrews. Also, don’t be surprised if “So Long, Farewell” becomes your kid’s bedtime send-off in the weeks immediately following.
'The Lion King'
Not only does it include the voice of 90s icon Jonathan Taylor Thomas (a throwback that’s mom and dad-approved), there’s the “Circle of Life” opening sequence. Disney gold.
'Babe'
This film about a pig raised by sheepdogs comes with a solid reminder: The little guy doesn’t always finish last.
'Finding Nemo'
Cue your kids’ new Pixar-inspired life motto: Just keep swimming.
'The Princess Bride'
Fairy tales? Ew, gross. Your kids will love the way this film pokes fun at love. (Fred Savage eye roll included.)
'Akeelah and the Bee'
This is empowering story about a girl from South Los Angeles and her journey to win the National Spelling Bee is the perfect film to inspire daughters and instill fearlessness.
'Mary Poppins'
Julie Andrews is the most epic super-nanny of all time. (Plus, shouldn’t you prep them now for the Emily Blunt re-release?)
'The Incredibles'
Coolest animated superhero family of all time.
'Bedknobs and Broomsticks'
Perfect for any kid nearing the age of not believing.
'The Wizard of Oz'
Or, on the flip side, any kid with a runaway (and Technicolor) imagination.
'Beauty and the Beast'
Tale as old as time: inner beauty beats outer beauty every time.
'Remember the Titans'
A film with a topical lesson: Teamwork—regardless of skin color—makes the dream work. (And let’s not forget the Ryan Gosling cameo.)
'A Christmas Story'
More life lessons: Never ever in any circumstances touch your tongue to an icy flagpole.
'Raiders of the Lost Ark'
Vintage Harrison Ford + archeological adventures = best family movie night ever.
'Wall-E'
There’s no dialogue for the first 30 minutes, but your kids will still be mesmerized.
'The Parent Trap'
Either the Hayley Mills version or the Lindsay Lohan one. Your call.
'Hook'
Rufio, Rufio, Ruf-ee-ohhhhhh will be chanted in your household for days.
'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory'
Equal parts magical and ominous, aka Roald Dahl at his finest.
'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?'
A classic whodunit that merges cartoons with real life.
'Singin' in the Rain'
No kid (however cool) will be able to resist the magic of Gene Kelly tap dancing in puddles.
'West Side Story'
Sure, this one’s for the older kids, but the modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet is one they won’t soon forget.
'The Iron Giant'
A boy-meets-robot turned unlikely friendship that’s a total tearjerker.
'Angels in the Outfield'
Baseball movies are the best movies (especially when Christopher Lloyd shows up).
'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone'
Just be sure they read the book first.
'Mrs. Doubtfire'
Robin Williams is a cross-dressing nanny—or as we like to call it, the modern Mary Poppins.
'E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial'
Steven Spielberg at his finest.
'The LEGO Movie'
PSA: “Everything is Awesome” will get stuck in your head.
'Matilda'
Just don’t time the first viewing with back-to-school.
'How to Train Your Dragon'
Also included: Some of the coolest flight sequences of all time.
'Jurassic Park'
A good reminder at all ages: Don’t mess with science.
'The Avengers'
For kids who love superheroes, this is the perfect starter film.
'Inside Out'
An emotional roller coaster that is as delightful for kids as it is for the adults.
'Stand By Me'
OK, so it has an R rating (for foul language and pie-eating contest, probably) but waiting until your kid turns 17 to watch this coming-of-age film just feels wrong.
'Fantastic Mr. Fox'
A Wes Anderson retelling of the Roald Dahl classic. (George Clooney and Meryl Streep voices included.)
'Back to the Future'
The allure of time travel (and Marty McFly) transcends all ages.
'The Mighty Ducks'
Fun fact for the parents: Yes, that is Pacey Witter.
'Frozen'
Just be ready to listen to the soundtrack on repeat…for the rest of your life.