Top Movies For Tweens

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Miyu Irino, Rumi Hiiragi
Rated PG

Spirited Away is a 2001 Japanese animated coming-of-age fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The film tells the story of Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl who, while moving with her parents to a new home, enters the spirit world. After her parents are turned into pigs, Chihiro is left to explore this strange new world, encountering various gods and magical creatures along the way. With the help of a mysterious boy named Haku, Chihiro embarks on a journey to find a way to free her parents and return home. Along the way, she must confront a witch who runs a bathhouse and work to gain the trust of the other spirits in the world. With a mixture of adventure, humor, and heartwarming moments, Spirited Away is a classic Miyazaki film that captivates viewers of all ages.

From Directors: Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly, starring Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen
Rated G

Singin' in the Rain is a 1952 musical romantic comedy film starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor, and Jean Hagen. The film is set in Hollywood in the late 1920s and follows Don Lockwood (Kelly) and Lina Lamont (Hagen) as they try to navigate the transition from silent movies to the new “talkies”. Don and Lina find themselves in hot water when Don’s former leading lady, Kathy Selden (Reynolds), is brought in to dub Lina’s speaking and singing voice. Along the way, Don and Kathy fall in love, Lina and Cosmo Brown (O'Connor) form a hilarious partnership, and they all come together to make a hit movie. With its iconic songs, spectacular dance numbers, and timeless story, Singin' in the Rain is one of the most beloved films of all time.

From Rob Reiner, starring Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, Chris Sarandon
Rated PG

The Princess Bride is a 1987 romantic comedy adventure film written and directed by Rob Reiner. The film follows the story of a young farmhand named Westley who must rescue his beloved Princess Buttercup from the evil Prince Humperdinck. Along the way, Westley is joined by a group of misfits, including a revenge-seeking Spaniard and a man-hating witch, as they face dangers, foes, and obstacles in their quest to reunite. With its witty dialogue, fantastic set pieces, and enchanting story, The Princess Bride is a beloved classic that continues to delight viewers of all ages.

From Yoshifumi Kondô, starring Yoko Honna, Issey Takahashi, Takashi Tachibana, Shigeru Muroi
Rated G

Whisper of the Heart is a 1995 Japanese animated romantic coming-of-age drama film directed by Yoshifumi Kondō and written by Hayao Miyazaki based on the 1989 manga of the same name by Aoi Hiiragi. The film tells the story of Shizuku Tsukishima, a 14-year-old bookworm studying in junior high school who discovers that she is a creative and talented writer. She meets a boy named Seiji Amasawa and they quickly become close friends. Through their relationship, Shizuku learns how to discover her true passion and to take positive steps towards achieving her dreams. Along the way, she overcomes numerous obstacles and learns valuable lessons about life, love, and friendship. The film received critical acclaim, and was Japan's highest grossing film of 1995.

From Morton DaCosta, starring Robert Preston, Shirley Jones, Buddy Hackett, Hermione Gingold
Rated G

The Music Man is a beloved musical comedy classic set in 1912 starring Robert Preston as Harold Hill, a con man who arrives in the small town of River City, Iowa, claiming to be a “Professor of Music” who can teach the children of the town to play instruments and form a marching band. He falls in love with the town's librarian and piano teacher, Marian Paroo, played by Shirley Jones, who is initially suspicious of his motives. Through a series of misadventures, Hill ultimately helps the town come together in music and love. Featuring beloved songs like "Goodnight, My Someone," "Till There Was You," and the Academy Award-winning "76 Trombones," The Music Man is an uplifting and inspiring musical adventure.

From Mike Newell, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Eric Sykes
Rated PG-13

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) is the fourth installment in the Harry Potter film series, directed by Mike Newell. The film follows Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) as he competes in the Triwizard Tournament, a dangerous magical competition between three wizarding schools. At the same time, Harry must confront a dangerous dark wizard, Lord Voldemort, who has returned to seek revenge. Along the way, Harry makes powerful allies and enemies, including a mysterious new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Alastor Moody (Brendan Gleeson). Harry and his friends must face a series of challenges in order to save their school and the entire wizarding world. The film features an all-star cast, including Robert Pattinson, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Ralph Fiennes.

From Chris Columbus, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith
Rated PG

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is the first installment of the beloved Harry Potter movie franchise. Directed by Chris Columbus and based on the novel by J.K. Rowling, the film follows Harry Potter, a young orphan who discovers that he is a wizard and has been invited to attend the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Along the way, Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione venture out to find the Sorcerer’s Stone, an ancient and powerful artifact that Lord Voldemort is also after. With help from Hagrid, Dumbledore, and other magical creatures, Harry and his friends must face the dark forces of Voldemort and protect the stone from falling into the wrong hands. Through courage, friendship, and a little bit of magic, the trio is able to outwit Voldemort and save the day.

From Chris Columbus, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Harris
Rated PG

From Jonathan Lynn, starring Eileen Brennan, Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd
Rated PG

From Directors: Jean-Loup Felicioli, Alain Gagnol, starring Dominique Blanc, Bernadette Lafont, Bruno Salomone, Jean Benguigui
Rated PG

From Vincent Bal, starring Carice van Houten, Theo Maassen, Sarah Bannier, Pierre Bokma
Rated PG

From Andrew Adamson, starring Tilda Swinton, Georgie Henley, William Moseley, Skandar Keynes
Rated PG

From Brad Silberling, starring Jim Carrey, Jude Law, Meryl Streep, Liam Aiken
Rated PG

From Mark Palansky, starring Christina Ricci, James McAvoy, Reese Witherspoon, Richard E. Grant
Rated PG

From Adam Shankman, starring John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Nikki Blonsky, Michelle Pfeiffer
Rated PG

From Andrew Adamson, starring Ben Barnes, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley, William Moseley
Rated PG

From Michael Apted, starring Ben Barnes, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley, Will Poulter
Rated PG

From Susanna White, starring Emma Thompson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Ralph Fiennes, Oscar Steer
Rated PG

From Chris Weitz, starring Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Dakota Blue Richards, Ben Walker
Rated PG-13

From Andrew Fleming, starring Emma Roberts, Tate Donovan, Max Thieriot, Craig Gellis
Rated PG

From Andy Fickman, starring Kristen Bell, Odette Annable, Sigourney Weaver, Jamie Lee Curtis
Rated PG

From Stewart Raffill, starring Devon Jordan, Ashley Cutrona, Erika Corvette, London Clark
Rated PG