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The best family movies for ages 12 and up

Looking for a great movie to watch with the whole family? These films are perfect for families with kids ages 12 and up, offering a mix of animation and live-action adventures.

Zootopia
Coco
How to Train Your Dragon

Family movies offer a chance for everyone to gather around and enjoy a shared experience, and the selection available is richer than ever. This list includes animated wonders and heartwarming tales suitable for older kids and their parents.

From Pixar's innovative storytelling in movies like "Finding Nemo" and "Inside Out" to the charming adventures of "Paddington", these films have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. What makes these movies so special is their ability to resonate with viewers of all ages, blending humor, emotion, and important life lessons seamlessly.

Whether it's the importance of family, friendship, or self-discovery, these films offer something for everyone. The success of franchises like "Despicable Me" and the cultural impact of "Frozen" highlight the enduring appeal of well-crafted family entertainment. So, gather your loved ones, grab some popcorn, and get ready to embark on a cinematic journey that will create memories for years to come.

15. The Secret Life of Pets (2016)

The Secret Life of Pets, directed by Chris Renaud and Yarrow Cheney, is a lighthearted animated comedy that explores what pets do when their owners are not around. The story follows Max, a pampered terrier, whose life is turned upside down when his owner brings home Duke, a large and unruly mutt. When Max and Duke get lost in the city, they must team up with a group of stray animals to find their way back home. The film's animation is cute and appealing, and its humor is broad and accessible. The Secret Life of Pets is a fun and entertaining film that will appeal to pet lovers of all ages.

The Secret Life of Pets

14. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, is a hilarious and imaginative animated comedy that tells the story of Flint Lockwood, an aspiring inventor who creates a machine that turns water into food. When the machine malfunctions and starts creating giant food storms, Flint must team up with Sam Sparks, a weather intern, to save the world from a culinary catastrophe. The film's animation is creative and over-the-top, and its humor is fast-paced and witty. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is a fun and entertaining film that will appeal to audiences of all ages. The movie is loosely based on the 1978 children's book of the same name by Judi and Ron Barrett.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

13. Despicable Me (2010)

Despicable Me, directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, is a heartwarming animated comedy that tells the story of Gru, a supervillain with a heart of gold. Gru plans to steal the moon, but his plans are complicated when he adopts three orphaned girls who quickly steal his heart. The film's humor is silly and endearing, and its animation is colorful and whimsical. Despicable Me explores themes of family, love, and the importance of finding one's purpose. The film also introduced the world to the Minions, Gru's lovable and mischievous yellow helpers, who have become a pop culture phenomenon. Despicable Me is a feel-good film that will leave you smiling.

Despicable Me

12. Moana (2016)

Moana, directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, is a visually stunning and culturally rich animated adventure that celebrates Polynesian culture and the power of female empowerment. The story follows Moana, a strong-willed young woman, who embarks on a journey across the ocean to save her people from a looming environmental disaster. Along the way, she is joined by Maui, a demigod with magical powers. The film's music, co-written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is infectious, and its animation is breathtaking, capturing the beauty and majesty of the Pacific Islands. Moana explores themes of identity, courage, and the importance of honoring one's heritage. With its inspiring story and memorable characters, Moana is a film that will leave you feeling empowered and uplifted.

Moana

11. Shrek (2001)

Shrek, directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, is a groundbreaking animated comedy that subverts fairytale tropes and delivers a message of self-acceptance. The story follows Shrek, a grumpy ogre, who embarks on a quest to reclaim his swamp from a group of fairytale creatures who have been banished there by the evil Lord Farquaad. Along the way, he is joined by Donkey, a talking donkey, and Princess Fiona, who is hiding a secret of her own. Shrek is known for its witty humor, its pop culture references, and its message that true beauty lies within. The film's animation was revolutionary for its time, and its soundtrack is filled with memorable songs. Shrek is a modern classic that continues to entertain audiences of all ages.

Shrek

10. Big Hero 6 (2014)

Big Hero 6, directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams, is an action-packed animated adventure that blends superhero tropes with heartwarming themes of friendship and loss. The story follows Hiro Hamada, a robotics prodigy, who teams up with a lovable healthcare companion robot named Baymax and a group of his friends to form a superhero team and stop a mysterious villain. The film's animation is visually stunning, creating a futuristic San Francisco-Tokyo hybrid that is both exciting and immersive. Big Hero 6 explores themes of grief, healing, and the importance of using one's talents for good. With its blend of action, humor, and heart, Big Hero 6 is a film that appeals to audiences of all ages.

Big Hero 6

9. Frozen (2013)

Frozen, directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, is a musical fantasy that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. The story follows Elsa, a princess with the power to control ice and snow, who flees her kingdom after accidentally revealing her abilities. Her sister Anna embarks on a journey to bring her back, accompanied by Kristoff, a rugged ice harvester, and Olaf, a cheerful snowman. Frozen explores themes of sisterhood, self-acceptance, and the importance of embracing one's true self. The film's songs, including "Let It Go," have become iconic, and its animation is visually stunning, creating a winter wonderland that is both magical and breathtaking. Frozen is a modern classic that celebrates the power of love and the importance of being true to oneself.

Frozen

8. The Lego Movie (2014)

The Lego Movie is a clever and surprisingly heartfelt animated adventure that takes place in a world built entirely of Lego bricks. The story follows Emmet, an ordinary construction worker who is mistaken for the "Special," a prophesied hero destined to save the Lego universe from the tyrannical Lord Business. The film's humor is witty and self-aware, and its animation is inventive, bringing the world of Lego to life in a way that is both nostalgic and fresh. The Lego Movie explores themes of creativity, individuality, and the importance of embracing one's unique talents. With its catchy songs and memorable characters, The Lego Movie is a film that will delight audiences of all ages.

The Lego Movie

7. Finding Nemo (2003)

Finding Nemo, directed by Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich, is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant underwater adventure. The story follows Marlin, an anxious clownfish, as he embarks on a journey across the ocean to rescue his son Nemo from a dentist's office aquarium. Along the way, he is joined by Dory, a blue tang with short-term memory loss, who provides comic relief and unwavering optimism. Finding Nemo explores themes of overcoming fear, the importance of family, and the power of friendship. The film's animation is groundbreaking, bringing the beauty and diversity of the coral reef to life. With its memorable characters and heartwarming story, Finding Nemo is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences of all ages.

Finding Nemo

6. Paddington (2014)

Paddington, directed by Paul King, is a heartwarming adaptation of Michael Bond's beloved children's books. The film follows Paddington, a polite and well-meaning bear from Peru, as he arrives in London in search of a home. He is taken in by the Brown family, who quickly learn that having a bear in the house can lead to all sorts of chaos. The film's charm lies in its gentle humor and its positive message about acceptance and kindness. Ben Whishaw voices Paddington with endearing sincerity, and the supporting cast, including Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins, delivers delightful performances. Paddington is a film that will warm your heart and remind you of the importance of being kind to strangers.

Paddington

5. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

Adapted from Cressida Cowell's beloved book series, How to Train Your Dragon is an animated adventure that soars with heart and imagination. The film tells the story of Hiccup, a Viking teenager who befriends a fearsome dragon named Toothless, defying his tribe's traditions and forging an unlikely bond. The animation is visually stunning, with breathtaking aerial sequences that capture the thrill of flight. How to Train Your Dragon explores themes of acceptance, understanding, and the importance of challenging societal norms. The film is elevated by John Powell's rousing score, which perfectly complements the on-screen action and emotion. With its compelling characters and inspiring message, How to Train Your Dragon is a must-see for families and dragon enthusiasts alike.

How to Train Your Dragon

4. Coco (2017)

Coco, directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, is a visually stunning and emotionally rich celebration of Mexican culture and the importance of family. The story follows Miguel, a young boy with aspirations of becoming a musician, who embarks on a journey to the Land of the Dead to uncover his family's history. The film is steeped in Mexican traditions, from the vibrant depictions of Día de Muertos to the soulful music that permeates every scene. Coco beautifully explores themes of remembrance, forgiveness, and the enduring power of family bonds. With its heartwarming story and breathtaking animation, Coco is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Coco

3. Zootopia (2016)

Zootopia cleverly disguises a powerful message about prejudice and tolerance within an engaging animal adventure. The film follows Judy Hopps, an ambitious bunny who dreams of becoming a police officer in the diverse metropolis of Zootopia. There, she teams up with Nick Wilde, a sly fox, to uncover a conspiracy that threatens the city's delicate balance. What makes Zootopia special is its thoughtful exploration of social issues. It challenges stereotypes and encourages viewers to question their own biases, promoting a message of understanding and acceptance. The animation is top-notch, with each animal character rendered with incredible detail and personality. With its witty humor and important themes, Zootopia is a film that appeals to audiences of all ages.

Zootopia

2. Inside Out (2015)

Directed by Pete Docter, Inside Out takes viewers on an emotional journey inside the mind of a young girl named Riley as she navigates a significant life change. The core concept, personifying emotions as individual characters, is both brilliant and heartwarming. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust each play a vital role in guiding Riley through her experiences, and the film beautifully illustrates the importance of all emotions, even the ones we try to suppress. The film's stunning animation brings the abstract world of the human mind to life, creating a visually arresting and emotionally resonant experience. Inside Out is not just for kids; it's a thought-provoking film that offers valuable insights into mental health and the complexities of growing up.

Inside Out

1. The Incredibles (2004)

Brad Bird's The Incredibles isn't just a superhero film; it's a masterclass in storytelling. Released in 2004, this animated adventure cleverly disguises a poignant family drama within the exhilarating world of superheroes forced into hiding. The Parr family, each member gifted with unique abilities, struggles with identity, societal expectations, and the yearning for purpose. What sets The Incredibles apart is its depth. It explores themes of mediocrity versus exceptionalism, the challenges of family dynamics, and the allure of returning to one's true self. The animation still holds up incredibly well, and Michael Giacchino's score is iconic. A must-watch for families and superhero fans alike, The Incredibles is a film that entertains and resonates on multiple levels.

The Incredibles

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