100 Top Movies to See with Kids Before Theyre 12

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With the endless array of TV and movie options out there, its hard to pick a flick that the whole family will love (you included!). Well, bicker no more. From The Karate Kid to The Incredibles, weve made the decision-making easy with a definitive list of must-see movies for kids under 12. So lets get that family movie night started! Grab the popcorn and keep scrolling.

1. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
There's a reason people still watch this holiday classic year after year: Parents to tweens will appreciate this timeless tale of a once-hopeless man realizing the value of his own life with the help of a guardian angel.

Not rated.

Recommended for ages 9 and up.

2. E.T. (1982)
Still one of the best science fiction movies ever, E.T. is all about friendship and childhood. From Reeses Pieces to the classic phrase E.T. phone home, every moment of this movie will live with your extraterrestrial forever.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

3. Spirited Away (2002)
This animated film is a magical adventure and is considered to be one of Hayao Miyazaki's masterpieces. It stars a strong female protagonist but parents of younger kids beware: there are scary creatures, the parents turn into pigs, and in one scene a river dragon lingers on the verge of death.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 9 & up.

4. The Greatest Showman (2017)
Your kids will want to join the circus after seeing this uplifting musical that loosely tells the story of P.T. Barnum. Be prepared to hear "This is the Greatest Show" on Alexa over and over again.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 10 & up

5. Coco (2017)
Based on the Mexican holiday, Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead, Coco tells the tale of 12-year-old Miguel who finds himself in the Land of the Dead and with the help of his musician great-great-grandfather dives deep into his family history (and their generations-old ban on music!). There are strong family vibes in this blockbuster, and your kids will love the whimsically colorful, melodic story!

A note for parentsthis movie deals with the concept of mortality and could be slightly upsetting for young kids.

Rated PG

Recommended for ages 7 & up.

6. Frozen (2013)
Snow cold fun and adventures in Disney song! This movie about sisterhood, family and love will surprisingly warm your hearts, fill your home with song and should have come with a disclaimer: For the next five months, your princess wont sing anything but Let It Go or Do You Want to Build a Snowman.

Rated PG.

Recommended for ages 5 & up.

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