It’s important to be exposed to movies at a young age. When we all are kids, our eyes are glued to the television set as we recollect spending the days watching our favourite cartoon shows like the Looney Tunes, Pokemon, Dragon Ball Z, Marvel and DC animated shows. Our only exposure to movies was if our parents would ever take us to the movie theatres themselves. It’s only around the ages of 10-11 when we as kids start getting intrigued by the vast variety of films offered on the TV and then we spend our time browsing the movies section, choosing a picture which appeals to you. That’s when our exposure to the world of movies begin. Now what sorts of films would you recommend to a 12 year-old kid? It can be an animated film, a superhero film, a fantasy film or just any other film with a feel-good-like vibes and possibly with a moral message being imparted to us.
Now mind you, we do not recommend that 12 year-old kids watch films with a PG-13 rating or having a film filled with bloody, gory violence, use of cuss words, profanity or any sexually explicit scenes. The movies picked by us are perfect for 12 year-olds to watch as not only they are solid entertaining films, but these are the sort of films that can be watched by the entire family too. Well, anyways here is the list of good 12 year-old kids movies.
12. Superman (1978)
Even after 40 years after its release, Richard Donner’s Superman aka the world’s first superhero movie has captured the hearts of all movie fans worldwide with its stunning visual effects which still hold well today, a memorable soundtrack, a great villain in Lex Luther and a terrific performance by Christopher Reeves as Superman, this movie will surely appeal to any 12 year-old.
11. Up (2009)
This is one of the most unconventional animated Pixar films of all time. Here, a widower yearns to visit the paradise falls in South America, something his late wife would’ve loved to visit. You’ll really have no reservations about flying after tying your entire house with balloons in this irresistible animated film. This film has heart, humour and there are some emotional poignant scenes which is bound to give you happy tears.
10. The Lion King (1994)
Yes it’s no secret why this Disney animated epic musical film even after two decades of its release remains to be one of the most iconic animated pictures of all time. It’s about a young lion Simba who after watching his father, King of the Pride Lands being murdered by his uncle Scar, flees into exile and after getting some valuable perspective on life by his best friend Nala and the shaman Rafiki, Simba returns to the Pride Lands to challenge the tyranny of Scar’s rule and take his place in the Circle of Life as the rightful king. The film boasts of a terrific voice cast, amazing music by Hans Zimmer, cool animation which even after all these years holds well and holds a valuable message not just for kids but for adults too.
9. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Is there any better film out there which truly shows the value of friendship than this film? Directed by Steven Spielberg, it tells the story of an extraterrestrial “E.T” who after getting stranded on Earth befriends a lonely boy Elliot who vows that he and his siblings will help E.T to return to his home planet, while attempting to keep him hidden from their mother and the nosy government. The movie has some emotionally gut-wrenching scenes, followed by a brilliant musical score by the legendary John Williams and who can even forget that Elliott and E.T’s flight scene to the forest which has since gone on to become the most magical moment in cinema history? Easily one of the best films made. Anyone will enjoy watching this.
8. Toy Story (1995)
You didn’t necessarily have to own a cowboy doll or a space-ranger-ish action figure to appreciate Pixar’s first feature film (It certainly doesn’t hurt if you did, however). This is a movie that’s very much about the importance of having your buddy’s back. It also symbolizes the bond every young kid has with his/her toys and in our world of imagination, we give life to these things. Pixar seriously raised the bar with this one with excellent storytelling, great animation style and meaningful character development. What matters most is that they truly pay a loving tribute to the plastic, movable building blocks that may even help tomorrow’s scientists, CEOs and scholars engage with the world while thoroughly thrilling us. Watch this for the animation, the humour and the vocal performances of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen.
7. Home Alone (1990)
Admit it: as a young kid, at some point we all were fed up by our family and longed to be on our own! Well, that’s what exactly happens in this film when an eight year-old Kevin McCallister accidentally gets left behind by his large extended family while they fly to Paris for their Christmas vacation. On realising that his family was nowhere to be found, he delivers one of the classic dialogues ever spoken by an eight year-old – “I made my family disappear!” with a wide grin across his face only to discover later that two greedy but clumsy burglars plan to burgle his house and how he resolves to stop them from doing that. The film incorporates the use of some very clever wit and humour and explores the themes of the childish innocence of a young kid and a mother who would go to any desperate lengths to get back to her son during the packed Christmas time. Overall, Home Alone is the perfect Christmas movie to watch with your family and yes, there are some scenes which will truly keep you in splits of laughter.
6. Finding Nemo (2003)
Overprotective parents will totally relate with the clownfish Marlin, a relatively new dad who just wants his only surviving child Nemo to be safe. Unfortunately for him, Nemo like most youngsters is a tad defiant and often breaks his dad’s rules. Matters get worse when Nemo unfortunately gets abducted, Marlin heads out on an epic journey across the Pacific ocean along with the forgetful regal blue tang Dory (voiced by the amazing Ellen DeGeneres) all the way to Sydney Harbour, meeting all sorts of creatures along the way. Why parents will love watching this film as it tries to tell us how Marlin learns to take risks and how he comes to the terms of the fact that his son can take care of himself. And yes, kids will love watching this Pixar classic too.
5. The Sound of Music (1965)
Yes granted, this may be a very old film but this is just the sort of musical every generation has got to see. Filled with some brilliant composed music and some terrific singing by the cast, especially by Julie Andrews, this film is about a young woman Maria who’s studying to be a nun during World War II is sent to be a governess to the villa of the Von Trapp family, consisting of a retired naval officer and a widower and his seven children. Maria soon brings love into the family through teaching the kids music and thereby bringing patience and kindness to their lives when she later marries the officer and together with the children find a way to survive the loss of their homeland through courage and faith. It has everything a perfect musical could ask for. Make sure your kids watch this one and in time, they’ll definitely appreciate this film a lot more than they originally planned to.
4. The Incredibles (2004)
A very unique film of its own, this movie delves into the lives of a young family and how they have to conceal their superhero identities from the outside world while managing their day-to-day affairs. What makes this film so likeable is the fact that there is a level of humanity to these characters. All of these characters are so unique in terms of their personality and their superhero powers. Right from the start to the end, the film has its moments of some fun, pulsating action sequences, good use of humour and the vice cast in this film is just phenomenal. Easily one of the best superhero films of all time,it’s no secret why The Incredibes has over the years gone on to garner a cult following. A perfect film for both families and kids too.
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3. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
Being the first installment of the world famous harry Potter series, this film transcends all the viewers into the world of magic where wands, goblins, trolls and flying brooms seem to coexist. Here we get to see how Harry after living all his life with the horrible Dursleys learns that he is a wizard and then sets off to Hogwarts School where he learns magic. Admit it, after watching this film, we all wished this Hogwarts school was for real!
Read More: All Harry Potter Movies, Ranked
2. Spider-Man (2002)
Sam Raimi finally brought Marvel comic’s favorite superhero: Your friendly neighborhood Spiderman onto the big screen. Starring Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker, this film revolves around Peter’s life as when he gets bit by a spider, he discovers that he’s got superpowers like spinning webs and becomes a superhero. After dealing with the grief with the death of his uncle, Spiderman must stop the Green Goblin from wreaking havoc in the city .Watch this for Maguire’s acting, the superb action sequences, Wilhelm Defoe’s performance as the Green Goblin and for featuring that classic quote, “With great power comes great responsibility”.
Read More: All Spider-Man Movies, Ranked
1. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
Every 12 year-old kid should be made to watch this George Lucas’ old-fashioned take of outer space adventure which has since gone on to become a cult classic. Here we get to know what is the Force all about, see cool stuff like lightsabers, droids and spaceships. Here you get to experience a hero’s journey from boyhood to manhood for the first time as he joins forces against the evil Galactic Empire. The film has so many memorable characters like Han Solo, Chewbacca, Obi-wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker and ofcourof legendary Daryh Vader. With a beautiful score by John Williams and some amazoam visual effects, the first Star Wars movie is definitely a must watch.
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