Movies with Positive Messages to Watch with Your Tween

Sometimes it’s nice to watch a movie that just makes you feel good. Even nicer when you can enjoy it with your kids. These movies are great for tweens and parents to watch together, have some good discussion points and even better messages. So get comfy on the couches, grab some snacks and get ready to bond and talk as you share these movie moments together.

Dumplin’

This Netflix darlin’ has so many great messages we were practically jumping up and down while watching. It speaks to the importance of beauty in all shapes and sizes, doing your own thing, being an individual, and forgiveness – aka, what happens when girls of all types of beauty seek to compete in a traditional beauty pageant, along with the inevitable bittersweet family dynamics. imdb.com

Sing Street

We do love Irish rock bands and coming of age stories, and this movie offers a wonderful combination of both. It’s another take on some misfits doing what they love most – making music and finding success against the odds. Underlying the band’s fun is a more serious message about longing for freedom and to see the world, plus escaping tough times and strained family life. imdb.com

The Way Way Back

This movie has a few adult themes, but nothing too shocking. Kids will love that the main character, teenage Duncan, rebels against his mom and stepdad to secretly start working at a water park with fun-loving yet caring adults who treat him like a friend and give him a place to belong. There’s an interesting blend of mother and son loyalty, sticking up for your values, and doing what you love. Plus, the amazing Sam Rockwell. imdb.com

Little Miss Sunshine

Here’s a family road trip movie unlike any other. Although the story does feature the death of a beloved grandfather, positive messages about a struggling family who never give up on each other dominate. They’re all supporting daughter Olive in following her dreams, even if they may be slightly misguided. imdb.com

The Kings of Summer

There is a lot of strong language in this film, but if that doesn’t bother you, give it a watch. It’s an incredibly humorous and touching teen coming-of-age story based on three boys who decide to retreat to the woods one summer and create their own kingdom, with anticipated setbacks met with humour and conflict. The squeamish might not enjoy the rabbit scene, so you might want to be on the lookout for that. imdb.com

Center Stage

This is like a toned down all-ballet version of Fame. Only the best get to attend a prestigious ballet school in New York, and sometimes even the best don’t make it through the competition, relationships and personal setbacks. A bit racy in places but with a great story, dancing and music. imdb.com

About Time

There is a bit of sexual content in this movie, but that’s not what the film is about. It’s also not about time travel, although that is the premise and it makes for some funny and serious outcomes. It’s really about family and the love between parents and kids and the inevitable changes that take place. Sweet, sad and good. imdb.com

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

We love the book and we adore the movie. Our favourite themes are friends supporting each other with love and empathy as each character confronts their own challenges. We also adore the loyalty shown and diverse backgrounds and family situations. As poignant as ever. imdb.com

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

A movie about a manhunt for a tween boy and his foster uncle doesn’t sound funny, but this movie is full of kiwi humour, stunning scenery, and amazing acting (Sam Neill plays the uncle). You’ll watch it again and again. imdb.com