10 awesome films kids should watch before turning 13

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

'I'll... be... right... here.'

The formation of a wonderfully extraterrestrial friendship against all barriers and prejudice. It tells kids that friendship can be found within anyone anywhere, even between a human kid and a wrinkly alien, as long as you have the heart to open up to the possibility.

Mrs Doubtfire (1993)

‘Sounds like an amazing woman. Too good to be true.’

After a bitter divorce that grants custody of his children to his wife Miranda (Sally Fields), voice actor Daniel (Robin Williams) goes undercover as a female housekeeper for his wife in order to be able to spend time with his children. This is a good pick for parents and children, as content is light and amusing enough for kids to enjoy while also being self-aware enough for older viewers. Williams, in a great performance, shines as a frustrated father who’s willing to do anything to prove himself to his family.

The Sound of Music (1965)

'Children can't do all the things they're supposed to if they have to worry about spoiling their precious clothes.'

The nun-to-be Maria (Julie Andrews) doesn't really fit in at the nunnery and was given a chance to spend a working holiday at the Von Trapp's house. There she became close friends with the seven children and even fell in love with the Captain himself (Christopher Plummer). This is not only a story of finding your place but following your heart, and it's also an important history lesson set during the events of WWII.

Inside Out (2015)

'Do you ever look at someone and wonder, "What is going on inside their head?"'

Comedic enough for kids and mature enough for parents, Inside Out is arguably one of the best films to watch with your family on a rainy summer night. The emotional struggles that the heroine Riley goes through resonate with many kids’ experiences of moving to a new place and rebelling against parents’ orders. It will bring tears, and it will also teach kids to access (and accept) their emotions in unforeseen ways.

Billy Elliot (2000)

'Like I feel a change in my whole body. And I've got this fire in my body. I'm just there. Flyin' like a bird. Like electricity. Yeah, like electricity.'

Sometimes out of the blue you might discover your dream and it's impossible to let go of it once you find it. This is the central theme of Billy Elliot (played by Jamie Bell) who defies gender and class barriers to become a phenomenal ballet dancer. You can surely dance along to the catchy tunes from the 80's with this one.

Spirited Away (2001)

'Once you do something, you never forget. Even if you can't remember.'

Were you ever the stubborn and somewhat spoilt kid? Spirited Away presents a heroine’s inner transformation as she finds her way of living in a world that is upside-down from her own. This is truly one for the imagination, featuring fantastical spirits and creatures in a gravity-defying magical realm. The key lesson to learn? Stay resilient to immoral desires, and have faith.

The Princess Bride (1987)

‘People in masks cannot be trusted’

Cult classic The Princess Bride is a tongue-in-cheek take on a fairytale, with the plot revolving around a damsel in distress, a prince and a band of other archetypal characters. Sweet but not saccharine and action packed but not overwhelmingly so, the film combines gorgeous visuals with smart humour and storytelling.

Finding Nemo (2003)

'Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming.'

Journey beyond seas to the Great Barrier Reefs and Sydney Bay. It’s not always the case when children go out to search for their parents. Rather, it’s the other way round. Finding Nemo is a fine example showing kids that their parent’s aren’t always right, and they also have to get out of their shells to develop a new perspective on themselves. A great lesson for both kids and parents.

The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)

Frodo: 'Go back, Sam. I'm going to Mordor alone.'

Sam: 'Of course you are. And I'm coming with you.'

The very conception of The Lord of the Rings novels is proof that reality can be too harsh and you need to let the imagination run wild. This franchise is a timeless masterpiece for the whole family to escape day-to-day life and go on a journey with the courageous hobbits(es). In the end, even the small, seemingly insignificant creatures can conquer the almighty with endurance and determination. Going beyond the story, the in-depth video documentary of the film-making process would also prove an interesting watch for the tech savvy kids.

The Lion King (1994)

'We are all connected in the great Circle of Life.'

The Lion King is about responsibility, coming-of-age, and the natural world. Apart from the gripping storyline, we also love the original scores composed by Hans Zimmer - these tunes will truly follow you for the rest of your life, especially with the award-winning musical right at your doorstep.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

'I'll... be... right... here.'

The formation of a wonderfully extraterrestrial friendship against all barriers and prejudice. It tells kids that friendship can be found within anyone anywhere, even between a human kid and a wrinkly alien, as long as you have the heart to open up to the possibility.

Mrs Doubtfire (1993)

‘Sounds like an amazing woman. Too good to be true.’

After a bitter divorce that grants custody of his children to his wife Miranda (Sally Fields), voice actor Daniel (Robin Williams) goes undercover as a female housekeeper for his wife in order to be able to spend time with his children. This is a good pick for parents and children, as content is light and amusing enough for kids to enjoy while also being self-aware enough for older viewers. Williams, in a great performance, shines as a frustrated father who’s willing to do anything to prove himself to his family.

Mrs Doubtfire (1993)

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