Home Youth Leaders Articles for Youth Leaders Movies for Youth Groups: 10 PG-Rated Films to Watch With Kids

Movies for Youth Groups: 10 PG-Rated Films to Watch With Kids

6. Hugo (2011)

Set in early-1930s Paris, this movie is about Hugo’s quest to find himself and to reconnect with memories of his father. This movie is full of information about the advent of film, automatons, and life in Paris. Like the book it was based on, the movie deals with death and loss but also love and friendship. Parents Guide Content Advisory

7. The SandLot (2003)

A young baseball prodigy and his neighborhood team take a new kid in town under their wing. Together, they get into many adventures involving rival teams, lifeguards, and a vicious dog. We love the themes of friendship, loyalty, and the joys of growing up. Parents Guide Content Advisory

8. Matilda (1996)

This is the story of a wonderful little girl, who happens to be a genius. She has a fantastic teacher but the worst parents and school principal imaginable. This movie can be legitimately scary, especially for young children who may not discern the absurdity of the adults’ behavior. (Remember, Roald Dahl wrote the book.) But we love Matilda’s boldness and imagination, and how her compassion wins out. In the end, she finds a loving home with her beloved teacher. Parents Guide Content Advisory

9. Cool Runnings (1993)

When a Jamaican sprinter is disqualified from the Olympics, he enlists the help of a dishonored coach to start the first Jamaican Bobsled Team. We love the themes of teamwork and being true to yourself. The final scenes, based on actual events from the 1988 Winter Olympics (with some dramatic license), provide chills in the best way possible. Parents Guide Content Advisory

10. Shrek (2001)

After magical creatures fill his swamp, an ogre agrees to rescue a princess for a villainous lord to get his land back. First, we love this film because it’s a whole lot of fun. Younger children especially will giggle nonstop at the antics of Shrek and Donkey. Second, the movie contains themes of love, sacrifice, and becoming the person God created you to be. Parents Guide Content Advisory

Charlotte Hand Greeson, mother of two teenagers, has been known to watch three movies in a row with her family. Matthew Kozlowski, father of two young children, is a fan of montages and slow-claps.

This article about movies for youth groups originally appeared here.