Great Movies for Kids 10-12

The special effects may sometimes feel dated to this generation used to the latest and greatest, but the story (good vs evil, triumph of love) and action holds up even today.

It's an earnest throwback but one that older kids will appreciate, touching on themes of racism as it does, especially since they've probably had to read it in school by now. And Gregory Peck's award-winning performance is a morality tale in itself.

Kids in this age range are just about old enough to appreciate the ick factor of going back in time and having your mother crushing on you.

Louisa May Alcott's classic tale of four sisters is made more current with turns by Winona Ryder as the imaginative Jo, Claire Danes as the tragic Beth, Kirsten Dunst as a bratty Amy, and Christian Bale as dreamy boy-next-door Laurie.

Despite all the scary enemies they encounter along the way, this adventure with Frodo and his protectors is such an immersive experience that could...I stress could... get your kids interested in reading Tolkien.

This one is easy: because you need them to start understanding you when you say things like "I do not think it means what you think it means."

This take on a young witch who just doesn't fit in is one heck of a fish out of water tale, made all the more powerful by the artistry of writer-director Hayao Miyazaki.

Watching Oliver get pulled out of his books long enough to go on an adventure is still a pretty fun way to spend an afternoon.

Thanks to the gruesome child-killing plotline, this ones best for older children but you can't beat the great role model that Katniss is for girls and boys today.