20 Movies With Positive Messages for Tweens, Teens & Young Adults

Updated:

These family-friendly movies with positive messages will resonate with tweens, teens, young adults – and parents too!

Movies with Positive Messages for Teens

This site is supported by our readers. If you purchase through the affiliate links in this post, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you! You can click here for more details.

So, you want to choose the perfect movie for movie night with a teen, tween or young adult in your life.

But you also want that movie to be uplifting and inspirational in some way.

Picking movies for teens can feel like a challenge, especially when you’re looking for stories that resonate with positive messages. Whether it’s tales of friendship, perseverance, kindness, or self-discovery, the right movie can spark meaningful conversations and leave a lasting impression.

This list of family-friendly movies with positive messages is perfect for a family movie night or a solo watch for a little extra inspiration.

These movies will resonate with tweens, teens, young adults – and parents too!

There is a FREE movie checklist you can download to keep track of what you want to see.

Links included below to the where the movies are streaming FREE (where available).

Read to the end for BONUS movies streaming FREE

1. Turning Red (2022)

  • Actors: Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Ava Morse
  • MPAA Rating: PG
  • IMDb | Amazon Prime

A young teen navigates the chaos of adolescence, friendship, and family dynamics while transforming into a giant red panda whenever emotions run high.

2. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

  • Actors: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Sean Penn
  • MPAA Rating: PG
  • IMDb | Amazon Prime

An ordinary man embarks on a globe-trotting adventure to discover courage, purpose, and the extraordinary in the everyday.

3. Wonder (2017)

  • Actors: Jacob Tremblay, Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson
  • MPAA Rating: PG
  • IMDb | Amazon Prime

A boy with facial differences inspires his peers to embrace kindness and understanding as he starts attending school for the first time.

4. Anne of Green Gables (1985)

  • Actors: Megan Follows, Colleen Dewhurst, Richard Farnsworth
  • MPAA Rating: G
  • IMDb | Amazon Prime

An imaginative orphan transforms the lives of those around her with her spirited personality and unwavering optimism.

5. Secondhand Lions (2003)

  • Actors: Haley Joel Osment, Michael Caine, Robert Duvall
  • MPAA Rating: PG
  • IMDb | Amazon Prime

A shy boy finds adventure, wisdom, and a sense of belonging while spending a summer with his two eccentric uncles.

6. Soul Surfer (2011)

  • Actors: AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt
  • MPAA Rating: PG
  • IMDb | Amazon Prime

A young surfer overcomes the loss of her arm with determination and faith, inspiring others with her resilience.

7. Shiloh (1996)

A young boy forms a deep bond with an abused dog and stands up for what’s right, despite facing difficult choices.

8. Emma’s Chance (2016)

A teen discovers the joy of helping others and the healing power of second chances while volunteering at a horse rescue.

9. Duma (2005)

  • Actors: Alex Michaeletos, Campbell Scott, Hope Davis
  • MPAA Rating: PG
  • IMDb | Amazon Prime

A boy and his cheetah embark on an incredible journey across the African wilderness, forging a bond of trust and courage.

10. A Little Princess (1995)

  • Actors: Liesel Matthews, Eleanor Bron, Liam Cunningham
  • MPAA Rating: G
  • IMDb | Amazon Prime

A kind hearted girl proves the power of imagination and compassion, even in the face of adversity.

11. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019)

  • Actors: Maxwell Simba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Aïssa Maïga
  • MPAA Rating: PG
  • IMDb | Netflix

A resourceful boy builds a windmill to save his village from famine, showing the impact of determination and ingenuity.

12. A Dog’s Way Home (2019)

  • Actors: Bryce Dallas Howard, Ashley Judd, Jonah Hauer-King
  • MPAA Rating: PG
  • IMDb | Amazon Prime

A loyal dog embarks on an epic journey to reunite with her owner, touching hearts with her perseverance and love.

13. The Mighty (1998)

  • Actors: Sharon Stone, Kieran Culkin, Elden Henson
  • MPAA Rating: PG-13
  • IMDb | Amazon Prime

Two unlikely friends, one with a disability and the other with a wild imagination, embark on a journey that teaches them about courage and friendship.

14. The Secret of Roan Inish (1994)

  • Actors: Jeni Courtney, Mick Lally, Eanna MacLiam
  • MPAA Rating: PG
  • IMDb | Amazon Prime

A young girl uncovers a magical family secret on a mystical island, discovering the power of love and belonging.

15. A Wrinkle in Time (2018)

  • Actors: Storm Reid, Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon
  • MPAA Rating: PG
  • IMDb | Amazon Prime

A courageous girl travels across space and time to rescue her father and confront the forces of darkness, learning the importance of love and self-belief.

16. Miracle (2004)

  • Actors: Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Noah Emmerich
  • MPAA Rating: PG
  • IMDb | Amazon Prime

A determined coach leads the U.S. hockey team to an unforgettable victory, showcasing teamwork, resilience, and the power of believing in the impossible.

17. Racing Stripes (2005)

  • Actors: Frankie Muniz, Hayden Panettiere, Bruce Greenwood
  • MPAA Rating: PG
  • IMDb | Amazon Prime

A zebra dreams of becoming a racehorse, proving that heart and determination can overcome any odds.

18. Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

  • Actors: Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Zooey Deschanel
  • MPAA Rating: PG
  • IMDb | Amazon Prime

Two friends create a magical kingdom in the woods, teaching each other about imagination, friendship, and coping with loss.

19. Ramona and Beezus (2010)

  • Actors: Joey King, Selena Gomez, John Corbett
  • MPAA Rating: G
  • IMDb | Amazon Prime

A spirited young girl uses her quirky creativity and determination to tackle life’s challenges and strengthen family bonds.

20. Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008)

  • Actors: Abigail Breslin, Stanley Tucci, Julia Ormond
  • MPAA Rating: G
  • IMDb | Amazon Prime

A resourceful girl channels hope and resilience to help her family and community during the Great Depression.


Thanks for reading this article on movies with positive messages for your next movie night with teens, tweens or young adults!

Checkout these listicles for more family friendly movie night suggestions

And don’t forget, every article comes with a FREE movie checklist!

Be sure to Join our newsletter to get notified of new articles and website freebies!

We hope to see you again soon!

Movies with Positive Messages for Teens Checklist

Free Movie Checklist

Click on the button below to get your FREE “Movies with Positive Messages for Teen” checklist that you can print or check off directly on your device!


Author:

Comments

Leave a Reply