Best Films of 2024: Teen Options
If your family has older children and teens, there are some fine movies to choose from, in a variety of genres. These are the ones our critics enjoyed the most this year.
One of the year’s blockbusters, Wicked: Part 1 (PG, Grade: A-) enchanted our editor. This Wizard of Oz backstory combines a powerful tale of friendship, empathy, and courage with a magical world and Grammy-Award-winning music. Throw in a superbly talented cast and positive messages and this film is a win for older kids, teens, and adults. (Available for online rental.)
The screwball comedy is quite possibly the hardest genre to do well but, thankfully, Fly Me to the Moon (PG-13, Grade: B+) nails it. Set in the 1960s, this film features an ethically-challenged marketing director who is hired to revamp NASA’s image. Sparks fly when she must work with a straight arrow former pilot and current operational manager. The movie doesn’t take its zany plot too seriously, but it still manages to deliver plot twists, tension, comedy, and romance in one highly entertaining package (without any bedroom scenes). Recommended for teens and adults looking for a laugh. (Streaming on Apple TV+. Available for online rental.)
There’s no sequel blight tainting Dune 2 (PG-13, Grade: B-). Building on the powerful story begun in Dune, Paul Atreides now seeks to avenge his family and claim his rightful place in the empire. Stunning special effects, immersive backgrounds, and strong acting combine to produce a spell-binding science fiction film. Recommended for teens and adults who want to be swept away to another world. (Streaming on HBO and Amazon Prime Video. Available for online rental.)
Conclave (PG, Grade: B+) feels miraculous, delivering tension, intrigue, and a gripping character drama at a PG rating. This riveting tale of a Vatican conclave called to appoint a new Pope is clean, clever, and delivers edge-of-your-seat storytelling. If only Hollywood would produce more films like this… (Available for online rental.)
Uplifting films come along too rarely, but One Life (PG, Grade: A) is such a story. Based on real life events, this film follows the World War II efforts of British stockbroker Nicholas Winton, who devoted himself to saving Jewish refugee children in Czechoslovakia. Decades later, the scope of his achievement becomes apparent both to Winton and a grateful nation. With minimal negative content, this inspiring story can be watched by anyone old enough to understand the historical context. (Streaming on Paramount+, HBO, and Amazon Prime Video. Available for online rental.)
Another uplifting World War II drama, White Bird (PG-13, Grade: A-) is the account of Sarah Bloom, a Jewish girl who is hidden by her disabled classmate, Julian Beaumier and his family. This tender tale of kindness, friendship, and family ties reminds viewers that goodness can be found even in the darkest of times. With most violence occurring off screen, White Bird is suitable for families with teens – and in fact, is strongly encouraged. (Available for online rental.)
Wars cast long shadows and The Great Escaper (Not rated, Grade: A-) reminds us that old soldiers are forever affected by their service. This charming British film tells the true story of Bernard Jordan, an 89-year-old pensioner who goes AWOL from his care home and takes a ferry to France to attend the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings. A brilliant cast headlined by Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson brings this clean and touching tale to life. The film is family-safe but will likely appeal more to older audiences. (Streaming on Amazon Prime Video.)
Washed ashore as an infant, young Isla is adopted by a kindly couple. When she manifests unusual powers, her gifts just might upend the social cohesion of the entire community. Thoughtful and well-written, The King Tide (Unrated, Grade: C+) contains too much violence for kids, but it might appeal to mature teens and parents who want a story that gives them something to chew on. (Streaming on Amazon Prime Video and The Roku Channel.)
Just because it’s simple doesn’t mean The Beautiful Game (PG-13, Grade: A-) is a bad film. This Netflix sports drama follows a group of homeless British soccer players as they battle their own demons and compete in the Homeless World Cup in Rome. Warmhearted and moving, this film will appeal to sports fans and moviegoers who want a touching, people-focused narrative. It’s suitable for older kids, teens, and adults. (Streaming on Netflix.)
One of the biggest surprises of the year was the box office failure of The Fall Guy (PG-13, Grade: C+). This well-paced, hyper-kinetic action movie hits all the genre beats (with perhaps too much swearing and violence) and does so with style. Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt shine as the stunt man and film director who fall for each other as they try to save her film. The negative content is a concern but genre fans will enjoy the show. (Streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Available for online rental.)
It’s not often that a horror film makes our “best of” list but A Quiet Place: Day One (PG-13, Grade: B-) is as good as the rest of the franchise. In this prequel, aliens who hunt by sound land on earth and start slaughtering an unsuspecting, terrified population. Lupita Nyong’o stars as a dying woman who’s determined to finish her bucket list, and not even aliens are going to stop her. Comparatively low levels of on-screen violence keep this film in our teen-friendly list and the taut, tense tale will keep adults on the edge of their seats. (Streaming on Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video. Available for online rental.)
If you live outside of the United States, you can go to http://www.justwatch.com to find out where these movies are streaming in your country.
