5 Great Family Movies for Parents and Teens
The key to a successful movie night with teens is picking films that offer something for everyone: a good mix of humour, action, adventure, and a little heart. Here are five movies that will keep both teens and parents entertained:
1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
This animated superhero film is a visual masterpiece that appeals to both teens and adults. With an innovative animation style, an action-packed storyline, and a diverse range of characters (hello, Spider-Gwen and Peni Parker!), this film is as fun as it is emotionally resonant.
Why it’s great: It’s a superhero movie with depth and heart, blending humour, stunning visuals, and some emotional weight.
Recommended age: 10 and up.
2. The Hunger Games (2012)
If your teen is into dystopian stories, The Hunger Games is the perfect choice. Based on the bestselling book series by Suzanne Collins, the film follows Katniss Everdeen as she navigates a brutal competition in a futuristic society. It’s intense, thought-provoking, and filled with action, making it a great pick for the entire family.
Why it’s great: It’s a mix of adventure, social commentary, and strong characters, making it engaging for both teens and adults.
Recommended age: 13 and up.
3. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
This reboot of the classic Jumanji film is a perfect blend of comedy, action, and adventure. The story follows a group of teens who are sucked into a video game world, where they must navigate dangerous terrains and puzzles. It’s filled with laughs, thrilling moments, and great performances from the cast (hello, Dwayne Johnson and Jack Black!).
Why it’s great: It’s fast-paced, funny, and action-packed—just the right mix for teens and parents alike.
Recommended age: 10 and up.
4. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
For a more emotional, inspiring movie night, The Pursuit of Happyness starring Will Smith is a fantastic choice. Based on a true story, the film follows a struggling single father and his son as they fight to overcome homelessness. The bathroom scene is so poignant, that I cry when I think about it. While it’s a more serious pick, it’s one that teaches valuable life lessons about perseverance and hope.
Why it’s great: It’s an uplifting, family-centred film that teaches resilience and determination—great for parents and teens to reflect on.
Recommended age: 12 and up.
5. The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
If you want a more grounded, relatable film that centers on teenage life, The Edge of Seventeen is a great option. This coming-of-age comedy-drama follows Nadine, a high school junior, as she navigates the ups and downs of adolescence, friendship, and family. It’s heartfelt, funny, and totally relatable for teens and parents alike.
Why it’s great: It’s a realistic portrayal of the teenage experience, with humour and heartfelt moments that parents and teens can connect with.
Recommended age: 13 and up.
Snack Ideas for Family Movie Night
When you’re watching a movie with teenagers, you want snacks that are easy, fun, and satisfying. Here are some snack ideas that will please everyone:
1. DIY Nacho Bar
Who doesn’t love nachos? Set up a DIY nacho bar with tortilla chips, melted cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, jalapeños, and a choice of toppings like shredded chicken, ground beef, or black beans. This way, everyone can make their nachos exactly how they like them.
Tip: For an extra twist, offer different types of cheese or add a spicy nacho cheese sauce for a cheesy kick!
2. Popcorn with Flavoured Toppings
Popcorn is the quintessential movie snack, but why not take it up a notch? Make a big bowl of popcorn and provide different flavoured seasonings like:
Cheddar cheese powder
Cinnamon sugar
Truffle salt
Sriracha and lime
You can even drizzle some melted butter or parmesan cheese for extra indulgence.
Pro tip: Serve the popcorn in fun, individual bowls so everyone can pick their flavour!
3. Mini Pizzas
Mini pizzas are always a hit. Use store-bought pizza dough, and let everyone build their own mini pizza with toppings like cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives. Bake them in the oven and let everyone dig in.
Tip: You could even make it into a friendly competition and vote on who makes the best pizza!
4. Sweet & Salty Snack Mix
Make a big batch of sweet and salty snack mix using a combination of pretzels, popcorn, M&Ms, nuts, and chocolate chips. It's the perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and salty, and it's easy to prepare ahead of time.
Pro tip: Try adding some freeze-dried fruit or marshmallows for a fun twist!
5. Ice Cream Sundae Bar
For a sweet treat, set up an ice cream sundae bar with different flavours of ice cream and a variety of toppings like sprinkles, chocolate syrup, caramel, whipped cream, and chopped nuts. Let everyone create their own custom sundae!
Tip: Offer a mix of toppings, from the classic (chocolate chips) to the unusual (candied bacon, crushed cookies), to get everyone’s creativity flowing.
Beverage Ideas for Family Movie Night
No movie night is complete without a drink to sip on while watching your favourite flick. Here are a few drink ideas that teens and parents will love:
1. Flavored Lemonade or Limeade
Make homemade lemonade or limeade and add a splash of fruit like raspberries, strawberries, or cucumber for a refreshing twist. Serve it over ice for a cool, summery vibe, even if it's winter!
Tip: You can make a fun mocktail by mixing sparkling water with the lemonade for a fizzy option.
2. Homemade Iced Tea
Brew some fresh iced tea and serve it with lemon slices, mint leaves, and a little honey for sweetness. You can also offer flavoured iced teas like peach, berry, or green tea.
Tip: Serve it in mason jars for a cute, rustic touch.
3. Hot Chocolate with Toppings
If you’re watching movies on a cooler evening, make some creamy hot chocolate and offer fun toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, or crushed candy canes. This drink is a hit with teens, especially when paired with dessert.
Pro tip: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavour.
4. Mocktails for Teens
Teens love a special drink but without the alcohol. Make a mocktail bar with options like Virgin Mojitos (lime, mint, soda water), Shirley Temples (ginger ale, grenadine), or Fruit Punch Spritzers (juice, sparkling water, and fruit).
5. Fruit-Infused Water
For something a little healthier, prepare fruit-infused water with combinations like cucumber-mint, lemon-lime, or strawberry-basil. It’s refreshing, colourful, and just as fun to drink!
Final Thoughts
Family movie nights with teenagers don’t have to be a chore. With the right movie lineup, tasty snacks, and fun drinks, you can create a memorable evening that everyone will look forward to. So, next time you're planning a night in, throw on one of these awesome movies, whip up some snacks, and enjoy the night together. You might even create a new family tradition!
What’s your go-to family movie night snack? Let me know in the comments—I'd love to hear your ideas!
