Are you looking for a movie to watch at 12 years old, or what should you show a child of this age? This selection covers several genres: comedy, fantasy adventure, drama and a timeless classic. Each track is available starting at 10-12 years and easy to share with the family, with no unpleasant surprises on the screen.
All the movies listed here are rated for general audiences in France, unless otherwise noted.
The movie, *The Dictator*
Released in 1940, The dictator of Charlie Chaplin is a cinematic masterpiece A must-see. This black-and-white satirical comedy is a great introduction to great cinema for a 12-year-old.
The story follows a little Jewish barber who lost his memory after the war in 1914-1918. He spends years in the hospital, then returns to his shop in the ghetto and discovers that the world has changed beyond recognition.
At the same time, Adenoid Hynkel, a hysterical dictator who looks just like the barber, is spreading terror throughout the country. The barber is reunited with his partner Hannah and decides to resist the SS, who are threatening his community. Through a series of coincidences, this ordinary man finds himself caught up in a tragic farce.
This film prompts reflection on humor in the face of horror, and on what an ordinary person can accomplish during dark times. A memorable cinematic experience, perfect for watching and sharing with the family, and—unsurprisingly—one of the must-see movies at least once in one's life.
The movie, *Edward Scissorhands*
Edward Scissorhands is a fantasy tale signed Tim Burtonreleased in April 1991, with Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder in the lead roles. Its rating in France is Suitable for all audiences with a warning, making it suitable for children ages 10-12 years, accompanied by an adult for the youngest children.
Edward is no ordinary boy. He is the creation of an inventor who gave him a heart to love and a brain to understand the world. But the creator dies before completing his work, leaving Edward with some metal blades instead of fingers.
Taken in by a family in the suburbs, he discovers love, but also the human cruelty. Some scenes remain dark, making this a great introduction to the’a poetic and melancholic world of Burton for a young person of that age. This film remains one of the great classics of fantasy cinema from the the 1990s.
The film, The Disastrous Adventures of the Baudelaire Orphans
Adapted from the children's book series by Lemony Snicket and supported by Jim Carrey, this movie, which was released in 2004 is a fantasy adventure Full of dark humor, perfect for families with children ages 12 and up.
The story revolves around three orphaned children:
- Violet, a resourceful young girl from 14 years old
- Klaus, a boy from 12 years old who reads a lot
- Prunille, a little girl who bites anything that comes within reach of her teeth
Their parents died in a tragic fire, leaving them at the helm of a immense fortune which they will not be able to inherit until Violette comes of age. Entrusted to their family by the banker Mr. Poe, they quickly fall under the control of the Count Olaf, a distant relative willing to do anything to get his hands on the children's money.
It’s a fast-paced adventure, brought to life by a meticulously crafted visual world and offbeat humor that appeals to both children and adults. A great movie to watch together as a family one evening.
The Movie, Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children
Second film by Tim Burton In this selection, Miss Peregrine and the Peculiar Children was released in theaters on October 5, 2016. Adapted from the young adult novel by Ransom Riggs, its dark atmosphere makes it particularly suitable for children as young as 10 years.
After the mysterious death of his grandfather, a young boy named Jacob discovers the existence of a hidden world. Following several clues, he finds a very unusual house, inhabited by children with extraordinary powers, protected by the mysterious Miss Peregrine.
But the threat is growing as Jacob gets to know these residents. He finally realizes that his own uniqueness is the only thing that can save his new friends. A film full of fantastic and friendship—perfect for young teens who love magical stories.
titanic
This large romantic drama of James Cameronreleased in 1997, is based on the true story of the titanic. This ocean liner departed from Southampton the April 10, 1912 was reputed to be unsinkable. Yet, four days After setting sail, it struck an iceberg and sank; the April 15, 1912.
On board, a young artist A penniless man falls in love with a woman from the upper class who is engaged to someone else. The film blends love, a drama and tragedy that still leaves a lasting impression on audiences, decades after its release. It is one of the most expensive films never produced in Hollywood.
titanic is classified as for all ages in France by the CNC. Some of the more intense scenes may require a bit of perspective, but it’s a a must-see classic A must-see at least once.
Other Movies to Watch at Age 12
This selection is just a starting point. There are other movies that are perfect for this age group, depending on the child’s or teen’s tastes.
For fans ofanimation, the great movies Disney and Pixar are still family favorites: The Lion King, coconut Where Vice Versa address profound themes (grief, identity, emotions) through a visual style accessible even to very young children.
For fans ofadventure, movies like Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Where The Lord of the Rings (for ages 10–12 and up, depending on the child’s sensitivity) offer rich worlds to explore on your own or with your family.
For teens who want to start exploring more mature films, the selection Movies for 16-Year-Olds offers some good ideas, as does the list of Must-See Movies You Should Watch at Least Once in Your Life.
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