With school back in session, parents know that our calendar tends to fill up quickly. Weekends and afternoons are filled with sporting events and other after school activities. The family errands, doctor's appointments, and last minute trips to the store to for school projects seem to take up most of our time.
As a mother of teens, I am always looking for any opportunity to enjoy some quality time with my kids where we can all be engaged in the same thing and not looking down at our phones. Sometimes a good old fashion night of board or card games hit the spot. Other nights we enjoy family movie nights. We might even play a game of UNO and let the winner decide what movie we watch. And my kids know that if I win, I am going full on 80s for my movie choice!
Just as date nights are important in a relationship, date nights with our kids are just as important. Engaging in activities that they enjoy and that will also bring one-on-one time for everyone to just be together is a great way to connect with your teens. I came up with this list of movies that will make you laugh, cry, and possibly open up the lines of communication with your teens about some tough subjects.
Movies can get them talking, thinking, and allow them to open up about things they may not even realize were bothering them. And if they make fun of your taste in movies, enjoy that playful banter with them as you gear up for some oddly funny and thought provoking school-themed movies. So, make sure to have plenty of snacks, goodies, and maybe a box of tissues on hand and enjoy a few of the movies from our list as the calendar begins to fill up with all the responsibility that heading back to school brings.
Here are 9 movies you can enjoy with your teens:
 Image via Canva Pro |
Rated PG-13
 Image by Paramount Pictures |
Why we like it: We all loved the music in this one! My kids loved the unusual homework assignments like listening to classic rock albums and the kids learning how to play musical instruments. They also liked the fact that the kids in the movie were not just taught the traditional subjects, but that they were allowed to learn some new things and discover some hidden talents they might not have discovered otherwise. This movie could help bring out your musical genius too!
 Image by Paramount Pictures |
Rated PG-13
Why we like it: This movie takes on a more serious note and while there are a few laughs, it shows the struggle of kids in an underprivileged school system and how they bond together to overcome discriminatory assumptions because of their ethnicity. Gifted students are not a particular race or color and this movie is based on a true story that shows just that. We enjoyed the story of watching these kids overcoming the odds and proving that ethnicity is not the key in determining how smart you are.
 Image by Paramount Pictures |
Rated PG
Why we like it: Who doesn't love a cheesy musical? We like the original Grease as well, but for us the cheesy songs in this movie like Cool Rider, Score Tonight, and Back to School Again sealed the deal to make this a hit on our movie night list. This is a cult classic for our family!
 Image by Lionsgate Films |
Rated PG
Why we like it: Middle school can be rough for kids, especially if you are struggling to fit in. This movie shows kids how to believe in themselves, no matter what others may think or say about them. It focuses on how we can support our kids as family, help them overcome the obstacles they may face, and embrace their talents and gifts instead of hiding them.
 Image by Universal Pictures |
Rated R
Why we like it: Okay, I am letting my 80s show here. This is definitely another cult classic for us and one that usually gets quoted quite frequently around our home. We enjoyed watching these kids breakthrough the typical stereotypes and open up to each other about how hard it can be to be a high school teenager. The movie focuses on the struggles teenagers face when trying to fit while keeping up with the demands of parents, teachers and coaches. I think as we become parents, we tend to forget the pressures that our teens are facing, especially today more than ever.
 Image by Mandeville Films / Lionsgate production |
Rated PG
Why we like it: Making new friends is hard for folks of all ages, but especially for kids who are still trying to figure out who they are. Auggie is a young boy who has never been to public school before and nervous about entering the fifth grade. Watching this with your family will bring to light that just because someone may look different from you, it doesn't make them any less special. The movie opens up discussions about facing your fears, handling those challenges, and just how hurtful bullying can be to other kids.
 Image by LD Entertainment |
Rated PG
Why we like it: As a former volleyball player and coach, my favorite quote from this movie is, "This is volleyball. I need to know if you're serious!" We like the focus on this movie puts on girl's sports and what it means to play the game with true passion. Based on a true story, the movie brings up topics that our girl athletes may face in playing any sport such as the pressure to continue through the season in the midst of hardships that life can bring. I recommend the tissues for this one.
 Image by Buena Vista Pictures |
Rated PG
Why we like it: What's not to like about Denzel Washington, Ryan Gosling, and football? As parents, we know that school can be full of cliques and that can put a damper on our kids moving out of their own circles to become friends with someone who isn't a part of theirs. This movie encourages kids to take a look around and make the effort to learn about someone who isn't like them while addressing racial tensions at the same time. It's about being a team and what it means to stand up for what's right.
 Image by Paramount Pictures |
Rated PG-13
Why we like it: Oh there are so many reasons to like this movie! What kid has not tried to find ways to skip school? Not that we are encouraging that but the shenanigans the main characters get into, the unforgettable Mr. Rooney, and of course the famous parade scene are what make this movie a fun watch to have with your teens.
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