What to Actually Watch With Your Tween (Past Cartoons)

Award-winning shows and movies you'll actually enjoy

March 26, 2026

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Hi there,

We watched the Oscars last weekend.

My younger son didn’t know most of the nominated movies or shows because they aren't appropriate for a 10-year-old.

My older son, however, had seen maybe one or two, which got me thinking: now that our kids are getting older,  I’m finally able to enjoy watching some “grown-up” shows and movies with them.

Right now, my 13-year-old and I are watching ‘The Pitt’ together. It's intense, there's swearing and blood. When I mentioned it to a couple of friends, they were like, "You're letting him watch that?"

I know he's a mature kid, and I'm watching it with him. We talk about what's happening, and I think that’s okay. Besides, the blood and gore aren’t really that much more than a Marvel movie! 

The Problem: Most Award-Winners Aren't Kid-Friendly

If you're looking for something to watch with your tween that's actually good, not just "appropriate," it's harder than it should be.

Most Emmy and Oscar winners are rated R or MA. So I've found a mix of award-winning shows and movies that are appropriate for tweens, plus a few that are technically not appropriate but fine if you're watching together.

Shows That Are Actually Tween-Appropriate (Technically)

These are safe bets, good quality, engaging, and you won't have to scramble for the remote during an awkward scene.

1. Abbott Elementary (Emmy winner)

A mockumentary-style show about teachers at an underfunded public elementary school. It's funny, heartwarming, and actually won Outstanding Comedy Series. Age: 10+

2. The Office

This is literally my favorite show! Yes, there are some awkward moments that I fast-forward through (that's the whole point), but it's also hilarious, and my kids quote it constantly. Age: 11+


3. Young Sheldon

Not an award-winner, but all the kids love it. It's a prequel to The Big Bang Theory about Sheldon as a kid growing up in Texas. Sweet, funny, and totally safe. Age: 8+


4. Stranger Things (Emmy nominee)

My kids have been watching this for a while. Yes, there's scary stuff. Yes, there's some language. But it's also about friendship, bravery, and standing up to bullies (and monsters). I would not recommend this for the younger ones. Age: 12+

5. Wednesday (Emmy nominee)

The Addams Family's daughter goes to boarding school. It's darker than most teen shows, murders, mystery, some creepy scenes, but it's also funny and Tim Burton-y. Age: 12+

Some shows walk the line. They're not technically appropriate for all tweens, but if your kid is mature and you're sitting there with them, they might be worth it.

And if you're looking for something to watch on a weekend or family movie night, here are some that have actually held my kids' attention (and mine).

Movies That Are Fun If You're Watching Together

1. The Lost Bus (rated R)

This one's rated R because of the scary factor, but it's a true story and absolutely riveting. A school bus full of kids gets stranded during the Palisades fire, and they have to survive. We watched it together and talked through the intense moments. Age: 11+ (with parent)

2. The Adam Project

A time-travel movie with Ryan Reynolds. It's funny, heartfelt, and has great father-son themes. The kids loved it, and so did I. Age: 10+

3. Hidden Figures (Oscar nominee)

The true story of Black female mathematicians at NASA during the Space Race. It's inspiring, beautifully made, and teaches history without feeling like a history lesson.
Age: 9+

4. CODA (Oscar winner for Best Picture)

A movie about a hearing girl who's the only hearing member of her deaf family. It's sweet, funny, and won Best Picture in 2022. Totally appropriate and really moving. Age: 11+

5. Back to the Future (all of them!)

If your kids haven't seen these yet, fix that immediately. Time travel, adventure, and surprisingly good storytelling. These hold up decades later. Age: 9+

6. Rudy

The true story of a small guy who dreams of playing football for Notre Dame. It's inspirational without being cheesy, and my kids were genuinely moved by it. Age: 8+

Inside the Laid-back Parents' Internet History This Week:

When it comes to watching TV/movies with your tween, what's your approach?

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Note for My Fellow Laid-Back Parents

Every family is different. What I'm okay with my 13-year-old watching, you might not be. And that's fine.

The whole point of this list isn't to tell you what's "right", it's just to give you some options, so you're not stuck watching SpongeBob for the 500th time (no shade to SpongeBob, it's great, but you know what I mean).

If you've found shows or movies that work for your tween, I'd love to hear about them. Hit reply and let me know what you're watching. I'm always looking for new recommendations.

See you next week,
Lakshmi 💛