Must-See PG-13 Movies: Drama, Action, Comedy, and More

Looking for top-notch PG-13 movies that offer compelling stories without crossing into adult content? Whether you’re in the mood for drama, action, or comedy, this curated list has you covered. Featuring gripping narratives and memorable performances, these films are perfect for a wide audience. Dive in and find your next favorite film!

Drama

Stranger Than Fiction (2006)

• Synopsis: I.R.S. auditor Harold Crick discovers that his life is being narrated by an unseen voice, which starts influencing his fate.
• Good For: Its unique blend of drama and existential comedy, offering a fresh perspective on life and storytelling.
• Year: 2006
• Age Rating: 12A
• IMDb Rating: 7.5

Jane Eyre (2011)

• Synopsis: A governess falls in love with her employer, only to uncover dark secrets that threaten their future.
• Good For: Its gothic romance and strong performances, providing a classic tale with emotional depth.
• Year: 2011
• Age Rating: PG
• IMDb Rating: 7.3

Chaplin (1992)

• Synopsis: A look at Charlie Chaplin’s life, exploring his rise from a poor childhood to becoming a cinematic icon.
• Good For: Its insightful portrayal of Chaplin’s personal and professional struggles, with a captivating performance by Robert Downey Jr.
• Year: 1992
• Age Rating: 12
• IMDb Rating: 7.5

Running on Empty (1988)

• Synopsis: The teenage son of a family on the run grapples with his own desires for a normal life.
• Good For: Its powerful exploration of family dynamics and personal sacrifice.
• Year: 1988
• Age Rating: 15
• IMDb Rating: 7.6

The Glass Castle (2017)

• Synopsis: A young girl grows up in a dysfunctional family with an eccentric mother and an alcoholic father.
• Good For: Its poignant portrayal of an unconventional upbringing and the strength of family bonds.
• Year: 2017
• Age Rating: 12A
• IMDb Rating: 7.1

Loving (2016)

• Synopsis: The true story of Richard and Mildred Loving, whose fight for their interracial marriage led to a landmark Supreme Court decision.
• Good For: Its touching and historical perspective on love and civil rights.
• Year: 2016
• Age Rating: 12A
• IMDb Rating: 7.0

Hotel Rwanda (2004)

• Synopsis: A hotel manager shelters Tutsi refugees during the Rwandan genocide, risking his life to protect them.
• Good For: Its harrowing depiction of courage and humanitarian efforts during a dark period in history.
• Year: 2004
• Age Rating: 12A
• IMDb Rating: 8.1

Weathering with You (2019)

• Synopsis: A high-school boy runs away to Tokyo and befriends a girl with the power to control the weather.
• Good For: Its enchanting blend of fantasy and romance set against a backdrop of climate change.
• Year: 2019
• Age Rating: 12A
• IMDb Rating: 7.5

Fences (2016)

• Synopsis: A working-class African-American father struggles to provide for his family and come to terms with his past.
• Good For: Its intense emotional depth and exploration of racial and familial issues.
• Year: 2016
• Age Rating: 12A
• IMDb Rating: 7.2

The Bridges of Madison County (1995)

• Synopsis: A lonely housewife has a brief, passionate affair with a visiting photographer, changing both of their lives.
• Good For: Its heartfelt and timeless love story with strong performances from Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep.
• Year: 1995
• Age Rating: 12
• IMDb Rating: 7.6

The Painted Veil (2006)

• Synopsis: A doctor discovers his wife’s infidelity and travels to China to combat a cholera outbreak.
• Good For: Its rich historical setting and complex character study.
• Year: 2006
• Age Rating: 12A
• IMDb Rating: 7.4

The Last Emperor (1987)

• Synopsis: The life of China’s last emperor, Puyi, unfolds from his childhood to his imprisonment.
• Good For: Its epic storytelling and stunning visuals capturing a critical period in Chinese history.
• Year: 1987
• Age Rating: 15
• IMDb Rating: 7.7

Doubt (2008)

• Synopsis: A Catholic school principal suspects a priest of misconduct with a troubled student, leading to a tense confrontation.
• Good For: Its thought-provoking narrative and powerful performances by Philip Seymour Hoffman and Meryl Streep.
• Year: 2008
• Age Rating: 15
• IMDb Rating: 7.5

Waitress (2007)

• Synopsis: A pregnant waitress in a small town finds unexpected hope and love through a new relationship.
• Good For: Its charming and heartfelt portrayal of a woman seeking happiness amidst life’s challenges.
• Year: 2007
• Age Rating: 12A
• IMDb Rating: 7.0

War Horse (2011)

• Synopsis: A young boy enlists in World War I after his beloved horse is sold to the cavalry, leading to an emotional journey.
• Good For: Its epic and touching story of loyalty and friendship during wartime.
• Year: 2011
• Age Rating: 12A
• IMDb Rating: 7.2

My Sister’s Keeper (2009)

• Synopsis: A young girl sues her parents for medical emancipation to stop being used as a donor for her sick sister.
• Good For: Its emotional depth and exploration of family dynamics and ethical dilemmas.
• Year: 2009
• Age Rating: 12A
• IMDb Rating: 7.3

Rescue Dawn (2006)

• Synopsis: A U.S. fighter pilot struggles for survival after being shot down in Laos during the Vietnam War.
• Good For: Its intense and gripping depiction of survival against all odds.
• Year: 2006
• Age Rating: 12A
• IMDb Rating: 7.3

Coach Carter (2005)

• Synopsis: High school basketball coach Ken Carter faces controversy when he benches his team for poor academic performance.
• Good For: Its inspiring message about discipline, education, and sportsmanship.
• Year: 2005
• Age Rating: 12A
• IMDb Rating: 7.3

John Q (2002)

• Synopsis: A father takes a hospital emergency room hostage to secure a heart transplant for his son when insurance won’t cover it.
• Good For: Its dramatic portrayal of a parent’s desperation and the healthcare system’s flaws.
• Year: 2002
• Age Rating: 15
• IMDb Rating: 7.1

Woman in Gold (2015)

• Synopsis: An elderly Jewish refugee fights to reclaim stolen artwork that belonged to her family during World War II.
• Good For: Its powerful true story of art, justice, and personal recovery.
• Year: 2015
• Age Rating: 12A
• IMDb Rating: 7.3

Spoiler Alert (2022)

• Synopsis: The poignant story of a couple facing the devastating reality of terminal cancer.
• Good For: Its heartfelt and authentic depiction of love and loss.
• Year: 2022
• Age Rating: 15
• IMDb Rating: 7.3

The World’s Fastest Indian (2005)

• Synopsis: A New Zealander rebuilds a 1920 Indian motorcycle to set a land speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats.
• Good For: Its inspiring story of determination and the pursuit of dreams.
• Year: 2005
• Age Rating: 12A
• IMDb Rating: 7.8

Action/Adventure

Running on Empty (1988)

• Synopsis: A teenage boy from a fugitive family seeks independence while navigating his own aspirations.
• Good For: Its intense focus on personal growth and family struggles.
• Year: 1988
• Age Rating: 15
• IMDb Rating: 7.6

Inspirational

The Glass Castle (2017)

• Synopsis: A young girl grows up in a nomadic family with an unconventional mother and a charismatic, yet flawed, father.
• Good For: Its inspirational portrayal of resilience and family dynamics.
• Year: 2017
• Age Rating: 12A
• IMDb Rating: 7.1

Hotel Rwanda (2004)

• Synopsis: During the Rwandan genocide, a hotel manager shelters over a thousand refugees, risking his life to protect them.
• Good For: Its moving account of bravery and humanitarian efforts in a crisis.
• Year: 2004
• Age Rating: 12A
• IMDb Rating: 8.1

The World’s Fastest Indian (2005)

• Synopsis: A determined New Zealander sets out to break a land speed record on his custom-built motorcycle.
• Good For: Its uplifting and inspiring story of perseverance and achievement.
• Year: 2005
• Age Rating: 12A
• IMDb Rating: 7.8

This list highlights some of the best PG-13 movies across genres, offering something for every taste. From dramatic portrayals of real-life struggles to inspiring stories of personal triumph, these films are sure to captivate and entertain. Enjoy your movie night!