From originals to adaptations, there are hundreds of options to choose from a movie’s rating matters.For parents wanting to transition their children from family-friendly to slightly family-unfriendly films, PG-13 is a rating that bridges that gap.The selection of the best PG-13 movies on Netflix is always changing, as the platform acquires (and lets go of) blockbusters and hidden gems on a regular basis. Especially with the platform’s ever-changing library, it’s the perfect time to re-discover some good PG-13 movies available to stream now on Netflix.
12’Dumplin'' (2018)
Directed by Anne Fletcher
Revolutionizing her mother’s Texas beauty pageant, Willowdean (Danielle Macdonald) is a plus-size teen who signs up for Rosie’s (Jennifer Aniston) pageant out of spite but never expected other contestants like her to follow suit. Soon, everything changes in the small Texas town thanks to this one bold decision.
Afun rewatchable dramedy moviebyAnne Fletcher,critics and audiences lovedDumplin’for its ability to bring diverse body representation to the screen, especially in a pageant film. The stars and supporting cast were able to elevate the film and stand out amongst its competitors in the genre. Its PG-13 rating comes mainly from brief, strong language. Instead of hitting “Suprise Me” next time during a Netflix movie night,Dumplin’should be the first choice.
11’Hunt for the Wilderpeople' (2016)
Directed by Taika Waititi
Before he would go on to become a household name with titles likeThor: RagnarokandJojo Rabbit,Taika Waititiproved his comedic directorial chops withHunt for the Wilderpeople. The film follows the story of Ricky, a troublesome city kid who finds himself on the run from authorities alongside his no-nonsense foster uncle as they travel through the wild New Zealand bush. As their disappearance grows into a national story, the two find a way to bond and understand one another, beginning to truly form a bond as they are forced to work together to survive.
Taika’s filmmaking ventures have always been about findingthe perfect balance between heart-to-heart moments and absurd PG-13-style comedy, withHunt for the Wilderpeoplebeing no different. The genuine bond and chemistry betweenSam NeillandJulian Dennisonmakes the movie work so well, with Taika’s signature blend of raunchy and absurdity comedy simply acting as the icing on this glorious cake.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
10’The Half of It' (2020)
Directed by Alice Wu
While the vast majority of Netflix’s PG-13 teen rom-com outings have been received with an array of mixed reception and quality, the clear exception to the rule isThe Half of It, a beautifully simple rom-com filled with charm and wit. The film follows young, straight-A student Ellie, who has always been a loner at her school, but is suddenly hired by the sweet yet dumb jock, Paul, to help him write love letters for a girl at school. Things begin to work out when this girl ends up loving the letters, but it grows to be more complicated when Ellie realizes that she also has feelings for the girl.
The Half of Ittakes a classic liar-revealed rom-com premise and adds its effective modern twist on things, making for an ingenious and effective spin and evolution of the genre as a whole. As opposed toother Netflix teen rom-comsthat are more focused on the character’s appearances and attractiveness,The Half of Itdelves more into the inner turmoil and heart of these characters without skimping on comedic chops. It’s easilyone of the most underrated rom-coms that Netflix has released, as well as one of their best.
The Half of It
9’Enola Holmes' (2020)
Directed by Harry Bradbeer
Bringing a young female detective to the streaming screen,Harry Bradbeer’sEnola Holmesprovides young viewers with a capable role model emerging from her brother’s shadow. Sherlock’s sister, Enola (Millie Bobby Brown), discovers their mother is missing and sets off on a quest to solve the case. Even withHenry Cavillas Sherlock andSam Claflinas Mycroft Holmes,Bobby Brown held her ground as the film’s lead.
Critics and audiences fell in love with Enola so much that Netflix released a sequel,Enola Holmes 2. Bobby Brown is Netflix royalty with her role as Eleven inStranger Things.For preteen fans looking to watch more Bobby Brown roles all in one place,Enola Holmesis the perfect film.
Enola Holmes
8’tick, tick…BOOM!' (2021)
Directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda
From the modern legend of musicalsLin-Manuel Mirandaand adapted from a musical made by one of the classic masters of the genre,Jonathan Larson,Tick, Tick…Boom!acts as both an adaptation of Larson’s masterpiece musical and a biopic of his own life. The film follows Larson (Andrew Garfield), on the cusp of his 30th birthday and struggling with his dreams, deciding that now is the time where he must craft and create a musical masterpiece that he will always be remembered for.
While Lin-Manuel Miranda had already proven himself as a capable creator of stage musicals,he continues to show off his inherent understanding of the medium of musicals behind the director’s chair ofTick, Tick…Boom!The film finds an exceptional balance between the powerful, hard-hitting realities of Larson’s life story with the various catchy, emotional, and well-made songs from Larson’s original musical works. It’s easilyone of the 2020s best movie musicals, with it continuing to amass a dedicated fanbase as the years go on.
Tick, Tick…Boom!
Watch on Netflix
7’The Adam Project' (2022)
Directed by Shawn Levy
A multi-genre Netflix original,Shawn Levy’sThe Adam ProjectfindsRyan Reynoldsin familiar territory as a comedic action hero. A time-traveling pilot who crashed into the year 2022, Adam Reed (Reynolds) teams up with his 12-year-old self to save the future. With a supporting cast ofWalker Scobell,Mark Ruffalo,Jennifer Garner, andZoe Saldaña, thepopular time travel filmscored relatively high with critics and streamers, but disappointed most with its formulaic plot.
As Reynolds plays the classic Ryan Reynolds character,the film feels familiar but brings enough sci-fi action to differentiate it from his other filmography.Where Netflix has flopped with action films, it finds a steady heartbeat withThe Adam Project, adding a solid installment to its catalog of original works.
The Adam Project
6’Crazy Rich Asians' (2018)
Directed by Jon M. Chu
One of the biggest and most prominent romantic comedies of recent years that helped revitalize the genre for a new generation of viewers,Crazy Rich Asianswas a cultural phenomenon across the world. The film sees American-born Chinese economics professor Rachel Chu (Constance Wu), who after accompanying her boyfriend Nick Young (Henry Golding) to Singapore for a wedding, discovers that he’s a part of a massively wealthy family. As she adjusts to this wild new lifestyle, Nick attempts to do all that he can to prove to Rachel that he still loves her, and that he’s still the same man she fell in love with.
The level of success and worldwide notoriety that Crazy Rich Asians received upon its release was simply unheard of for a romantic comedy in the 2010s,smashing all sorts of records and quickly becoming a household name. It accomplished these feats thanks greatly in part to the film’s seamless evolution of the romantic comedy genre while also staying true to what has made the genre such a hit in the past. It’s the type of film that has helped launch and re-launch the careers of seemingly everyone involved and continues to maintain a powerful and commanding legacy.
Crazy Rich Asians
5’Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark' (2019)
Directed by André Øvredal
One of the few genuinely effective PG-13 horror movies,Scary Stories to Tell in the Darkis based on the classic book series of the same name and brilliantly translates some of the best short horror stories of the series. The film follows a group of high schoolers who sneak into a haunted house that once belonged to the powerful Bellows family, inadvertently unleashing an array of dark forces upon the populace and student body.
It’s difficult to make a horror movie that can balance effective scares and tension while still adhering to being PG-13, butScary Stories to Tell in the Darkis easily one of the best modern examples. Especially since the original stories were originally made as horror stories for children, the film still adheres to what made these creatures and stories powerful and terrifying without sacrificing anything for a PG-13 rating. Especially withtheScary Stories to Tell in the Darksequelstill in the works, there’s no better time than to present to check outthe best PG-13 horror movie in recent memory.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
4’Always Be My Maybe' (2019)
Directed by Nahnatchka Khan
Sasha (Ali Wong) and Marcus (Randall Park) were childhood sweethearts that everyone (except for them) thought would get together. Fifteen years later, they reconnect only to discover the spark is still lingering despite moving on to entirely different worlds in their adult lives. This Netflix original is directed byNahnatchka Khanand is theperfect odd-couple romance filmto stream.
The comedic tone and chops of Wong and Park garnered positive reviews from critics and audience members. Even with brief appearances byKeanu ReevesandDaniel Dae Kim,Always Be My Maybemaintains the focus on its main stars.Always Be My Maybetackles social issues without it eclipsing the romantic storyline, making it both an entertaining and insightful watch.
Always Be My Maybe
3’La La Land' (2016)
Directed by Damien Chazelle
Widely considered to be one of the greatest original musical films of the 21st century,Damien Chazelle’s love letter to Hollywood struck a chord with a multitude of audiences, with its catchy songs and emotional moments making it a standout cinematic experience.La La Landfollows the blossoming relationship between Mia (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress looking to get her foot in the door of Hollywood, and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a Jazz musician attached to the raw and pure energy that jazz provides.
La La Landis the type of rare, cinematic work that comes along once in a generation,completely redefining what a movie musical could be in the modern era of filmmaking. It finds a perfect balance in tone between upbeat and exhilarating musical sequences and slower, somber moments that allow its emotional gut punches to hit that much harder. The film was often in conversation as one ofthe best films of the 2010sand will continue to surmount a powerful legacy in the decades to come.
