Suggestions for really amazing films for 11 year olds

[mammmamia]

Looking for suggestions they can watch during the summer holidays but not the usual stuff. I’m thinking about films that they’ll enjoy but will really get them thinking, in an age appropriate way.

Hidden figures

Ah I was going to suggest Ferris Bueller, but nothing very worthy about that...

@Ulrikaka, that was my very favourite film for YEARS. Thank you for suggesting it!

Thanks @Griefmonster, that one is on the list!

Life of Pi.
Gorgeous computer graphics, adventure, risk and survival with a final twist that 11yo should be able to grasp about self reliance and fighting your internal devils.

If they enjoy Jim Carrey’s humour I’d recommend A Series of Unfortunate Events. Sibling solidarity and a search for family happiness.

Or Hugo Cabret (the full title is longer). Friendship, clockwork craftsmanship and care for others with an adorable (11yo?) male lead.

My 11yo really enjoyed Apollo 13, and it’s sparked an interest in NASA / space. Also loved Hidden Figures.

I would second Apollo 13. All four of mine have absolutely loved it and it sparked lots of imaginative play at 9/10/11 and lots of proper interest in all matters space at 11/12/13.

1. Spirited Away. Simply brilliant.

2. A Monster Calls

3. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

Three very different films, but all with a strong messages.

My 11 yo DS and I recently enjoyed The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Bridge to Terebithia
Field of Dreams
Hoosiers
Akeelah and the Bee

Another one recommending Hidden Figures and Apollo 13.

The only films (other than Star Wars/Marvel type ones) that all DS' are interested in are history based ones. So we've watched The King's Speech, Dunkirk, Midway and Darkest hour.

Yes to Spirited Away and other Studio Ghibli films.

Truman Show
The Day After Tomorrow

Paper Planes

Great suggestions thank you all!

I came across this list but wanted to get some more personal recommendations on here!

www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/50-movies-all-kids-should-watch-before-theyre-12

We watched the Artemis Fowl movie on Disney + recently at DS’s request (he’s 11). We all enjoyed it (adults and DD(8)).

I loved old movies at that age myself - rainy weekends watching black and white films - Busby Berkley musicals, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope "Road to...", Some like it hot, Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn ones, casblanca, Orson Welles of all kinds and Alfred hitchcock before I was a teen... Also those Buster Keaton selections with the zany voice over?! Then on to the hard boiled detective ones the big sleep, Maltese falcon etc (I look back now and realise some of them had pretty dark plots but I had no idea - I just fell in love with Bogie and Bacall.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople.

Placemarking

Yes to 'The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind'

'Pili'

'Rabbit Proof Fence'

'Stormboy' - the original, not the remake

'The Secret Life Of Bees'
'

Hunt for the Wilder people is amazing.

Unicorn Store (Bree Larson) is also great.

My 11 year old enjoyed Jojo Rabbit, he prefers comedies at the moment so this combined comedy with thought provoking. You should maybe read reviews on commonsense media to ensure you're comfortable with your child watching it though.

Forgot to say, 'Pili' is in Kiswahili, but subtitled.
'Harriet'
'Amazing Grace' - the 2006 film with Ioan Gruffud
'The Ciderhouse Rules' - although subject matter may possibly not be appropriate for an 11 year old

I've just looked through the list you have posted. DS loved Wonder - both the film and the book.