While Netflix cuts its way into premium arenas with its original content, the streaming giant still maintains an ongoing catalog of classics and new releases from its competitors. Despite Netflix’s lower subscriber numbers in recent months, the streaming giant still has a gold mine of movies, especially in the PG-13 category.
From originals to adaptations, there are hundreds of options to choose from when rating a movie. For parents who want to transition their kids from family-friendly to less family-friendly movies, PG-13 is a rating that bridges that gap. Depending on the fun or movie night, these movies cover different genres that can suit the needs of most viewers.
Updated July 19, 2023, by Hannah Saab:
The selection of the best PG-13 movies on Netflix is always changing, as the platform acquires (and releases) blockbusters and hidden gems on a regular basis. With the latest additions as of 2022 Glass Onion: A Knife Mysteryit’s the perfect time to rediscover some good PG-13 movies available to stream right now on Netflix.
10 “Dumplin” (2018)
Revolutionizing her mother’s Texas beauty pageant, Willowdean (Danielle Macdonald) is a plus-size teenager who signs up for Rosie’s (Jennifer Aniston) competed out of spite, but never expected other contestants like her to follow suit. A rewatchable dramedy from Anne Fletchercritics and audiences loved it dumplin’ for his ability to bring different body appearances to the screen, especially in a competition film.
The stars and supporting cast were able to elevate the film and stand out among 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.
Watch on Netflix
9 Enola Holmes (2020)
Bringing a young female detective to the broadcast screen, Harry BradbeerS ‘ Enola Holmes offers young viewers a capable role model stepping out of her brother’s shadow. Sherlock’s sister, Enola (Millie Bobby Brown), discovers that their mother is missing and embarks on a quest to solve the case. Also with Henry Cavill like Sherlock and Sam Claflin like Mycroft Holmes, Bobby Brown retained her position as the film’s lead.
Critics and audiences loved Enola so much that Netflix released a sequel, Enola Holmes 2. Bobby Brown is Netflix family with her role as Eleven in the Foreign things. For pre-teen fans looking to see more of Bobby Brown’s roles all in one place, Enola Holmes it’s the perfect movie.
Watch on Netflix
8 “The Adam Project” (2022)
A multi-genre Netflix original, Shawn LevyS ‘ Project Adam FIND Ryan Reynolds into familiar territory as a comic action hero. A time-travelling pilot who crashed in 2022, Adam Reed (Reynolds) reunites with his 12-year-old self, saving the future. With a supporting cast of Walker Scobell, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer GarnerAND Zoe Saldanathe popular time travel movie scored relatively high with critics and broadcasters, but disappointed them more with its formulaic plot.
While Reynolds plays the classic Ryan Reynolds character, the film feels familiar, but packs enough sci-fi action to set it apart from his other filmography. Where Netflix has failed with action movies, it finds a steady heartbeat Project Adamadding a solid installment to his catalog of original works.
Watch on Netflix
7 “Always Be My Maybe” (2019)
Sasha (Ali Wong) and Marcus (Randall Park) were the childhood sweethearts that everyone (except them) thought would get together. Fifteen years later, they reconnect only to find that the spark is still alive, despite moving into completely different worlds in their adult lives. This Netflix original is directed by Nahnatchka Khan and it’s the perfect romantic odd couple movie to stream.
Wong and Park’s comedic tone and songs garnered positive reviews from critics and audience members. Even with brief appearances from Keanu Reeves AND Daniel Dae Kim, Be always Maybe mine keeps the focus on its main stars. The film deals with social issues without overshadowing the romantic story.
Watch on Netflix
6 “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” (2022)
Knives out may sadly no longer be available to stream on Netflix (US & UK), but its impressive sequel, Glass onion, is still on the platform. Directed by Ryan JohnsonDaniel Craig reprises his role as world-renowned detective Benoit Blanc, who is invited to a private getaway on an island owned by eccentric tech billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton). In typical Whodunit fashion, things quickly get extremely complicated.
With a stellar ensemble cast, a generous touch of comedy and truly surprising twists, the film will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the best films of this decade. It manages to bring something completely new to the table and can be enjoyed as a standalone film by the whole family.
Watch on Netflix
5 “Les Miserables” (2012)
Tom HooperIts film adaptation earned eight Oscar nominations and three wins at the 85th Academy Awards. With an epic cast of stars from across the industry, Miserable is an award-winning historical film that follows the trials and tribulations of ex-convict Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), who is being prosecuted for breaching bail by police officer Javert (Russell Crowe). Originally a stage show based on Victor HugoBased on his novel, this film focuses on several intertwined characters and their stories during the French uprising known as the June Rebellion.
This critically acclaimed film has a running time of two and a half hours that flies by as various stars grace the screen such as Anne Hathaway, Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Cohen AND Amanda Seyfried. For fans of musical theater or viewers of historical films, Miserable is a solid PG-13 choice to stream during the next rainy day.
Watch on Netflix
4 Skyfall (2012)
Heavy rain is a classic spy film and the twenty-third installment in the James Bond franchise, this time directed by Sam Mendes. The film follows the protagonist (played by Daniel Craig in his third role as James Bond) as he tries to hunt down and eliminate a secret organization while simultaneously dealing with the return of dark elements from his past. The film also delves into Bond’s backstory and deals with his relationship with M (Judi Dench).
Heavy rain has been praised by critics and viewers for its gripping plot, phenomenal visuals and outstanding performances. His exploration of the character of Bond and the history of the franchise felt like a breath of fresh air at the time it was released.
Watch on Netflix
3 “Titanic” (1997)
James CameronS ‘ Titanic is a classic that needs no introduction. The epic romantic-disaster film tells the story of the real-life maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic, which sank in the North Atlantic in 1912. Using fact and fiction, the 1997 film depicts the ill-fated love that blossoms between two passengers, Rose DeWitt Bukater.Kate Winslet) and Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio), who are members of different social classes.
The film would go on to be a blockbuster, and thanks to numerous re-releases, has gone down in cinematic history as one of the highest-grossing films of all time. It’s an essential watch for romance fans and has held up remarkably well since it first appeared in cinemas.
Watch on Netflix
2 “Dunkirk” (2017)
One of Christopher Nolanbest movies of, Dunkirk is a gripping World War II film set in May 1940, when Allied troops find themselves stranded on the titular beach as German forces move into France. As the ships evacuate the soldiers as quickly but methodically as possible, tension rises as violence around the location continues.
With stunning sweeping shots, an intense soundtrack and a creepy and suspenseful atmosphere, Dunkirk boasts a unique immersive viewing experience that is a true standout in the genre. The impressive use of practical effects and thousands of extras, as well as transport ships, also contribute to making the film more attractive.
Watch on Netflix
1 “La La Land” (2016)
When struggling jazz pianist Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and the aspiring but not yet successful actress Mia (Emma Stone) meet, a romance for the ages blossoms la la land. The award-winning romantic musical directed by Damien Chazelle chronicles the duo’s experiences as they experience the height of intoxicating love and the difficulties of life while stumbling.
With a gorgeous color palette to complement her memorable songs, Mia and Seb’s story is told against a perfect backdrop, making it impossible not to root for their imperfect relationship. In the end, what makes the film so iconic is its very real reminder that no matter how much two people want to be together, love isn’t always enough to make it happen.
Watch on Netflix
