Action Movies for Kids That Will Inspire Them to Be Their Best Selves
Action Movies for Kids That Will Inspire Them to Be Their Best Selves
Are you a parent with a child who might not necessarily be a little kid anymore? They might still enjoy Disney films and cartoons made for younger audiences, but they’re also starting to pay attention to the movies and TV shows you watch. Introducing your child to more mature content can be a challenging process for parents. These films aren’t at the top in terms of violence, but they do feature a fantastic blend of daring adventures and great comedic timing to keep a young boy or girl laughing.
Young Seekers of More Films and TV: Enter the Action Genre
For kids who are stepping beyond kindergarten and delving into more movies and TV shows, the best gateway is the action genre. Yes, your John Wicks and various not-so-great action films of the 1980s exist, but there are also exceptional films that offer a mix of high-stakes action and romance, tapping into imaginative sentiments that resonate with kids. It’s not about violence, but about captivating their imaginations. And we, as parents, play a role in that.
Last Action Hero (1993)
Last Action Hero has turned 30 in this heat. Arnold Schwarzenegger takes the lead role, directed by John McTiernan (Predator and Die Hard). It’s a film that parodies many action films from the decade before its release. Its aim is to wink at its audience. For any young admirer of films, Last Action Hero is spot on, as it’s truly about the love for movies at its core. Danny Madigan (Austin O’Brien) is a lone kid who often goes to the movies while his mom works.
When he’s given a magical ticket by a theater projectionist, he’s transported into the world of his favorite action movie hero, Jack Slater (Arnold Schwarzenegger). The fantasy element of the film works for children, and action and violence are prevalent but never repulsive. It stands as one of Schwarzenegger’s most entertaining yet less significant performances, as he humorously channels his celebrity persona for two hours.
Masters of the Universe (1987)
He-Man is arguably one of the most iconic action heroes ever. An animated series accompanied by various cartoons, seen by many children during the 1980s, was only a matter of time before the live-action adaptation hit the big screen. In Masters of the Universe, Dolph Lundgren portrays He-Man, and Frank Langella dons heavy makeup as the villainous Skeletor. The writing, set design, and special effects all serve a subpar ’80s action fantasy film well. While adults can sometimes find it a bit cheesy, maybe they can teach their kids to embrace its fun and find joy in what’s there.
The film offers a suitable version for kids as it takes He-Man away from his ominous world and lands him on Earth, teaming up with a young lady named Julie (Courteney Cox), leading to the exploration of cosmic keys searched by some adolescents. It’s suitable for kids as it takes He-Man away from his ominous world and brings him to Earth to track cosmic keys alongside Skeletor, who is portrayed by an ambitious Christina Pickles.
Hook (1991)
This is not the only time a Steven Spielberg film would make it onto this list, although Hook is undoubtedly one of his lesser-rated films. Taking the story of Peter Pan and bringing it into the real world, turning him into a grown-up with responsibilities and family, was a brilliant move and a call to parents to ensure their children are eventually familiar with the original story of the show. Peter Banning (Robin Williams) is new to Southern California and is assured by the city’s thugs that he’s not wanted there. His friendship with Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) leads to self-defense lessons through karate.
Although the film deals with violence and threats related to children, the central message is about the self-discipline and respect Peter learns. Karate Kid resonates as it emphasizes respecting oneself and overcoming obstacles in life. Parents should surely incorporate some version of this message into their children.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)
With the success of Netflix’s Cobra Kai among the younger generation, parents need to make sure their children eventually catch up with the show’s source material. Since its release in 1984, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has faced its share of controversies. A reboot even happened in 2010 with Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith, where kung fu is taught instead of karate, although it’s still referred to as the Karate Kid. Nonetheless, in the original film, Daniel (Ralph Macchio) is new to Southern California, and the city’s thugs ensure him he’s not wanted there. His friendship with Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) leads to self-defense lessons through karate.
Although the film deals with violence and threats related to children, the central message is about the self-discipline and respect Peter learns. Karate Kid resonates as it emphasizes respecting oneself and overcoming obstacles in life. Parents should surely incorporate some version of this message into their children.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Johnny Depp’s first film in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, The Curse of the Black Pearl, saw him nominated for an Oscar for his role as Captain Jack Sparrow. Some might say Johnny Depp took a risk imitating Keith Richards for two and a half hours, but regardless, it’s incredibly entertaining. Released under the Walt Disney Pictures banner, it marked the first film of the franchise to receive a PG-13 rating. It’s high adventure, sword fights, hanging from the gallows, Jack Sparrow’s drunken antics, and undead villains.
While the film is suitable for kids, it’s teetering on the edge of double-digit numbers in terms of age. Young kids might still find the battle scenes daunting and occasionally frightening. The Curse of the Black Pearl is a treasure for young film enthusiasts as there might not be many great pirate films out there.
The Karate Kid (1984)
As the younger generation embraces Netflix’s Cobra Kai success, it’s important for parents to make sure their children are eventually familiar with the original story. Since its release in 1984, The Karate Kid has faced its share of controversies. Some might say Johnny Depp took a risk imitating Keith Richards for two and a half hours, but regardless, it’s incredibly entertaining. Released under the Walt Disney Pictures banner, it marked the first film of the franchise to receive a PG-13 rating. It’s high adventure, sword fights, hanging from the gallows, Jack Sparrow’s drunken antics, and undead villains.
While the film is suitable for kids, it’s teetering on the edge of double-digit numbers in terms of age. Young kids might still find the battle scenes daunting and occasionally frightening. The Curse of the Black Pearl is a treasure for young film enthusiasts as there might not be many great pirate films out there.
