Whether it be around the holidays or during the summer, it’s always good to spend family time and create awesome memories. It might get tricky sometimes when there are teenagers whom you might not have much in common with.
If that’s your case, a quick and easy way to start spending more time with teenagers is by watching cool, funny family movies because it’s entertaining for all, plus you don’t look like you’re trying too hard. You’ll be laughing and having a good time before you know it!
The good thing about these movies is that they’re awesome, but not childish. So it’s easy to just play them on the TV and quickly entice anyone within earshot (a good strategy with some teenagers). 🙂 Below you’ll find several movies with different ratings; so depending on the age, maturity, and personality of your teenager, you might choose one over the other. (And, if they’re seventeen or older (and you deem it appropriate) you might also show them other “new comedy classics” like Why Him?, The Hangover, or Bridesmaids).
So, without further ado, here are the movies:
Awesome Family Bonding Movies That Teenagers Will Enjoy Watching With You
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
A good old classic. Who can resist Ferris’s cleverness? This is a good one that every thirteen-year-old should watch.
Ocean’s 11, 12 & 13
These movies are so cool; they’d most certainly keep anyone 14 and up entertained!
Napoleon Dynamite
This one is quirky and funny – good for a 13-year-old.
Zoolander
This one is PG-13; so, like the rating suggests, I would recommend it for that age and up.
Meet the Parents & Meet the Fockers
Okay, I think anyone above 13 would enjoy these hilarious movies. They’re perfect for family bonding since everyone will be laughing all along. To me these two are perfect for the holidays; like when everyone is in a food coma after Thanksgiving lunch or dinner.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
In my opinion this one will resonate more with girls, but it’s funny enough for mixed groups.
Big Daddy
This one is funny for teenagers and adults alike.
Along Came Polly
You might want to exercise discretion with this one as it has some sexy scenes. I would leave it for ages 15 and up. Some scenes are so funny that they’re memorable!
Date Night
These two are just a hilarious combination. The movie is light, but funny. I think a 13-15 year old would appreciate it more.
Mrs. Doubtfire
Another good old heartwarming classic. Perhaps younger teenagers might appreciate it more.
Baby Mama
Every time the SNL gang makes a movie, expectations are high. This one is fun to watch. I would say girls might enjoy it more than boys.
The Italian Job
A cool heist flick. Suitable for boys and girls 13 and up! Like all of the Ocean’s Movies, this one might keep them entertained and on the edge of the sofa. It’s not a funny film, but the cool factor and light action makes for great quality family bonding time.
Bride Wars
Okay, so this one is cheesy and might not be a good idea to watch with boys. I guess it might be better suited to watch with a girly girl that’s between ages 11 to 14. It’s not the most hilarious movie in the world, but it’s fun to watch and have a few laughs.
The Lowdown
If you’re in the mood for a good laugh while you enjoy a fun family movie and spend some quality time with the teenagers in your life, look for any of these 13 films. Depending on your teen’s mood, age, personality, and personal taste, you might find some more suitable than others. The good thing about most of them is that they’re packed with enough action or good plot lines to keep people entertained without being too dense or creating a serious atmosphere.
In sum, they’re perfect to have some simple, plain laughs, without coming across as trying to teach a lesson with everything. Most of them are available to stream free or for a small fee, and can be a lifesaver if you want to keep teens engaged without breaking the bank. You can have awesome family bonding time, more than a few laughs, and save money at the same time. The perfect trifecta!
That’s my take!
What are your favorite funny family movies? What are good family bonding activities when teenagers are involved? How do you like to spend family time?
I’m Lily, a lawyer and aspiring Miami fashion entrepreneur sharing life hacks and my favorite tidbits on lifestyle, shopping, fashion, and beauty. GIF enthusiast and lover of making shareable lists.
A nice well rounded list. I have watched several. I guess my real favorite (the Big Lebowski) didn’t make it for family night? Tom
Thanks, Tom! I love The Big Lebowski, I have it on my list of “new classics”. I guess it depends on the teenager you’re showing it to since not all of them might be ready for The Dude. HAHA, just thinking about it cracks me up!
A nice list – I love meet the fockers, cracks me up EVERY time lol!
My girlfriend and I played a drinking game recently with how to lose a guy in 10 days, we had a blast with that one!