Here’s a watch-list that keeps things a bit more tame than R-rated fare.

The 14 best PG-13 movies on Netflix suitable for teens and adults alike

Here's a watch-list that keeps things a bit more tame than R-rated fare.

By Madeline Cisneros,

Kevin Jacobsen,

and James Mercadante

on February 2, 2026 7:56 a.m. ET

Ali Wong as Sasha Tran in 'Always Be My Maybe'; Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc in 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery'; Andrew Garfield as Jonathan Larson in 'Tick, Tick... Boom!'. Credit:

Doane Gregory/Netflix; Courtesy of Netflix; Macall Polay/Netflix

Let's be real…surfing through Netflix's library might sound like a relaxing night-in, but three remote clicks later, you're lost in a rabbit hole of endless options. Sometimes, you just want a movie that's not for kids, but also not too intense — something comfortably in between.

Don't worry, we've already done the hard work for you. If you're looking for a solid PG-13 movie, we've picked some excellent titles that span a wide range of genres, from comedies like *Always Be My Maybe* to Oscar winners like *I'm Still Here* to action-packed films like *Godzilla Minus One*.

Here are **’s picks for the best PG-13 movies on Netflix.

Always Be My Maybe (2019)

Ali Wong as Sasha Tran and Randall Park as Marcus Kim in 'Always Be My Maybe'. Ed Araquel/Netflix

Most people would rather avoid running into their high-school sweetheart, but Sasha Tran (Ali Wong) and Marcus Kim (Randall Park) — childhood friends–turned–one-time fling–turned–strangers — don't get that choice. Now a thirtysomething celebrity chef, Sasha returns to San Francisco to open a new restaurant and crosses paths with Marcus, who shows up to install her air conditioning in her interim home. With sparks still flying 15 years later, they decide to give their friendship a second go (and, well, you can guess where it goes from there).

Directed by *Fresh Off the Boat*'s creator, Nahnatchka Khan, *Always Be My Maybe* is a sharply written, self-aware rom-com that offers multi-dimensional Asian American representation, fabulous fashion, and sizzling chemistry between Park and Wong. (Plus, you get to see Keanu Reeves in a rom-com for the first time since 2009's *The Private Lives of Pippa Lee*.) —*James Mercadante*

Where to watch *Always Be My Maybe*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Director:** Nahnatchka Khan

**Cast: **Ali Wong, Randall Park, Daniel Dae Kim, Michelle Buteau, Keanu Reeves

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. (2023)

Rachel McAdams as Barbara Simon and Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret Simon in 'Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.'.

Dana Hawley/Lionsgate

Judy Blume's seminal coming-of-age novel about girlhood and the highs and lows of puberty was finally adapted to the big screen 53 years after its release. Set in 1970, this moving drama follows the titular Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson), a tween who often ponders life's great mysteries through prayers to God, while struggling with her changing body and priorities. Featuring stellar, lived-in performances from Forston and Rachel McAdams as her warm-hearted mother, this film adaptation was well worth the wait. —*Kevin Jacobsen*

Where to watch *Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Director:** Kelly Fremon Craig

**Cast:** Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, Benny Safdie, Elle Graham**

Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)

Ryan Gosling as Jacob Palmer and Emma Stone as Hannah Weaver in 'Crazy, Stupid, Love'.

Ben Glass/Warner Bros.

Cal Weaver's (Steve Carell) life is turned on its axis when his wife, Emily (Julianne Moore), drops a bombshell: She's having an affair with her co-worker, David (Kevin Bacon), and wants a divorce. Feeling emasculated and hopeless, Cal seeks guidance from silver-tongued bachelor Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling) — who unexpectedly develops feelings for aspiring lawyer Hannah (Emma Stone). *Crazy, Stupid, Love* deftly fuses various story lines that touch on the complexities of love vs. lust, raising questions about whether the grass is really greener on the other side, or if it's where you water it. —*J.M.*

Where to watch *Crazy, Stupid, Love*: Netflix

**Directors:** Glenn Ficarra, John Requa

**Cast:** Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, Marisa Tomei

Daughters (2024)

Incarcerated fathers in 'Daughters'.

Courtesy of Netflix

This poignant documentary is a testament to the special bond between fathers and daughters. The film follows four young girls and their incarcerated fathers as they get ready for a special Date With Dad weekend held at the prison. The main highlight is the Daddy Daughter Dance, and the doc centers on the daughters' point of view as they grapple with their hopes, fears, and understandable sadness over being separated from their fathers. Winner of the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, *Daughters* will leave you without a dry eye. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Daughters*: Netflix

**Directors:** Angela Patton, Natalie Rae**

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)

Kathryn Hahn as Claire Debella, Madelyn Cline as Whiskey, Edward Norton as Miles Bron, Leslie Odom Jr. as Lionel Toussaint, and Kate Hudson as Birdie Jay in 'Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery'. Netflix

Det. Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is back at it again in this sequel to the 2019 sensation *Knives Out*. In *Glass Onion*, Blanc finds himself on tech billionaire Miles Bron’s (Edward Norton) private Greek island to solve a fictional murder mystery with Bron’s oddball friends coined “the Disruptors.” But when the game becomes real, it's up to the detective to crack the case.

Per EW's critic, Craig trades “MI6 and martinis for neatly knotted neckerchiefs and Foghorn Leghorn bon mots — and he seems to revel in it, leaning happily into the pure camp of being Benoit.” The star-studded cast including Janelle Monáe, Dave Bautista, and more should be enough motivation to give this movie a go. *—Madeline Cisneros*

Where to watch *Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery*: Netflix

**EW grade: **B+

**Director: **Rian Johnson

**Cast: **Daniel Craig, Janelle Monáe, Edward Norton, Kate Hudson, Dave Bautista

Godzilla Minus One (2023)

Kuranosuke Sasaki as Seiji Akitsu and Godzilla in 'Godzilla Minus One'.

Toho International/Courtesy Everett Collection

*Godzilla Minus One* offers a little something for everyone, delivering monster movie thrills and an emotionally resonant story all at once. Set in Japan after World War II, the film centers on a former pilot who struggles with PTSD after failing to stop Godzilla from wreaking havoc on his Odo Island base. Years later, the guilt-ridden pilot is spurred to join the effort to stop the monster once and for all.

EW's critic ranks *Minus One* as the fourth-best *Godzilla* movie ever made, praising its blend of "sweeping blend of character-driven drama, maritime adventure, and kaiju mayhem" and calling it "popcorn entertainment at its best." There's a reason it became the first Godzilla movie to not only be nominated at the Oscars but to win, taking home the prize for Best Visual Effects. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Godzilla Minus One*: Netflix

**Director:** Takashi Yamazaki

**Cast:** Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe, Yuki Yamada, Munetaka Aoki, Hidetaka Yoshioka

The Half of It (2020)

Leah Lewis as Ellie Chu and Daniel Diemer as Paul Munsky in 'The Half of It'.

KC Bailey/Netflix

Shy Chinese American Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) may not have any friends, but she *does* run a successful essay-writing business. When she gets an odd request from jock Paul Munsky (Daniel Diemer) to write a love letter for his crush, Ellie begrudgingly gives in — despite having feelings for the girl, too. As Ellie helps Paul, the two form an unlikely bond that includes watching late-night movies together and eating taco sausages.

*The Half of It* is described by EW's critic as an “examination of first love, and how our messy, well-intentioned attempts to do right by our own hearts can both wound and help us fumble toward the people we’re meant to be.” —*M.C.*

Where to watch *The Half of It*: Netflix

**EW grade: **B

**Director: **Alice Wu

**Cast: **Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer, Alexxis Lemire, Wolfgang Novogratz, Collin Chou

I’m Still Here (2024)

Selton Mello as Rubens Paiva and Fernanda Torres as Eunice Paiva with their onscreen children in 'I'm Still Here'.

Alile Onawale/Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

This moving Oscar-winning drama follows the struggles of real-life activist Eunice Paiva under the Brazilian dictatorship of the 1970s. Fernanda Torres plays Eunice as a steadfast, resilient wife and mother seeking answers about her politician husband's disappearance. Her mission spans decades, but her resolve remains. *I'm Still Here* made history as the first Brazilian film to win the Oscar for Best International Feature and to be nominated for Best Picture. Torres also won a Golden Globe and scored an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *I'm Still Here*: Netflix

**Director:** Walter Salles

**Cast:** Fernanda Torres, Selton Mello, Fernanda Montenegro

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The 16 best PG movies on Netflix for kids and adults alike

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Matthew Whittet as Satie, Garry McDonald as the Doctor, Ewan McGregor as Christian, Jim Broadbent as Harold Zidler, Nicole Kidman as Satine, Jacek Koman as the Unconscious Argentinean, and John Leguizamo as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 'Moulin Rouge!'.

20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

Baz Luhrmann's sweeping romantic drama is a dazzling ode to truth, beauty, freedom, and love. Ewan McGregor stars as Christian, a writer who finds inspiration in the spectacle of Paris' Moulin Rouge cabaret at the turn of the 20th century. His muse is Satine (Nicole Kidman), a courtesan with whom he embarks on a passionate yet doomed romance. While its frenetic editing style and postmodern musical sensibilities may not be for everyone, those who are on the movie's wavelength will delight in its go-for-broke earnestness and find themselves unexpectedly moved by its conclusion. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Moulin Rouge!*: Netflix

**Director:** Baz Luhrmann

**Cast:** Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, Jim Broadbent, Richard Roxburgh, John Leguizamo

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

Matthew Lawrence as Chris Hillard, Lisa Jakub as Lydia Hillard, Robin Williams as Mrs. Euphegenia Doubtfire, Mara Wilson as Natalie Hillard, and Sally Field as Miranda Hillard in 'Mrs. Doubtfire'.

Courtesy Everett Collection

There will never be another Robin Williams. Just watch this family comedy favorite and you'll see the kind of raw commitment missing among today's stars. Williams plays a divorced father who disguises himself as a kindly female housekeeper to spend time with his children. It's a wacky concept that could've gone very wrong (as most films from decades ago involving cross-dressing do), but Williams brings surprising nuance in his portrayal of a man desperate to reconnect with his family. Props also go to Sally Field as his ex-wife, whose "The whole time?" line reading is truly one for the ages. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Mrs. Doubtfire*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Director:** Chris Columbus

**Cast:** Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fierstein, Robert Prosky

Rustin (2023)

(From left to right): Gus Halper as Tom, CCH Pounder as Dr. Anna Hedgeman, Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin, Melissa Rakiro as Yvette, Ayana Workman as Eleanor, Lilli Kay as Rochelle, and Jordan-Amanda Hall as Charlene in 'Rustin'.

While Martin Luther King Jr. is a household name, his advisor — Bayard Rustin, who taught him the principles of nonviolent protest — has historically slipped through the cracks. *Rustin* chronicles this unsung hero's efforts to mobilize the 1973 March on Washington while also holding his own amid public scrutiny of his sexuality.

Though this biopic follows a middle-of-the-road formula, Colman Domingo's Oscar-nominated portrayal of the gay civil rights activist is what truly sets the film apart. As EW's critic wrote, "Domingo infuses Rustin with a warmth and vibrancy that creates a performance of immense empathy." *—J.M.*

Where to watch *Rustin*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Director:** George C. Wolfe

**Cast:** Colman Domingo, Chris Rock, Jeffrey Wright, Glynn Turman, CCH Pounder

Sing Street (2016)

Kyle Bradley Donaldson as 5th Former, Ben Carolan as Darren, Percy Chamburuka as Ngig, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo as Conor, Lucy Boynton as Raphina, Mark McKenna as Eamon, Conor Hamilton as Larry, and Karl Rice as Garry in 'Sing Street'.

The Weinstein Company/Courtesy Everett Collection

Like many lovestruck teens, awkward 15-year-old Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) goes to great lengths to earn the affection of his aspiring model crush: He invites her to star in a music video for his nonexistent band. To corroborate his trumped-up tale, Conor assembles a ragtag group of surprisingly talented misfits to create a Duran Duran-esque glam-rock ensemble. Set in 1985 Dublin, *Sing Street* spins an earnest, multilayered story about taking control over your destiny. Despite being overshadowed by the same year's much-hyped *La La Land*, this sleeper movie musical is a hit with tracks you'll catch yourself singing days later. —*J.M.*

Where to watch *Sing Street*: Netflix

**Director:** John Carney

**Cast:** Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Lucy Boynton, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Aidan Gillen, Jack Reynor

Tick, Tick… BOOM! (2021)

Andrew Garfield as Jonathan Larson in 'Tick, Tick... BOOM!'.

Macall Polay/Netflix

Yes, Andrew Garfield can sing, and he even won a Golden Globe for it, too. From director Lin-Manuel Miranda, *Tick, Tick... BOOM!* sees *Rent *creator Jonathan Larson (Garfield) struggle to make it as a composer in NYC. As Jonathan reaches his 30th birthday, he fears that his time is running out to make his dreams come to reality. Intertwining the autobiographical musical of the same name within the story, the movie is described by EW's critic as “an exuberant ode to Larson and a tribute to anyone, especially those in the arts, who might be chasing big dreams.” *—M.C.*

Where to watch *Tick, Tick... BOOM!*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Director: **Lin-Manuel Miranda

**Cast: **Andrew Garfield, Robin de Jesús, Alexandra Shipp, Vanessa Hudgens, Bradley Whitford

You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (2023)

Sunny Sandler as Stacy Friedman and Samantha Lorraine as Lydia Rodriguez Katz in 'You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah'.

Courtesy of Netflix

This comedy shows off Adam Sandler's daughters’ acting chops. Based on Fiona Rosenbloom's eponymous book, *You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah* follows best friends Stacy (Sunny Sandler) and Lydia (Samantha Lorraine), who dream of celebrating their bat mitzvahs together — though middle school drama and a boy threaten their friendship.

Now one of Sandler's highest-rated films on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie oozes a sense of comfort and belonging. Much of this can be attributed to the Sandler family, as director Sammi Cohen explained to EW that they "have this way of really making everyone feel like family and feel at home." *—M.C*.

Where to watch *You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah*: Netflix

**Director: **Sammi Cohen

**Cast: **Adam Sandler, Jackie Sandler, Sunny Sandler, Sadie Sandler, Idina Menzel

- Movie Reviews & Recommendations

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Source: “EW Movie”