Summer 2013's Best Movies for Teens

By Amanda Mae Meyncke

Fast & Furious 6 - May 24

One of the wildest franchises to tear through the past decade, this high-octane thrill ride stars Vin Diesel and Paul Walker as part of a team of rough riding car experts, still on the run from the law, who must band together to bring down a former Special Ops warrior. With plenty of stunts and wild car chases, this is perfect for the extreme sports fanatic teen in your life.

After Earth - May 31

Any kid interested in the life of a warrior will love this one. Starring real life father and son duo Will and Jaden Smith, this advanced sci-fi thriller follows a father and son after they crash land on Earth, far in the future. With his father desperately injured, the son must depart on a solo journey to signal for help, all the while defending himself against one ferocious beast after another. Just scary enough!

The East - May 31

In this wild and dark thriller, a secretive group of activists and rebels decide they're going to wreak havoc on dirty corporations, and one young woman seeks to infiltrate the group before too much damage is done. Strange and wonderful, this fascinating, pensive film about conspiracy and the power of authority is perfect fodder for a discussion with teens about standing up for what you believe in, as well as personal responsibilities.

Much Ado About Nothing - June 7

So you've been trying to get your teen into Shakespeare, but they still see the Bard's work as hard to read and hopelessly out of touch. What better way to get them interested in it than this uber-modern interpretation from one of the hottest directors working today? Joss Whedon, while directing The Avengers, gathered together a group of his actor friends and shot this film at his own home, in only a few days. Modern, literary entertainment.

Tiger Eyes - June 7

No author captures and explains the teen years better than Judy Blume, and at last we get a big screen adaptation of one of her best novels. After a young girl's life is torn apart by tragedy, she finds strength in an unexpected new friend. This film will hit home emotionally with younger teens, while older teens can appreciate the story's more philosophical aspects.

Man of Steel - June 14

Superhero movies are wonderful as they're appealing for the entire family, and this modern take on the darker side of Superman is no exception. Older teens and families alike will appreciate the stark realism of this depiction, and there's still plenty for parents to love about the power of family and the importance of knowing your past. Throw in some amazing special effects and you've got one of the best films of the summer.

Monsters University - June 21

Most teens will likely remember this movie from their childhood, and it should be fun to see a new installment that gives us a bit more insight into the history of the monsters, during their less serious college years. Though there is a chance that older teens may complain about going to see this animated movie, younger teens may still get a kick out of it, and it's easy to remind everybody that Pixar always hits it out of the park.

The Heat - June 28

This silly, robust action comedy brings together two hilarious actresses, Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy, as a pair of law enforcement officers paired up to put the kibosh on a dangerous drug lord, and they might just make friends in the process. Though it might be a bit much for younger teens, especially with an R rating, older teens will likely find plenty to laugh at in this hilarious-looking new female-driven movie from the director of Bridesmaids .

Despicable Me 2 - July 3

Gru and his minions are back in this sequel to 2010's Despicable Me. This time, a powerful organization called the Anti-Villain League recruits Gru to help them take out a scary new super villain. Steve Carell reprises his role as Gru, ensuring more of the fun and inventive parodies of superhero tropes and bad guy cliches that made the first Despicable Me so successful. Plus, those minions might be the most adorable characters of the summer.

The Lone Ranger - July 3

The perfect blend of adventure, charm and entertainment all come to a head in this Johnny Depp helmed Western. Adults will love this fresh take on a TV classic, and teens will get into the performances and the grandiose scale of the movie without getting bored. It can occasionally be tough to find something the whole family will enjoy, but this engaging adventure might prove perfect for all ages and preferences.

Pacific Rim - July 12

Big smashing robots controlled by humans, sent to defeat a growing monster menace from the depths of the ocean? This story has all the depth of a shallow pond, but there's nothing like watching huge blockbusters with jaw-dropping special effects that brings families together. While we doubt it'll teach us life lessons, there's something immensely important about having a good time together, and Pacific Rim promises just that.

R.I.P.D. - July 19

While this muddled mess looks to be yet another rehashing of the classic Men In Black formula, there's something weirdly delightful about this semi-gruesome tale of post-mortem law enforcement. Ryan Reynolds, along with Jeff Bridges, saddle up as an undead crime fighter as he attempts to find the man who put him in his grave. Big, explosive special effects and plenty of gross out humor make this one an easy pleaser for teens of all ages.

The Wolverine - July 26

Any nerd worth their salt is already very excited for this continuation of the X-Men story, which makes total sense as it looks amazing. Wolverine finds himself in modern day Japan with a chip on his shoulder -- taking a swipe at every injustice in sight. Make a day of it with your teen, re-watching the older X-Men films, then head to the theater for this sharper, darker and more focused entry in the series.

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters – August 7

The long awaited sequel in the Percy Jackson series is finally here! The son of a sea god, Percy Jackson and his fellow demigod friends must again defend their world from evil doers by embarking on a lengthy quest. While this literary adaptation is especially interesting if your teen has read the book series by Rick Riordan, there's still plenty of special effects and strong storytelling to enjoy even if they haven't.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones – August 23

When a young girl's mother is kidnapped by a demon, she'll do whatever necessary to save her mother's life, embarking on a dangerous mission and delving deep into her own past. A dark vision of the intersection between two worlds, our own and a much more harrowing one that exists just beneath the surface of our own, teens who are hungry for something beyond Twilight will find plenty to like about this haunting tale of vampires and much more.

One Direction: This Is Us – August 30

Your teen daughter may or may not be a fan of the band, but if she is, then she almost certainly already has plans to go see this documentary and all-access behind the scenes experience that explores the lives of her favorite five boy band members via candid interviews and hilarious antics.

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