Best Family Movies to Share with Your Pre-Teen

Looking for family movies you can share with your pre-teen? Middle schoolers can be tricky; they're too old for cartoons and too young for much of the R rated entertainment Hollywood churns out. What's a parent to do? Never fear, there are some great oldies-but-goodies out there you can enjoy with your kids. You may even have them buried somewhere on VHS!

Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein. Truly a classic! In this wonderful comedy, Gene Wider plays Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, trying to live down his grandfather's infamous name. His troubles begin when he inherits his grandfather's estate, complete with the services of I-gor (Marty Feldman at his personal best), scary caretaker Frau Blucher, (Cloris Leachman), and lab assistant Inga (Teri Garr). Rounding out the cast is a hilarious Madeline Kahn as Frederick's wealthy fiancé, and a fabulous Peter Boyle as the Monster. Shot in black and white for effect, it's also interesting to note that Frankenstein's lab uses all the same props from the 1931 Boris Karloff original. It's a great romp through memory lane you can introduce to your kids. They'll love it!

Neil Simon's Murder By Death. Comedic genius! This comedy classic features Peter Falk, Elsa Lanchester, David Niven, Peter Sellers, James Coco, Nancy Walker, Eileen Brennan and a slew of other amazing actors. Set in a creepy, remote mansion, the world's five greatest detectives are invited to "dinner and a murder." Shortly after arrival, they discover they're trapped for the weekend. With a great deal of prize money and their world renowned reputations at stake, the group sets out to solve the murder yet to come. Much like Young Frankenstein, this movie has just enough creepiness to keep pre-teens on the edge of their seats. Great fun!

The Great Outdoors with Dan Aykroyd and John Candy. Family man Chet Ripley (John Candy) tries to take his family on vacation when his uninvited brother-in-law Roman (Dan Aykroyd) brings his whole family to tag along. Funny man John Candy is hilariously fit to be tied with snobby (and equally funny) Dan Aykroyd throughout the whole movie. Additional cast includes Annette Bening as Roman's ever clueless wife, and Stephanie Farancy who's subtle humor adds to the hilarity of every scene. Sure to be a hit with your pre-teen, this movie is a great family night choice!

Dracula: Dead and Loving It. Leslie Nielson, Mel Brooks, Harvey Korman, Steven Weber....you couldn't ask for a better cast of comics! Dracula (Leslie Nielson) is on the loose and looking for a bride. This movie spoofs both Bram Stoker's Dracula (which is not for pre-teens) and the original 1931 version with Bela Lugosi. All hilarity and no horror, this movie is entirely pre-teen friendly. If you get a chance, watch both the original and Bram Stoker's Dracula (definitely without the kids) first. You'll be amazed at how many references Dead and Loving It makes to poke fun at both films.

Robin Hood: Men in Tights. Another classic by Mel Brooks! Poking fun at the Robin Hood legend, Mel Brooks wins again with Robin Hood: Men in Tights. Cary Elwes plays dashing Robin with a dead-on sense of humor and a devilish glint in his eye. Dave Chapelle debuts in his first movie as Ahchoo, Robin's sidekick. Amy Yasbeck is wonderful as an over-the-top Maid Marian, and unquestionably stealing the show is Roger Rees as the wicked Sheriff of Rottingham. Also starring Richard Lewis, Tracey Ullman, Dick Van Patten and more. Please note: this movie does have a fair amount of tongue in cheek sexual humor, but there is nothing of a seriously graphic nature. It will keep both you and your pre-teen in stitches!

And finally, let's not forget the entire Indiana Jones series! Harrison Ford is at his best as he takes on one adventure after another with gusto. Try Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade on for size and make a family weekend of it! Not only will you have great fun reminiscing, but you'll introduce your pre-teen to a whole new era of adventurous fun. Best of all, in 2008 Harrison Ford returns with Indiana Jones 4--sure to be a hit with the whole family!

Spending time with your pre-teen can be as simple as making a bowl of popcorn and popping in a movie you'll both enjoy. Set aside the DVD's and blow the dust off your old VHS tapes. Or head out to the video store and check out the older movie sections. There's a treasure trove of great pre-teen movies to be found!