10 Best PG-13 Disney Movies of All Time (2024)

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10 Best PG-13 Disney Movies of All Time (1)

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10 Best PG-13 Disney Movies of All Time (2)

Disney has movies for all ages and tastes, but it can be harder to find those that are rated PG-13 because it's a much smaller category. Although the list is short, there's still plenty to choose from. Disney PG-13 movies range from true stories that depict the background of a famous movie to those that sail off on an adventure with pirates.

With a suitable range covered, Disney fans can rest in the knowledge that they will find something within the specific age recommendation. Some of them are rated as such for language use or violence that wouldn't be appropriate for a younger audience. But even with some more mature elements, certain films have continued to stand the test of time.

10 John Carter Is an Underrated Adventure

Unfortunately, the lack of financial gain from John Carter doesn't reflect how enjoyable it is. The titular character is a Civil War veteran. After unintentionally activating a magical medallion, John is taken to Mars. Once there, he finds that he has a number of new abilities, including jumping to incredible heights and having immense strength.

IMDb

Rotten Tomatoes

6.6/10

52%

Once there, John gets caught up in an adventurous tale that involves Princess Dejah Thoris and Tars Tarkas. Based on novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, the film has an edgy adventure amid exciting fantasy. Martian landscapes and eccentric creatures all come together to give viewers a world to get lost in. It may not be the most successful film, but it has all the components to become a cult classic.

10 Best PG-13 Disney Movies of All Time (3)
John Carter

PG-13

Adventure

Sci-Fi

Transported to Barsoom, a Civil War vet discovers a barren planet seemingly inhabited by 12-foot tall barbarians. Finding himself prisoner of these creatures, he escapes, only to encounter Woola and a princess in desperate need of a savior.

Director
Andrew Stanton

Release Date
March 9, 2012

Cast
Taylor Kitsch , Willem Dafoe , Samantha Morton

Writers
Andrew Stanton , Mark Andrews , Michael Chabon

Runtime
2 Hours 12 Minutes

Main Genre
Action

Production Company
Walt Disney Pictures

9 A Stellar Cast Steps Into the Haunted Mansion

10 Best PG-13 Disney Movies of All Time (4)

The cast is enough to get viewers watching the Haunted Mansion. Starring LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Danny DeVito and Rosario Dawson, it's the second adaptation of the Disney theme park ride, with the first film airing in 2003. In last year's movie, a single mother and her son request the help of a historian, a priest (who is actually a conman), an astrophysicist, and a psychic in the hopes of having their new home exorcised.

IMDb

Rotten Tomatoes

6/10

37%

Related

The Haunted Mansion Main Cast, Ranked

The Haunted Mansion is the latest film to adapt the beloved Disney Ride and and the cast of the film is stacked with tremendous star power.

Fans have gone on to notice the similarities between the ride and the film, which was a nice touch from the creators. The eerie atmosphere of the film is balanced well with comedy, making it suitable for a larger audience. It's up for debate for many viewers as to which movie is better, but nevertheless, the most recent is undeniably a fun addition.

10 Best PG-13 Disney Movies of All Time (6)
Haunted Mansion

A single mom named Gabbie hires a tour guide, a psychic, a priest and a historian to help exorcise her newly bought mansion after discovering it is inhabited by ghosts.

Director
Justin Simien

Release Date
July 28, 2023

Cast
Jamie Lee Curtis , Winona Ryder , Rosario Dawson , Tiffany Haddish

Writers
Katie Dippold

Runtime
2 hours 3 minutes

Main Genre
Comedy

Production Company
Walt Disney Productions, Canadian Film or Video Production Services Tax Credit (PSTC), Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC)

8 Jungle Cruise Is an Imaginative Creation

10 Best PG-13 Disney Movies of All Time (7)

Viewers placed Jungle Cruise against the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, which was perhaps an unfair comparison to make. Jungle Cruise was aimed at a young audience, to whisk them off on an adventure that they wouldn't forget. Starry Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson, the film is a colorful project in keeping with Disney's magic.

IMDb

Rotten Tomatoes

6.6/10

62%

The film focuses on the search for a magical tree in the Amazon. However, Lily, McGregor and Frank aren't alone. The tree attracts the wrong attention. Therefore, the three aforementioned characters aren't alone in their pursuit. It's a typical narrative of good versus evil and a race to the end goal, but it's told in an imaginative way to please Disney audiences. The actors each fit their roles with credibility, appearing to buy into the fantasy world so that viewers follow suit.

10 Best PG-13 Disney Movies of All Time (8)
Jungle Cruise

PG-13

Action

Comedy

Based on Disneyland's theme park ride where a small riverboat takes a group of travelers through a jungle filled with dangerous animals and reptiles but with a supernatural element.

Director
Jaume Collet-Serra

Release Date
July 24, 2021

Cast
Dwayne Johnson , Emily Blunt , Edgar Ramirez , Jack Whitehall

Runtime
2 hours 7 minutes

Main Genre
Adventure

7 The Finest Hours Is a Jaw-Dropping True Story

10 Best PG-13 Disney Movies of All Time (9)

In an incredible true story, The Finest Hours retells the events of four coast guards in the 1950s who attempt to rescue survivors of an oil tanker. The tanker had split into two with its crew trapped. Through a deadly storm, the Coast Guard went against the odds in a mission to save as many as they could.

IMDb

Rotten Tomatoes

6.7/10

64%

The effects hold up pretty well to give a fair impression of the conditions the Coast Guard was facing. The story was generally not known, but the creators did a good job of bringing it to light. It's one of those stories that deserves to be told to a wide audience in a way that can capture the attention of various people. The film delivers an intriguing piece, highlighting an important snippet of history.

10 Best PG-13 Disney Movies of All Time (10)
The Finest Hours

PG-13

Thriller

Drama

A thrilling historical drama based on the true story of a daring rescue mission by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1952. When a massive storm splits the SS Pendleton, an oil tanker, in half off the coast of Cape Cod, a small lifeboat crew led by Captain Bernie Webber is dispatched to rescue the stranded sailors. Battling treacherous weather, towering waves, and seemingly insurmountable odds, Bernie and his team demonstrate extraordinary bravery and determination. The film highlights the human spirit and the courage required to face impossible challenges, creating a gripping and emotional narrative of heroism at sea.

Director
Craig Gillespie

Release Date
January 29, 2016
Cast
Casey Affleck , Holliday Grainger , Eric Bana , Rachel Brosnahan , Ben Foster , Chris Pine , Kyle Gallner

Writers
Eric Johnson , Paul Tamasy , Scott Silver

Runtime
117 Minutes
Main Genre
Thriller

Budget
$70–80 million

Studio(s)
Disney

Distributor(s)
Disney

6 Saving Mr. Banks Sets the Scene for the Origins of a Disney Classic

10 Best PG-13 Disney Movies of All Time (11)

Serving as a biographical drama, Saving Mr. Banks tells of how the now famous plot of Mary Poppins came into the eye-line of Walt Disney. The original story was penned by P.L. Travers, and after finding herself financially broke, she traveled to Los Angeles to meet with Disney. However, it was not a plain sailing meeting, as Travers wasn't impressed by Disney's suggestions.

IMDb

Rotten Tomatoes

7.5/10

79%

The film gives an interesting insight into how the film that audiences now know and love (Mary Poppins) came to be. Tom Hanks as Disney and Emma Thompson as Travers both give a satisfying flavor of their real-life characters, to enlighten viewers on what came before the triumphant Mary Poppins. Saving Mr. Banks is an easy watch, but it doesn't need energetic action to keep audiences hooked throughout.

10 Best PG-13 Disney Movies of All Time (12)
Saving Mr. Banks

pg-13

Drama

Comedy

History

A biographical drama that chronicles the behind-the-scenes story of the making of Disney's classic film "Mary Poppins." The film focuses on the relationship between Walt Disney and P.L. Travers, the author of the Mary Poppins books. As Disney attempts to secure the rights to adapt her beloved character for the big screen, Travers is reluctant and critical of his vision. The narrative delves into Travers' past, revealing the emotional and personal connections she has to the story, which influence her resistance.

Director
John Lee Hancock

Release Date
November 29, 2013
Cast
Tom Hanks , Emma Thompson , Colin Farrell , Paul Giamatti , Ruth Wilson , Jason Schwartzman

Writers
Sue Smith , Kelly Marcel

Runtime
125 Minutes
Main Genre
Drama

Budget
$35 million

Studio(s)
Disney

Distributor(s)
Disney

5 Mulan Brings a Brave Disney Princess to Live-Action

10 Best PG-13 Disney Movies of All Time (13)

Mulan (from the movie of the same name,) is the Disney princess that has aged the best, as she delivered a new wave of admirable characteristics that have made her a strong character. In the 2020 live-action remake, Mulan remains as inspirational as she was in the animation.

IMDb

Rotten Tomatoes

5.8/10

72%

Related

10 Criminally Underappreciated Disney Sidekicks Who Deserve More Respect

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The plot line follows Mulan and her unprecedented service in the Chinese military. It was declared that one male from each family must enlist, meaning her father would be joining. However, knowing his health wasn't at its best, Mulan took his position and disguised herself as a man so that she could fight instead of her father. The story is filled with honor, strength and unconditional love that takes the central character on a journey to protect her family.

10 Best PG-13 Disney Movies of All Time (15)

Mulan (Live Action)

PG-13

Drama

Action

To keep her ailing father from serving in the Imperial Army, a fearless young woman disguises herself as a man and battles northern invaders in China.

Director
Niki Caro

Release Date
March 9, 2020

Cast
Yifei Liu , Donnie Yen , Gong Li , Jason Scott Lee

Runtime
1 hour 55 minutes

Main Genre
Adventure

4 Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl Kicked off a Popular Franchise10 Best PG-13 Disney Movies of All Time (16)

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is the first movie in the franchise, introducing viewers to a world of pirates and dark magic. The movie first came out in 2003 and has since remained a popular viewing for those who love fantasy. It was the beginning of a series of movies that would provide some of the best female action-adventure heroes, as well as unforgettable villains.

IMDb

Rotten Tomatoes

8.1/10

80%

The narrative follows a blacksmith, Will Turner, venturing out to rescue the woman he loves, Elizabeth Swann. He comes together with Captain Jack Sparrow, as it's his enemies who kidnapped her, believing that she was in possession of something they wanted. The swashbuckling adventure is fast-paced and, at times, humorous, mostly through Jack's outlandish behavior and movements. The first movie of any franchise is required to draw in and hold on to an audience. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl did just that.

10 Best PG-13 Disney Movies of All Time (17)

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

PG-13

Action

Fantasy

Blacksmith Will Turner teams up with eccentric pirate "Captain" Jack Sparrow to save his love, the governor's daughter, from Jack's former pirate allies, who are now undead.

Director
Gore Verbinski

Release Date
June 28, 2003

Cast
Johnny Depp , Geoffrey Rush , Orlando Bloom , Keira Knightley , Jack Davenport , Jonathan Pryce

Writers
Ted Elliott , Terry Rossio , Stuart Beattie , Jay Wolpert

Runtime
2 hours 33 minutes

Main Genre
Adventure

Production Company
Walt Disney Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Films

3 An Iconic Disney Villain Was Given Center Stage in Cruella

10 Best PG-13 Disney Movies of All Time (18)

Giving an even darker spin to a Disney classic, Cruella delves into the backstory of one of the most terrifying children's villains. In a live-action format and with Emma Stone as the main character, the evil 101 Dalmatians character becomes a far more rounded person that audiences can learn about.

IMDb

Rotten Tomatoes

7.3/10

75%

Related

10 Disney Villains With the Best Redemption Arcs

Not all villains are bad people! From defining actions to sad backstories, these Disney characters have some of the best redemption arcs!

Cruella gives their leading lady complexity that makes her more than just a cruel woman who kidnaps dogs for their coats. Stone takes the character to a new level of madness while also believably bringing her to life. The essence of Cruella de Vil from the original 1961 animation is still there. Without turning her back on what came before, Stone gave a modern twist to Cruella, with the sense that the animation may have provided a little inspiration along the way.

10 Best PG-13 Disney Movies of All Time (20)
Cruella

PG-13

Adventure

Comedy

Crime

A live-action prequel feature film following a young Cruella de Vil.

Director
Craig Gillespie

Release Date
May 28, 2021

Cast
Emma Stone , Emma Thompson , Joel Fry , Paul Walter Hauser

Writers
Dana Fox , Tony McNamara , Aline Brosh McKenna

Runtime
2 hours 14 minutes

Main Genre
Adventure

Production Company
Walt Disney Pictures, Marc Platt Productions, Gunn Films, Abbey Road Studios, Quebec Film and Television Tax Credit, Irish Film Productions

2 A Solid Sequel Was Found in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

10 Best PG-13 Disney Movies of All Time (21)

Second, in the series of Pirates of the Caribbean movies, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest revisits all the daring adventure, with a few new daunting characters thrown into the buccaneer mix. Once again, Jack Sparrow is in the middle of a life-threatening, sea-based drama in which he owes something to someone else.

IMDb

Rotten Tomatoes

7.4/10

53%

In return for putting the Black Pearl afloat, on which Jack Sparrow went on to captain, Davy Jones wanted Jack's soul after 13 years. Of course, Jack was no longer keen on his end of the bargain, so he went on the hunt for Davy Jones' heart, which would prevent Jack's soul from being taken. It's another great premise, particularly as there is often a lot of pressure on a sequel to a great movie. This one did a great job of continuing the story of Jack Sparrow while expanding on the lore of the universe.

10 Best PG-13 Disney Movies of All Time (22)

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

PG-13

Action

Adventure

Fantasy

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest is the second installment in the swashbuckling franchise directed by Gore Verbinski. Johnny Depp returns as Captain Jack Sparrow, who must settle a blood debt with the legendary Davy Jones, portrayed by Bill Nighy. As Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) are drawn into Jack's perilous quest, they face new dangers on the high seas and encounter the fearsome Kraken.

Director
Gore Verbinski

Cast
Johnny Depp , Orlando Bloom , Keira Knightley , Jack Davenport , Bill Nighy , Jonathan Pryce

Writers
Ted Elliott , Terry Rossio , Stuart Beattie , Jay Wolpert

Runtime
151 Minutes

Main Genre
Action

1 The Hamilton Stage Show Translates Well on Screen

This one is a little different as the movie is the filming of the stage musical Hamilton. However, with a high score on Rotten Tomatoes, it would be mad not to include it on this list. The Disney+ original arrived in 2020 and has been nothing short of a smash hit ever since. Starring Lin Manuel-Miranda (who also created Hamilton) as the titular character, the film depicts Founding Father Alexander Hamilton's life, starting with the Revolutionary War up to his death.

IMDb

Rotten Tomatoes

8.3/10

98%

The film is vibrant and carries the electricity that comes with the stage performance. The music quickly became popular, with "The Room Where it Happens" being noted as one of Manuel-Miranda's favorite. The film is as informative as it is entertaining and is a true screen (and stage) crowd-pleaser.

10 Best PG-13 Disney Movies of All Time (23)
Hamilton

PG-13

Biography

Drama

History

Music

Hamilton is a 2015 reimagining of the 2004 book Alexander Hamilton, written by Ron Chernow. This Broadway musical is split into two acts and follows the rise of Alexander Hamilton, including the array of people that influenced his life and political tenure.

Director
THomas Kail

Release Date
July 3, 2020

Cast
Lin-Manuel Miranda , Leslie Odom Jr. , Phillipa Soo , Renee Elise Goldsberry , Daveed Diggs , Christopher Jackson , Jonathan Groff , Anthony Ramos , Okieriete Onaodowan , Jasmine Cephas Jones

Writers
Lin-Manuel Miranda

Runtime
160 Minutes
  • Movies
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  • Hamilton

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