14 and Under Movies That Defined Our Childhoods

Coming-of-age story

“The Sandlot” is more than just a nostalgic trip back to simpler times; it’s a quintessential coming-of-age story that perfectly captures the awkward transition from childhood to adolescence. Set against the backdrop of a scorching summer in the 1960s, the film follows Scotty Smalls, a shy and awkward newcomer who desperately wants to fit in with the neighborhood baseball team.

Through a series of hilarious and heartwarming misadventures, Scotty and his newfound friends navigate the trials and tribulations of growing up. They face their fears, learn the importance of teamwork and loyalty, and discover the bittersweet pangs of first love. The movie doesn’t shy away from portraying the insecurities and vulnerabilities of its young characters, making their eventual triumphs all the more satisfying.

From facing down the terrifying Beast to retrieving the legendary Babe Ruth baseball, each challenge forces the boys to confront their limitations and discover their own inner strength. “The Sandlot” reminds us that growing up is a messy, exhilarating, and ultimately unforgettable journey, best shared with friends who become family.

Feature	"14 and under movie" Example
Target Audience	Children, Preteens
Common Genres	Animation, Family, Comedy
Rating (MPAA)	G, PG

Themes of friendship and family

In the heartwarming tale of "Lilo & Stitch," the importance of family and friendship takes center stage. Lilo, a young Hawaiian girl grappling with the loss of her parents, finds solace in an unlikely companion: a mischievous alien named Stitch. Initially driven by self-preservation, Stitch's interactions with Lilo gradually chip away at his rough exterior. He begins to understand the value of love, loyalty, and belonging. Lilo, yearning for connection, sees past Stitch's quirks and embraces him as part of her unconventional "ohana," a Hawaiian term encompassing extended family and close friends.

The film beautifully portrays the idea that family goes beyond blood ties. Lilo finds solace in her older sister Nani, who strives to provide a loving home despite facing challenges. Their bond, though tested, highlights the strength and resilience found within familial relationships. Similarly, Stitch, an outcast from his own kind, discovers acceptance and love in Lilo's unconventional family. He learns that family is built on love, understanding, and support, regardless of differences.

Through Lilo and Stitch's journey, the film emphasizes the transformative power of friendship. Lilo's unwavering belief in Stitch's goodness inspires him to embrace his better nature. He learns the importance of empathy, compassion, and protecting those he cares about. In turn, Stitch's presence brings joy and laughter back into Lilo's life, helping her heal from her grief and find hope. Their friendship becomes a testament to the idea that true friends accept each other unconditionally and help each other grow.

"Lilo & Stitch" reminds us that family and friendship are essential pillars of a fulfilling life. The film's enduring message of love, acceptance, and the importance of "ohana" continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, making it a timeless classic.

Critical reception

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul" received generally negative reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 18% based on 78 reviews, with an average rating of 3.8/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Bereft of the cast, charm, and relatable humor that made its predecessors semi-tolerable, 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul' is a particularly unpleasant trip for audiences of all ages." On Metacritic, the film has a score of 31 out of 100, based on 18 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews". Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale.

Many critics criticized the film for its recasting of the main roles, with the absence of the original cast being particularly noticeable. The humor was also criticized for being juvenile and unfunny, and the plot was considered predictable and uninspired. Some critics, however, praised the film's message about family and the importance of spending time together.

Despite the negative reviews, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul" was a box office success, grossing over $40 million worldwide against a production budget of $22 million. However, it was the lowest-grossing film in the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" franchise, and it received significantly worse reviews than its predecessors.

Box office performance

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul" didn't quite live up to the box office success of its predecessors. While the first three "Wimpy Kid" films, released between 2010 and 2012, were box office hits, grossing over \$225 million worldwide, "The Long Haul" faced a steeper climb. Opening in theaters on May 19, 2017, it debuted at number three in its opening weekend, earning \$7.1 million. This was significantly lower than the previous installment, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days," which opened to \$14.6 million in 2012. The film ultimately grossed \$40.1 million worldwide against a production budget of \$22 million. While not a complete flop, it signaled a decline in interest for the franchise, which could be attributed to factors like the five-year gap between installments and a new cast taking on the beloved characters.

Legacy of the film

“Agent Cody Banks” wasn’t just a fun spy comedy for kids; it left a mark. Released in 2003, it came when teen movies were all the rage. Think “Lizzie McGuire Movie” or “Cheaper by the Dozen.” But Cody Banks stood out. It had action, humor, and Frankie Muniz at his peak. The film made over $90 million worldwide, proving kids’ films could be blockbusters too. More than box office success, “Agent Cody Banks” made being a young spy cool. Suddenly, kids were enrolling in martial arts, dreaming of gadgets, and wanting to be just like Cody. The film even got a sequel, “Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London,” in 2004. While not as successful as the first, it showed the lasting impact of the Cody Banks character.

Beyond sequels, the film’s influence can be seen in later projects. The “Spy Kids” franchise, already popular, continued to release films, and new shows like “Kim Possible” and “Totally Spies!” embraced the young spy theme. “Agent Cody Banks” might not be the first film about a kid spy, but it brought the concept to a new generation. It reminded studios that kids’ films could be smart, action-packed, and financially successful. And for a generation of kids, it made them believe that even an average teenager could be extraordinary.