Action movies are a teen favorite, blending heart-pounding thrills with humor and relatable heroes. In 2025, the PG-13 lineup offers a stellar mix of superhero epics, spy adventures, and sci-fi spectacles perfect for teens who crave excitement without the intensity of R-rated films. From Marvel’s Thunderbolts to the star-studded Heads of State, these films deliver diverse casts, positive messages, and just the right amount of edge for ages 13 and up.
Here are 5 PG-13 action movies teens will love in 2025, complete with content details, why they’re teen-friendly, and tips for parents. Whether you’re planning a family movie night or a teen hangout, these picks are sure to impress.
Thunderbolts
Content Details: Rated PG-13 for strong violence, language, thematic elements, and some suggestive and drug references.
Thunderbolts is a 2025 superhero movie based on Marvel Comics. It’s the 36th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directed by Jake Schreier, it stars Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan, David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. The film is about a group of antiheroes who are trapped and forced to work together on a dangerous mission. If they succeed, they might find redemption.
Marvel teased the Thunderbolts team in 2021, and the film was announced in 2022. Filming happened from February to June 2024 in Georgia, Utah, and Kuala Lumpur. Thunderbolts premiered in London on April 22, 2025, and will be released in the U.S. on May 2, 2025, as the last movie in MCU’s Phase Five.
Heads of State
Content Details: Rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence/action, language and some smoking.
Heads of State is an upcoming American action comedy movie directed by Ilya Naishuller. It stars John Cena, Idris Elba, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Jack Quaid, Paddy Considine, Stephen Root, and Carla Gugino.
The story follows two world leaders who must put their differences aside and work together to save the world. The film is set to be released on July 2, 2025.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
Content Details: Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some language and suggestive material.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is an upcoming American action spy movie directed by Christopher McQuarrie. It’s the eighth film in the Mission: Impossible series and a direct sequel to Dead Reckoning Part One (2023). Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt, joined by Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Henry Czerny, and Angela Bassett.
The story follows Ethan and his team as they race to stop a man named Gabriel from getting an AI program that could threaten global stability. The movie will premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on May 14 and will be released in theaters on May 23.
Jurassic World Rebirth
Content Details: Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action, some violence and language
Jurassic World Rebirth is an upcoming sci-fi action film releasing on July 2, 2025. Directed by Gareth Edwards, it stars Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey. It’s a standalone sequel to Jurassic World Dominion and the seventh film in the Jurassic Park series.
Five years after Dominion, dinosaurs survive only in remote tropical areas. A covert agent, a scientist, and a team leader are sent to a secret island—once part of the original Jurassic Park site—to find three powerful prehistoric species. Their DNA may help create a life-saving drug. But the mission turns dangerous when they’re stranded with a shipwrecked family and face mutated dinosaurs left from past experiments.
Captain America: Brave New World
Captain America: Brave New World is a 2025 Marvel movie starring Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson, the new Captain America. He uncovers a conspiracy involving President Thaddeus Ross, a powerful metal called adamantium, and mind control technology created by villain Samuel Sterns.
As tensions rise between nations, Ross transforms into the Red Hulk, forcing Wilson to stop him before a global disaster. With help from allies like Falcon and Bucky, Wilson saves the day and reforms the Avengers. The movie was released on February 14, 2025, and has earned over $414 million worldwide.
Content Details: Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and some strong language.
Quick Reference: Content Summary
| Movie | Violence | Language | Themes | Best for Ages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderbolts | Moderate | Mild | Teamwork, redemption | 13+ |
| Heads of State | Moderate-Severe | Moderate | Trust, collaboration | 13+ |
| Mission: Impossible | Moderate-Severe | Mild | Sacrifice, loyalty | 14+ |
| Captain America | Moderate | Mild | Leadership, diversity | 13+ |
| Jurassic World Rebirth | Moderate | Mild | Survival, ethics | 12+ |
Why These Movies Are Great for Teens
These PG-13 action movies strike a balance between thrilling action and teen-appropriate content, avoiding the graphic violence or mature themes of R-rated films like Deadpool & Wolverine. They feature:
- Relatable Heroes: Characters like Sam Wilson and Yelena Belova face identity and teamwork challenges teens can relate to.
- Diverse Representation: Casts include Florence Pugh, Anthony Mackie, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and more, reflecting diverse backgrounds.
- Positive Messages: Themes of courage, trust, and standing up for what’s right inspire without preaching.
- Fun Vibes: Humor and spectacle (e.g., dino chases, spy gadgets) keep teens entertained, perfect for group viewings.
Compared to past PG-13 hits like The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, these films push action boundaries while staying accessible, making them ideal for teens who love Jumanji or Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Tips for Parents
- Co-View for Younger Teens: Watch with 12–13-year-olds to gauge comfort with action intensity, especially for Mission: Impossible or Heads of State.
- Spark Discussions: Use these films to talk about:
- How do characters like Ethan Hunt or Sam Wilson show leadership?
- What’s the difference between movie violence and real-world consequences?
- How can teamwork overcome challenges, as seen in Thunderbolts or Heads of State?
- Check Our Guides: Dive deeper with our Thunderbolts Parents Guide (/thunderbolts-2025-parents-guide), Heads of State Parents Guide (/heads-of-state-2025-parents-guide), and more for full content breakdowns.
- Plan a Movie Night: Pair with snacks and a post-movie chat to make it a fun teen event.
Ready for More?
Looking for other teen-friendly films? Check out our Top 10 Family-Friendly Movies for Summer 2025 or explore our Captain America: Brave New World Parents Guide for more Marvel action.