| I get the sense that you would like some adult themes, but not too slow? edit: Adult themes is here meant in non sexual manner. Still, I've removed two suggestions that in hindsight would not be good for someone his age to watch. edit2: Re-reading OP I now realize I misread it. Matrix was not shown because of adult themes. Some in this list still fit, but most will involve themes perhaps outside the scope of what OP is seeking. All of them are great however and deal with some aspect of humanity I would think a young viewer would benefit from seeing. Top of my mind (and in no specific order) would be: - Dark City - The Thirteenth Floor - City of the Lost Children - Tron (original and maybe new one) - Interstellar - Inception - Her (very relevant to our times) - Dune (2021 version) - Brazil - The Martian - Children of Men - Edge of Tomorrow (most like Marvelverse on this list but still very good) - Moon - Twelve Monkeys - Upgrade - The Fifth Element - Contact - Okja - District 9 - Predestination (very relevant to our times) - Serenity (but might need some prep from the tv show before watching) - World on a Wire - The Abyss - Minority Report (very relevant in our times) - The Fly - Equilibrium - Strange Days - The Andromeda Strain (relevant after Covid) - eXistenZ (trippy but I loved it when it came out and was only around your sons age) - In Time (interesting class dynamics on display) - Enemy Mine - Franklyn (some interesting takes on mental illness) - The Arrival |
I read just the opposite. "Strange Days", as one example on your list, is not one I would recommend for a 12 year old.