20+ Great Movies Where Characters Swap Ages or Bodies
They say you can gain a lot of perspective by walking in someone else's shoes, but switching bodies is a surefire way to develop empathy and understanding. The top age and body swap movies feature characters waking up in each other's skin, much to the delight of movie-goers. This is a list of body and age swap movies featuring everything from Big to 17 Again to 13 Going on 30.
What films will you find on this list of the best age swap comedies? Freaky Friday is a classic in the body swap genre – so enduring, in fact, that it's been remade multiple times. When a mother and her teenage daughter trade bodies, they learn a lot about the stress and struggles of each other's daily lives. Peggy Sue Got Married is another entertaining age swap movie. A pair of old friends swap bodies – and lives – in the 2011 comedy, The Change-Up. Other good films featured on this top age and body swap movies list include All of Me, Wish Upon a Star, and Dream a Little Dream.
Which of these age swap movie deserves the top spot on this list? Give your favorites a thumbs up to move them to the top of the list, and add any titles that are missing.
- Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer
- Released: 2004
- Directed by: Gary Winick
A charming romantic comedy that follows the journey of Jenna Rink, who after experiencing an embarrassing birthday party mishap, magically transforms from a 1980s teenager into an adult in the early 2000s. While grappling with her newfound adulthood, she discovers the consequences of her grown-up decisions and attempts to rectify past mistakes. The film heartwarmingly explores the themes of friendship, love, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
- Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Mark Harmon
- Released: 2003
- Directed by: Mark Waters
An entertaining adaptation of Mary Rodgers' classic novel, this film tells the story of a rebellious teenage girl and her conservative therapist mother who, after receiving a magical fortune cookie, suddenly find themselves inhabiting each other's bodies. Forced to navigate each other's lives for a day, they gain newfound insight and appreciation for one another's struggles, ultimately bridging the emotional gap between them. With comical performances by Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, this Disney remake excels in providing family-friendly laughs.
- Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia
- Released: 1988
- Directed by: Penny Marshall
In Tom Hanks' iconic and endearing performance, he plays a young boy who, after making a wish at a carnival machine, wakes up to find himself inside an adult's body. As he navigates the adult world with childlike wonder and innocence, he ultimately learns that sometimes the most important lessons come from experiences outside of one's comfort zone. This classic film resonates for its humor, warmth, and the ingenious exploration of the innocence and challenges of childhood.
- Ryunosuke Kamiki, Mone Kamishiraishi, Masami Nagasawa
- Released: 2016
- Directed by: Makoto Shinkai
This critically acclaimed Japanese animated film weaves a touching narrative of two teenagers, a boy from Tokyo and a girl from a rural town, who mysteriously switch places in their dreams, leading to a cosmic connection between them. As they try to communicate through written messages and leave traces of their presence, they embark on a quest to find one another in the physical world. Rich in artistry and emotion, this film has garnered widespread praise for its unique storytelling and engaging, complex characters.
- Samaire Armstrong, Kevin Zegers, Emily Hampshire
- Released: 2006
- Directed by: Nick Hurran
In this lighthearted comedy, two sworn enemies find themselves inhabiting each other's bodies when they visit a museum and come into contact with a cursed Aztec statue. Forced to navigate high school life as the person they detest the most, they learn important life lessons while trying to reverse their predicament. The film cleverly employs humor and heart to delve into the challenges of self-discovery and understanding others.
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- Zac Efron, Leslie Mann, Thomas Lennon
- Released: 2009
- Directed by: Burr Steers
This engaging tale follows a middle-aged man who, after a chance encounter with a magical janitor, finds himself transformed back into his 17-year-old self, allowing him the opportunity to rewrite his life's choices. As he attempts to reconnect with his estranged wife and children, he discovers that the true meaning of happiness might not lie in the choices he would have made differently. With a blend of humor and sentimentality, this film offers an endearing exploration of life's possibilities and priorities.