Are you a fan of the classic mother-daughter body swap comedy Freaky Friday? If you love the hilarious hijinks and heartfelt moments that come from two people switching places, then you’ll definitely want to check out these other fantastic films that follow a similar formula. From kid-friendly fare to more adult-oriented comedies, here are the 20 best body swap movies like Freaky Friday.
1. 13 Going on 30 (2004)
Director: Gary Winick
Cast: Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer
In this charming comedy, 13-year-old Jenna Rink makes a wish to be “30, flirty, and thriving.” She wakes up the next day to find herself magically transformed into her 30-year-old self (played by Jennifer Garner). As adult Jenna navigates her new life and tries to figure out how to get back to her teenage self, she learns valuable lessons about what really matters. With a star-making performance by Garner and a sweet romance with Mark Ruffalo, 13 Going on 30 is a delightful coming-of-age story with a magical twist.
Where to Watch: Stream on HBO Max, rent on Amazon, Apple TV, and more
2. 17 Again (2009)
Director: Burr Steers
Cast: Zac Efron, Leslie Mann, Thomas Lennon
17 Again offers a clever spin on the body swap genre. Instead of two people switching bodies, it follows a 37-year-old man named Mike (Matthew Perry) who magically transforms back into his 17-year-old self (Zac Efron). Given a second chance at youth, Mike returns to high school, tries to fix his relationships with his wife and kids, and learns to appreciate the life he took for granted. Efron is charming as always and the film has plenty of funny and heartwarming moments.
Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix, rent on Amazon, Apple TV, and more
3. Big (1988)
Director: Penny Marshall
Cast: Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia
The quintessential “kid in an adult body” movie, Big stars Tom Hanks as 12-year-old Josh Baskin, who makes a wish to be “big” and wakes up the next day as a 30-year-old man. As grown-up Josh navigates the adult world, he charms everyone with his childlike wonder and enthusiasm. Hanks delivers an iconic, Oscar-nominated performance that perfectly captures both the innocence of a kid and the growing maturity of a young man learning to embrace adulthood. Funny, sweet, and poignant, Big set the standard for body swap comedies.
Where to Watch: Stream on Disney+, rent on Amazon, Apple TV, and more
4. The Hot Chick (2002)
Director: Tom Brady
Cast: Rob Schneider, Rachel McAdams, Anna Faris
In this raunchy comedy, popular high school cheerleader Jessica (Rachel McAdams) switches bodies with a 30-something petty criminal named Clive (Rob Schneider) after they both put on a pair of magical earrings. As Jessica tries to navigate Clive’s male body and dodgy lifestyle, Clive gleefully takes advantage of his new hot female form. While The Hot Chick is definitely on the cruder, sillier end of body swap movies, it does provide some laughs thanks to game performances from McAdams and Schneider.
Where to Watch: Stream on Hulu, rent on Amazon, Apple TV, and more
5. It’s a Boy Girl Thing (2006)
Director: Nick Hurran
Cast: Samaire Armstrong, Kevin Zegers, Sherry Miller
This teen comedy follows next-door neighbors and polar opposites Nell (Samaire Armstrong) and Woody (Kevin Zegers), who wake up one day to find they’ve switched bodies. As the former enemies are forced to literally walk in each other’s shoes, they gain a new understanding of each other. While it follows a predictable blueprint, It’s a Boy Girl Thing has an earnest charm and the leads play off each other well.
Where to Watch: Stream on HBO Max, rent on Amazon, Apple TV, and more
6. Wish Upon a Star (1996)
Director: Blair Treu
Cast: Katherine Heigl, Danielle Harris, Donnie Jeffcoat
Before she was Izzie Stevens on Grey’s Anatomy, Katherine Heigl starred in this Disney Channel Original Movie about two teenage sisters who magically swap bodies after wishing on a shooting star. Alexia is the popular, fashionable sister while Hayley is the brainy, awkward one. Walking in each other’s shoes, they gain a new appreciation for each other’s struggles. A sweet, if slight, family film.
Where to Watch: Stream on Disney+
7. The Change-Up (2011)
Director: David Dobkin
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Jason Bateman, Olivia Wilde
The Change-Up offers an adult spin on the body swap comedy. Dave (Jason Bateman) is a married lawyer and father, while his best friend Mitch (Ryan Reynolds) is a single, unemployed playboy. After a drunken night out together, they wake up to find they’ve switched bodies. As they navigate each other’s very different lives, Dave and Mitch gain new perspectives on their friendship, relationships and identities. The leads have great buddy chemistry and the film earns its R rating with some hilariously raunchy gags.
Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon, Apple TV, and more
8. All of Me (1984)
Director: Carl Reiner
Cast: Steve Martin, Lily Tomlin, Victoria Tennant
All of Me takes the body swap concept in a different direction, having a woman’s soul enter and share a man’s body. Lily Tomlin plays Edwina, a sickly millionaire who tries to transfer her soul into a younger woman’s body. When the plan goes awry, Edwina’s soul ends up inside her lawyer Roger (Steve Martin). The two personalities hilariously battle for control over Roger’s body. Martin’s incredible physical comedy as he portrays the split personas is a riot.
Where to Watch: Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rent on Apple TV and more
9. 18 Again! (1988)
Director: Paul Flaherty
Cast: George Burns, Charlie Schlatter, Tony Roberts
18 Again! stars George Burns as Jack, an 81-year-old man who switches bodies with his 18-year-old grandson David (Charlie Schlatter) after a car accident. While David is initially thrilled to have a young body again, he soon realizes how much he misses his family. Meanwhile, Jack brings his elderly wisdom to navigate David’s high school dramas. The veteran Burns proves he still has sharp comic timing in his final film role.
Where to Watch: Stream on Pluto TV, rent on Amazon, Apple TV, and more
10. Dream a Little Dream (1989)
Director: Marc Rocco
Cast: Corey Feldman, Corey Haim, Jason Robards
This quirky comedy stars “The Two Coreys” – 1980s teen heartthrobs Corey Feldman and Corey Haim. Bobby (Feldman) is a slacker teen who switches consciousnesses with his neighbor, Coleman (Jason Robards), a senior citizen on the verge of losing his wife. In an additional twist, the wife’s spirit is able to communicate with Bobby in Coleman’s body. It’s a bizarre premise, but the young stars have fun with the material.
Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon, Apple TV, and more
11. Prelude to a Kiss (1992)
Director: Norman René
Cast: Alec Baldwin, Meg Ryan, Sydney Walker
Based on the play by Craig Lucas, Prelude to a Kiss adds a fantasy twist to a romantic comedy. At the wedding of Peter (Alec Baldwin) and Rita (Meg Ryan), an elderly man asks to kiss the bride. Their kiss causes their souls to switch bodies. Can the couple’s new marriage survive this unusual predicament? Baldwin and Ryan make for an appealing on-screen couple and the film has a bittersweet undertone amid the laughs.
Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon, Apple TV, and more
12. The Shaggy Dog (2006)
Director: Brian Robbins
Cast: Tim Allen, Kristin Davis, Danny Glover
The Shaggy Dog is a remake of the 1959 Disney classic with a slight twist. This time, it’s the father (Tim Allen) who switches bodies – with a sheepdog. As Deputy D.A. Dave Douglas sniffs out corruption in his new canine form, he also learns to be a better family man. The slapstick antics are aimed squarely at kids, but Allen’s gung-ho performance keeps it watchable.
Where to Watch: Stream on Disney+, rent on Amazon, Apple TV, and more
13. Freaky (2020)
Director: Christopher Landon
Cast: Vince Vaughn, Kathryn Newton, Celeste O’Connor
Freaky puts a horror spin on the body swap comedy, described as “Freaky Friday meets Friday the 13th.” A teenage girl (Kathryn Newton) switches bodies with a middle-aged serial killer (Vince Vaughn) and has 24 hours to get her identity back before the change becomes permanent. Vaughn in particular is hilarious embodying a teen girl trapped in a hulking killer’s body. For fans of high school horror comedies like Happy Death Day.
Where to Watch: Stream on HBO Max, rent on Amazon, Apple TV, and more
14. The Hot Chick (2002)
Director: Tom Brady
Cast: Rob Schneider, Rachel McAdams, Anna Faris
A popular but mean high school cheerleader (Rachel McAdams) switches bodies with a 30-something petty criminal (Rob Schneider) and must find a way to get her old body back while learning to be a better person. Raunchy and silly, The Hot Chick isn’t high art but provides some lowbrow laughs.
Where to Watch: Stream on Hulu, rent on Amazon, Apple TV, and more
15. Wish Upon a Star (1996)
Director: Blair Treu
Cast: Katherine Heigl, Danielle Harris, Donnie Jeffcoat
Two teenage sisters who are polar opposites, Alexia (Katherine Heigl) the popular fashionista and Hayley (Danielle Harris) the awkward brainiac, magically swap bodies after wishing on a shooting star. Walking in each other’s shoes, they gain a new understanding and appreciation for each other. A sweet Disney Channel Original Movie.
Where to Watch: Stream on Disney+
16. The Swap (2016)
Director: Jay Karas
Cast: Peyton List, Jacob Bertrand, Darrin Rose
A gender-swapped Disney Channel take on Freaky Friday. Ellie (Peyton List) is a rhythmic gymnast, while Jack (Jacob Bertrand) is a hockey player. After an argument at school, the two magically swap bodies and must navigate each other’s lives and sports while figuring out how to switch back. Tween-friendly hijinks ensue.
Where to Watch: Stream on Disney+
17. Freaky Friday (1976)
Director: Gary Nelson
Cast: Barbara Harris, Jodie Foster, John Astin
The OG Freaky Friday. This version stars a young Jodie Foster as tomboy teen Annabel who switches bodies with her uptight mother Ellen (Barbara Harris) after they simultaneously wish to trade places. As they navigate each other’s lives, they gain a new understanding of each other. Compared to the 2003 remake, it’s a bit dated, but still charming thanks to Foster and Harris.
Where to Watch: Stream on Disney+, rent on Amazon, Apple TV
18. Vice Versa (1988)
Director: Brian Gilbert
Cast: Judge Reinhold, Fred Savage, Corinne Bohrer
Stressed-out single dad Marshall (Judge Reinhold) and his 11-year-old son Charlie (Fred Savage) switch bodies thanks to a magical Tibetan skull. As they navigate their new roles, Marshall has to pass an exam at Charlie’s school while Charlie must handle Marshall’s demanding job. Reinhold and Savage have good father-son chemistry in this likable family comedy.
Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon, Apple TV, and more
19. Like Father Like Son (1987)
Director: Rod Daniel
Cast: Dudley Moore, Kirk Cameron, Margaret Colin
Successful surgeon Jack (Dudley Moore) and his rebellious teenage son Chris (Kirk Cameron) switch bodies after drinking a mysterious potion. As they try to maintain each other’s lives, Jack and Chris gain a new appreciation for each other. Moore and Cameron play well off each other in this silly but sweet father-son comedy.
Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon, Apple TV, and more
20. Freaky Friday (2003)
Director: Mark Waters
Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Mark Harmon
And of course, we have to include the beloved 2003 remake of Freaky Friday. Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan star as bickering mother and daughter Tess and Anna, who magically swap bodies after opening a mysterious fortune cookie. As they are forced to literally walk in each other’s shoes, they gain a new understanding of each other’s lives and struggles. Curtis and Lohan have fantastic comedic chemistry and the film has both big laughs and heartfelt moments. The gold standard of body swap comedies.
Where to Watch: Stream on Disney+, rent on Amazon, Apple TV, and more
So there you have it – 20 great body swap comedies to check out if you love Freaky Friday. Whether you want family-friendly fare, teen-centered stories, or more adult humor, there’s something for everyone on this list. These movies show that sometimes the best way to understand someone else is to spend a day in their shoes. Happy watching!
