The best body-swap movies prove this specific subgenre is surprisingly prolific. The films require their characters to grow and learn, to become better people. Body-swap movies provide a perfect opportunity, as the characters get to literally see through someone else’s eyes. The genre includes films that see two characters change places, as well as films that feature characters transformed into someone else altogether. The genre lends itself well to comedy, with the now-transformed characters finding themselves in unexpected situations. Much like time loop movies, the high-concept nature of body-swap movies has a lot of versatility.
It has also attracted the biggest stars, with the likes of Oscar winners Tom Hanks, Jodie Foster, Nicolas Cage, and Jamie Lee Curtis appearing in body-swap movies. While it is not a type of movie that is seen every day, these stories have had staying power throughout decades of movies. This has allowed the concept to be used in everything from family comedies like Freaky Friday as well as Blumhouse horror movies like Freaky. For any fans of the body-swap movie, there are a number of standout examples worth seeking out.
Related 10 Best TV Body Swap Episodes, Ranked Worst To Best
Body swap episodes can be the best stories from a show’s run, and there are plenty of shows that make full use of the well-loved format.
25 Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets (2002)
Directed By Chris Columbus
Your Rating
10 stars9 stars8 stars7 stars6 star5 stars4 stars3 stars2 stars1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
7/10 6.5/10 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets pg-13
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the second film in Warner Bros. Wizarding World franchise. The sequel follows Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione (Emma Watson), and Ron (Rupert Grint), who try to uncover why students are being petrified at Hogwarts while also attempting to find the Chamber of Secrets.
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Director Chris Columbus Release Date November 15, 2002 Cast Emma Watson , Rupert Grint , Kenneth Branagh , John Cleese , Robbie Coltrane , Warwick Davis , Richard Griffiths , Richard Harris , Jason Isaacs , Daniel Radcliffe , Alan Rickman , Maggie Smith Runtime 161 Minutes
In many ways, 2002’s Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is something of an honorable mention when it comes to the best body-swap movies, since the body-swap elements aren’t the key focus of the film. However, it deserves recognition simply because of how well the sequence involving Harry and Ron inhabiting the bodies of Crabbe and Goyle lives up to the tropes of the body-swap subgenre (not to mention that, of all the magical goings-on in the second Harry Potter movie, these moments easily rank among the most memorable).
The body-swap sequence in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets comes courtesy of the Polyjuice potion, a magical brew that allows Harry and Ron to take the forms of Malfoy’s associates, Crabbe and Goyle. They use this opportunity to sneak into the Slytherin common room and interrogate an unsuspecting Malfoy. The whole experience ticks every box when it comes to what makes body-swap movies (especially comedies) so great, and the second Harry Potter movie handles body-swapping as a concept far better than many films that focus on it as a core premise.
24 Family Switch (2023)
Directed By McG
Your Rating
10 stars9 stars8 stars7 stars6 star5 stars4 stars3 stars2 stars1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
5/10 Family Switch PG
Family Switch is a 2023 Christmas-centric family comedy film by director McG (Joseph McGinty Nichol) created for Netflix and based on a children’s book by author Amy Krouse Rosenthal. A family trip beset with drama drives into chaos when a strange cosmic event forces the parents to switch places with their teenaged children only days before the Christmas holiday.
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Director McG Release Date November 30, 2023 Cast Jennifer Garner , Ed Helms , Emma Myers , Brady Noon , Rita Moreno Runtime 101 Minutes
Many body-swap movies such as Freaky Friday are considered classic comedies in their own right, as the subgenre makes for a unique kind of hilarity. One of the latest body-swap comedy movies arrived in 2023, the McG-directed film Family Switch. While it’s not the undisputed comedic heavyweight of the aforementioned Freaky Friday, Family Switch ticks many of the same boxes with ease, and is a thoroughly enjoyable watch that puts an interesting spin on body-swap movies as a whole.
Rather than focusing on two people switching bodies, Family Switch features an entire family who find themselves having to navigate one-anothers lives without arousing suspicion. The cast is a huge part of the appeal when it comes to Family Switch, with the likes of Jennifer Garner and Ed Helm ensuring the movie delivers no shortage of laughs. While it received middling reviews from critics, fans of body-swap movies will find Family Switch a worthwhile addition to the subgenre.
23 Possessor (2020)
Directed By Brandon Cronenberg
Your Rating
10 stars9 stars8 stars7 stars6 star5 stars4 stars3 stars2 stars1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Possessor Not Rated
Possessor, directed by Brandon Cronenberg, is a 2020 science fiction horror film that follows Tasya Vos, a corporate agent who uses brain-implant technology to inhabit other people’s bodies and perform assassinations. As Vos struggles with her identity and loses control over her host, the boundaries between her own mind and her host’s begin to blur, leading to catastrophic consequences. Starring Andrea Riseborough and Christopher Abbott, the film explores themes of control and identity.
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Director Brandon Cronenberg Release Date October 2, 2020 Cast Andrea Riseborough , Christopher Abbott , Jennifer Jason Leigh , Sean Bean , Rossif Sutherland , Tuppence Middleton Runtime 103 minutes
While body-swap movies are mostly associated with comedy, there are some outstanding horror outings in the subgenre too, with one of the most recent being Brandon Cronenberg’s surreal and sci-fi-tinted film Possessor. Possessor stands out among the best body-swap films for several reasons, but a key one is that the central characters are already used to transporting their consciousness into another shell when the film begins.
Possessor focuses on an assassin in an alternate 2008 who uses the ability to control the bodies of others as a key tool in her deadly arsenal. The body-swap horror then takes a deep investigation into the impact this has on her psyche, as her constantly switching to bodies that aren’t her own finally takes its toll on her psyche. There are few body-swap movies out there quite like Possessor, and it’s especially recommended for fans of the subgenre who’re seeking a more realistic interpretation on the impact trading bodies would have on the human mind.
22 Surrogates (2009)
Directed By Jonathan Mostow
Your Rating
10 stars9 stars8 stars7 stars6 star5 stars4 stars3 stars2 stars1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
5/10 Surrogates pg-13
Surrogates is a 2009 action sci-fi film starring Bruce Willis as Greer alongside Radha Mitchell and Ving Rhames. Greer is a police officer in a world where citizens stay at home and interact in the world via surrogate robots. However, Greer must re-enter the world to investigate the deaths of the community’s robots.
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Director Jonathan Mostow Release Date September 25, 2009 Cast Bruce Willis , Rosamund Pike Runtime 89minutes
2009’s Surrogates is something of an overlooked and under-appreciated sci-fi body-swap movie, though it remains one of the more unique uses of the concept. Directed by Jonathan Mostow, Surrogates features main characters who trade bodies not with other people, but with robotic versions of themselves, allowing them to go out and live life to the fullest without worrying about dangers like disease or physical injury.
In the alternate future of Surrogates, society revolves around these surrogate shells, with few people venturing out into the world in their own biological bodies. Bruce Willis stars in the movie as Tom Greer, an FBI agent, who, like almost everyone else, lives most of his life in his durable android surrogate. However, things take a turn for the sinister when a technology is developed that will kill the person inhabiting a surrogate if the robotic body is destroyed. This makes for one of the tensest body-swap movies out there, and a unique exploration of the dangers of transplanting consciousness.
21 Detention (2011)
Directed By Joseph Kahn
Joseph Kahn’s 2011 movie Detention is a body-swap movie that deftly blends both comedy and horror. Unlike many body-swap films, Detention doesn’t focus on main characters who find themselves swapped into the body of another. Instead, the slasher-comedy features a group of students who find themselves the target of a serial killer who has returned after many years. This is where the body-swap aspect comes into play, as the deadly Cinderhella killer is active again thanks to body-swapping with her own daughter.
Detention received middling reviews from critics, and definitely isn’t the absolute best body-swap movie out there. However, it does have a lot to offer fans of the subgenre, and is something of a unique spin on the concept and how it’s been utilized in horror movies specifically. The cast deliver incredibly solid performances too, with the likes of Josh Hutcherson, Shanley Caswell, and Spencer Locke (among others) ensuring Detention is a thoroughly enjoyable watch despite not winning over the hearts of many critics.
20 Vice Versa (1988)
Directed By Brian Gilbert
Close
Vice Versa PG Director Brian Gilbert Release Date February 25, 1988 Cast Judge Reinhold , Fred Savage , Corinne Bohrer , Swoosie Kurtz , Jane Kaczmarek , David Proval Runtime 98 minutes
The 1980s seemed to be the biggest era for body-swap comedies. At the time, the concept was relatively new for American movies, so studios were eager to capitalize on audience interest in the subgenre. This resulted in several of them having a very similar plot. In this case, Vice Versa sees a father and son switch bodies as the result of contact with a magical skull, though it was actually the fourth movie adaptation of an 1882 novel. The first three adaptations had been British.
Vice Versa came out one year after the body-swap movie Like Father, Like Son which also focused on a father and son switching places. Though Like Father, Like Son won the race to release first, Vice Versa is the better movie, finding genuine laughs with the gags as well as committed performances from the talented cast which was led by 1980s stars Fred Savage and Judge Reinhold.
19 The Hot Chick (2002)
Directed By Tom Brady
The Hot Chick (2002) PG-13
The Hot Chick is a comedy film directed by Tom Brady, starring Rob Schneider and Rachel McAdams. The plot revolves around a high-school cheerleader who unexpectedly swaps bodies with a petty criminal. As they navigate their altered realities, they must find a way to reverse the transformation while learning valuable life lessons in the process.
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Director Tom Brady Release Date December 13, 2002 Cast Rob Schneider , Rachel McAdams , Anna Faris , Matthew Lawrence , Eric Christian Olsen , Robert Davi , Melora Hardin , Michael O’Keefe , Angie Stone , Matt Weinberg , Alexandra Holden , Maritza Murray , Tia Mowry , Tamera Mowry , Michelle Branch , Jodi Long , Lee Garlington , Leila Kenzle , Fay Hauser , Sam Doumit , Megan Kuhlmann , Maria-Elena Laas , Ashlee Simpson , Jenna Dewan , Dick Gregory , Scott Dolezal , Shazia Ali , Vivian Corado , Ozman Sirgood , Louis Lombardi , Giselle Fernandez , Carmit Bachar , Mykal Anthony Bean , Staci B. Flood , Kimberly Morrow , Lisette Bustamante , Lisa Thompson , Jesse Santos , Ronnie Willis , Chris Moss , Robert Vinson , Paul Benshoof , Teresa Espinosa , Earl Wright , Chonique Sneed , Melanie Benz , Rebecca Lin , Nadine Ellis , Vergi Rodriguez , Katie Wiersema , Paige Peterson , Kimberly Green , Michelle Heitzler , Joslin Marie De Diego , Nicole Albright , Sandra McCoy , Rhonda Roberts , Erin Yvonne , Maria Carmen , Denise Marie Jerome , Joelene Walker , Christine Herrera , Elizabeth Herrera , Monica Soto , Leilani Rios , Jenna Stewart , Michael Papajohn , Kenny Alexander , Dane Farwell , Mark Chadwick , Ryan Bosch , Renee Reres Castle , Kimberly Fox , Hugh Gehrke , Lani Ideishi , Jessica Meza , TJ Myers , Adam Sandler , Simon Shelton , Robb Skyler , Anna Rose Smith , Hawk Younkins Runtime 104 minutes Expand
Rob Schneider stars in this early 2000s movie as a career criminal who accidentally switches bodies with a vain and mean-spirited teenage girl (Rachel McAdams in her first feature film). Although the jokes are dated and many are problematic by modern standards, it’s a decent body switch movie as the young girl learns a lesson in treating her friends, and people in general, better thanks to a pair of magical earrings that she steals.
As with most of Schneider’s movies, The Hot Chick was torn apart by critics and there are some who will find it too juvenile to get any real fun out of. It has a nostalgic early 2000s feel and some funny moments, including enjoyable early performances from Anna Faris and Rachel McAdams as well as an obligatory cameo from Schneider’s buddy, Adam Sandler.
18 The Dude In Me (2019)
Directed By Kang Hyo-jin
The Dude In Me
The Dude In Me is a 2019 South Korean fantasy comedy film directed by Kang Hyo-jin. It revolves around a high school student, who after a freak accident, switches bodies with a gangster boss. The film explores the humorous situations and challenges as they navigate each other’s lives, leading to unexpected personal growth. Starring Park Sung-woong and Jin Young, it combines elements of comedy, action, and heartfelt moments.
Director Kang Hyo-jin Release Date January 9, 2019 Cast Jung Jin-young , Park Sung-woong , Ra Mi-ran , Lee Soo-min , Kim Kwang-kyu , Lee Jun-hyeok Runtime 122 minutes
Fans might be missing some of the best body-swap movies that come out of other countries like the Korean action comedy The Dude in Me. Thanks to streaming services, there are a lot more opportunities for movie fans to find them. This movie follows a weak and timid high schooler who switches bodies with a powerful gangster due to an accidental fall from the roof. The swap begins before the high schooler even wakes up in the gangster’s body as the gangster emerges from the hospital first.
There is a lot of fun to be had with this shift in dynamics. The gangster suddenly has people looking at this awkward young man with renewed respect and even fear, while the young man finds himself terrified within the dangerous crime world. Along with the laughs, the movie delivers some great action sequences that will thrill audiences.
17 The Change-Up (2011)
Directed By David Dobkin
6/10 The Change-Up
The Change-Up is a 2011 comedy film directed by David Dobkin. It stars Ryan Reynolds as Mitch Planko and Jason Bateman as Dave Lockwood, two friends who accidentally switch bodies after a drunken night. As they navigate life in each other’s shoes, both men gain new perspectives on their personal and professional lives. The film explores themes of friendship, responsibility, and personal growth.
Director David Dobkin Release Date August 5, 2011 Cast Jason Bateman , Ryan Reynolds , Leslie Mann , Olivia Wilde , Alan Arkin Runtime 112 Minutes
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman will finally share the screen properly as Deadpool and Wolverine in Deadpool 3, but the team-up of Reynolds and Jason Bateman should not be overlooked. Both men are incredibly versatile actors who bring their own style of comedy to the movie.
They play best friends, with Reynolds as a carefree bachelor and Bateman as a stressed family man, who switch places after urinating in a magic fountain. Unlike some body-swap movies that go for the sweet and family-friendly approach, The Change-Up leans into its R-rating with plenty of vulgar and gross-out humor. It’s much closer to a buddy comedy than it is the usual family comedy. Having two skilled comedic actors like this leading the high-concept comedy makes it so much fun and Bateman especially seems to be enjoying playing Reynolds’ typical quippy character.
16 17 Again (2009)
Directed By Burr Steers
17 Again PG-13
17 Again is a comedy-drama film by director Burr Steers and starring Zac Efron and Matthew Perry. As his life begins to spiral into a depressive state, Mike O’Donnell moves in with his friend after his wife files for divorce. Having lost a passion and drive for life, Mike meets a mysterious janitor one night who puts him back in his seventeen-year-old body to rediscover himself and find the answers to fix his life before it’s too late.
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Director Burr Steers Release Date March 11, 2009 Cast Zac Efron , Leslie Mann , Thomas Lennon , Michelle Trachtenberg , Matthew Perry , Melora Hardin , Sterling Knight Runtime 105 Minutes
17 Again stars Matthew Perry as a middle-aged man transformed into his teenage self after falling into a mystical whirlpool. Zac Efron plays the younger Mike O’Donnell as he attempts to recapture his youth and have fun. His teen years were cut short when he found out his girlfriend, now his wife, was pregnant in their senior year of high school. Complicating his efforts to recapture his youth is that he has his own teenage children.
Efron shows a lot of his comedic chops in the leading man role which helps make this comedy an entertaining ride. It is especially fun seeing Mike as the new kid in school attempting to be a father figure to his own teenage daughter, played by Michelle Trachtenberg. It has a throwback quality to the mix of humor and heart of ’80s comedies like this.
Related 10 Best Matthew Perry Roles That Aren’t Chandler Bing
From Emmy-nominated guest appearances to outstanding comedy films, Perry’s best roles outside of Chandler Bing exemplified his diverse talents.
15 Brother Bear (2003)
Directed By Aaron Blaise And Robert Walker
Brother Bear G
Brother Bear is an animated adventure from Walt Disney Pictures, released in 2003. The film follows Kenai, a young Inuit who is transformed into a bear as punishment for killing one. To regain his human form, Kenai must learn valuable lessons about nature and brotherhood. The voice cast includes Joaquin Phoenix, Jeremy Suarez, and Rick Moranis, with the film featuring music by Phil Collins.
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Director Aaron Blaise , Robert Walker Release Date October 23, 2003 Cast Joaquin Phoenix , Jeremy Suarez , Jason Raize , Rick Moranis , Dave Thomas , D.B. Sweeney Runtime 85 minutes
A lot of body-swap movies find characters ending up in the bodies of other people. However, there is also a fun subgenre to this that focuses on characters being transported into the bodies of animals. Such is the case with the overlooked Disney movie Brother Bear. While Disney is known for their princess-themed movies, there are plenty of other interesting concepts in their animated catalog.
The movie features a forgotten Joaquin Phoenix role as the hunter-turned-bear.
Here, an Inuit hunter kills a bear maliciously and magically finds himself transported into the body of a bear where he joins forces with a young cub to figure out how to change back. The movie features a forgotten Joaquin Phoenix role as the hunter-turned-bear. While it may not reach other Disney heights, it is a beautiful and emotional story, and it even has a sequel as well.
14 Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
Directed By Jake Kasdan
7/10 Jumanji: The Next Level PG-13
Jumanji: The Next Level is the third installment in the adventure franchise spawned by the Robin Williams-led 1995 classic. Following the events of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, the sequel features Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan reprising their roles as the four playable characters in the video game version of the board game, which has changed its rules once again.
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Director Jake Kasdan Release Date December 13, 2019 Cast Dwayne Johnson , Kevin Hart , Karen Gillan , Jack Black , Danny DeVito , Danny Glover , Awkwafina , Sal Longobardo , Rhys Darby , Darin Ferraro , Dania Ramirez Runtime 123 Minutes
After the success of the first reboot of the Jumanji franchise, it was not very surprising that a sequel was quickly made with Jumanji: The Next Level. While the first reboot brought the concept of Jumanji from a board game to an old video game console, the sequel revisits the game with an expanded look at the new universe. It features the same characters, but new combinations of body swaps.
The likes of Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan return for the sequel that finds new, fun ways for the characters to switch bodies. While the action set-pieces are wild and entertaining, the best part of the movie is seeing Johnson doing his best impression of Danny DeVito, and the classic Jumanji franchise action is on point throughout. The movie was another box office hit, setting the stage for the franchise to continue.
13 All Of Me (1984)
Directed By Carl Reiner
All Of Me PG
In All of Me, Steve Martin stars as an attorney whose body becomes cohabited by the spirit of a deceased heiress, played by Lily Tomlin. Directed by Carl Reiner, this 1984 comedy explores themes of identity and cooperation as the two characters navigate their shared existence, leading to humorous and unexpected situations.
Director Carl Reiner Release Date September 21, 1984 Cast Steve Martin , Lily Tomlin , Victoria Tennant , Madolyn Smith Osborne , Richard Libertini , Dana Elcar , Jason Bernard , Selma Diamond , Eric Christmas , Gailard Sartain , Neva Patterson , Michael Ensign , Peggy Feury , Nan Martin , Basil Hoffman , Hedley Mattingly , Harvey Vernon , Stu Black , Marilyn Tokuda , David Byrd , Nicholas Shields , Bill Saito , Neil Elliot , Jillian Scott , Judy Nagy , Ronn Wright , Jim Welch , Tiger Runtime 93 minutes Expand
It takes some interesting ideas to keep the body-swap genre feeling fresh and All of Me is one of the most unusual body-swap films the genre has produced. The movie sees a dying millionaire (played by Lily Tomlin) transfer her soul into the body of a lawyer (played by Steve Martin) by mistake. They now both occupy the same body and must fight for control with hilarious results.
The physical nature of the comedy featured in the film allows Martin to shine, and he delivers one of his best performances in this supernatural farce. What’s interesting about the movie is that this isn’t a case of either of the characters learning a lesson due to cosmic forces, but one character making a mistake that needs to be corrected over the course of the story. It’s the attempts to correct that mistake that lend to some of the most interesting comedy as the woman’s soul is transferred to multiple people – and even to a pitcher of water.
12 Freaky (2020)
Directed By Christopher Landon
8/10 Freaky R
Freaky is a film directed by Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day 2U) and centers around a young girl in high school that swaps bodies with a deranged serial killer. When four teenagers are found dead, the Blissfield Butcher’s re-emergence has made the town somewhat on alert. While waiting for her ride home at the end of a football game, Millie Kessler is attacked by the butcher with a mysterious dagger called La Dola, which then swaps the two into one another’s bodies in a Freaky Friday-like fashion. Millie discovers that to get back to her original body, she needs to get her friends and family to believe that their bodies have swapped – and she needs to reverse the ritual in twenty-four hours, or the switch will remain permanent.
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Director Christopher Landon Release Date November 13, 2020 Cast Misha Osherovich , Vince Vaughn , Celeste O’Connor , Kathryn Newton , Uriah Shelton , Dana Drori , Alan Ruck , Katie Finneran Runtime 102 Minutes
It was only a matter of time before the body-swap genre made its way into a horror movie. Freaky has a lot of fun with its premise of a teen girl who is the intended victim of a brutal killer only for them to switch places. Vince Vaughn gives a wonderful comedic performance playing a teen girl trapped inside the body of a serial killer while new Marvel Cinematic Universe star Kathryn Newton also has fun as the young girl turned murderer.
It is a funny and inventive approach with some outrageously gory kills. It marked another big horror movie hit for Blumhouse. The movie scored four nominations at the Critics Choice Awards. While Newton didn’t get the win for Best Actress in a Horror Movie, Vaughn did take home the award for Best Actor.
11 Freaky Friday (1976)
Directed By Gary Nelson
Freaky Friday G
Freaky Friday is a 1976 family comedy directed by Gary Nelson. The film stars Jodie Foster as Annabel and Barbara Harris as her mother, Ellen. Following a series of mysterious events, they find themselves switching bodies and are forced to live each other’s lives. Their journey through this unusual predicament leads to insights and mutual understanding between the disparate generations.
Director Gary Nelson Release Date December 17, 1976 Cast Jodie Foster , Barbara Harris , John Astin , Patsy Kelly , Dick Van Patten , Vicki Schreck , Sorrell Booke , Alan Oppenheimer , Ruth Buzzi , Kaye Ballard , Marc McClure , Marie Windsor , Sparky Marcus , Ceil Cabot , Brooke Mills , Karen Smith , Marvin Kaplan , Al Molinaro , Iris Adrian , Barbara Walden , Shelly Juttner , Charlene Tilton , Lori Rutherford , Jack Sheldon , Laurie Main , Don Carter , Fuddle Bagley , Fritz Feld , Dermott Downs , James Van Patten , Robert Karvelas Runtime 95 Minutes Expand
The original Freaky Friday from 1976 is still considered the best version by some fans. Freaky Friday has been remade 3 times to mixed results, but the original still has a lot of charm to it with the simple yet effective body-swap story. While the remake saw a fortune cookie cause them to change places, the original opts to have the mother and daughter simply wish for it, and some cutting-edge special effects take it from there.
Much like the remake, it is the chemistry between the leads that makes the movie work, including child actor Jodie Foster and Barbara Harris as her mother. The movie earned three Golden Globe nominations, including Best Actress nods for both Foster and Harris as well as a Best Original Song. The movie, unfortunately, didn’t take home the awards.
10 Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle (2017)
Directed By Jake Kasdan
6/10 Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle PG-13
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is an action-adventure comedy directed by Jake Kasdan and acts as the sequel to the original 1995 film. When a group of disconnected high school students end up in detention, they stumble upon a video game titled “Jumanji.” When they decide to try it, the group is dragged into the video game world, all in entirely different bodies. Trapped in a lush-jungle-themed digital world, the four teenagers must play by the game’s rules if they hope to return home.
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Director Jake Kasdan Release Date December 5, 2017 Cast Dwayne Johnson , Jack Black , Kevin Hart , Karen Gillan , Nick Jonas , Bobby Cannavale , Alex Wolff , Ser’darius Blain , Madison Iseman , Morgan Turner Runtime 119 Minutes
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle was one of the biggest surprises when it was released and continued the fondly remembered Jumanji franchise in an unexpected and inventive way. There was plenty of fear that it wouldn’t be able to live up to the original movie with Robin Williams and Kirsten Dunst, but the body swap twist and the addition of video games to the franchise gave it a fresh take.
The film features a group of teenagers transformed into video game characters, each with varying skills and appearances. Most notable was Spencer, who was transformed into the hulking Dr. Bravestone, played by Dwayne Johnson. The film provides a careful mix of comedy and action, which saw it become one of the most successful films of the year. Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart continue their excellent chemistry together, Karen Gillan shows off her comedic side, and Jack Black seems to be having a blast playing a teenage girl.
Related Jumanji 4: Confirmation, Cast & Everything We Know
Jumanji: The Next Level was another hit at the box office for Sony Pictures and a sequel is on the way. Here’s what we know so far about Jumanji 4.
9 Freaky Friday (2003)
Directed By Mark Waters
Freaky Friday (2003) PGComedyFamilyFantasy
Freaky Friday is a body-swap comedy directed by Mark Waters, featuring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis as a teenage girl and her mother who magically exchange bodies. Released in 2003, the film explores their humorous and heartfelt journey as they navigate each other’s lives, leading to a deeper understanding and appreciation of one another.
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Director Mark Waters Release Date August 6, 2003 Cast Jamie Lee Curtis , Lindsay Lohan , Harold Gould , Chad Michael Murray , Mark Harmon
2023 Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan star in the hit remake of Freaky Friday managing to find a lot of fun in the retelling. The movie sees the mother and daughter switch places, due to the magic of a mysterious fortune cookie. It’s a fun time that provides plenty of laughs as they attempt to live each other’s lives and gain a newfound appreciation for one another. Curtis reminds everyone that she has incredible comedic skills alongside her dramatic chops while Lindsay Lohan cemented herself as one of the rising stars in Hollywood.
The movie is so beloved that 20 years after its release a sequel is in development. The sequel will see Lindsay Lohan play a parent having the body swap experience from the other side of the equation. Curtis is also set to reprise her role.
8 Big (1988)
Directed By Penny Marshall
Big PG
The 1980s classic Big follows the story of Josh Baskin, a 12-year-old boy whose wish to grow up is granted after being turned away from a carnival ride for his short height. The movie is directed by Penny Marshall, with Tom Hanks in the lead role.
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Director Penny Marshall Release Date June 3, 1988 Cast Tom Hanks , Elizabeth Perkins , Robert Loggia , John Heard , Jared Rushton , David Moscow , Jon Lovitz , Mercedes Ruehl Runtime 104 Minutes
Big might have once been considered the greatest body swap movie ever, but some elements make it awkward to revisit today. Nevertheless, Big marks a breakout role for Tom Hanks as he plays a child transformed into a middle-aged man, with unexpected results. He quickly finds that his youthful naivety works to his advantage and begins to excel at work right away, due to his fresh and interesting ideas. In addition to this, he finds success in his personal life, with some problematic results including an implied sex scene between an adult woman and a child in an adult’s body.
However, the movie was a huge hit at the time, making over $150 million at the worldwide box office against a budget of just $18 million. The movie even scored Hanks a Best Actor Oscar nomination, rare for a comedic role. It helped to establish Hanks as a true box office draw and helped garner him attention from casting directors for even “bigger” roles.
7 13 Going On 30 (2004)
Directed By Gary Winick
13 Going on 30 pg-13
13 Going on 30 is 2004 fantasy romantic comedy about a 13-year-old girl named Jenna Rink, who, in 1987, dreams of being popular and wishes she were “thirty and flirty and thriving.” She later wakes up in 2004 at the age of 30. Jennifer Garner stars as 30-year-old Jenna, while Christa B. Allen plays the role of young Jenna. Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer, Jim Gaffigan, and Andy Serkis also star.
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Director Gary Winick Release Date April 23, 2004 Cast Jennifer Garner , Mark Ruffalo , Judy Greer , Andy Serkis , Kathy Baker , Phil Reeves Runtime 98minutes
The romantic comedy 13 Going on 30 is the kind of body-swap story that doesn’t have two people switching places, but rather one character ending up in a different body. In this case, it is the story of a teenage girl who wakes up as an adult. Jennifer Garner stars in the movie and makes for a charming lead, bringing a lot of youthful energy to the part. She makes a wish on her 13th birthday that finds her waking up as 30 years old.
The movie is also packed with an incredibly talented supporting cast that includes the likes of Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer, and Andy Serkis. It remains beloved by many fans for its fun energy as well as the sweet rom-com story alongside the coming-of-age tale of a teenager realizing she doesn’t have to grow up too fast.
6 Your Name (2016)
Directed By Makoto Shinkai
10/10 Your Name (2016) PG
Your Name is a 2016 animated film directed by Makoto Shinkai. The story centers around two high school students, Taki and Mitsuha, who inexplicably begin to swap bodies. Set in both Tokyo and a rural town, the film explores themes of identity and connection as the characters navigate their intertwined lives. Through its rich animation and poignant narrative, Your Name captivates audiences with its exploration of fate and self-discovery.
Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US Director Makoto Shinkai Release Date August 26, 2016 Cast Ryunosuke Kamiki (Taki Tachibana voice) , Mone Kamishiraishi (Mitsuha Miyamizu voice) , Ryo Narita (Katsuhiko Teshigawara voice) , Aoi Yuki (Sayaka Natori voice) , Nobunaga Shimazaki (Tsukasa Fujii voice) , Kaito Ishikawa (Shinta Takagi voice) , Kanon Tani (Yotsuha Miyamizu voice) , Masaki Terasoma (Toshiki Miyamizu voice) , Sayaka Ohara (Futaha Miyamizu voice) Runtime 106 minutes Expand
Although many body swap films offer plenty of laughs and opportunities for their characters, the genre rarely produces legitimately great works. Body swap movies are fun and entertaining, but not always ones that movie-goers are going to recommend from a more critical standpoint. Your Name, however, elevates the genre like no other film has and offers a complex narrative that begs to be rewatched.
Two teenagers dissatisfied with their lives switch places and must work together to not only live with this newfound problem but figure out why it is happening. With an engaging story filled with surprises and twists, in addition to the gorgeous animation of this Japanese movie, Your Name tells a classic body-swap story that explores the characters with more depth than any of the live-action films of the subgenre.