Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis have returned to their roles that made every Gen-Z and millennial’s childhood magical. A sequel to Disney’s 2003 fantasy film Freaky Friday is the newly released Freakier Friday. Joyously enough, this generation loves a good nostalgic watch and wouldn’t mind going to the theaters to enjoy it. Freakier Friday has now grossed over $90 million worldwide.
It takes the story of Freaky Friday (2003) forward. After many years, Anna (Lindsay Lohan) and Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis) realize that history may be repeating itself. If you’re looking for similar light-hearted movies that have similar themes, here are the top 7 films to watch.
Freaky Friday (2003)
Let’s start this list off with the original movie that started it all. The unique narrative of Freaky Friday entails the life of a mother and daughter duo who are opposites in nature and go through a body swap. This results in the two of them embracing empathy and becoming closer to each other. This plot has been adapted from Mary Rodgers’s 1972 book of the same name. Disney has also adapted it in 1976, 1995, and 2018. Freaky Friday’s cultural impact was one of the books, as it opened doors for many more movies about similar tropes to come.
Family Switch (2023)
The Family Switch is another modern take on the body-swap trope. In this comedy, Jennifer Garner, Emma Myers, Ed Helms, and Brady Noon go through a freaky ride where their bodies are exchanged with one another. The parents become children and vice versa. This leads to them beginning to view life from each other’s perspectives. Operating on a similar concept, this movie broadened the view of family connection and experimented more on what it’s like to be in each other’s shoes.
The Parent Trap (1998)
90s kids hail! The Parent Trap is a comfort movie to a whole generation that wraps the warmth of nostalgia and the feel-good genre. Annie and Hallie (both played by Lindsay Lohan) meet in a summer camp and discover they’re twins. In an attempt to save their parents’ marriage, they bring their family close. The film is loaded with Disney’s classic charm and love for our family. Many remember Lindsay Lohan from this movie, which was also her debut film.
13 Going on 30 (2004)
The age-swap classic where highly unrealistic plot twists lead to profound self-realizations. Jennifer Garner’s breakthrough movie, 13 Going on 30, which also stars Mark Ruffalo, is a rom-com and a coming-of-age story. When 13-year-old Jenna Rink experiences an awkward adolescence and wishes it to go away, she wakes up as a 30-year-old grown woman who could do anything she wants. Soon enough, reality hits her, and she discovers how she needs to redefine her choices and become the person she would respect. Everything about this movie is heartfelt, romantic, and enjoyable.
Wish Upon a Star (1996)
Guess who’s getting swapped this time? Two sisters, Haley and Alexia, who couldn’t be more opposite, are stuck in each other’s bodies in Wish Upon A Star. After wishing on a wishing star, Hayley has to experience what it’s like to live the life of her popular and stylish sister, while Alexia has to become the shy and smart girl she never was. All in all, this is one of the best explorations of sibling relationships that buds into mutual care and affection.
17 Again (2009)
Instead of an age-swap trope, how about a disillusioned 37-year-old time-traveling and becoming his 17-year-old self again? Mathew Perry and Zac Efron in Disney’s 17 Again bring familiar themes with a subtle twist. As a high schooler, Mike experiences life in a completely different way and takes that opportunity to bring his family together. This kinda sounds like 13 Going on 30 in reverse!
Big (1988)
Tom Hanks’ brilliant performance of the iconic 80s classic Big is something you don’t want to miss. A 12-year-old wishes at the carnival to grow up and is granted that wish. Much to his disappointment, growing up comes with a loss of innocence and responsibilities. It is a beautiful articulation of self-discovery, full of funny yet bittersweet moments.
Happy Watching!
