A body-swap movie is when one or more of the characters in a film essentially swaps bodies to further the overall plot. Body-swap movies are not to be confused with a situation in which characters trade places, like in The Parent Trap. They are consequently different in the sense that it is completely about physicality. These films can range from comedies, sci-fi films, and even horror films. Body-swaps offer unique character insights that not only allow access to the physical aspect of someone’s life, but also how someone experiences the world. These films often end with the characters having a better understanding of each other, but sometimes are only serving the sole purpose of comedic action.
Per GQ, body-swap films have been popular throughout cinema, and many classics have seen remakes to accommodate modern audiences. Films like Freaky Friday, The Shaggy Dog, and 17 Again, which was altered from the 1988 title, all received remakes within the last decade. Here are the best body-swap movies, ranked.
7 The Shaggy Dog (1959)
The Shaggy Dog that was originally released in 1959 tells the story of a young boy who accidentally stumbles upon an ancient curse and becomes an Old English Sheepdog. The big twist? His father is a former mailman who absolutely cannot stand dogs. In his attempt to solve the curse and become normal again, Wilby, who is played by Tommy Kirk, finds himself in the middle of an evil plan to steal government information by the dog's owner. The film was remade in 2006 and the plot was changed to fit a storyline in which a father, played by Tim Allen, turned into a dog and realized he needed to spend more time with his family. The 2006 remake is lackluster compared to the original film — Roger Ebert gave the film two stars — as it lacked the charm and whimsical plot that the original black and white movie had to offer.
6 The Hot Chick
The Hot Chick is one of Rob Schneider's most notable comedy performances, and Rachel McAdams' first major film debut. After a car accident, McAdams' character, Jessica, finds that she has woken up in the body of Clive, who is played by Schneider. Jessica must get back into her body all before the prom, but in order to do so, Jessica must learn an important lesson. The film was released in 2002 and remains to be only semi-problematic as far as comedy criteria goes. However, The Hot Chick holds up, and is one of the most memorable body-swap films in mainstream media.
5 Big
There isn't a kid on this planet that hasn't wished they were older at some point or another. In Big, Josh Baskin, who is played by David Moscow, is too short to ride a carnival ride, and becomes embarrassed when he can't impress a girl. He finds a Zoltar machine and makes a wish to be "big" and upon waking the next morning, Josh is now a 30-year-old man, played by Tom Hanks. Josh must now function as an adult and lands a job at a major toy company. He quickly rises through the ranks after a meeting with the company's owner, and also finds himself falling in love for the first time with a co-worker. Yet, Josh begins to miss his simple life, and seeks out the Zoltar machine to revert himself back to his former age. Big is a Hanks classic, and offers up more than just a moral lesson.
4 13 Going on 30
13 Going on 30 became an instant hit after its release in 2004. Jenna Rink, played by Christa B. Allen, is sick of the drama at junior high, and makes a wish to be grown up. Jenna, now portrayed by Jennifer Garner, awakens the next morning nearly 15 years ahead and in her body at 30 years old. Jenna finds that she got everything that she wanted in life, but the one thing missing is her childhood friend Matt. Much like the movie Big, Jenna regrets her wish and finds herself wanting to go back to her junior high days to make things right.
3 Freaky
2020's Freaky is like The Hot Chick meets horror. Millie Kessler, played by Kathryn Newton, finds herself victim to a local serial killer called the Blissfield Butcher. During her attack, the Butcher's knife causes them to switch bodies, and Millie must get her identity back before her 24 hours is up. Freaky has elements of some familiar horror favorites like Chucky and Happy Death Day. Much like Charles Lee Ray, the infamous killer in Chucky, the Blissfield Butcher has an advantage if he remains in Millie's body: not only will he have a new persona, but now he can remain unseen by those looking for him.
2 17 Again
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Zac Efron was no stranger to Hollywood in the 2000s, especially with the success of the High School Musical series. However, 17 Again was one of the first roles to truly show his acting ability, putting him on the map as one of Hollywood's mainstream actors. The 2009 comedy also featured the return of Matthew Perry to the big screen. 17 Again follows Mike O'Donnell, who is played by both Efron and Perry, who was a high school basketball star and is now longing to return to his glory days for a chance to do it right. After an encounter with a strange janitor, Mike wakes up and is transformed into his teenage self. With the help of his friend Ned, who is played by Thomas Lennon, Mike attempts to fix the choices he made as a teen, and get the basketball scholarship he had given up for a pregnant girlfriend. In the midst of it all, Mike realizes that the second chance he really wants is with his family, and they are the future he always dreamed of. 17 Again is a heartfelt comedy, and one of the most rewatchable body-swap films of the mid-2000s.
1 Freaky Friday
Freaky Friday has been the product of three different remakes, all originating from the 1976 original film. In 1995, Disney released a made-for-television movie, and then revisited the idea in 2003 for a theatrical release. Then, in 2018, Disney revamped the idea and built it into a musical. However, despite the many renditions of the film, the most memorable is the 2003 release starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan. The two play a mother and daughter who struggle to get along. After a fight at a Chinese restaurant, the two are given fortune cookies by a waitress and wake up in each other's bodies the next morning. Now, Tess, played by Curtis, must navigate the waters of high school all while Anna, played by Lohan, must understand her mother. The two gain insight into each other's lives and grow closer as a result, causing them to be switched back having learned their lesson. Freaky Friday has remained one of the best body-swap movies even decades later.