In The Mood For A “Do-Over”? Top 5 Movies Like 13 Going On 30 Might Just Be What You Are Looking For

Tess Coleman (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her daughter Anna (Lindsay Lohan) are at a crossroads in their relationship in the 2003 adaptation. When they mysteriously exchange bodies, they rapidly learn about each other's hardships and are forced to adjust, much like Jenna in the movie 13 going on 30 must adapt to becoming an adult. Walt Disney Pictures and Buena Vista Pictures released the picture in theaters on August 6, 2003.

It made nearly $160 million worldwide on a $26 million budget, making it a commercial triumph. It also earned mostly excellent reviews from reviewers, who applauded Curtis and Lohan's performances. Curtis was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for her performance in the film. After the 1976 film starring Barbara Harris and Jodie Foster and the 1995 made-for-TV picture starring Shelley Long and Gaby Hoffmann, this was Disney's third cinematic version of the novel.

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Where To Watch: Justwatch

Watch the official trailer of Freaky Friday (2003) here: 

• IMDb rating: 6.4/10
• Director: Burr Steers
• Writers: Jason Filardi
• Stars: Zac Efron, Matthew Perry, Leslie Mann
• Duration: 1h 42m

When Mike O'Donnell (Zac Efron) finds out that his girlfriend Scarlet (Allison Miller) is pregnant, he loses his opportunity at a basketball scholarship. Mike (Matthew Perry) is facing a divorce from Scarlet (Leslie Mann) twenty years later, his children refuse to see him, and he is forced to live with his buddy. A chance meeting transforms Mike back into his 17-year-old self.

Seeing an opportunity to set things right, he takes on a new name, enrolls in high school, assists his children, and manages to rebuild his marriage before he reaches the age of 37 again. While the story is the opposite of 13 going on 30, both films end with the same happy conclusion. If you enjoyed movies with a similar concept to 13 going on 30, then you’ll love 17 Again. The film was expected to gross roughly $20 million in its first weekend.

After debuting in 3,255 theaters throughout the United States and Canada, the picture made $23.7 million, placing it first at the box office, with 70% of the audience being young girls. 17 Again grossed $64.2 million in North America and $72.1 million abroad at the conclusion of its run, totaling $136.3 million globally. I've seen numerous movies like this previously, including Big, 13 Going on 30, and Freaky Friday. Because the narrative has been done so many times, a director can only do so much.

But after watching the film, I can say that Burr Steers managed to make 17 Again a joy ride of chuckles and wholesome entertainment. The performances of the supporting characters, as well as the major characters, contribute to the film's appeal; Thomas Lennon's portrayal was particularly effectively executed. I didn't see anything wrong with Zac Efron's acting in this, and I liked him in Hairspray, but it would be fascinating to see him in a real grown-up tragic part.

Watch the official trailer of 17 Again (2009) here: 

Where To Watch: Justwatch, Warnerbros 

• IMDb rating: 7.1/10
• Director: Mark Waters
• Writers: Rosalind Wiseman, Tina Fey
• Stars: Lindsay Lohan, Jonathan Bennett, Rachel McAdams
  
• Duration: 1h 37m
  

Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) begins high school after 12 years of homeschooling. Befriended by two misfits, they plan the demise of the dominating group "the Plastics" by infiltrating Cady. As a result, Cady becomes the new "queen bee" of the Plastics, the sort of shallow person she had hoped to avoid. Cady, like Jenna in 13, progressively rebuilds her connections by being herself after being rejected by the entire school and distrusted by her parents.

Mean Girls made $24.4 million in its first weekend from 3,159 screens in 2,839 theaters in the United States, ranking first at the box office and averaging $8,606 per location. The picture grossed $86.1 million domestically and $43 million abroad, for a total global gross of $129 million. According to Paramount, the viewership was 75% female and 50% under the age of 18.

Over 90% of moviegoers evaluated the film as "excellent" or "very good," and positive reviews persisted even outside the target group; males in their thirties rated the film as "excellent" or "very good" with scores of over 80% positive. In my opinion, this is a film that is easy to rewatch again and again. I believe your enjoyment of the narrative is proportional to your age. Despite the clichés, I still found this film entertaining and insightful, with a plot that is very distinct from the mainstream films that are released nowadays.

Where To Watch: Justwatch

Watch the official trailer of Mean Girls (2004) here: 

• IMDb rating: 6.0/10
• Director: Raja Gosnell
• Writers: Abby Kohn, Marc Silverstein
• Stars: Drew Barrymore, David Arquette, Michael Vartan
• Duration: 1h 47m

Josie (Drew Barrymore) is a 25-year-old shy copy editor who is assigned to pose as a high school student for a story. Josie's early years in high school were unpleasant, so she seizes the opportunity for a fresh start. Josie, like Jenna in 13 going on 30, learns to accept herself. The film was released in 2,455 cinemas in North America on April 9, 1999.

It grossed $55.5 million in the United States and Canada, and $29.1 million in other nations, for a global total of $84.6 million on a $25 million production budget. Critics awarded the film mixed reviews, with a "Rotten" score of 55% based on 89 reviews on the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, making it Raja Gosnell's highest-rated picture.

Never Been Kissed is, in my belief, a light and pleasant comedy that, to its credit, avoids being crassly exploitative and instead provides us with some nice enjoyment. Drew is quite humorous and lovely, and her portrayal of her character at times of stress transitions smoothly into pathos. Michael Vartan, who plays her English instructor, is the type of educator I wish there were more of, while Leelee Sobieski and Jessica Alba portray a pair of the empty-headed cool kids Drew tries so hard to connect with.

Where To Watch: Justwatch 

Watch the official trailer of Never Been Kissed (1999) here: 

• IMDb rating: 6.3/10
• Director: Donald Petrie
• Writers: Marc Lawrence, Katie Ford, Caryn Lucas
• Stars: Sandra Bullock, Michael Caine, Benjamin Bratt
• Duration: 1h 49m

Miss Congeniality, a "popularity is skin deep" lesson à la 13, stars Sandra Bullock as Gracie Hart, a tough FBI agent who goes undercover as Miss New Jersey for the 'Miss United States' beauty contest, which has been targeted by a terrorist. As she goes through commando beauty bootcamp, Gracie realizes that the other contenders aren't the vacuous ditzes she thought they were.

After the conspiracy is foiled, Gracie exposes her true identity to the participants, who dub her Miss Congeniality. Warner Bros. Pictures released Miss Congeniality on December 22, 2000. The film was a box office success, generating $212 million worldwide on a $45 million budget, and won Bullock a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress - Motion Picture Comedy or Musical. In 2005, the sequel, Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous, was released.

To me, Sandra Bullock's terrific, charismatic, full-on performance plus a humorous narrative full of ingenious hooks make this movie incredibly warm and hilarious. Bullock has good chemistry with all of her co-stars, so the jokes are frequent. She's a really underrated comic actress, and her ability to relate to a complete group is amazing to see.

Not to mention the sexual tension with Benjamin Bratt, the jousting hostilities with Ernie Hudson, the way Gracie bounces off the other beautiful girls, and, most importantly, the by-play with Michael Caine, who plays a camp stylist and walks in to lift the laughter roof off the rafters in every scene he is in. All these elements combine to really sell the jokes and keep the flow of the story going.

Where To Watch: Justwatch

Watch the official trailer of Miss Congeniality (2000) here: 

• IMDb rating: 7.3/10
• Director: Penny Marshall
• Writers: Gary Ross, Anne Spielberg
• Stars: Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia
• Duration: 1h 44m

Transport yourself back to the '80s with this timeless classic. "Big" is a 1988 comedy-drama film directed by Penny Marshall that tells the story of a young boy who, after making a wish, wakes up in the body of an adult. The plot of "Big" follows the journey of 12-year-old Josh Baskin (played by David Moscow) after he makes a wish to be "big" at a carnival fortune-telling machine. To his surprise, his wish is granted, and he wakes up in the body of a 30-year-old man (played by Tom Hanks).

Josh must navigate the challenges and joys of adulthood while trying to find a way to return to his normal age. The film features a talented cast, led by Tom Hanks in a breakout role that earned him critical acclaim. Hanks delivers a remarkable performance as a childlike adult, capturing the innocence and wonder of a young boy in a grown man's body. The cast also includes Elizabeth Perkins as Susan Lawrence, Josh's love interest, and Robert Loggia as MacMillan, Josh's boss and mentor.

Upon release, “Big” film received widespread critical acclaim. Critics praised the film's charming premise, heartfelt storytelling, and Tom Hanks' performance. Hanks' portrayal of a child in an adult's body was particularly lauded for its authenticity and comedic timing. The screenplay by Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg was also commended for its blend of humor, emotional depth, and thought-provoking themes.

In addition to the critical acclaim, the movie was also a box office success, grossing over $151 million worldwide against its budget of $18 million. Its popularity was fueled by positive word-of-mouth and the captivating performance of Tom Hanks. This film is fantastic, in my opinion. I mean, seriously. Every boy fantasizes about becoming an adult overnight! It's truly stunning to witness Tom Hanks' performance - that's true acting, and it takes a lot to play this character as sincerely and cordially as he did.

The message is simple and straightforward. The nostalgic edge is really important to the tale. This film contains a profound and all-encompassing message. It combines charm and vigor with nostalgia and witchcraft. I used to love watching this film as a teenager and I still do as an adult. As far as growing-up-overnight movies go, “Big” is one of the best and most iconic examples.

The film perfectly executes the concept of a character experiencing life as an adult while possessing a child's innocence and perspective. Similarly to “13 Going on 30”, “Big” delves into themes of self-discovery, embracing one's true self, and the challenges of navigating relationships and societal expectations. Additionally, both films strike a balance between comedy and heartfelt moments, capturing the essence of wonder, nostalgia, and the universal desire to recapture the joy and spontaneity of youth.

Where To Watch: Justwatch

Watch the official trailer of Big (1988) here: 

• IMDb rating: 6.4/10
• Director: Garry Marshall
• Writers: Meg Cabot, Gina Wendkos
• Stars: Julie Andrews, Anne Hathaway, Hector Elizondo
• Duration: 1h 55m

“The Princess Diaries" is a 2001 romantic comedy film directed by Garry Marshall. Based on Meg Cabot's novel of the same name, the film tells the story of an ordinary teenager who discovers she is the heir to the throne of a fictional European kingdom.
The story follows the life of Mia Thermopolis (played by Anne Hathaway), a socially awkward high school student living in San Francisco.

Mia's life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers that she is the heir to the throne of Genovia, a small European kingdom. With the help of her grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi (played by Julie Andrews), Mia must navigate the challenges of royalty while staying true to herself. "The Princess Diaries" was generally well-received by critics. It was praised for its lighthearted and feel-good nature, as well as its positive messages about self-acceptance and embracing one's true self.

The performances, particularly that of Anne Hathaway, received acclaim for capturing the essence of the characters and bringing depth to the story. The film also performed well at the box office, grossing over $165 million worldwide against its budget of $37 million. Its success can be attributed to its appeal to a wide audience, including teenagers and families. Like “13 Going on 30”, "The Princess Diaries" explores themes of self-discovery, identity, and the challenges of navigating adolescence.

It showcases the journey of Mia Thermopolis as she navigates the complexities of relationships, friendship, and societal expectations. While this film doesn't have any time-travel elements, if you are looking for transformation stories that feature a perfect blend of comedy, romance, and heartfelt moments, then don’t miss out on this film.

Where To Watch: Justwatch

Watch the official trailer of The Princess Diaries (2001) here: 

• IMDb rating: 5.5/10
• Director: Tom Brady
• Writers: Tom Brady, Rob Schneider
• Stars: Rob Schneider, Rachel McAdams, Anna Faris
• Duration: 1h 44m

“The Hot Chick” is a 2002 comedy film directed by Tom Brady. The movie revolves around a high school cheerleader who magically switches bodies with a small-time criminal. The plot follows the story of Jessica Spencer (played by Rachel McAdams), a popular and self-centered high school cheerleader. Through a magical curse, Jessica switches bodies with a criminal named Clive Maxtone (played by Rob Schneider). Like Clive, Jessica must navigate life in a male body while trying to find a way to reverse the spell.

In the process, she learns important lessons about empathy, understanding, and the true meaning of beauty. "The Hot Chick" received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the film's humor and performances, others found it to rely too heavily on crude and juvenile humor. Despite mixed critical reception, the film has gained a cult following over the years, particularly among fans of raunchy comedy and those who enjoy the performances of Rachel McAdams and Rob Schneider.

Despite the criticisms, the film performed moderately well at the box office, grossing over $54 million worldwide. While it wasn't a blockbuster hit, it managed to attract a decent audience, particularly those interested in comedy and the aforementioned performances of Rachel McAdams and Rob Schneider.

While "13 Going on 30" focuses on a 13-year-old girl who wakes up as a 30-year-old woman and navigates adulthood, "The Hot Chick" explores the experience of a self-centered cheerleader who switches bodies with a small-time criminal. Both films highlight the challenges and lessons learned through these transformative experiences, emphasizing the importance of personal growth, empathy, and understanding.

Where To Watch: Justwatch, Justdial

Watch the official trailer of The Hot Chick (2002) here: 

• IMDB rating: 6.3/10
• Director: Damien Chazelle
• Writers: Damien Chazelle
• Stars: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist
• Duration: 1h 46m

Another body-switching movie on our list is "She’s the Man”, but it doesn’t feature any magical curses, just high school shenanigans. "She's the Man" is a romantic comedy film released in 2006, directed by Andy Fickman. The movie is loosely based on William Shakespeare's play "Twelfth Night" and tells the story of a teenage girl who disguises herself as her twin brother to play soccer.

The film’s story follows the journey of Viola Hastings (played by Amanda Bynes), a talented soccer player who faces discrimination when her high school cuts the girls' soccer team. Determined to play, Viola disguises herself as her twin brother Sebastian and takes his place at a rival school, Illyria. As Sebastian, Viola joins the boys' soccer team and faces challenges both on and off the field.

Along the way, she navigates love interests, mistaken identities, and the pursuit of her dreams. "She's the Man" received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film's humor, energetic performances, and contemporary twist on Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night." Amanda Bynes' comedic talent was often highlighted in positive reviews. However, others found the plot predictable and the humor juvenile, suggesting that it didn't fully utilize the potential of its premise.

Despite the mixed reception, the film performed moderately well at the box office, grossing over $57 million worldwide against its budget of $20 million. While not a blockbuster hit, its success can be attributed to its appeal to the target demographic of teenagers and fans of romantic comedies.

Both “She’s the Man” and “13 Going on 30” feature teenage protagonists who exchange identities with someone else, which then leads to unusual situations that challenge their own identity and self-perception. Like “13 Going on 30”, “She’s the Man” blends lighthearted comedy and romance, and captures the essence of the teenage years as its protagonist navigates relationships, identity, and the pursuit of her dreams.

Where To Watch: Justwatch, YouTube

Watch the official trailer of She's The Man (2006) here: 

• IMDb rating: 5.8/10
• Director: Dennie Gordon
• Writers: William Douglas-Home, Jenny Bicks, Elizabeth Chandler
• Stars: Amanda Bynes, Colin Firth, Kelly Preston
• Duration: 1h 45m

Last but definitely not least, we have a movie similar in premise to “The Princess Diaries.” "What a Girl Wants" is a 2003 romantic comedy film directed by Dennie Gordon. The movie follows the story of an American teenager who travels to London to meet her estranged British father and experiences cultural clashes and romantic entanglements. “What a Girl Wants" centers around Daphne Reynolds (played by Amanda Bynes), a spirited American teenager raised by her single mother in New York City.

Curious about her estranged father, Lord Henry Dashwood (played by Colin Firth), Daphne decides to travel to London to meet him. However, she discovers that her father is a prominent and conservative politician, which leads to clashes of culture and lifestyle. As Daphne navigates her newfound British aristocratic life, she also finds herself falling for a charming local musician named Ian (played by Oliver James). The film explores themes of family, identity, and staying true to oneself.

"What a Girl Wants" received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film's lighthearted humor, Amanda Bynes' performance, and its enjoyable romantic elements. The film's charm and positive messages resonated with younger audiences. However, others found the plot formulaic and predictable, criticizing its lack of depth and reliance on familiar tropes. The film performed moderately well at the box office, grossing over $50 million worldwide.

While not a blockbuster hit, its success can be attributed to its appeal to the target demographic of teenagers and fans of romantic comedies. Like “The Princess Diaries” and “13 Going on 30”, this film explores themes of finding one's true self, breaking societal expectations, and pursuing personal happiness. Amanda Bynes brings to "What a Girl Wants" exactly what Jennifer Garner does to "13 Going on 30": Her own unique blend of charm, comedic timing, and relatability to her character.

Where To Watch: Justwatch, YouTube.

Watch the official trailer of What A Girl Wants (2003) here: 

13 going on 30 is more than just a child-to-adult transformation story. It contains components that elevate it above a single trope. There's making amends for mistakes made in the past for the good of the present and future, learning to be yourself, learning that it's acceptable to be yourself, and rising to meet challenges even if you're out of your league.

If you're looking for girls' movies like 13 Going On 30, hopefully, this post has presented you with an outstanding collection of movies that will make you want to contact your girlfriends and spend the night sleeping and watching movies.