The 2009 film “17 Again” starring Zac Efron and Matthew Perry is a beloved classic that combines elements of comedy, drama, and fantasy to tell the story of a man who wakes up one day to find himself back in his 17-year-old body. If you enjoyed this unique blend of genres and the exploration of themes such as identity, family, and second chances, here are several movies that you might also appreciate:
1. Big (1988)
- Starring: Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins
- Synopsis: A young boy makes a wish to be big and wakes up the next morning to find himself in an adult’s body. He must navigate the world of adults while trying to find a way to reverse the spell.
- Why You’ll Like It: Like “17 Again,” “Big” explores the fish-out-of-water story of someone in a body not their own, filled with humor and heart.
2. Freaky Friday (2003)
- Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan
- Synopsis: A mother and daughter, who don’t see eye to eye, wake up one morning to find they have switched bodies. They must navigate each other’s lives and find a way to switch back.
- Why You’ll Like It: This film, like “17 Again,” involves a body-swapping premise, focusing on the hilarious and touching moments as the characters adjust to their new lives.
3. Like Father, Like Son (2013)
- Starring: Masaharu Fukuyama, Machiko Ono
- Synopsis: A family discovers that their six-year-old son was switched at birth. They must decide whether to switch him back with his biological parents or not.
- Why You’ll Like It: Although not involving body-swapping, this Japanese drama explores themes of identity, family, and what it means to be a parent, all of which are central to “17 Again.”
4. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
- Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett
- Synopsis: A man is born with the physical appearance of an elderly man but ages in reverse. The film follows his life as he experiences the world in a way that is opposite to everyone else.
- Why You’ll Like It: This epic romantic tale shares the theme of living life out of the ordinary time sequence, like “17 Again,” but with a focus on aging and the pursuit of love and connection.
5. 13 Going on 30 (2004)
- Starring: Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo
- Synopsis: After being humiliated at her 13th birthday party, Jenna makes a wish to be “30, flirty, and thriving.” She wakes up the next morning to find herself in the body of a 30-year-old woman. She must navigate her new life while trying to find true love.
- Why You’ll Like It: Similar to “17 Again,” it involves a sudden age change, but this time from a teenager to an adult, focusing on themes of identity, love, and finding one’s place in the world.
6. Vice Versa (1988)
- Starring: Judge Reinhold, Fred Savage
- Synopsis: A father and son magically switch bodies and must adjust to each other’s lives.
- Why You’ll Like It: Another body-swapping comedy that explores family dynamics, misunderstanding, and the eventual bonding between a parent and child, similar in theme and tone to “17 Again.”
These movies offer a mix of comedy, drama, and sometimes fantasy, exploring themes of identity, family, love, and self-discovery, making them great recommendations for fans of “17 Again.” Each film provides a unique perspective on growing up, relationships, and the challenges of living life in unexpected circumstances.
