There are a lot of film genres, from comedy to horror to action and drama, but one popular subgenre that cuts through all the others is the body swap subgenre. In body-swap films, characters switch bodies due to some unbelievable force that occurs, and they live as the other person until they can figure out how to get back to their own bodies and reverse the magic spell or curious circumstances that switched them in the first place.
These films follow the same standard formula but with a variety of characters, from moms switching with daughters, like in the classic “Freaky Friday,” or fathers and sons switching, like in “Vice Versa.” The general storyline is usually family members, but in the Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds film “The Change-Up,” the filmmakers took it a step further with two friends switching, leading to some PG-13 innuendo with one character’s wife.
There are a few body-swap films where the main character switches with an older version of themselves rather than with another person. These are popular with audiences as viewers can imagine their own lives and ask themselves who they will be when they’re older. Films like the Tom Hanks classic “Big” or the Jennifer Garner hit “13 Going On 30” are great examples of this style.
The exciting thing about this subgenre is that it doesn’t just lend itself to comedy; you can find these films in drama, action, and horror. Any film that allows the audience to enter a fantastical world where anything is possible and suspends belief can lend itself to the body swap subgenre. And with all that is happening in today’s world, a little escape into an imaginary world can be a fun way to relax. Let’s explore some of the best body-swap films ever made; maybe one of your favorites made the list. (If you love films that explore other worlds and possibilities, you should check out the 25 best sci-fi films of the 1970s.)
To determine the best body-swap movies, 24/7 Tempo developed an index using average ratings on IMDb, an online movie database owned by Amazon, and a combination of audience scores and Tomatometer scores on Rotten Tomatoes, an online movie and TV review aggregator, as of May 2024, weighting all ratings equally. Only movies with at least 1,000 reviews on IMDb were considered, and documentaries were not excluded. Director information is from IMDb.
25. Switch (1991)
- IMDb user rating: 5.8/10 (9,356 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 44% (6,967 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 35% (23 reviews)
- Directed by: Blake Edwards
This body-swap film follows a sexist who is given a last chance for redemption by finding true love. The twist is that he keeps his charm but has to accept the challenge as a woman. The body-swap romantic comedy stars Ellen Barkin and Jimmy Smits.
24. Detention (2011)
- IMDb user rating: 5.7/10 (15,323 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 46% (11,366 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 41% (44 reviews)
- Directed by: Joseph Kahn
Part teenage comedy and part horror film, “Detention” breaks out of the classic body-swap formula for a darker version.
23. Zerophilia (2005)
- IMDb user rating: 6.1/10 (2,344 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 61% (1,628 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 25% (20 reviews)
- Directed by: Martin Curland
In the film “Zerophilia,” the body-swap formula takes on a new shape with a gender-swap twist. The main character has a condition that causes his body to change gender when sexually aroused, leading to all kinds of comedy gold.
22. Vice Versa (1988)
- IMDb user rating: 5.9/10 (9,597 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 41% (8,096 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 50% (16 reviews)
- Directed by: Brian Gilbert
Popular 1980s actor Judge Reinhold and TV star Fred Savage star in this father-son body-swap film.
21. Prelude to a Kiss (1992)
- IMDb user rating: 5.6/10 (7,965 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 39% (10,769 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 63% (24 reviews)
- Directed by: Norman René
A romantic comedy with a happy ending is the best way to describe “Prelude to A Kiss.” The film explores love and what it means to truly love a person despite appearances.
20. The Skeleton Key (2005)
- IMDb user rating: 6.5/10 (109,938 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 58% (192,331 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 38% (155 reviews)
- Directed by: Iain Softley
Voodoo and witchcraft are the base of the Southern gothic-inspired film, “The Skeleton Key.” The dark film keeps viewers on the edge with all the twists and turns of a good tale.
19. The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942)
- IMDb user rating: 6.1/10 (5,872 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 40% (2,354 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 75% (12 reviews)
- Directed by: Erle C. Kenton
There are four films in the 1940s series based on Mary Shelley’s classic book, and “The Ghost of Frankenstein” is the fourth film. It stars Bela Lugosi and follows the family and the monster of Victor Frankenstein.
18. Goodbye Charlie (1964)
- IMDb user rating: 6.2/10 (1,695 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 69% (376 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 50% (8 reviews)
- Directed by: Vincente Minnelli
Karma and revenge are the themes in this 1964 body-swap comedy starring Tony Curtis and Debbie Reynolds.
17. Every Day (2018)
- IMDb user rating: 6.5/10 (20,112 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 54% (1,062 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 62% (63 reviews)
- Directed by: Michael Sucsy
Teenage rom-com meets teenage angst in this take on the body-swap film.
16. 17 Again (2009)
- IMDb user rating: 6.4/10 (189,392 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 67% (466,103 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 56% (149 reviews)
- Directed by: Burr Steers
Part comedy, part parallel universe, this film explores people’s decisions and how those decisions affect the rest of their lives. Matthew Perry stars as a bored husband who gets a second chance at being 17 again. Zac Efron plays his younger self, recreating his youth.
15. Freaky Friday (1976)
- IMDb user rating: 6.3/10 (12,442 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 57% (65,769 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 70% (23 reviews)
- Directed by: Gary Nelson
In 1976, the Disney film “Freaky Friday,” starring Jodie Foster and Barbara Harris, features the mother-daughter body swap that started a whole series of films. The film celebrates the struggle of being a teenager and the challenges of being a mother; it just goes to show you that the grass always seems greener on the other side.
14. It’s a Boy Girl Thing (2006)
- IMDb user rating: 6.3/10 (40,368 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 61% (30,380 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 67% (9 reviews)
- Directed by: Nick Hurran
Opposites attract even when they don’t want to in this teenage romantic comedy about being your best self.
13. 13 Going on 30 (2004)
- IMDb user rating: 6.2/10 (177,197 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 70% (653,777 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 65% (179 reviews)
- Directed by: Gary Winick
The world fell in love with Jennifer Garner in this popular film in which she is an adult with a 13-year-old mind. It follows the story of a teenager who wakes up in a 30-year-old body, and comedic shenanigans ensue. This is one of the best examples of this subgenre.
12. Chances Are (1989)
- IMDb user rating: 6.5/10 (12,459 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 65% (8,959 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 67% (30 reviews)
- Directed by: Emile Ardolino
Robert Downey Jr. plays the reincarnated husband of Cybil Shepherd in this 1989 comedy. He falls for her all over again while dodging the affections of Mary Stuart Masterson and trying to keep Ryan O’Neal from stealing Sheperd.
11. Freaky Friday (2003)
- IMDb user rating: 6.2/10 (131,073 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 57% (932,448 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 88% (155 reviews)
- Directed by: Mark Waters
Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan star in this 2003 remake of the original mother-daughter body- swap film.
10. All of Me (1984)
- IMDb user rating: 6.7/10 (17,766 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 67% (14,365 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 85% (41 reviews)
- Directed by: Carl Reiner
Two of the best comedic actors, Steve Martin and Lily Tomlin, are directed by the great Carl Reiner in this body-swap comedy. Tomlin plays an eccentric woman who wants to live forever in the body of someone else. The film has fun characters and so many twists and turns it will make you dizzy.
9. Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
- IMDb user rating: 6.7/10 (214,482 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 87% (35,796 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 71% (246 reviews)
- Directed by: Jake Kasdan
The “Jumanji” sequel stars Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson, and Jack Black. The story continues to surprise and delight audiences with its action-packed stunts. (Check out this article about sequels that are better than the originals.)
8. Heaven Can Wait (1978)
- IMDb user rating: 6.9/10 (19,919 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 68% (13,245 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 88% (42 reviews)
- Directed by: Warren Beatty, Buck Henry
Warren Beatty stars as an athlete in this sports-themed comedy. Beatty’s character is taken too soon and comes back in a different body to continue his path. The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards, which is quite possibly the most nominations for a body-swap film.
7. Freaky (2020)
- IMDb user rating: 6.4/10 (43,422 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 80% (775 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 83% (238 reviews)
- Directed by: Christopher Landon
In “Freaky,” the teenage body swap is turned upside down as a teenage girl switches places with an adult male serial killer. It’s a dark comedy starring Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton.
6. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
- IMDb user rating: 6.9/10 (344,685 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 87% (40,696 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 76% (238 reviews)
- Directed by: Jake Kasdan
The first sequel to the original “Jumanji” starring Robin Williams is an action-packed adventure. But don’t worry if you haven’t seen the original; this film works as a standalone piece, too.
5. Face/Off (1997)
- IMDb user rating: 7.2/10 (360,443 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 82% (450,429 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 92% (87 reviews)
- Directed by: John Woo
Nicolas Cage and John Travolta face swap in the aptly titled film “Face/Off.” It’s part sci-fi and part action thriller that keeps viewers glued to the screen.
4. Mulholland Dr. (2001)
- IMDb user rating: 7.9/10 (337,632 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 87% (189,369 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 83% (181 reviews)
- Directed by: David Lynch
David Lynch’s “Mulholland Drive” is considered one of his best films for its unique storyline and cinematography. The film is filled with symbolism and is open to interpretation.
3. Big (1988)
- IMDb user rating: 7.3/10 (207,973 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 82% (402,079 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 97% (75 reviews)
- Directed by: Penny Marshall
A boy who has his life changed at a carnival booth is the basis for this Tom Hanks box office hit. The boy wakes up one morning to find himself a grown man and confides in his best friend to help him find his way back.
2. Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941)
- IMDb user rating: 7.6/10 (6,180 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 82% (1,122 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 100% (20 reviews)
- Directed by: Alexander Hall
This 1941 film may be one of the first films in the body-swap subgenre and inspired several films on the list. The main character is taken too soon and is given a second chance at a new life in a different body.
1. Being John Malkovich (1999)
- IMDb user rating: 7.7/10 (323,305 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 87% (262,755 votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 94% (135 reviews)
- Directed by: Spike Jonze
Office workers find a portal to a famous movie star’s brain and attempt to make a small fortune by sharing the experience. The film stars John Cusack and an unrecognizable Cameron Diaz. (Have you seen any of these 20 movies that revolutionized the entertainment industry?)