The 25 Best Body-Swap Movies, Ranked

The best body-swapping movies prove that this specific subgenre is surprisingly prolific. These films require their characters to grow and learn, to become better people. Body-swap movies provide a perfect opportunity, because the characters can literally see through someone else’s eyes. The genre includes films that see two characters change places, as well as films that feature characters transforming into someone else entirely. The genre lends itself well to comedy, with the now-transformed characters finding themselves in unexpected situations. Much like time-loop movies, the high-concept nature of body-swapping movies has a lot of versatility..

It also attracted the biggest stars, with the likes of Oscar winners Tom Hanks, Jodie Foster, Nicolas Cage, and Jamie Lee Curtis appearing in body-swap movies. Although it is not a type of movie that is seen every day, These stories have staying power over decades of movies. This allowed the concept to be used in everything from family comedies like Freaky Friday As well as Blumhouse horror movies like Freaky. For any fans of the body-swapping movie, there are a number of standout examples worth seeking out.

25

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

Directed by Chris Columbus

In many ways, 2002’s Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is something of an honorable mention when it comes to the best body swap movies, since the body swap elements aren’t the main focus of the film. However, it deserves recognition simply because of how well the sequence involved Harry and Ron inhabit the bodies of Crabbe and Goyle lives up to the tropes of the body-swapping subgenre (not to mention that, of all the magical goings-on in the second Harry Potter movie, these moments easily rank among the most memorable).

The body swap sequence in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Comes courtesy of the Polyjuice PotionA magical brew that allows Harry and Ron to take the forms of Malfoy’s associates, Crabbe and Guile. They take the opportunity to sneak into the Slytherin common room and spy on an unsuspecting Malfoy. The whole experience ticks every box when it comes to what makes body-swap movies (especially comedies) so great, and the second Harry Potter Movie handles body-swapping as a concept much better than many films That focus on it as a core premise.

24

Family Switch (2023)

Directed by McG

Many body-swapping movies such as Freaky Friday are considered classic comedies in their own right, because the subgenre makes for a unique kind of hilarity. One of the latest body swap comedy movies arrived in 2023, the McG-directed film Family Switch. Although it is not the undisputed comic heavyweight of the aforementioned friday friday, Family Switch Ticks many of the same boxes with ease, and is A thoroughly enjoyable watch Which puts an interesting spin on body-swapping movies as a whole.

Rather than focusing on two people switching bodies, Family Switch Features An entire family that finds themselves navigating each other’s lives without arousing suspicion. The shape is a huge part of the appeal when it comes to family switch, With the likes of Jennifer Garner and Ed Helm ensuring the movie delivers no shortage of laughs. While it received middling reviews from critics, fans of body-swapping movies will find Family Switch A worthy addition to the subgenre.

23

Master (2020)

Directed by Brandon Cronenberg

Although body swap movies are mostly associated with comedy, There are also some outstanding horror outings in the subgenreWith one of the most recent being Brandon Cronenberg’s surreal and sci-fi-tinged film Owner. Owner Stands out among the best body-swap films for several reasons, but a key one is that the main characters are already used to transfer their consciousness into another shell when the film begins.

Owner Stands out among the best body-swap films for several reasons, but a key one is that the main characters are already used to transfer their consciousness into another shell when the film begins.

Bell focuses on An assassin in an alternate 2008 who uses the ability to control the bodies of others as a key tool In her deadly arsenal. The body-swap horror then takes a deep exploration into the impact it has on her psyche, as constantly switching to bodies that aren’t her own ultimately takes its toll on her psyche. There are few body-swapping movies out there quite like it Master, And it is especially recommended for fans of the subgenre who are looking for a more realistic interpretation of the impact that trading bodies would have on the human mind.

22

Surrogates (2009)

Directed by Jonathan Mostow

2009s Surrogates is something of an overlooked and under-appreciated sci-fi body-swapping movie, though it remains one of the more unique uses of the concept. Directed by Jonathan Mostow, Surrogates Features Main characters who trade bodies not with other people, but with robotic versions of themselvesAllowing them to go out and live to the fullest without worrying about dangers like disease or physical injury.

In the alternate future of surrogates, Society revolves around these surrogate shells, with few people venturing into the world in their own biological bodies. Bruce Willis stars in the movie as Tom Greer, an FBI agent who, like almost everyone else, lives most of his life in his durable android surrogate.

However, things take a turn for the worse when a technology is developed that will kill the human inhabiting surrogate if the robot body is destroyed. This makes for one of the tensest body-swapping movies out there, and A unique exploration of the dangers of transplanting consciousness.

21

Detention (2011)

Director: Joseph Cohen

Joseph Kahn’s 2011 movie Detention is a body-swap movie that deftly blends both comedy and horror. Unlike many body swap films, Detention Does not focus on main characters who find themselves swapped in the body of another. Instead, the Slasher comedy Features a group of students who find themselves the target of a serial killer who has returned after many years.

This is where the body-swap aspect comes into play, as the deadly Cinderella killer is active again thanks to body-swapping with her own daughter. Detention Received mediocre reviews from critics, and definitely isn’t the absolute best body-swapping movie out there.

However, it has a lot to offer fans of the subgenre, and is something of a unique spin on the concept and how it has been utilized in horror movies specifically. The cast deliver incredibly solid performances, with the likes of Josh Hutcherson, Shanley Caswell and Spencer Locke (among others) ensuring Detention is a thoroughly enjoyable watch despite not winning the hearts of many critics.

20

Vice Versa (1988)

Directed by Brian Gilbert

The 1980s were the biggest era for body-swap comedies. At the time, the concept was relatively new to American movies, so studios were eager to capitalize on audience interest in the subgenre. This resulted in some of them having a very similar plot. in this case, Vice versa sees a father and son switch bodies as a result of contact with a magical skull, although it is actually the fourth film adaptation of an 1882 novel. The first three adaptations were British.

Vice versa Came out one year after the body-swap movie Like father, like son Which also focused on A father and son switch places. Although Like father, like son won the race to release first, Vice versa Is the best movie, finding genuine laughs with the gags and committed performances of the talented cast led by 1980s star Fred Savage and Judge Reinhold.

19

The Hot Chick (2002)

Directed by Tom Brady

Rob Schneider stars in this early 2000s movie as a career criminal who accidentally switches bodies with a vain and angry teenage girl (Rachel McAdams in her first feature film). Although the jokes are dated and many are problematic by modern standards, it’s a decent body switch movie How the young girl learns a lesson in treating her friends, and people in general, better thanks to a pair of magical earrings that she steals.

As with most of Schneider’s movies, The hot chick has been torn apart by critics and there are some who will find it too juvenile to get any real fun. It has a nostalgic early 2000s feel and some funny moments, including enjoyable early performances from Anna Faris and Rachel McAdams and an obligatory cameo from Schneider’s buddy, Adam Sandler.

18

The David in Me (2019)

Directed by Kang Hyo-jin

Fans may be missing Some of the best body-swapping movies that come from countries other than Korean action comedies The boy in me. Thanks to streaming services, there are many more opportunities for movie fans to find them.

The movie follows a weak and timid high school student who switches bodies with a powerful gangster due to an accidental fall from the roof. The exchange begins before the high schooler even wakes up in the bandit’s body as the bandit emerges first from the hospital.

There is a lot of fun with this shift in dynamics. The bandit suddenly has people looking at the awkward young man with renewed respect and even fear, while the young man finds himself terrified in the dangerous world of crime. along with the laughter, The movie delivers some great action sequences That will thrill audiences.

17

The Change-Up (2011)

Directed by David Dobkin

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman finally shared the screen rights as Deadpool and Wolverine in Deadpool 3, But the team-up of Reynolds and Jason Bateman should not be overlooked. Both men are incredibly versatile actors who bring their own style of comedy to the movie. They play best friends, with Reynolds as a carefree bachelor and Batman as a stressed family man, who switch places After urinating in a magic fountain.

Unlike some body-swapping movies that go for the sweet and family-friendly approach, The change-up leans in its R-rating With a lot of rough and dirty humor. It’s much closer to a buddy comedy than it is the usual family comedy. Having two skilled comedy actors like this leading the high-concept comedy makes it so much fun and Batman especially seems to be enjoying playing Reynolds’ typical quippy character.

16

17 Again (2009)

Directed by Burr Steers

17 again Star Matthew Perry as a middle-aged man transformed into his teenage self After falling into a mystical whirlpool. Zac Efron plays the younger Mike O’Donnell as he tries to recapture his youth and have fun. His teenage years were cut short when he found out his girlfriend, now his wife, was pregnant during their senior year of high school. Complicating his efforts to recapture his youth is that he has teenage children of his own.

Efron shows off a lot of his comedy chops in the leading man role which helps make this comedy an entertaining ride. It’s especially fun watching Mike as the new kid at school trying to be a father figure to his own teenage daughter, Played by Michelle Trachtenberg. It has a throwback quality to the mix of humor and heart of ’80s comedies like this.

15

Brother Bear (2003)

Directed by Aaron Blaise and Robert Walker

A lot of body-swap movies find characters ending up in other people’s bodies. However, there is also a fun subgenre to this that focuses on characters that are transported in the bodies of animals. Such is the case with the overlooked Disney movie Brother Bear. While Disney is known for their princess-themed movies, there are many other interesting concepts in their animated catalog.

here, An Inuit hunter kills a bear and finds himself magically transported into the bear’s body Where he joins forces with a young cub to figure out how to change back. The movie features a forgotten Joaquin Phoenix role as the hunter-turned-bear. While it may not reach other Disney heights, it is a beautiful and emotional story, and it even has a sequel.

14

Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)

Directed by Jake Kasdan

After the success of the first reboot of the Jumanji franchise, it is not very surprising that a sequel was quickly made with Jumanji: The Next Level. While the first reboot brought the concept of Jumanji From a board game to an old video game console, The sequel revisits the game with an expanded look at the new universe. It features the same characters, but new combinations of body swaps.

The likes of Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan return for the sequel which finds new, Fun ways for the characters to switch bodies. While the action set pieces are wild and entertaining, the best part of the movie is watching Johnson do his best Danny DeVito impression, and the classic Jumanji Franchise action is on point over. The movie was another box office hit, setting the stage for the franchise to continue.

13

All of Me (1984)

Directed by Carl Reiner

It takes some interesting ideas to keep the body-swapping genre feeling fresh and All of me is one of the most unusual body-swap films the genre has produced. The film sees a dying millionaire (played by Lily Tomlin) transfer her soul into the body of a lawyer (played by Steve Martin) by mistake. They now both occupy the same body and must fight for control with hilarious results.

The physical nature of the comedy featured in the film allows Martin to shine, and he delivers one of his best performances in this supernatural farce. What is interesting about this movie is that it is not a case of any of the characters learning a lesson due to cosmic forces, but one character makes a mistake that needs to be corrected in the course of the story. It is the attempts to correct this mistake that lend to some of the most interesting comedy as the woman’s soul is transferred to many people – and even to a jug of water.

12

Freaky (2020)

Directed by Christopher Landon

It was only a matter of time before the body-swap genre made its way into a horror movie. Freaky Has a lot of fun with its premise of a teenage girl who is the intended victim of a brutal killer only for them to switch places. Vince Vaughn gives a wonderful comedic performance A teenage girl trapped in the body of a serial killer While the new Marvel Cinematic Universe star Kathryn Newton also had fun as the young girl turned killer.

It’s a funny and inventive approach with some outrageously gory kills. It was another big horror movie hit for Blumhouse. The movie scored Four nominations at the Critics’ Choice Awards. While Newton didn’t pick up the win for Best Actress in a Horror Movie, Vaughn took home the award for Best Actor.

11

Freaky Friday (1976)

Directed by Gary Nelson

The original Freaky Friday From 1976 is still considered the best version by some fans. Freaky Friday Has been remodeled 3 times to mixed results, but the original still has a lot of charm To it with the simple but effective body swap story. While the remake saw a fortune cookie causing them to switch places, the original opts to have the mother and daughter just wish for it, and some cutting-edge special effects take it from there.

Freaky Friday Has been remodeled 3 times to mixed results, but the original still has a lot of charm with the simple but effective body-swapping story.

Much like the remake, it’s the chemistry between the leads that makes the movie work, including child actor Jodie Foster and Barbara Harris as her mother. The movie earned three Golden Globe nominations, including best actress nods for both Foster and Harris and best original song. The movie, unfortunately, did not take home the awards.

10

Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle (2017)

Directed by Jake Kasdan

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle Was one of the biggest surprises when it was released And continue to be fondly remembered Jumanji Franchise in an unexpected and inventive way. There was a lot of fear that it wouldn’t be able to live up to the original movie with Robin Williams and Kirsten Dunst, but the body swapping twist and the addition of video games to the franchise gave it a fresh take.

The film features A group of teenagers transformed into video game charactersEach with varying skills and appearances. Most notable was Spencer, who was transformed into the hulking Dr. Bravestone, played by Dwayne Johnson. The film provides a careful mix of comedy and action, which saw it become one of the most successful films of the year. Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart continue their excellent chemistry together, Karen Gillan shows her comedic side, and Jack Black seems to be having a blast playing a teenage girl.

9

Freaky Friday (2003)

Directed by Mark Waters

2023 Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan star in the hit remake of Freaky Friday Managing to find a lot of fun in the retelling. The film sees the mother and daughter switch places, due to the magic of a mysterious fortune cookie. It’s a fun time that provides lots of laughs as they attempt to live each other’s lives and gain a newfound appreciation for one another.

Curtis reminds everyone that she has incredible comedic skills along with her dramatic chops while Lindsay Lohan cemented herself as one of the rising stars in Hollywood. The movie is so beloved that 20 years after its release a sequel is in development. The sequel will see Lindsay Lohan play a parent with the body swap experience on the other side of the equation. Curtis is also set to reprise her role.

8

big (1988)

Directed by Penny Marshall

Great May be once considered the greatest body swap movie ever, but some elements make it awkward to revisit today. nevertheless, Great Marks a breakout role for Tom Hanks when he plays A child was transformed into a middle-aged man, with unexpected results. He quickly discovers that his youthful naivety is working to his advantage, and immediately begins to excel at work because of his fresh and interesting ideas. Ideas.

In addition to this, he finds success in his personal life, with some problematic results including an implied sex scene between an adult woman and a child in an adult body. however, The movie was a huge hit at the time, making over $150 million at the worldwide box office Against a budget of just $18 million. The movie even scored Hanks a Best Actor Oscar nomination, rare for a comedic role. It helped establish Hanks as a true box office draw and helped garner him attention from casting directors for even “bigger” roles.

7

13 Going On 30 (2004)

Directed by Gary Winnick

The romantic comedy 13 goes on 30 is the kind of body-swap story that doesn’t have two people switching places, but rather one character ends up in a different body. In this case, it is the story of A teenage girl who wakes up as an adult. Jennifer Garner stars in the movie and makes a charming lead, bringing a lot of youthful energy to the part. She makes a wish on her 13th birthday that you wake up like 30 years old.

The movie is also packed with an incredibly talented supporting cast that includes the likes of Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer and Andy Serkis. It remains beloved by many fans For its fun energy as well as the sweet rom-com story alongside the coming-of-age tale of a teenager who realizes she doesn’t have to grow up too fast.

6

Your Name (2016)

Directed by Makoto Shinkai

While many body swapping films offer plenty of laughs and opportunities for their characters, the genre rarely produces legitimately great works. Body swap movies are fun and entertaining, but not always ones that moviegoers are going to recommend from a more critical standpoint. your name, However, it elevates the genre like no other film Has and offers a complex narrative that begs to be rewatched.

Two teenagers dissatisfied with their lives switch places and must work together to not only live with this newfound problem but figure out what’s going on. With an engaging story filled with surprises and twists, in addition to the superb animation of this Japanese movie, Your name Tells a classic body-swapping story that explores the characters with more depth than any of the live-action films of the subgenre.