Are you secretly wishing you could rewind time and relive your younger years? Maybe fix a few mistakes? If you loved watching Zac Efron magically turn into Matthew Perry in “17 Again,” you’re probably searching for that same feeling of second chances, humor, and heartwarming life lessons. Luckily, there’s a whole world of movies like 17 Again out there ready to whisk you away! This list is your guide to 20 fantastic films that capture that same spirit of transformation, reflection, and rediscovering what truly matters. Get ready for some movie magic!
20 Best Movies Like 17 Again You Need To Watch Now
What Makes “17 Again” So Special?
Official Movie: 17 Again
“17 Again” tells the story of Mike O’Donnell, a man unhappy with how his life turned out. He gets a chance to relive his high school days when he magically transforms back into his 17-year-old self. As a teen again, he tries to help his kids, reconnect with his wife, and ultimately realizes the value of the life he already had. The movie blends humor, heartwarming moments, and a touch of fantasy, making it a relatable and enjoyable experience for many. It explores themes of regret, family, and the importance of appreciating the present.
Movies That Will Give You That “17 Again” Feeling
Here are 20 movies that share similar themes and vibes with “17 Again,” perfect for when you’re looking for a fun and thoughtful movie night.
1. Big
Imagine waking up one morning and finding yourself suddenly grown up! That’s exactly what happens to Josh Baskin in “Big.” A young boy makes a wish to be “big” at a carnival wishing well, and he wakes up the next day as an adult (played by Tom Hanks). He has to navigate the adult world while still being a kid at heart, leading to hilarious and heartwarming situations.
“Big” shares a common thread with “17 Again” in that both explore the concept of someone experiencing life from a different age perspective. While Mike in “17 Again” becomes young again to fix his life, Josh in “Big” becomes an adult to escape his childhood, but both characters gain valuable insights about themselves and life in general. They both learn that being true to yourself is what really matters.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Disney+ | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Google Play Movies | Rent/Buy |
2. Freaky Friday (2003)
Tess Coleman and her teenage daughter Anna just can’t seem to understand each other. After a fight, they magically switch bodies! Now, Tess has to navigate high school, and Anna has to deal with Tess’s adult responsibilities. This leads to plenty of comedic chaos as they try to understand each other’s lives and find a way to switch back.
Like “17 Again,” “Freaky Friday” (especially the 2003 version) focuses on characters experiencing life from a different perspective. While “17 Again” features a father becoming young again, “Freaky Friday” involves a mother and daughter switching places. Both films use the fantastical element of transformation to explore family dynamics, misunderstandings, and the importance of empathy. The similar movies also teach valuable lessons about understanding and appreciating different generations.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Disney+ | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Google Play Movies | Rent/Buy |
3. The Hot Chick
Jessica Spencer is the stereotypical popular, mean girl. One day, she wakes up in the body of a middle-aged man. Now, she has to navigate life as a man while trying to figure out how to get back into her own body. Hilarity ensues as she experiences life from a completely different perspective.
“The Hot Chick,” though a bit more outrageous in its humor, shares the core theme of transformation and perspective-shifting found in “17 Again.” Both movies feature characters who are forced to experience life from a completely different point of view, leading to self-discovery and a greater understanding of others. Like Mike in “17 Again,” Jessica in “The Hot Chick” learns valuable lessons about empathy and the importance of inner beauty over superficial appearances.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Google Play Movies | Rent/Buy |
4. Vice Versa (1988)
Marshall Seymour, a workaholic executive, and his son Charlie, a mischievous pre-teen, accidentally switch bodies after touching a magical skull. Now, Marshall has to navigate the challenges of middle school, while Charlie has to run a major company. This body swap comedy leads to plenty of hilarious situations as they try to adjust to each other’s lives.
Just like “17 Again,” “Vice Versa” revolves around the body-swap trope, where characters experience life from a different age and perspective. The main actors in the similar movies learn important life lessons about family, responsibilities, and appreciating each other’s roles. While “17 Again” sees a father reliving his youth, “Vice Versa” showcases a father and son swapping lives, both resulting in comedic situations and heartwarming realizations.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Google Play Movies | Rent/Buy |
5. 13 Going on 30
Jenna Rink is a 13-year-old who dreams of being popular and grown up. At her disastrous 13th birthday party, she makes a wish to be “thirty, flirty, and thriving.” She wakes up the next morning as a 30-year-old woman (played by Jennifer Garner), living the life she always dreamed of. However, she soon realizes that being an adult isn’t as glamorous as she thought, and she misses her childhood friend Matt.
“13 Going on 30” shares the wish-fulfillment element with “17 Again,” as both movies involve characters longing for a different stage of life. The main characters in the related movies find themselves unexpectedly thrust into that reality. Both Mike in “17 Again” and Jenna in “13 Going on 30” learn valuable lessons about the importance of appreciating the present moment and the people in their lives.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy/Subscription |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Google Play Movies | Rent/Buy |
| Hulu | Subscription |
6. The Family Man
Jack Campbell is a wealthy, successful Wall Street executive who seems to have it all. One Christmas morning, he wakes up in an alternate reality where he made different choices in his life. Now, he’s married to his college sweetheart, has two kids, and works at a tire store. He experiences the joys and challenges of family life, and questions whether his successful career is truly fulfilling.
Like “17 Again,” “The Family Man” explores the “what if” scenario and the impact of choices on one’s life. Both films present a character who gets a chance to see what their life could have been like if they had made different decisions. This experience leads them to appreciate the things they already have and to re-evaluate their priorities. It is one of the movies that focuses on family in this list, just like the official movie.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Google Play Movies | Rent/Buy |
7. Little
Jordan Sanders is a powerful and ruthless tech CEO who wakes up one morning transformed back into her 13-year-old self. Now, she has to navigate middle school while still trying to run her company. Her assistant, April, has to step up and pretend to be the adult version of Jordan, leading to hilarious and chaotic situations.
“Little” offers a similar premise to “17 Again,” with a character unexpectedly becoming younger and having to adjust to a completely different environment. Both films use the comedic potential of this transformation to explore themes of self-discovery, humility, and the importance of relationships. The similar movies also highlight the challenges of different age groups and the value of empathy.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Google Play Movies | Rent/Buy |
8. Like Father
A workaholic young woman, Rachel, is left at the altar. Her estranged father, Harry, shows up, and after a night of drinking, they end up on her honeymoon cruise together. As they spend time together, they start to reconnect and address the issues that have kept them apart for years.
While “Like Father” doesn’t involve a physical transformation like “17 Again,” it explores a similar theme of rediscovering relationships and confronting past mistakes. Both movies showcase characters who are given a chance to reconnect with loved ones and repair strained family bonds. The similar movies also emphasize the importance of communication and understanding in building stronger relationships.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Subscription |
9. Peggy Sue Got Married
Peggy Sue Bodell, a woman on the verge of divorce, attends her high school reunion. During the reunion, she faints and wakes up back in 1960, just before her senior year. She has the chance to relive her youth and make different choices, but soon realizes that changing the past might not be as simple as she thought.
“Peggy Sue Got Married” shares the theme of reliving the past with “17 Again,” as both films involve characters being transported back to their younger years. The main characters in the relevant films have the opportunity to re-evaluate their lives and make different choices, but they also learn that the past is not always easy to change. The related movies explore the complexities of relationships and the consequences of our actions.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Google Play Movies | Rent/Buy |
10. The Kid
Russ Duritz is a successful image consultant who is unhappy with his life. One night, he encounters an 8-year-old version of himself. The young Russ helps him confront his past and rediscover the dreams he abandoned as a child.
“The Kid,” with Bruce Willis, shares the theme of self-reflection and confronting one’s past, similar to “17 Again.” Both films feature characters who are given a chance to interact with their younger selves and to re-evaluate their life choices. The similar movies explore the importance of staying true to oneself and pursuing one’s dreams. It is also one of the movies that shows a heartwarming experience.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Disney+ | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Google Play Movies | Rent/Buy |
11. Yesterday
Jack Malik is a struggling musician who wakes up one day to discover that he’s the only person in the world who remembers The Beatles. He starts performing their songs as his own and becomes a global superstar. However, he struggles with the guilt of taking credit for their music and the pressure of fame.
While “Yesterday” doesn’t involve a physical transformation, it shares the theme of unexpected change and its impact on one’s life, similar to “17 Again.” Both films feature characters who are thrust into extraordinary circumstances that force them to re-evaluate their priorities and make difficult choices. The similar movies also explore the themes of authenticity, integrity, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Google Play Movies | Rent/Buy |
12. Groundhog Day
Phil Connors, a cynical weatherman, is forced to relive the same day over and over again while covering the Groundhog Day festivities in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. At first, he uses this to his advantage, indulging in selfish and hedonistic behavior. However, as time goes on, he begins to use his unique situation to become a better person and to help others.
“Groundhog Day,” while having a different premise, shares the theme of personal growth and transformation with “17 Again.” Both films feature characters who are given a chance to re-evaluate their lives and to make positive changes. The similar movies explore the importance of empathy, selflessness, and living a meaningful life.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Google Play Movies | Rent/Buy |
13. Click
Michael Newman, a workaholic architect, receives a universal remote that allows him to control time. He uses it to fast-forward through the boring or difficult parts of his life, but soon realizes that he’s missing out on important moments with his family.
“Click” shares the theme of appreciating the present moment and the importance of family with “17 Again.” Both films feature characters who get a chance to manipulate time, but ultimately learn that they should cherish the time they have with their loved ones. The similar movies explore the consequences of prioritizing work over family and the importance of living a balanced life.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Google Play Movies | Rent/Buy |
14. The Change-Up
Dave Lockwood and Mitch Planko are two best friends who envy each other’s lives. Dave is a responsible family man and lawyer, while Mitch is a carefree bachelor and actor. After a night of drinking, they urinate in a magical fountain and wake up the next morning in each other’s bodies.
“The Change-Up,” while raunchier in its humor, shares the body-swap trope and the theme of appreciating what you have with “17 Again.” Both movies feature characters who experience life from a different perspective and learn valuable lessons about themselves and their relationships. The similar movies also explore the challenges of different lifestyles and the importance of empathy.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Google Play Movies | Rent/Buy |
15. A Christmas Carol (Various Versions)
Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man, is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, who show him the error of his ways. He is given a chance to change his life and to embrace the spirit of Christmas.
“A Christmas Carol,” in its various adaptations, shares the theme of redemption and second chances with “17 Again.” Both films feature characters who are given an opportunity to re-evaluate their lives and to make positive changes. The similar movies explore the importance of kindness, generosity, and compassion.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Disney+ | Subscription (some versions) |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy (various versions) |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy (various versions) |
| Google Play Movies | Rent/Buy (various versions) |
16. Back to the Future
Marty McFly accidentally travels back in time to 1955 and must ensure that his parents fall in love in order to secure his own existence. He gets to experience a different era and make a profound impact on his own future.
“Back to the Future” shares with “17 Again” the theme of altering the past and its consequences. Both movies feature main actors who are faced with the challenge of navigating different time periods and influencing the course of their lives. The related movies also explore the complexities of time travel and the importance of making wise decisions.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Google Play Movies | Rent/Buy |
17. About Time
Tim Lake discovers he can travel in time. He uses this ability to improve his life, particularly his romantic relationships. As he navigates life, he learns that some things are best left untouched and that enjoying the present moment is crucial.
“About Time” also includes time travel, similar to “17 Again,” with the protagonist using it to improve his life. Both films show characters who have the power to change their past and, consequently, their future. The similar movies explore the theme of love, family, and the importance of living in the moment.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Subscription |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Google Play Movies | Rent/Buy |
18. Field of Dreams
Ray Kinsella, an Iowa farmer, hears a voice that inspires him to build a baseball field in his cornfield. His journey leads him to connect with his deceased father and fulfill a lifelong dream.
“Field of Dreams” also has a theme of fulfilling dreams, just like “17 Again” has about second chances. Both movies feature characters who are given a chance to rewrite their past and create a better future. The similar movies explore the themes of family, legacy, and the importance of following your heart.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Google Play Movies | Rent/Buy |
19. Miracle on 34th Street
When a department store Santa claims to be the real Kris Kringle, it sparks a court case to determine his authenticity. This inspires people to believe in the magic of Christmas and the power of believing in something bigger than themselves.
“Miracle on 34th Street” (various versions) shares a common theme with “17 Again” by focusing on the importance of belief and hope. In both films, characters face extraordinary circumstances that challenge their perspectives and encourage them to embrace the extraordinary. Both movies highlight the significance of believing in possibilities and finding joy in unexpected places.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Disney+ | Subscription (some versions) |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy (various versions) |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy (various versions) |
| Google Play Movies | Rent/Buy (various versions) |
20. Second Act
Maya Vargas, a woman working at a dead-end job, gets a chance to prove that street smarts are as valuable as book smarts when she reinvents her resume and lands a corporate job. This movie is about believing in second chances and yourself.
“Second Act” mirrors “17 Again” through the theme of second chances. The main actors in the similar movies are given an opportunity to reinvent themselves and pursue their dreams. Both films explore the importance of self-belief and embracing new beginnings, regardless of past mistakes.
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent/Buy |
| Apple TV | Rent/Buy |
| Google Play Movies | Rent/Buy |
Conclusion: More Movies Like 17 Again
So, there you have it! 20 fantastic movies like 17 Again that are sure to give you that same feeling of warmth, humor, and reflection. From body swaps to time travel to alternate realities, these films explore the importance of family, relationships, and appreciating the present moment. Grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready for a movie marathon!
FAQ About Movies Like 17 Again
Q: What is it about “17 Again” that makes it so appealing?
A: “17 Again” is appealing because it combines humor, heartwarming moments, and a touch of fantasy to explore relatable themes of regret, family, and the importance of appreciating the present.
Q: What are some common themes found in movies like “17 Again”?
A: Common themes include second chances, body swaps, time travel, the importance of family and relationships, self-discovery, and appreciating the present moment.
Q: Are there any other movies with Zac Efron that are similar to “17 Again”?
A: While not exactly the same, “That Awkward Moment” and “Neighbors” showcase Zac Efron’s comedic talents and exploration of different life stages, making them potentially enjoyable for fans of “17 Again.”
Q: Where can I find these movies to watch?
A: Check streaming platforms like Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Availability may vary depending on your region. The tables above provide specific streaming information for each movie.
Q: Which of these movies is most like “17 Again”?
A: “Big” and “Freaky Friday” (2003) share the most similar themes and vibes with “17 Again” due to their focus on transformation, perspective-shifting, and exploring family dynamics.
