Movies Like 17 Again to Rekindle Your Inner Teenager
Do you remember watching Zac Efron transform from a disillusioned adult to a high schooler in “17 Again”? The heartwarming journey of rediscovering youthful dreams, facing old demons with a fresh perspective, and maybe even pulling off a killer dance move? If you’re still buzzing from that nostalgic thrill, then get ready to grab your popcorn and dive headfirst into the list of these movies which is just like 17 Again, capture the essence of 17 Again, and offer fresh adventures for your inner child (and outer self) to enjoy!
| Movie Title | Hilarious Hijinks? | Coming-of-Age? | Similar Connection with 17 Again | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big (1988) | Hilarious! Navigating adulthood through a 12-year-old’s lens. | Not the main focus, but heartwarming childhood rediscovery. | Second chances, youthful dreams, awkward situations – just like Zac Efron. | 7.6 |
| Freaky Friday (2003) | Laugh-out-loud chaos as mom and daughter switch lives. | Both parents and teenagers learn valuable lessons. | Body-swap theme, learning from each other’s perspectives, like “17 Again”. | 6.4 |
| The Change-Up (2011) | Over-the-top fun as a lawyer and slacker switch bodies. | Not directly, but explores life choices and consequences. | Second chances, living outside your comfort zone, hilarious chaos. | 5.3 |
| The First Time (2012) | Sweet and relatable look at teenage friendships and first love. | Yes, navigating the ups and downs of high school life. | Heartwarming journey of self-discovery, similar to “17 Again”‘s emotional core. | 6.6 |
| Easy A (2010) | Witty humor as a high school girl embraces a false reputation. | Yes, plenty of comedic social satire and awkward situations. | Second chances, facing social pressures with humor, like “17 Again”‘s defiance. | 7.0 |
| Ghostbusters (1984) | Filled with slapstick humor and iconic moments. | Not directly, but captures the youthful spirit of adventure. | Embracing your inner child, fighting for what you believe in, like “17 Again”‘s courage. | 7.8 |
| She’s the Man (2006) | Yes, plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and mistaken identities. | Yes, explores gender roles and self-discovery. | Second chances, finding your place in the world, like “17 Again”‘s self-exploration. | 6.3 |
| 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) | Yes, filled with hilarious misunderstandings and romantic chaos. | Yes, navigating the complexities of high school relationships. | Teen romance with a twist, relatable character struggles, like “17 Again”‘s emotional rollercoaster. | 7.8 |
| Clueless (1995) | Yes, iconic humor and fashion, plus plenty of awkward situations. | Yes, explores self-awareness and personal growth. | Second chances, learning from social mistakes, similar to “17 Again”‘s transformation. | 6.9 |
| The Breakfast Club (1985) | Funny moments mixed with insightful character interactions. | Yes, coming-of-age story exploring conformity and individual identity. | Facing teenage struggles together, like “17 Again”‘s sense of camaraderie. | 7.6 |
| Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) | Yes, filled with laugh-out-loud moments and iconic scenes. | Not directly, but explores youthful rebellion and living life to the fullest. | Second chances, chasing dreams, embracing the spirit of adventure, like “17 Again”‘s carefree attitude. | 7.0 |
1. Big (1988)
Tom Hanks delivers a masterclass in comedic charm as Josh Baskin, a 12-year-old who wishes to be “big” and wakes up as an adult in the ultimate body-swap fantasy. Navigate corporate jungles through the eyes of a bewildered teenager, rediscover the joy of childhood games in a grown-up world, and fall head-over-heels in love – all while navigating the hilarious challenges of navigating adulthood in a 12-year-old’s body.
Like Zac Efron in “17 Again,” Josh embarks on a hilarious and heartwarming journey of rediscovering himself, reminding us that sometimes the greatest adventures are found in stepping back into our younger selves.
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2. Freaky Friday (2003)
Prepare for laugh-out-loud hijinks with Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis in this hilarious twist on the classic body-swap tale. When a frustrated mom and rebellious daughter switch places, their lives turn into a whirlwind of chaos and confusion.
Just like in “17 Again,” Freaky Friday explores the unique challenges and joys of navigating both teenage and adult perspectives. Through hilarious mishaps and unexpected understanding, the film reminds us of the importance of family bonds and the power of putting ourselves in each other’s shoes.
3. The Change-Up (2011)
Buckle up for a raunchy comedy that turns the “grass is greener” trope on its head. Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds star as a buttoned-up lawyer and a carefree slacker who switch bodies, leading to hilarious mayhem as they try to navigate each other’s lives.
Filled with witty banter, over-the-top situations, and a touch of heart, The Change-Up captures the essence of “17 Again”‘s second-chance theme, reminding us that sometimes, stepping outside our comfort zones can lead to unexpected growth and hilarious discoveries.
4. The First Time (2012)
If you’re craving a heartwarming coming-of-age story, look no further than The First Time. This charming film takes us back to the awkward yet exhilarating world of high school through the eyes of two teenagers navigating friendship, first crushes, and the ups and downs of growing up. Like The movie “17 Again,” The First Time captures the bittersweet beauty of those formative years, reminding us of the importance of embracing vulnerability, taking risks, and cherishing the simple joys of friendship and self-discovery.
5. Easy A (2010)
Emma Stone shines in this witty teen comedy that tackles double standards and societal pressures with humor and heart. When a high school girl embraces a false reputation, she sparks a social wildfire that ultimately leads to self-discovery and a hilarious takedown of high school hypocrisy.
Similar to “17 Again,” Easy A celebrates the power of individuality and the importance of challenging the status quo. It reminds us that sometimes, standing up for what you believe in, even when it’s awkward or uncomfortable, can be the most rewarding journey of all.
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6. Ghostbusters (1984)
This iconic film might not seem like a direct fit, but hear us out! While not a body-swap story, Ghostbusters captures the spirit of “17 Again” in its embrace of childish wonder, goofy camaraderie, and facing fears head-on with a healthy dose of laughter.
Who wouldn’t want to relive their childhood dreams of battling ghosts and saving the world with a team of hilarious misfits? Just like Zach Efron’s character in “17 Again,” the Ghostbusters remind us that facing the unknown with courage and humor can lead to the most unexpected adventures and lasting friendships.
7. She’s the Man (2006)
She’s the Man is a 2006 American romantic comedy film directed by Andy Fickman and written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith. The film stars Amanda Bynes, Channing Tatum, Laura Ramsey, and Vinnie Jones. It is based on the 1989 play of the same name by William Shakespeare. The film tells the story of Viola Hastings, a young woman who disguises herself as her twin brother Sebastian to join his all-boys boarding school and play on the school’s soccer team.
She’s the Man was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $100 million worldwide against a production budget of $17 million. The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised Bynes’ performance and the film’s humor. You can also explore more movies like She’s the Man.
8. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
10 Things I Hate About You is an American romantic comedy film directed by Gil Junger and starring Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, and Larry Miller. The film is based on the 1990 young adult novel by Shakespeare scholar and author, Laurie Halse Anderson. It tells the story of a high school student, Kat Stratford (Stiles), who is forced by her overprotective father (Miller) to date Patrick Verona (Ledger), a charming but rebellious new student, to keep her from driving away the new boy next door, Cameron James (Gordon-Levitt).
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $100 million worldwide against a production budget of $10 million. It was nominated for two MTV Movie Awards and one Teen Choice Award. A television series based on the film aired on ABC Family from 2009 to 2010 starred Lindsey Shaw as Kat and Ethan Peck as Patrick.
10 Things I Hate About You has been praised for its witty dialogue, strong performances, and soundtrack. It has been cited as one of the best high school movies of all time.
9. Clueless (1995)
Clueless is a 1995 American teen comedy film written and directed by Amy Heckerling. It is based on Jane Austen’s 1815 novel Emma. The film stars Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz, a popular Beverly Hills high school student who uses her social status to help others.
Cher is a privileged and popular high school student who spends her time shopping, going to parties, and gossiping with her friends. However, when she meets new student Tai Frasier (Brittany Murphy), Cher realizes that she has been taking her life for granted. She decides to help Tai by giving her a makeover and teaching her how to fit in.
Cher’s efforts to help Tai backfire when Tai becomes more popular than her. Cher becomes jealous and tries to sabotage Tai’s relationship with her new boyfriend, Josh (Paul Rudd). However, she eventually realizes that she is only hurting herself and others. She apologizes to Tai and they become friends.
Clueless is one of the best in the list of movies like 17 Again and it was a critical and commercial success. It was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay, and won the MTV Movie Award for Best Comedy. The film has been praised for its witty dialogue, stylish visuals, and feminist themes.
Clueless has been adapted into a television series, a stage musical, and a video game. It has also been referenced in numerous other works of popular culture.
10. The Breakfast Club (1985)
The film follows five high school students from different social cliques who are forced to spend a Saturday detention together.
The Breakfast Club was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $51 million at the box office against a production budget of $1 million. The film has been praised for its realistic portrayal of high school life and its exploration of the themes of identity, class, and social status.
The Breakfast Club has been cited as one of the most influential teen movies of all time. It has been parodied and referenced in numerous other films and television shows and has inspired several stage productions and adaptations.
The Breakfast Club is a classic coming-of-age story that resonates with audiences of the movie 17 Again. It is a film about friendship, self-discovery, and the importance of being true to oneself.
11. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
This comedy film is directed by John Hughes and stars Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, and Jeffrey Jones. The film tells the story of Ferris Bueller, a high school senior who skips school for a day with his friends Cameron and Sloane. Ferris’s day off is filled with adventures, including a visit to the Chicago Cubs’ Wrigley Field, a parade, and a shopping spree. The film was a critical and commercial success and is considered one of the greatest teen comedies of all time.
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Conclusion
Assemble your squad, stock up on treats, and brace yourself for an epic voyage into youthfulness on the silver screen. Remember, it’s never too late to chase second chances, embrace new adventures, and rediscover the joy of living life to the fullest. Happy movie watching, and may these films inspire you to find your own “17 Again” moment of laughter, self-discovery, and heartwarming hijinks!
Passionate about the world of cinema, Albert possesses a keen eye for detail and a love for dissecting the elements that contribute to a film’s greatness. The goal is to offer well-crafted, thoughtful reviews that provide readers with deep insights into the movies being analyzed.
