100+ Movies like 13 Going on 30
16 Wishes
Both "13 Going on 30" and "16 Wishes" follow a similar premise of a teenage girl making a wish to become older and more mature, only to realize the consequences of adulthood are not what she expected. The protagonists, Jenna and Abby, are granted their wishes through magical means - wishing dust and candles, respectively. They wake up in the future as adults, with Jenna becoming a successful magazine editor and Abby turning 22. However, they soon discover their adult selves have strained relationships with friends and family. A key part of the story involves the protagonists reconnecting with their childhood best friends, Matty and Jay, who they had grown apart from. Both movies explore themes of appreciating one's youth, the importance of friendship, and being careful what you wish for. Ultimately, Jenna and Abby gain a newfound perspective and are given a second chance to relive their teenage years with the wisdom they gained from their experiences as adults.
Dirty 30
Both "13 Going on 30" and "Dirty 30" follow a similar premise of a group of female friends reflecting on their lives and unfulfilled dreams as they approach a milestone birthday (13th and 30th respectively). The protagonists (Jenna and Kate) are dissatisfied with their current lives not living up to their childhood aspirations. A magical/supernatural element transports them to experience an alternate reality, allowing them to re-evaluate their choices and priorities. They reconnect with childhood friends and love interests (Matty and Dan), realizing the importance of staying true to themselves. The films explore themes of friendship, self-discovery, and second chances, with the protagonists ultimately gaining wisdom and making positive changes in their lives by the end.
Life-Size
Both "13 Going on 30" and "Life-Size" involve a young girl wishing to become an adult woman, which is granted through supernatural means. In "13 Going on 30", Jenna wishes to be "30 and flirty and thriving" and wakes up as her 30-year-old self, while in "Life-Size", Casey accidentally brings her doll Eve to life as a human woman. The movies follow the protagonists as they navigate their new adult lives and relationships, learning valuable lessons about themselves and what truly matters. Ultimately, they gain a newfound appreciation for their original lives and return to their childhood, armed with the wisdom and perspective gained from their experiences. The central themes revolve around growing up, self-discovery, and the importance of cherishing one's youth and loved ones.
The Perfect Find
Both "The Perfect Find" and "13 Going on 30" follow a similar narrative arc of a woman undergoing a transformative journey to find her true self and happiness. In "13 Going on 30", Jenna makes a wish to become an adult and wakes up 17 years later, while in "The Perfect Find", Jenna is a 40-year-old woman restarting her life after a breakup. Both Jennas experience a career in the fashion/magazine industry and navigate relationships, particularly with a childhood friend/love interest (Matty and Eric, respectively). They face challenges from antagonistic female rivals (Lucy and Darcy) and must confront the consequences of their past actions. Ultimately, both Jennas gain self-awareness, repair damaged relationships, and find fulfillment in their personal and professional lives by the end.
Valley Girl
Both "13 Going on 30" and "Valley Girl" follow a similar narrative arc of a young girl rebelling against her social circle and falling for an outcast boy from a different background. In "13 Going on 30", Jenna wishes to be popular and mature, only to realize as an adult that her former clique were not true friends. She then reconnects with her childhood friend Matty, whom she had distanced herself from. Similarly in "Valley Girl", Julie, a popular Valley girl, becomes disillusioned with her lifestyle and friends, and falls for Randy, a punk rocker from Hollywood. Both movies explore themes of growing up, finding one's true self, and the importance of genuine friendships over superficial popularity. The protagonists undergo transformations, changing their appearances and social circles to be with the boy they love, despite facing opposition from their former friends. Ultimately, they realize their mistakes, reconcile with their true friends, and find happiness by staying true to themselves.
Freaky Friday
Both "13 Going on 30" and "Freaky Friday" revolve around the central premise of a teenager magically switching bodies with an adult, allowing them to experience life from the other's perspective. In both films, the teenage protagonist yearns for popularity and independence, leading to a wish or desire that triggers the body swap. The body swap serves as a transformative journey, where the teenager gains newfound appreciation for their current life and relationships, particularly with their parents or close friends. Ultimately, the experience teaches valuable lessons about self-acceptance, empathy, and cherishing loved ones, leading to personal growth and strengthened bonds upon reverting to their original selves and ages.
Post Grad
Both "Post Grad" and "13 Going on 30" follow a young woman's journey of self-discovery and finding her true path in life after facing setbacks in achieving her long-held dreams and ambitions. The protagonists, Jenna in "13 Going on 30" and Ryden in "Post Grad", experience a reality check that forces them to reevaluate their priorities and relationships. They go through a transformative experience that helps them realize the importance of staying true to themselves and their values over superficial goals. Ultimately, they find fulfillment and happiness by embracing their authentic selves and pursuing meaningful connections, particularly with their childhood friends Matty and Adam, respectively. The movies parallel each other in their themes of growing up, overcoming disillusionment, and learning to appreciate what truly matters in life.
Just Friends
Both "13 Going on 30" and "Just Friends" follow a similar narrative arc of an unpopular, nerdy teenager who is in love with their best friend but has their feelings unrequited. Through a supernatural or fantastical event (wishing dust in "13 Going on 30", time jump in "Just Friends"), they are transported to the future where they have become successful adults but have lost touch with their true selves and the people who mattered most. They reconnect with their childhood best friend, now grown up, and realize their feelings for them are still there. However, complications arise with new love interests and betrayals by supposed friends. Ultimately, the protagonists learn valuable lessons about staying true to themselves and the importance of cherishing genuine connections over superficial success. They get a second chance to rewrite their lives and end up with their childhood best friend as their romantic partner.
12 Dates of Christmas
Both "13 Going on 30" and "12 Dates of Christmas" follow a similar premise of a woman being transported to relive the same period of time repeatedly, allowing her to gain new perspectives and make different choices. In "13 Going on 30", Jenna makes a wish to be 30 years old and wakes up 17 years in the future, while in "12 Dates of Christmas", Kate gets stuck in a time loop reliving Christmas Eve over and over. The protagonists in both films undergo personal growth and self-discovery during their time-traveling experiences. They reflect on past mistakes, reevaluate relationships, and learn to appreciate the people around them. Ultimately, they use this second chance to make better decisions and find happiness and fulfillment in their lives. Both movies explore themes of friendship, romance, and the importance of living in the present moment. The protagonists initially focus on superficial goals like popularity or winning back an ex, but through their journeys, they gain deeper insights into what truly matters. They also form new connections and rekindle old ones, realizing the value of genuine relationships.
How to Be Single
Both "How to Be Single" and "13 Going on 30" follow the journey of a young woman navigating relationships and self-discovery in a big city. In "13 Going on 30", Jenna makes a wish to become an adult and wakes up 17 years in the future, while in "How to Be Single", Alice moves to New York City after breaking up with her boyfriend. The protagonists experience the single life and dating scene, make mistakes, and learn valuable lessons about themselves and what they truly want in life and love. They also have close female friends who play important roles in their journeys. Ultimately, both Jenna and Alice gain a newfound appreciation for their childhood best friends and end up with them in committed relationships, having grown from their experiences.
Little
Both "13 Going on 30" and "Little" follow a similar premise of a young girl making a wish to become an adult, only to wake up in the future as their grown-up self. The protagonists, Jenna Rink and Jordan Sanders, find themselves thrust into their adult lives and careers, struggling to navigate their new realities. They experience a reversal of roles, going from being bullied as children to becoming bullies themselves as successful adults. Through their journeys, they learn valuable lessons about friendship, self-acceptance, and treating others with kindness and respect. Ultimately, they are given a second chance to correct their mistakes and live their lives differently, embracing their true selves and finding happiness. The movies parallel each other in their exploration of the consequences of hasty wishes and the importance of personal growth and maturity.
The Girl in the Book
Both "The Girl in the Book" and "13 Going on 30" follow a similar narrative arc where the protagonist, a young girl, has a formative experience that shapes her future self in an undesirable way. In "13 Going on 30", Jenna makes a wish to be popular and mature, which transports her to the future where she has become a shallow, unethical person. Similarly, in "The Girl in the Book", Alice is sexually exploited by an older author who steals her writing, leading her to become insecure and engage in self-destructive behavior as an adult. The movies parallel each other as the protagonists confront their past traumas, reconnect with their true selves, and gain a second chance to rewrite their futures by making better choices. Both films explore themes of growing up, the consequences of chasing superficial desires, and the redemptive power of self-awareness and personal growth.
Beauty & the Briefcase
Both "Beauty & the Briefcase" and "13 Going on 30" follow a similar premise of a young woman entering the professional world under false pretenses, only to find herself and true love along the way. The protagonists, Jenna and Lane, initially have superficial goals of popularity and finding an ideal partner, respectively. Through a magical or contrived circumstance, they are thrust into an adult life in the future/present day, where they work at a fashion magazine/investment firm. Despite their deception, they gain valuable life experiences and self-discovery. Ultimately, they realize their true feelings for their childhood friend/boss, who represents the qualities they were seeking all along. The movies culminate in the protagonists getting a second chance to live their lives authentically and end up happily with their true love.
Barbie
Both "13 Going on 30" and "Barbie" explore themes of identity, growing up, and societal expectations through a fantastical premise where the protagonist is transported to a different reality. In "13 Going on 30", Jenna makes a wish to become an adult and wakes up 17 years in the future, while in "Barbie", the titular doll travels to the real world. The protagonists experience their new environments and learn harsh truths about their adult/human selves, including compromised values and strained relationships. They undergo journeys of self-discovery, reconnecting with their true selves and those who truly care for them. Ultimately, they gain new perspectives, reject societal pressures, and embrace their authentic identities, with Jenna returning to her childhood and Barbie choosing to become human. Both films emphasize the importance of staying true to oneself and not losing sight of what truly matters in the pursuit of superficial goals like popularity or perfection.
Ted
Both "13 Going on 30" and "Ted" involve a magical transformation that grants the protagonist's childhood wish, allowing them to experience an idealized adult life. However, this new reality comes with unforeseen consequences and complications that strain their relationships and force them to reevaluate their priorities. The protagonists must navigate the challenges of adulthood while maintaining their childlike spirit and values. Ultimately, they learn that true happiness lies in embracing their authentic selves and cherishing their closest relationships, rather than chasing superficial desires. The movies parallel each other in their exploration of themes like friendship, growing up, and the enduring power of childhood imagination.
As Cool as I Am
Both "As Cool as I Am" and "13 Going on 30" follow a coming-of-age story where the young female protagonist experiences a pivotal event that forces her to confront the realities of adulthood and relationships. In "13 Going on 30", Jenna makes a wish to become an adult and wakes up 17 years in the future, while in "As Cool as I Am", Lucy navigates the complexities of adolescence, including her first sexual experiences and her parents' troubled marriage. The protagonists' relationships with their childhood best friends, Matty and Kenny respectively, serve as central emotional anchors as they navigate the challenges of growing up. Both movies explore themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the loss of innocence as the characters grapple with the consequences of their choices and the realization that their idealized perceptions of adulthood do not align with reality. Additionally, both films feature strained parent-child dynamics, with Jenna becoming estranged from her parents in her adult life, and Lucy witnessing the breakdown of her parents' marriage. The movies parallel each other in their portrayal of the complexities of adolescence and the transition into adulthood, highlighting the universal experiences of self-discovery, disillusionment, and the search for one's identity.
The Slumber Party
Both "The Slumber Party" and "13 Going on 30" center around a teenage girl who undergoes a transformative experience that transports her to a different stage of life. In "13 Going on 30", Jenna makes a wish to become an adult and wakes up as her 30-year-old self, while in "The Slumber Party", Megan and her friends are hypnotized and experience a night of wild antics they can't remember. The protagonists in both films must navigate their new realities, confront the consequences of their past actions, and ultimately learn valuable lessons about growing up, friendship, and self-acceptance. The movies parallel each other in their exploration of the challenges of adolescence and the desire to fast-forward through that awkward phase, only to realize the importance of cherishing those formative years. Both stories involve the protagonist reconnecting with a childhood friend or love interest, highlighting the enduring power of those early bonds. Ultimately, the girls gain a newfound appreciation for their current lives and the people around them.
The Butterfly Effect 2
Both "13 Going on 30" and "The Butterfly Effect 2" involve the protagonist gaining the ability to travel through time and alter their reality. In "13 Going on 30", Jenna makes a wish on her 13th birthday to become an adult and wakes up 17 years in the future, while in "The Butterfly Effect 2", Nick gains the power to travel back in time by focusing on photographs. The movies explore how changing past events impacts the present, with the protagonists attempting to create their ideal reality but facing unintended consequences. They ultimately learn that they cannot control everything and must accept their circumstances. Both films also feature romantic subplots where the protagonists' relationships are affected by their time-traveling abilities.
Crossroads
Both "13 Going on 30" and "Crossroads" follow a similar narrative arc of young female friends growing apart, only to reunite years later and embark on a journey of self-discovery and rekindling their friendship. The protagonists in both films make a wish during their youth that magically comes true, transporting them to a different stage of life where they must confront the consequences of their past choices and desires. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about the importance of true friendship, staying true to oneself, and not losing sight of what truly matters in life. The films explore themes of growing up, finding one's identity, and the enduring power of friendship despite the challenges of adulthood. Ultimately, the protagonists gain a newfound appreciation for their childhood bonds and make conscious efforts to rebuild their relationships on a more authentic foundation.
Seventeen Again
Both "13 Going on 30" and "Seventeen Again" follow a similar premise of a teenager magically transforming into an adult due to a wish or experiment gone awry. The protagonists, Jenna and Cat/Gene, find themselves in adult bodies with no memory of the intervening years. They navigate their new adult lives, relationships, and careers while learning valuable lessons about growing up too fast and appreciating their youth. Ultimately, they gain a second chance to relive their teenage years with a newfound perspective, repairing damaged relationships and making better choices. The movies explore themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the complexities of growing up through a fantastical body-swap narrative.